THREE FACES

Barrister Noah stood up straight, adjusting his suit before clearing his throat slightly.

"Sir, I gave it a lot of thought before agreeing to help Jaxon... Besides, Jaxon himself is doing his best to ensure everything runs smoothly on the ground. I assure you, we'll assemble a strong team with Jaxon’s help..."

The elder gave him a long look, then slowly walked over to the grand armchair and sat down, nodding as he said, "Very well. I'm glad to hear that. I know I can always count on you, Attorney."

Barrister Noah adjusted his suit again, bowed slightly, and said, "I'll take my leave now, Sir..."

The elder tapped his walking stick on the large wooden center table in front of him, saying nothing. Barrister Noah turned and exited the room just as a couple of heavily built guards opened the door for him.

***

A doctor emerged from the operating room, removing his face mask as everyone rushed toward him, their hearts pounding.

He looked at them, unsure of what to say at first. Then he asked, "Where is her father?"

Lanivia’s mother quickly responded, "I’m her mother. Her father is away on a trip..."

The doctor nodded and said, "Can I have a word with you?"

At that, Lanivia’s mother let out a cry and began shaking her head. "Please tell me what happened to my daughter, Doctor… Please, I need to know..."

Granny held her close, trying to soothe her, tears also running down her cheeks.

Sam stepped forward and gently pulled the doctor aside. "I'm her fiancé. You can tell me everything."

The doctor nodded, and they began walking down the hall with Lucian trailing closely behind.

After a moment of silence, the doctor looked at their tense faces and said, "I’m sorry... We did everything we could, but she's gone..."

Before he could finish, Sam stood up abruptly, tears streaming down his face. His heart sank...Lanivia was gone. What kind of cruel fate was this?

He broke down completely, sobbing. Lucian rushed over and embraced his friend tightly, whispering comfort to him. His own heart was pounding; he knew something like this could happen. But he hadn’t realized how deeply Sam had fallen for Lavinia in such a short time.

The moment they saw them come out of the doctor’s office, they knew something was wrong,

Seeing Sam in uncontrollable tears made it clear to everyone...Lanivia was gone.

Her mother screamed and collapsed to the ground.

Harper ran to Sam and they hugged each other tightly, crying.

Ava turned and embraced Arabella, also weeping.

Lucian glanced at Ava with a feeling he couldn’t explain. He had never felt this way toward any woman before. He wanted to pull her into his arms, as her cries cut straight into his chest. What was happening to him? Was he falling for Ava?

The loud ring of his phone snapped him out of his thoughts.

He stepped outside to take the call.

Mount Pleasant

Everyone was gathered in the village chief’s residence, discussing matters. The village chief had listened to the situation and was convinced...Dahlia’s injuries were enough proof that Willow had indeed mistreated her.

He issued a final warning to Willow, making it clear that if she ever laid a hand on Dahlia again, they’d take her straight to court.

Trying to act composed, Willow nodded repeatedly, swearing that nothing like that would ever happen again.

Bella watched her silently, seeing right through the false promises. She knew Willow would never truly leave Dahlia in peace.

After dismissing Willow and Bella, Adrian’s father adjusted himself and began, "I believe it’s best not to rush, but let’s be honest...everyone in this village knows that woman is more powerful than her husband. In their house, only her word counts. Given all that’s happened, I’d like to formally request Dahlia’s hand in marriage for my son, Adrian."

Dahlia’s father couldn't stop smiling. This was the best outcome he could hope for...his daughter would finally escape Willow’s clutches.

The village chief’s voice broke into his thoughts.

"Are you sure, Mr. Mason? Isn’t this the same boy you once said had been runaway from this Town? Do you really think he’ll agree to a marriage arranged without his consent? And what about Dahlia...shouldn’t she have a say?"

Dahlia’s father interrupted, saying, "Sir, this is what’s best for her. I’d rather see her married to anyone than trapped with that cruel woman. That’s all I care about."

The village chief nodded. "Very well. Since both parties understand each other, make the necessary preparations. I’ll set the date."

"Sir, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I actually came with Dahlia’s bride price. I brought two witnesses with me... you're the third, Dahlia’s father is here as well. If you’ll allow us, we’d like to conclude the matter now, so the girl can finally have peace. Once Adrian returns, they can get formally engaged."

Dahlia’s father eagerly agreed. "You’re right. Knowing Willow, she’ll take her anger out on Dahlia tonight just because someone filed a report. I might not make it through the night myself."

Everyone present shook their heads in pity. The village chief nodded again and said, "Alright, there’s no issue then. The witnesses are here, and Mr. Mason, you may present the bride price. All conditions have been met."

Without hesitation, Mason straightened up and pulled out the money he brought from the market. Fortunately, the debtors had repaid him today.

Right there at the village chief’s gate, Dahlia was traditionally handed over to Adrian for a bride price of one thousand dollars.

---

Everyone from Lavinia’s family gathered at the house. Friends and extended family quickly filled the home. Lavinia’s chapter had closed. She had become a memory in our world.

