Love In The Shadows

chapter 1 : enemies at night

Ava Smith and Max Jones had been sworn enemies for as long as they could remember. Their families' bitter feud had fueled their hatred for each other, and they had grown up believing that the other was the embodiment of evil.

One fateful night, they found themselves at the same high-end party in Paris, their eyes locking in a fierce stare-down.

"You're a Smith," Max spat, his voice dripping with venom. "I should have known you'd be here, slumming it with the rest of us."

Ava's eyes flashed with anger. "And you're a Jones," she retorted, her voice icy. "I'm surprised you didn't bring your silver spoon to the party."

Max snarled, his face inches from Ava's. "At least I don't have to buy my way into society," he sneered.

Ava's hand itched to slap him, but she restrained herself. "I'd rather die than be a part of your pathetic family," she hissed.

The air was electric with tension as they glared at each other, their hatred palpable. But little did they know, their families' secrets and lies would soon force them to confront their own biases and prejudices... and maybe, just maybe, discover a love that would change everything.

As the night wore on, Ava and Max continued to exchange barbs, their animosity towards each other growing with every passing minute. But beneath the surface, they both knew that their families' feud was more complicated than just good vs. evil.

Ava's father, Victor Smith, had built his empire through ruthless business tactics and strategic marriages. Max's mother, Lilith Jones, had clawed her way to the top with charm and manipulation.

Their families' hatred for each other was rooted in a dark secret, one that had been hidden for decades. A secret that Ava and Max were about to uncover, and one that would change everything.

As they circled each other, their eyes flashing with anger, Ava's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart racing as she read the text message.

"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight," the message read. "Come alone."

Ava's eyes locked onto Max's, her mind racing with possibilities. Who could be summoning her to a secret meeting? And why?

Max's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "What's going on, Smith?" he sneered.

Ava's lips curled into a sly smile. "Just a little surprise, Jones," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "One that will change the game forever."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Max wondering what she had up her sleeve.

As Ava walked away, Max's eyes lingered on her, his mind racing with possibilities. What was she planning? And why did he care?

He shook his head, chuckling wryly. He didn't care. He hated her, remember?

But as he turned to leave, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Ava was hiding something. Something big.

And he was determined to find out what it was.

As the night wore on, Max's thoughts consumed him. He couldn't focus on the party, couldn't enjoy the music or the laughter.

All he could think about was Ava. And what she was planning.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He excused himself and slipped out of the party, into the cool night air.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his heart racing with anticipation.

"Luc, it's Max. I need your help."

"What's going on, Max?" Luc's voice was low and serious.

"It's Ava. I think she's planning something. And I need to know what it is."

Luc's pause was telling. "Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. I'll tell you everything I know."

Max's eyes narrowed. What did Luc know? And why was he being so secretive?

But he didn't have time to wonder. He had to get to the warehouse. And fast.

As he hung up the phone, Max felt a thrill of excitement. He was in this now. And he wouldn't rest until he uncovered Ava's secrets.