Chapter 18
Before Ava
arrived, Sophia had already heard about Ava
However, after hearing that Ava came from a small town and always engaged in fights and causing trouble, Sophia imagined Ava as a peculiarly dressed girl, someone who portrayed the image of a mischievous mean girl. But to her surprise, Sophia was amazed by Ava’s beauty on the first day they met
David returned home only at dinnertime.
As soon as he arrived, a frown appeared on his face.
Melissa meanwhile, was busy assisting the maids in preparing dinner.
This was a routine she had followed for many years.
Whenever David came back to have the meal, she personally supervised the kitchen to cook. David’s favorite dishes.
From the piano practice room, the faint sound of Sophia’s practice could be heard.
David looked around and didn’t see Ava
“Where is Ava!”
| David
asked in a gentle voice.
Melissa’s heart tightened. Ava disregarded everyone’s feelings and just went back to her room at noon.
Since then, she hadn’t come downstairs all afiemoon.
Melissa had been occupied with dinner preparations since 3 pan and hadn’t had the chance to pay attention to Ava.
Perhaps she finds the bed comfortable and her room captivating, so she wants to stay there longer. I’ll have someone call her downstairs.”
Hearing this, David grew more displeased with Ava.
Nonetheless, as the head of the family, he had to maintain a certain demeanor in front of others.
“It’s time for dinner. Call Sophy down as well.”
“Yes, Mr. Walker,
The maid proceeded to call Sophia down first.
Sophia’s plano practice was not going well today.
The piano piece she was practicing still lacked fluency.
In just two weeks, she would be celebrating her birthday.
She planned to play this particular piece at her birthday party.
She would be 18 in half a month, and her coming–of–age celebration would be a grand affair held at a hotel.
Lately, David had been preoccupied, leaving early and returning late, attending to both company matters and the preparations for the event.
“Miss Sophia, your father has returned and is waiting for you for dinner. I’ll go fetch Miss Reynolds now”
Sophia halted the maid, who was about to leave, and said, “You go ahead. I’ll go inform my sister
As the maid descended the stairs, her gaze inadvertently swept over Ava’s room, a hint of contempt flickering in her eyes.
“It’s true that Ava has neither a father to instruct her nor a mother to raise her, so there is no strange about her lack of manners the maid thought.
Ava had spent the entire afiemoon in her room, and no one knew what she was doing.
Sophia made her way to Ava’s room and gently knocked on the door. Her voice was soft as she spoke, “Ava, it’s time for dinner.”
This time, Ava promptly opened the door.
Sophia’s face bore a warm smile as she approached affectionately, attempting to hold Ava’s hand.
12:38 PM
Chapter 18
However, Ava instinctively evaded her movement, leaving Sophia with an empty hand.
A hint of being hun flashed across Sophia’s eyes, and her eyes glistened with tears slightly
“Ava, there’s no need to be afraid. This is your home now. My father is your father, and I am your sister. Ava, come on. Let’s hold hands and go downstairs together.”
Ava didn’t smile, and her gaze was fixed on Sophia.
The intensity of Ava’s stare sent a shiver down. Sophia’s spine, almost causing her smile to falter.
“Why are you looking at me like that, Aval”
Ava responded with a gentle laugh and said, “I don’t have a sister, and you are not my sister, either. Sophia, you don’t have to pretend to be nice. Just be yourself. There are no outsiders here, so there’s no need to put on an acti.”
Sophia’s eyes welled up with tears.
“Awa, what are you saying? I truly consider you as my sister. Growing up without siblings, I was terribly lonely. You can’t fathom how happy I was when I found out you were coming”
Sophia said with a heartfelt grievance, and her eyes reddened.
“Ava” What are you up to again I specifically told you that Sophia isn’t in good health, and you should be taking better care of her! Look what you’ve done! How dare you bully her again!”
Again?
Ava raised an eyebrow.
