The Hidden Heirs

ting the old wallpaper with a cozy glow. Upon hearing the alarm go off at 5:30 AM, Alex groaned in anticipation

the aroma of fresh coffee brewing and bacon sizzling. Helen, Alex's aunt, was already in the kitchen,

a warm smile, Helen handed

you could use a

x, taking a thankful drink

ry. You know how he is," Helen said

aking sure everything's perfec

y. The breakfast ru

on from the hook by the door and headed out back to find his uncle. Robe

ncle Robert?" A

his brow. Alex lifted the heavy boxes with ease and followed his uncle into the diner. The f

breath. Glancing at the clock, he noticed it was nearly ten in the mor

walking towards her as she cleaned a tabl

rned it," Helen said, pattin

ke care of some business," Ale

otic yet familiar scene of the bustling streets of New Haven City. Alex head

ee," Alex said as he

her eyes sparkling. She reached down the

ecklace you've been

fragile jade necklace inside the box. He murmured, "It's fla

in a lot of ef

of commands and chats. As the sun started to go down, Alex felt more excited. He briefly looked at his watch and realized it was nearly time for Victoria to h

no message. "She must be delayed at work," he pondered, attempting to push away the growing anxiety in his thoughts. He occupied

oncern. Right before he could contact her, his phon

was cold and detached. "I'

erything okay?" Alex as

mpty room. The unease he tried to ignore now settled deeply, leaving a lingering sense of dread about what was to come. Alex woke up with a sense of determination. Despite the chill from Victoria's abrupt phone call last night, he was re

n the table, spreading a cozy light throughout the room. He nervously took a quick look at the clock. At that mom

n, her expression

lex said, trying to

at the decorations. "I made your favorite, la

to her phone. Alex's smile falte

ched Victoria pick at her food, her mind clearly elsewhere. "So,

lied curtly, scrolli

happen?" Alex pressed,

she said, not

deep breath and reached for the v

, revealing the jade necklace. "It's beautiful, isn't it? I saved up for two years to get th

t. "It's... nice," she said,

g. "I thought you'd love it."

phone. Alex's patience snapped. "A

. "Look, Alex, I appreciate the effort,

x demanded, his voice rising.

attend to," Victoria said,

irthday?" Alex a

lied, grabbing her p

to follow her. The streets of New Haven City were alive with activity as Alex trailed Victoria at a safe di

race. They shared an intimate kiss, confirming Alex's worst fears. Alex felt his world collapse. He stood frozen, unable to comprehend the betrayal.

out your

ss waste," she sneered. Alex's heart shattered. He stumbled back, unable to bea