The sun shone brightly through the glass windows of the church, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the aisle. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses and the soft murmur of guests seated.

Ava, resplendent in her lace wedding gown, stood on the church’s altar taking deep breaths. Julienne had no choice but to calm her down from afar.

It's been over thirty minutes since Ava had been standing at the wedding altar waiting for the arrival of Gabriel. The people in attendance were already grumbling and tired of sitting.

“Good day everyone.” A voice, thick and commanding, echoed through the four corners of the church. The guests looked around only to spot a man at the entrance. He was dressed in a simple suit.

Slowly, he made his way to the altar. “Hello everyone, I go by the name, Kael. I'm here to relay a message from Mr. Gabriel.” He explained.

Ava's voice trembled while she asked him what message he had to convey. Kael dropped the bombshell that Gabriel was not interested in getting married to Ava anymore. Loud whispers and murmurs erupted from the little crowd in attendance. They wondered what was going on.

Kael realized a lot of people didn't believe him so he decided to provide more evidence. “Seeing is believing,” he clapped his hands after. “Watch this.”

The guests directed their heads to the projector where a picture of when Amanda kissed Gabriel popped up. The guests gasped and whispers spread like wildfire.

Julienne's eyes nearly popped out, Ava's face was full of disappointment, Marvin opened his mouth wide, Jacob, Gabriel's father, gave an angry expression, and Caroline, Gabriel's mother, stomped her feet repeatedly on the floor.

Ava's face gradually reddened and with her palms covering her mouth, she muttered, “Amanda.”

The church erupted into chaos as guests started whispering and shouting. The minister tried to regain order, but what the guests' eyes had already seen sown seeds of doubt and clarity.

Kael, who was happy about completing a perfect job for Amanda, his boss, left the church.

Ava let out a cry of agony. Tears streamed down her face while she used her palms to wipe them off. In no time, she made her way out of the church. Her mother ran after her but before she could catch up, Ava already entered the car and zoomed off.

Julienne called Wilde to pick her up immediately. They both headed to the Romanus mansion.

As soon as Ava stepped out of the car, Julienne did too. She yelled non-stop to Ava so she could listen but all her screams weren't enough.

Ava ascended the stairs while Julienne pursued her. Ava stopped and removed her shoes, she stoned her mother with them. Luckily, Julienne was able to dodge one but the other hit her in the face.

“What nonsense!” Julienne yelled. Ava ignored her and ran to her room. She locked the bathroom door immediately when she entered.

Julienne banged the door helplessly hoping Ava would yield to her request. After ten minutes of constantly hitting the door, she left.

As Julienne descended the stairs, she clenched her fist while she hissed effortlessly. “Amanda. How? How? How?”

Wilde rushed over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Please, calm down.”

“Don't tell me to calm down. We tried everything but see what just happened.” Julienne wailed as she succumbed to Wilde's hold.

“I'm sorry. We thought everything would go as planned. But, I have a question though, what will our next plan be?” Wilde asked.

Wilde has been Julienne's most trusted ally over the years. They have been conspiring on how to turn the tables and claim all the Romanus properties.

Unknown to Ava and the world, her biological father is Wilde. Julienne had played her game well in manipulating Marvin to marry her. One of the issues that comes with a one-night stand. Marvin never loved her nor was the love truly reciprocated from Julienne.

All she coveted was the property he had. She had no problem since she, her child, and her child's father could live in wealth and luxury. Everything changed when Marvin secretly married Mercedes, Amanda's mother.

With assistance from Wilde, Julienne found out. She became furious and cursed Marvin endlessly. But she noticed that Marvin's wealth had increased. She sought to find out where the wealth came from suddenly.

After a thorough investigation, she found out Mercedes was the daughter of a Brazilian Billionaire. Julienne, who was once a stripper who fended for her family, developed more desires for wealth, property, power, and fame.

She intentionally spilled the truth about Marvin's marital status and visited Mercedes. Julienne successfully convinced Mercedes to move in with them. Mercedes stated that it was against the law but Julienne told her that if they both accept it, the law has no power.

Mercedes, who was drenched in love with Marvin, accepted and moved into the Romanus mansion not knowing that would be the beginning of her misery.

After going through her thorough thinking process, Julienne answered. “It's high time we rely on our plan B.”

Wilde’s mouth curled into an O-shape.

In her bathtub, Ava wiped her tears then she smirked. She laughed as she threw her arms in the air. “Finally, I'm free.” She boomed.

She dialed a number on her phone. “Hi, babe.”

“How are you doing after what happened? I just saw that. Well, congratulations.” The voice on the other side responded.

“We need to talk. Can I come over?” Ava asked as she rubbed her thighs slightly. “Moreover, I think my private part needs something good in it.” She added seductively.

The voice chuckled before it spoke. “Yes, come over quickly. Alongside that, we will plan the end of the newly married couple.”

Immediately Ava hung up the phone call, she tapped the back of her iPhone Fifteen Pro Max gently. Her eyes which were full of anger but with a glimpse of victory glimmed.

Ava growled, “Amanda, I sent you to the jaws of death but… that wasn't enough. Let me see how long you can survive when death comes knocking again.”