Ava's POV
I was still in the ward, thinking about how my life had been so far, starting from when those who raided our pack took away the only people that brought me immense joy.
“Mother, Father, I really miss you, but you're now in the past, and there's nothing I can do to bring you both back,” I said softly, feeling tears build up.
I recalled the fear I had of losing my parents and how they had killed them right in front of me. The pain that went through my veins at that moment was overwhelming; in fact, it was too much for me to bear.
They had obviously seen me, and the best thing they could think of doing after killing my parents was to make me a maid. Up until now, I still remembered the fear and anxiety that filled my bones anytime the head maid called out to me.
Remembering how she tortured me and made me feel less of myself was a whole lot. I had no one who could back me up, so it was expected of her to treat me like trash, but she seemed particularly harsh toward me.
“I'm just glad that I'm no longer under her,” I said with relief.
Then I turned to the other side of the bed and sighed.
Flashback
“I, Prince Asher, reject you as my mate.”
Back to reality
Those words sank deep into my skin like a piercing needle, and my heart felt as though a huge sickle had struck it. It really felt like the whole world was against me, and I felt nothing but pain.
No one was there for me. There was no one to encourage me or assure me of a better day. I had to pick up my pieces, fight for myself, and forge a better future—which I'm doing right here in the Elites Academy. Thankfully, I’m no longer feeling the pain of the rejection or the way they treated me. The only pain that might still reside in my heart is the death of my parents.
They are forever in my heart.
Back to my present situation and the new people in my life, I wasn't really sure who to trust apart from Jack and, at least, the triplets who are my roommates. But could I really trust that Jake was right about the fact that Jack’s family was involved in the death of my parents?
Jack has been really good to me, and while Jake might genuinely care about me, his care might drive almost everyone away from me because he doesn't want any harm to come to me at all.
“Hmm… Even Professor Harley has now become a little difficult to trust. He knew about me, and that's why he always had this weird look when he glanced at me. I always felt there was something about him. Could that also be the reason he didn't allow the female tailor to speak out that day?”
Gosh.
So many truths that I didn't know about were beginning to give me a headache, and I just wanted a break from it all.
Suddenly, the door to my ward opened, and I glanced in that direction to see who had come to check up on me.
But to my shock, it was Prince Asher.
It was a real surprise to see that he had finally found me. He looked really handsome up close, and the nervous feeling I had when he walked up to me was a little overwhelming, but I had to try to get rid of it. I couldn't allow it to show and make him feel like he still had the upper hand.
“Hey, Ava. How are you doing?”
“I'm good,” I replied dryly.
Then he pulled the chair out and sat before me. I took my eyes off him and tried my best to stay calm. As I breathed in his scent, it felt more like I was breathing in love.
“Uhm… I’ve been searching for you, actually, until I found out that you are currently in the ward. I'm sorry you had to go through some stress and end up here. When did they say you can get out of here?” he asked me calmly.
It was so weird that he was being soft and kind to me. I almost couldn't get used to it and wondered if he had an ulterior motive to take me by surprise.
“I don't know yet. They need me to rest before I can leave,” I replied calmly, trying not to sound interested.
“Alright, you don't have to worry. I'm sure they'll discharge you soon, and you'll be much better by then. Just hold on and stay calm,” he urged me, and I nodded.
I knew he had been looking for me, but what he really wanted that made him this kind and nice to me was what got me wondering and curious. I wanted to ask badly, but I still had to remain calm.
Suddenly, he brought his face close to me like he was curious about me, and when I noticed that, I pulled back a little, looking confused.
“I'm sorry, but are you thinking about something?” he asked me gently and then smiled.
Gosh. His smile was captivating, and it sent a signal down to my spine that even my stomach felt butterflies, and something sweet swirled inside of me. I couldn't have enough of this.
No, Ava. Get yourself together. You can't have yourself drooling over this guy, especially after all he has done to you. Don't be fooled by his beauty.
“Hello?” he called to my attention, and I blinked.
“Uhm… no. But… but why are you here? Why are you being this kind and nice to me when you've never been even a little close to this?” I finally asked, driven by curiosity.
“Hmmm. I know you're certainly going to ask. Well, Ava, I actually want you to give me another chance to make things up to you,” he voiced out, letting his shocking intentions be known to me.