Ava's grandmother, Jean, sat in her favorite armchair, her eyes fixed on the flames dancing in the fireplace. Ava had always felt safe in this cozy room, surrounded by the comforting scent of old books and freshly baked cookies. But now, with Ryder's words echoing in her mind, Ava saw her grandmother in a different light.
"Grandma Jean, we need to talk," Ava said, her voice firm but gentle.
Jean's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Of course, dear. What's on your mind?"
Ava took a deep breath.
"Ryder told me you've been keeping secrets. About our families, about the past... about everything."
Jean's expression changed, her eyes clouding over like a stormy sky.
"Ryder should mind his own business," Jean said, her voice tight.
But Ava pressed on.
"Please, Grandma. I need to know the truth."
Jean sighed, her shoulders sagging beneath her floral blouse.
"Very well, Ava. But be warned, the truth is not always easy to hear."
Jean's eyes seemed to gaze into the past, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It started with a lie, Ava. A lie that grew into a web of deceit, entangling our families for generations."
Ava leaned forward, her heart pounding in her chest.
"What lie?"
Jean's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of sadness in their depths.
"Your great-grandfather, Malcolm, and Ryder's great-grandfather, Edward, were once friends. Close friends. But a rivalry over land and power drove them apart."
Ava's mind raced.
"A rivalry? That's what caused the feud?"
Jean nodded.
"It was more than that, Ava. It was a betrayal. A betrayal that led to tragedy."
Ava's eyes widened.
"What tragedy?"
Jean's voice cracked.
"Your great-grandmother, Elizabeth, was in love with Edward. But Malcolm forbade their relationship, sparking a chain of events that would change our families' fate forever."
Ava's eyes were glued to her grandmother's face, her mind reeling with the revelations.
"What happened to Elizabeth?" Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jean's expression was etched with sorrow.
"She died under mysterious circumstances. Some say it was a tragic accident, others claim it was murder."
Ava's heart skipped a beat.
"Murder? Who would do such a thing?"
Jean's eyes clouded over, her voice laced with venom.
"Malcolm. Your great-grandfather. He was consumed by jealousy and rage."
Ava felt a chill run down her spine.
"And what about Edward? What happened to him?"
Jean's gaze dropped, her voice heavy with regret.
"Edward was devastated by Elizabeth's death. He became obsessed with uncovering the truth, but it cost him everything. His family, his fortune... his sanity."
YOU ARE READING
THE UNITY PARADOX; A MIND BLOWING THRILLER
RomanceWhen a group of friends discovers a powerful artifact, they unwittingly unleash a global phenomenon that merges human consciousness. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they must confront an ancient evil threatening humanity's existence. With the...
