Chapter 4 Widowed Again

Ava never thought that she would be wearing black again so soon. She stood at the grave side, grief-stricken and confused, a bouquet of lilies clutched tightly in her hands.

The marble stone was cold beneath her touch as she traced the engraved letters of his name. Richard Miller. It had been just a week since he'd passed, but the pain of his loss still felt as raw to her like it just happened.

Their marriage was not even up to a year before he passed. She knelt, placing the lilies on the damp grass. Ava closed her eyes, trying to conjure a memory of him, a smile, a shared laugh. But all that came to her mind was the expression on his face before he passed.

The memories of that day still seemed very fresh like it just happened yesterday. They were going over some papers in their shared study when he clamped his chest, screaming in pain.

Ava ran to get help but he didn't make it. He breathed his last on their way to the hospital.

She became a young widow again, mourning the death of a man that meant so much to her.

Ava shivered as the memories came clashing in and a warm hand grasped hers. Ava looked down at her sister, Holly and remembered the day she disappeared.

A pang of guilt shot through her as she recalled blaming Richard for it and saying all manner of hurtful things to him.

Her father had kidnapped Holly and threatened to kill her if they contacted the police. What he wanted in exchange? Money.

Richard had been the one to take charge, to calm her down and reassure her that everything would be alright. He paid the money to rescue Holly from their father.

He was her companion even at home when she faced the angry Mrs Miller.

Now, as she stood at his grave, she realized that she had never truly thanked him for his unwavering support. He had been her protector, and she didn't appreciate him enough.

Ava loved Richard and he loved her too. But not in any way romantic. It was the pure love of a father and daughter. A sob escaped her lips as her sister pulled her into an embrace.

What will they do now? She's sure Mrs Miller will throw her out of the house soon. How does she move on? Where are they going to start from?

"Let's go Ava," her sister said, tugging at her hand, "It's about to rain."

Ava didn't care. Her life is flooded once again. What can a little shower do to her?

Holly pulled her away from the graveside and into their car. The driver was already waiting, his expression sad.

"Where do you want to go next, Mrs Miller?" he asked calmly. Richard specially employed Joe to be her personal driver and he has never left her side since.

Ava smiled up at him and got into the car, her sister following behind.

"Let's go back to the mansion," she whispered in a voice that was barely audible.

The car pulled up to the Miller mansion, its luxurious appearance seeming more desolate to Ava. As she stepped out, the familiar weight of loneliness settled upon her.

She still battled with denial. Hoping Richard will come out and say it was a prank. But she knew better. Death was no prank.

Holly linked her fingers into her sister's own and squeezed it gently. "We'll get through this, Ava. We always have," she promised, her voice filled with a quiet determination.

"He left me all alone," Ava cried silently.

"Don't say that Ava, you have me. We have each other and I'll always be here," Holly whispered.

Ava nodded, her gaze lost in the sprawling mansion. She quickly remembered her early days in the mansion and how Mrs Miller had always made it unbearable for her.

She remembered Richard and how he always stood up for her. A cold dread crept into her heart. The realization of his death, a bitter pill to swallow.

Ava turned to face her sister as they stood in front of the mansion, her eyes filled with a question that hung heavy in the air. How do they face the looming threat of Mrs Miller?

Her heart ached when she remembered how Mrs Miller accused her of killing Richard. How could she have killed him?

Hand in hand, they entered the mansion and were greeted by a sight they both expected.

Mrs Miller stood by the entrance, their luggages at her feet.

"What is going on here?" Ava asked tearfully, "why are my things out here?"

Mrs Miller smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You killed my husband and you want to remain here? I want you and your stupid sister out of my house," she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

"You can't do this, Mrs Miller. Where do you want me to go?" Ava said, her voice trembling slightly.

"Oh! I'm not heartless like you, murderer. I won't have you on the street so people will tag me an evil woman." She paused and signaled to one of the maids, "She'll show you to your new room in the servants lodge. That's where you truly belong."

Ava felt a surge of anger, but she forced herself to remain calm. "You can't do that, Mrs Miller. I'm also Richard's wife and this is my home too," she protested, her voice barely a whisper.

Mrs Miller laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "This house belongs to me now, Ava, and I can do whatever I want with it. Now go to your quarters."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ava and Holly standing there, their hearts heavy with despair.

"This is not fair," Ava whispered as she watched Mrs Miller disappear down the hallways while humming a tune.

Holly turned to her sister, her eyes filled with concern. "Don't worry, sis. We'll figure something out. We always do."

Ava nodded, trying to muster up some courage and be strong for her sister. Holly needs her and she would do whatever to protect the only family she has now.

The reality of her situation was sinking in as she walked out of the mansion and towards the servants quarters.

They were now at the mercy of Mrs Miller.

Thankfully, the new space was sufficient although it was small, they had their own bathroom and kitchen.

Someone Ava felt at peace. She would not have any need to go into the mansion, so she wouldn't be running into Mrs Miller often.

She had everything here and she was determined to make it livable.

Just as they placed their bags into the room, a notification popped up on her phone.

Ava stared down at the message, frozen in a spot, her heart beating louder than ever.