Chapter 1

"I got it," I announced, my voice a little shaky. My mother, Sarah, and my stepfather, Mr. Davenport, looked up from their morning coffee. "The photography scholarship," I clarified, "the one in New York City. It’s approved." A wide smile spread across Mom's face, "Oh, Ava, that's wonderful!" Mr. Davenport nodded, "New York, eh? Big step. Congratulations." "I leave in ten days," I added, the words feeling heavy and light at the same time. Mom’s smile faltered a bit. "Ten days? That's so soon, sweetheart. But so exciting!" She then brightened. "You know, my old college friend, Carol, her son Michael lives in NYC. He’s a good boy, doing very well. He could help you settle in. Maybe even..." She winked. "A nice young man for you?" I managed a small, noncommittal smile. "Maybe, Mom." "Does this mean you finally broke up with that boyfriend of yours?" Mom asked, her tone hopeful. "You never even brought him home." Mr. Davenport chimed in, "Any young man who wouldn’t meet your parents wasn't serious, Ava. Good riddance." I didn't respond, my gaze drifting towards the doorway just as Ethan Davenport, my stepbrother, walked in. He was a few years older than me, handsome, with that easy charm the Davenports seemed to possess. He'd clearly overheard the last part. "Boyfriend?" he asked, his voice cool, an eyebrow slightly raised. "Brother," I greeted him, the word feeling like a stone in my mouth. He gave a curt nod, his eyes lingering on me for a second too long before he headed upstairs. That night, the familiar creak of my bedroom door announced Ethan’s arrival. It had been our routine for years, ever since I turned eighteen and he found my diary, the one where I’d foolishly confessed my crush on him. He moved towards my bed, his presence filling the small room. "Who’s the boyfriend your mother was talking about?" he asked, his voice low, possessive. I knew he’d misunderstood, but I didn't correct him. Let him think what he wanted. "No one," I said, turning away. He reached for me, his hand on my arm. "You’re mine, Ava. Don't forget that." "I have my period," I said, the lie coming easily. It was my standard excuse these days. He paused, then his hand slid from my arm. He lay down beside me, on top of the covers, his body close but not touching. For years, this secret, forbidden romance was something I cherished. I was deeply in love with him. Until a few weeks ago. I’d overheard him talking to his friends, laughing. He said our relationship was just a game, a long-term revenge plot against my mother. He blamed her for his own mother’s unhappiness, for "replacing" her. His plan was to hurt Mom through me, to break my heart so completely it would devastate her. That’s when I applied for the scholarship. It was my only way out. Now, lying beside him, I felt nothing but a cold resolve. He eventually shifted, his breathing evening out. I waited until I was sure he was asleep, then I carefully slipped out of bed. I looked at him, a stranger who had shared my most intimate secrets. Ten more days, I thought. Just ten more days until I was free.