Ava and Adam returned home, laughter echoing between them like in the old days; before the lies, the tension, and the shadows lurking in their perfect home. They were still teasing each other when they bumped into Dawn in the living room.
Her face was pale, her eyes darting anxiously toward the door. "I didn't know you were together. I was… worried," she said, panic flickering in her voice.
"I just wanted to spend some time with Ava," Adam explained gently, sensing her unease. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Dawn replied quickly, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"If you two don't mind, I'll be in my room. Thank you, Adam."
Ava turned and headed upstairs, her footsteps soft but heavy, leaving a subtle silence behind.
Adam watched her go, concern pulling at his chest. "She's been nervous lately," he muttered.
Dawn tried to lighten the mood. "She's fine, Adam. She just loves reading."
He chuckled. "Fair point." Then he turned back toward Dawn.
"So, where did you go?" she asked, curious.
"I can't tell you," he said with a playful smile. "It's a secret. But don't worry, I'm here now."
"How's Adam Jr.?" he teased.
"You mean Pearl," Dawn replied jokingly.
"You named her Pearl?" Adam laughed, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."
* * * * * *
Later that evening, Ava sat on her bed, scrolling through her phone. The mysterious text—Meet me now, it's urgent still glared back at her with no reply after she'd asked who it was. The unanswered message gnawed at her.
She wandered around her room, pacing, torn between curiosity and caution. Should she go? What if it was Tara? What if it was something worse?
Just then, Leslie and Jason barged in, their laughter snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Hey, Ava, are you okay?" Leslie asked, concern softening her tone. "You look… stressed."
Ava quickly dropped her phone on the bed and forced a smile. "I'm fine, really. How was school?"
"We're so excited we're graduating high school soon!" Jason beamed.
"Oh, shoot!" Ava gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth. "I almost forgot, I owe you guys gifts!"
"You're forgiven," Leslie teased, grinning. The room filled with laughter again.
Ava grabbed her purse and phone. "I'm going to get your surprises," she said.
"Can we come?" Jason asked eagerly.
She shook her head. "Nope. You'll ruin the surprise."
They pouted playfully as she slipped out of the room. Downstairs, she spotted Adam and Dawn chatting on the couch. Her pulse quickened—she didn't want them to notice her leaving.
"I'll take you," Adam offered suddenly.
"No ... it's fine!" she blurted out too quickly, smiling awkwardly.
Adam frowned but didn't push. "Alright. Be careful."
Dawn's eyes narrowed. Something about Ava's nervousness felt off.
"Why don't you go freshen up?" Dawn said sweetly. The moment Adam disappeared, her smile faded. She grabbed her coat and quietly slipped out after Ava.
* * * * * *
Ava sat across from Tara in a dimly lit restaurant. The place smelled faintly of coffee and betrayal. Tara was smiling like a cat that had just cornered its prey.
"I knew you'd come," Tara purred.
Ava's eyes were cold. "I told you before that I don't care about your fight with Dawn. Stop stalking my phone."
"You didn't tell me she was your friend," Tara said, leaning forward with mock curiosity.
Ava crossed her arms. "Do I look like I owe you an update on my life? Oh, wait—sorry, Officer Tara," she said sarcastically, "for failing to submit my friendship report on time."
Tara chuckled, unbothered. "You're bold, Ava. I like that. But aren't you even a little bothered that she lives under the same roof? With him?"
Ava stood abruptly, pulling out her phone. "You want to know what bothers me? You." She tapped her screen and showed Tara that her number was now blocked. "Stay away from my family."
With that, Ava flashed a tight smile and walked out, leaving Tara fuming.
Tara's nails dug into the tablecloth as she whispered to herself, "You'll regret that."
From behind a pillar, Dawn emerged—she'd seen everything. Her blood boiled. She marched up to the table, grabbed Tara's drink, and threw it straight at her.
Tara gasped, dripping with liquid and shock.
"Stay away from my family," Dawn warned, her eyes blazing with fury.
But Tara only smiled, slow and cruel. "It's not my fault Ava doesn't like you. She's the one who came to me—she wants you gone. And I never refuse a desperate woman's request."
Dawn froze. "You're lying."
"Am I?" Tara smirked, dabbing at her soaked dress with a napkin before strutting out.
Dawn stood there trembling, confusion clawing at her chest. Could it be true? Was Ava really pretending? Was Tara responsible for Adam's accident—or was there more to this? Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She wasn't going to cry. Not here. Not now.
* * * * * *
The next morning, sunlight poured gently through the curtains. Adam, sharply dressed in his navy-blue suit, kissed both his wives on the forehead before heading to work. Daphne was out with friends, and the children were preparing for school.
"So, what did you get us?" Leslie asked excitedly.
"What?" Ava blinked.
"Our gifts!" Jason chimed in, laughing.
"Oh—right," Ava said, her face lighting up in surprise. "They're in my room. But no peeking! You'll get them on graduation day."
The kids laughed and ran out, leaving Ava to exhale in relief.
She turned toward the kitchen and tied her apron. "Dawn, what would you like to eat?" she asked softly, trying to ease the tension from the day before.
"Whatever you prepare," Dawn replied from the living room, her tone guarded. But her mind wouldn't rest. Tara's words from last night echoed in her head. Could Ava be trying to poison me?
She got up quietly, watching Ava chop vegetables. The sound of the knife against the board made her heart race. Then came a knock at the door.
Dawn answered it and found a man in a plumber's uniform, holding a toolbox. He had a mustache, a polite smile, and calm eyes.
"Good day, ma'am. I'm here for plumbing service," he said.
"We didn't call a plumber," Dawn replied warily.
"Mr. Adam Manchester did," he said, showing her a fake work order. "This is his address, right?"
She hesitated but eventually nodded and let him in.
He greeted Ava politely and went straight to the sink. Ava barely noticed him, focused on stirring the soup.
A few minutes later, Ava finished cooking and plated Dawn's food, ready to serve her.
"Ma'am, I'm done. Can I get my pay?" the plumber said urgently.
Ava nodded. "Wait here, I'll get it." She walked upstairs, humming faintly.
The moment she was gone, the plumber opened his toolbox, slipped out a tiny packet, and sprinkled white powder into Dawn's food. He stirred it quickly, covered the dish, and stood back up just as Ava returned with the payment.
"Here you go," she said, smiling faintly.
"Thank you, ma'am," he said, tipping his cap and walking out.
As soon as he stepped outside, he ripped off his disguise; hat, beards but no mustache—revealing Tara. She smirked eyes glinting with malice, and whispered, "Let's see how long you last now."
Inside, Ava set the dishes on the table. "Lunch is ready!" she called cheerfully.
Dawn hesitated but forced herself to sit down. When she saw Ava eating from her own plate, her suspicion eased slightly. Maybe she'd been paranoid after all.
They ate together quietly until Dawn's smile faltered. Her hand clutched her stomach. The pain came fast and sharp.
"Ava…" she gasped, her voice trembling.
Ava looked up in alarm as Dawn fell to the floor, her body convulsing.
"Dawn!" she screamed, rushing to her side. Dawn's face had gone pale, her lips trembling as her breathing slowed.
Ava's fingers shook as she grabbed her phone and dialed Adam. "Adam! You need to come home now, please, it's Dawn!"
Her heart pounded as she held Dawn's hand, praying she'd open her eyes again. The house that once echoed with laughter now filled with terror.