It was only her first day in the Walker family, and she didn’t remember that she had bullied Sophia before.
Sophia
a waved her hands at once, saying, “Mom, it’s not what you think. Mom, Ava didn’t bully me.
Melissa softly wrapped an arm around Sophia’s shoulder and said. “Don’t worry! You are my only daughter. She wouldn’t dare bully you.”
Reluctant to witness this “tender moment between mother and daughter, Ava walked to the table, fetched a chair, and gracefully settled into it.
David appeared somewhat aloof, yet he opened his mouth to address Awa
“Tomorrow, you will attend Rosemont High School alongside Sophy. You’ll be in the same class, so you can look out for each other”
Melissa chimed in Indeed. David went to great lengths to secure your admission. You should appreciate it.”
Ava’s lips curled slightly as she replied, “Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Walker.”
Ava’s dining etiquette was imprecable, leaving no room for criticism.
Her eating posture exuded elegance but looked more appetizing, triggering others‘ enthusiasm out of their stomachs.
Sophia was a bit stunned.
Now was the perfect time to indulge in some crab.
She deliberately expressed her desire to feast on crab today.
Melissa was actually a little hesitant before.
It was not because she felt sorry for Ava, but rather, due to the fear that Ava might have no idea how to eat the crab and embarrass her.
To her surprise, Ava displayed no awkwardness at all and defily handled the utensils.
Sophia kept a watchful eye on her. After witnessing Ava’s graceful performance, she bit her lip in astonishment
Suddenly, Sophia let out a cry, having unknowingly pricked her hand on a crab’s sharp edge.
All eyes turned to Sophia.
Melissa grew anxious and asked with concern, “Sophia, is your hand alright! Your birthday party is coming up. Don’t let anything happen to your hand.”
Sophia forced a smile, her eyes reddening. “No, I’m fine, Mom”
She glanced at Ava, Something flickered in her eyes before she abruptly spoke, “Dad, Mom, I recall that Ava is a few months younger than me, right?
12:28 PM
Chapter Is
Melisa nodded and inquired. “Yes. Ava, when is your birthday!”
Avast down the knife and fork, wiped a smudge from the comer of her lips with a tissue, and regarded Melissa with a hint of sarcasm in her eyes.
Melissa had never been attentive to her, so it came as no surprise that Melissa was unaware of her birthday.
In her previous life, after being taken in by the Walker family, Ava had never truly celebrated her own birthday, always sharing the special moment at Sophia’s birthday party, like this time.
Naturally, Sophia was the true shining star of the spectacle.
Those individuals who attended the party always teased and whispered behind that Ava, the stepdaughter, not only benefited from association with the Walker family but also wanted to steal the glory of Sophia, and that was why she celebrated her birthday together with Sophia,
“On June 3rd, Ava responded nonchalantly.
Sophia then said, “Mom, I wish to celebrate my birthday with Ava together from now on How about having two birthday girls in our family for this celebration? I want to spend that special day with Ava
David couldn’t help but gaze at Sophia with admiration.
He was so proud of his daughter’s fine character.
By doing so, they would also let others know their abundant affection for Awa
Therefore, in the future, when Sophia needed Ava’s support, Awa would not be able to refuse.
After all, the Walker family was so benevolent to her that asking Ava to provide blood for Sophia seemed insignificant. Even if they requested Ava to donate her liver or kidney, she had no right to decline!
Furthermore, just removing o
one liver or one kidney wouldn’t lead to Ava’s demise, as she would still possess the other.
Melissa hesitated briefly, stating, “That doesn’t seem very appropriate, Sophy. Why don’t you celebrate your birthdays together next time? After all, a coming–of–age ceremony only occurs once in a lifetime,”
David, however, had made his decision, saying, “Let’s do as Sophy said”
“I disagree.”
A clear voice, characterized by a simple yet commanding tone, echoed in the room.
They couldn’t help but gaze at Ava in astonishment.