Harper, who normally never wore formal clothes, was dressed in mourning attire. One glance at her posture made it clear that grief had overtaken her completely.

---

Adrian and Lucian stayed with Sam in the men’s mourning section under the large canopy set up in the compound. Adrian's chest kept tightening. Lavinia’s death had shattered them all. His thoughts drifted constantly to his own parents. As soon as Lavinia’s mourning period ended, he knew he needed to return home.

---

Dahlia was in the kitchen washing dishes despite the burns on her hands, while Willow stood nearby, humming to herself and plotting more wickedness. Today, she planned to send Dahlia to Leo and his gang so they could do as they pleased with her...whether or not they paid, she didn’t care. She just wanted the "shameless girl with big eyes" gone. Dahlia’s quiet face betrayed nothing as she focused on cleaning the grains.

Suddenly, voices echoed from the compound. People were arriving.

Seeing Terissa...the village head’s wife...made Willow jump up, forcing a smile as she wiped her hands on her gown. "Ah, welcome, Terissa! What a pleasant surprise. It’s an honor to have you here!"

Dahlia froze in place, abandoning her chores as she watched them enter. Willow barked at her, "Hey, you nosy witch, what are you staring at them for? Move from here before I change my mind!"

Terrified, Dahlia scurried away.

Terissa and the others looked at her with sympathy.

Mrs. Maris, the village chief’s sister, adjusted her seat and said to Willow, "We’re not here for a visit. We’ve come to take Dahlia. Her bride price has been paid."

Willow froze as if struck. She placed the water jug down slowly and said, "What? Dahlia? This must be a mistake...you must be at the wrong house."

Terissa cleared her throat. "Isn’t this Mr. Daniel’s house? Dahlia’s father?"

Willow nodded slowly, her voice shaky. "Yes… it is. But there’s no bride here."

Terissa smiled gently. "Oh, there’s a bride here alright. And we’ve come to take her with us."

Willow shot to her feet, adjusting her clothes angrily. "You self-righteous busybodies spying on others with your fake concern...get out of my house right now! Don’t bring your nonsense and lies into my home! Who told you there’s a bride here? Get out before I lose my temper!"

She ended her rant practically hissing, fists clenched like a boxer ready to fight.

Mr. Maris adjusted her shawl and said, “So it’s a fight you came for? Well then, welcome to the right person. I’ll be blunt with you now... If you push me any further, I’ll deal with you right here and now.”

Terissa stood up quickly and held back her sister-in-law, saying, “Merry, don’t stoop to her level. Let’s do what my husband sent us to do and leave. You know she’s mentally unwell, and ranting around constantly is just part of it...it’s not her fault. And since Dahlia’s bride price has been paid and her father accepted it, she has no choice but to let the girl go. This isn’t about her wickedness or how she mistreats the girl. This is the law.”

That’s when Willow exploded again. “Oh, so you people come into my house and bring this drama here? Peaceful family, huh? Hypocrites! There’s never peace between a man’s wife and his sister unless someone’s pretending. Get out before I lose my temper. Who would want to marry Dahlia anyway, if not someone like you full of lies?”

“Terissa, let me teach this woman a lesson. She’s getting too bold with me, and she better not even joke about touching me. You think every woman is like you? Ignorant and proud of it, passing it down to everyone.”

Willow kept ranting...

Dahlia, hiding behind the door, heard everything. Her tears flowed even harder. So it was true? Her father gave her away in marriage...without even informing her? And to whom, exactly?

Her crying intensified, but when she remembered that she’d finally be leaving the prison that was Willow’s house, she felt a strange relief. Even if the man was sick or blind, it was better than living with Willow.

Merry ignored Willow and entered the room, pulling the crying Dahlia into an embrace.

Just then, the village head arrived with Daniel, Dahlia’s father, which seemed to snap Willow back to her senses.

It was confirmed: Dahlia had been given in marriage without her knowledge. Willow began screaming, accusing Daniel of betraying her because she wasn’t Dahlia’s birth mother.

Dahlia was taken directly to the village head’s home, still crying. Merry kept comforting her, assuring her that the groom didn’t even live in the village, so she wouldn’t be seeing him soon. It was just a formality to remove her from Willow’s abuse. Hearing this, Dahlia calmed down a bit.

Since her friend Hannah...Merry’s daughter...was also there, Dahlia relaxed more and chatted with her.

Later that evening, Merry and Terissa took Dahlia to Mr. Mason’s house. Dahlia was surprised. It wasn’t the groom’s house...it was Aunty Bella’s. So there wasn’t really a wedding happening? They just wanted to get her away from Willow?

Poor Dahlia. She felt like she’d been transported to heaven. Aunty Bella’s home was nothing like Willow’s.

****

He stared into her eyes and shook his head. “You know, Harper, you’re impossible... How could you do that? Why?”

