Innocence in the Shadows

Orion

I stood frozen, every excuse I’d rehearsed vanishing like smoke. Holly’s eyes were wide with concern, her soft gaze probing. Chloe, a step behind me, schooled her features into a mask of innocence.

“Uh…” I swallowed hard. “Chloe—she, um, needed help with some paperwork. For the project. Confidential, you know.”

Holly’s brow furrowed. “Paperwork? In her room?”

Chloe slid beside me, a practiced smile on her lips. “Orion’s just being thorough. We didn’t want to discuss it in the open. Too many prying eyes.” She shot me a look that sent chills down my spine.

Holly’s face softened a little, but doubt lingered. “You two always talk in riddles.” She grabbed my hand. “Anyway, I’ve got something for you and Ava. Come on.”

Relieved, I followed her to the living room, my heart hammering in my chest. Chloe trailed behind, her presence like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

Ava sat on the couch, her expression unreadable as she scrolled through her phone. She didn’t look up as we entered.

Holly’s eyes sparkled. “You’ll love this.”

She tugged me to sit next to Ava, who shifted slightly but didn’t acknowledge me. Chloe lingered near the doorway, arms crossed, her displeasure radiating off her in waves.

Before Holly could continue, she paused, glancing at Chloe. “Actually… something’s been bothering me.”

Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “Oh?”

Holly hesitated, then shook her head. “Never mind. Probably just me.” She forced a smile. “Okay! Surprise time!”

She reached into her bag and pulled out two crisp plane tickets, her face glowing with excitement. “I had Rose book you both a honeymoon in Italy! Venice!” Her eyes danced. “You’ll stay at the Hotel Cipriani. It’s perfect.”

For a moment, silence hung heavy. Ava’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Holly… why?”

I echoed her sentiment, my mind scrambling. “You did this without telling us?”

Holly’s smile faltered. “It’s a surprise. I thought… after everything, you’d want this.”

Chloe’s voice sliced through the tension. “And what exactly is the meaning of this?” Her tone dripped with venom.

Holly’s eyes flashed. “Stay out of this, Chloe. You’re just an assistant. Why are you even here?”

The room went still. Chloe’s face hardened, her anger a tangible thing. I braced for her retort, but it didn’t come. She just crossed her arms tighter, her eyes glinting with something dangerous.

Ava stood, crossing to Holly. “Hey, I know you meant well.” She wrapped her sister in a hug, her voice soft. “But… we should’ve decided together.”

Tears welled in Holly’s eyes. “I just wanted everything to be perfect. I planned it all, made sure it was flawless…”

Guilt crashed over me. I couldn’t let her think she’d failed. “Holly,” I forced a smile, “I was already making plans. That’s why I was surprised. This is… incredible.” I let the false

excitement seep into my voice. “Really.”

Holly’s face lit up, the hurt evaporating. “You mean it?”

I nodded, my throat tight. “Yeah. Thank you.”

She clapped her hands. “Go pack your bags! You leave tonight!”

Ava’s eyes widened. “Tonight? That’s too soon. I wanted us to spend Thanksgiving together.”

Holly shook her head. “Rose will stay with me. I’ll be fine.”

Ava hesitated, glancing at me. I saw the conflict in her eyes, the reluctance. Chloe’s gaze bored into me, a silent warning. This was spiraling beyond control, and every move felt like a step closer to disaster.

But Holly’s eyes shone with so much hope. I couldn’t crush it.

I forced another smile. “We’ll go.”

Ava sighed, defeat washing over her. “Okay.”

Holly beamed, oblivious to the storm brewing just beneath the surface. Chloe didn’t move, her eyes locked on me, promising chaos.

“Oh and Chloe?” Holly said abruptly, causing everyone to turn to her direction in sync. “Pack your bags too.”

****

Ava’s POV

While scrolling for updates on my phone, I thought about this morning when I woke up to an empty bed, the chill of his absence almost a relief. I should’ve known better. Chloe’s arms were always his destination.

This ridiculous game of having him in my room, playing at control, was childish. The sooner Holly went back to the hospital, the sooner I’d make him leave. I couldn’t bear the sight of him.

When I saw the driver pull up, and Holly stepping out, I thought maybe this was for the best. I wanted so badly for Holly to see Orion for the two-timing bastard he was. I almost smiled, imagining her walking in on him and Chloe, the façade shattered.

A honeymoon? Why will Holly even arrange something like this and why didn’t Rose inform me?

But then Holly’s voice pierced through my thoughts: “Chloe, pack your bags too.”

I froze. What did she mean? Chloe’s satisfied smirk was a knife twisting in my gut. Holly wouldn’t—she couldn’t be serious. I wanted to ask, to demand answers, but Holly’s gentle pull on my arm and her smile silenced me. She led me to my room, and I couldn’t bring myself to resist.

The room felt stifling as we packed. Disbelief and anger warred within me. Chloe’s face lingered, her smirk never fading. Every rustle of clothing, every zip of the suitcase was a nail driving deeper into my composure.

Then Holly slipped a piece of red fabric into my bag. Lingerie. I stared at it, my hands trembling. “Really, Holly? This?”

She laughed softly, but her eyes held a plea. “It’s your honeymoon, Ava. Make it special.”

“Why did you tell Chloe to pack? Why would you want her there?” My voice cracked, the betrayal raw.

Holly’s smile faltered. “Trust me.” She glanced at the door. “You’ll understand.”

Before I could press further, Orion entered the room, his presence filling the space with smugness. Holly excused herself, leaving us alone.

He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes glinting with triumph. “Even your sister likes Chloe enough to invite her. How pathetic do you feel?”

Rage boiled inside me, but I masked it with indifference. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” I whispered, grabbing my bag and heading downstairs.

Chloe was already waiting by the door, her bags packed. Holly hugged me tightly. “Have fun. Don’t think about work, okay? It’s your honeymoon.”

She turned to Orion, her eyes soft. “Take care of my sister. I’ll see you both in three days.”

Holly booked the hotel room for a week but we negotiated with her that it will only be for three days, because of work and the succession ceremony.

As we stepped toward the car, Chloe followed. Holly’s hand shot out, stopping her. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Chloe blinked. “Where else?”

Holly laughed, a sharp, clear sound. “Oh, no. I’m not crazy enough to let an assistant ruin my sister’s honeymoon.”

Orion’s confusion mirrored Chloe’s. “Then why did you tell her to pack?”

A slow, satisfied smile spread across my face as Chloe’s discomfort grew.

Holly’s gaze turned cold. “Is she homeless?”