The private island was more beautiful in person than in the photos.
We arrived by helicopter three days after Daddy’s ultimatum. The moment we landed, I felt the weight of the decision settle heavier on my shoulders. This wasn’t just a vacation. This was the beginning of our real life hidden from the world.
The staff of twelve people greeted us at the helipad. They were all polite, well-trained, and clearly loyal. But I could feel their eyes on me. On the collar around my neck. On the way Daddy’s hand rested possessively on my lower back.
The head butler, Mr. Reynolds a tall, silver-haired man in his late fifties — bowed slightly.
“Welcome home, sir. And welcome, Miss Ava.”
His voice was perfectly neutral, but I caught the brief flicker in his eyes when he saw the sparkling rose-gold