She cut him off. “Stop pretending like you care. Don’t forget, I told you...Uncle Sam is mine. Mine alone. And anyone who gets in my way... I’ll eliminate, no matter who they are.”

He stepped closer, gripping her waist tightly and drawing her into him. “Harper, don’t you dare hurt your sister. Don’t do anything to Ava...I beg you.”

She smiled coldly and looked him in the eye. “Really? What’s your deal with my sister? Don’t tell me she’s gotten to your heart with all that sweet-girl charm. Oh, darling, I don’t get you. What are you trying to say?”

He lifted her face, staring into her eyes. “I love your sister, Harper. I love her deeply. And I’m ready to start a family with her.”

She burst into sarcastic laughter. “You’re fooling yourself, darling. Ever since that foundation opened, you’ve been looking at her like she’s a goddess. I styled her to look like me...that’s why you’re drawn to her. If you had the chance, I know you’d kill my husband just so we could be together. Lucian, you love me...I know you do.” She reached out, stroking his face.

He pushed her away and said, “Look, Harper, I know we made a lot of mistakes. I betrayed my friend by having an affair with his wife, then I betrayed another by going after his niece.... But things are different now. Please, let’s forget the past. I’m serious. I love Ava. I truly do... Do you understand?”

She stared at him, stunned, then started shaking her head. “You’ve lost your mind, Lucian. After everything between us, you think I’ll let you marry my sister? You’ve really lost it. You can’t marry anyone while I’m still alive.”

He watched her fuming and then laughed, steadying himself. “Don’t expect me to beg you. I’m not Sam, and I’m not Adrian. Of the three of us, you don’t even know who you really want. You’re selfish. You destroyed Adrian’s family, stopped Sam from getting married, and now you think you’ll do the same to me? Think again.”

He smiled coldly. “I’m stronger than you think. As long as I’m breathing, I’ll marry Ava. You’ll just have to die the day you see her in my home, in my bed, in my arms...and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.”

She smirked, pulling on his tie until their faces were close. “I love causing chaos. That’s just who I am... Too bad you won’t get Ava.”

With that, she grabbed her handbag and walked out dramatically.

He watched her leave and exhaled sharply. There was no way he’d let Harper ruin his chance at happiness with Ava. He’d do everything he could to stop her. With that, he headed to the kitchen to get himself something to eat.

---

Adrian was packing his bag. She approached him slowly, hugging him from behind, her eyes glossy with emotion.

“Sweetheart, are you really leaving? When will you be back? You know I can’t bear to be without you...”

He turned to face her, gently guiding her to sit on the bed. He wiped her tears. “Sweetheart, I promise it won’t be long. It’s just an office assignment. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be going at all. Harper, no matter where I am, always remember...you’re right here.” He pointed to his chest.

Softly, she whispered, “I love you, my detective.”

He pulled her close and whispered, “I love you too, sweetheart.”

The half-packed bag was forgotten as they slipped into a world made for lovers...

Scene Shift

They walked through the foundation grounds, inspecting various departments...tailoring, shoemaking, and more. Ava was pushing Jaxon in his wheelchair, both smiling brightly. They were a heartwarming sight.

Aunt Larry watched them fondly. Ava and Jaxon had formed a strong bond in just a few days, and they went everywhere together.

Under a tree, Jaxon looked up at her and said with a smile, “Aren’t you tired? Let’s rest here. I know pushing me around can be exhausting.”

She chuckled. “You guessed right...I’m tired. I walk slowly too.”

He smiled and pulled up a chair for her. They both sat under the tree. Adjusting himself in the wheelchair, he said, “Alright, I’m listening. Tell me your story.”

Ava smiled. “Where was I again? Oh yes, I remember... So, my mother gave birth to three of us...me, and my two sisters, Camellia and Harper. When we were born, our whole family celebrated. Three baby girls all at once, and my mom had never had children before. So we were very much loved.”

She paused, then continued.

“When we were three years old, our dad took us and our mom to his family’s estate. Granny said Dad was someone who never liked having a driver. Even though he was running my grandfather’s company, he drove himself everywhere. Uncle Sam was the same way. On one of those trips, we were in a terrible car accident. The car swerved and fell off a bridge…”

Tears streamed down her face. Jaxon handed her a handkerchief. She forced a smile and accepted it. “Thank you,” she whispered.

After a short pause, she resumed. “We lost both our parents in that crash. And one of my sisters, Camellia was gone...we never found her body. They think the river took her. And me? That’s how I lost my leg. Harper came out completely unharmed...can you believe that?”

There was a moment of silence before she went on. “So the two of us were raised by our grandma Amalia, Uncle Sam, and our beloved nanny, Arabella...who honestly feels more like a mother to me. I love her dearly. And that’s a glimpse into Ava’s story.”

She finished with a soft smile on her face.

From behind a cluster of decorative trees nearby, Harper watched Ava and Jaxon with a smirk, adjusting her grip on the silenced gun she had brought from her husband Adrian’s drawer.

To be continue...