The 365 days wife

The Cole mansion was eerily silent that morning, yet the atmosphere was suffocating. The grand dining hall, with its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, felt less like a home and more like an arena where power was measured with cold stares and sharp words.

Ava sat at the long oak table, her hands lightly gripping the delicate china cup of tea before her. She hadn't taken a sip. Across from her, Eleanor Cole, Damien's mother, moved with practiced elegance, slicing through her breakfast as if the conversation they were about to have was nothing more than another meal to be picked apart.

At the head of the table sat Nathalie Cole, his posture straight, his expression unreadable as he folded the morning newspaper and set it aside. His sharp, calculating gaze settled on Ava with the weight of unspoken judgment.

Damien was absent, leaving her alone to face the full force of their scrutiny.

She had expected this.

What she hadn't expected was how much their presence would remind her of just how far removed she was from their world.

She was a visitor in their kingdom. A temporary fixture in a legacy built on power and prestige.

And they wanted to remind her of it.

---

The Interrogation Begins

"Ava, dear," Eleanor finally spoke, her tone sweet but edged with steel. "Last night was… interesting."

Ava met her gaze, refusing to let her discomfort show. "I'm glad you think so."

Eleanor gave a thin smile, tapping a manicured finger against her glass. "You handled the reporters well, I must admit. But surely you understand why people are so curious about you."

Nathalie leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "You appeared out of nowhere, and now, suddenly, you're a Cole." His voice was calm, but the weight of his words pressed against her.

Ava steadied herself. "I understand."

"Then let's clear up a few things," Eleanor continued smoothly, setting her fork down. "Where exactly did you study?"

Ava's fingers twitched around her cup. She had answered a similar question at the gala, but this was different. This was Damien's mother, and she wasn't asking out of casual curiosity.

"I studied business management," Ava replied, her voice even. "At a local university."

Eleanor's lips twitched slightly. "A local university?"

Ava nodded. "Yes."

"Not Ivy League?" Eleanor's tone was light, but the condescension in her gaze was unmistakable.

Ava exhaled softly. "No."

Eleanor exchanged a knowing look with Nathalie before turning back to Ava with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Interesting."

Nathalie tilted his head slightly. "And your family? What do they do?"

Ava knew this question would come, but it still sent an uncomfortable chill down her spine.

"My mother runs a small business," she answered carefully.

"A small business?" Nathalie repeated, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. "That's a rather broad description."

Ava inhaled deeply. "She owns a flower shop."

There was a beat of silence.

Eleanor's expression remained composed, but Ava caught the flicker of something—disdain, perhaps? Amusement?

"How quaint," Eleanor said finally, lifting her teacup to her lips.

Ava forced herself to remain still, even as her stomach twisted at the casual dismissal of her mother's life's work.

"She's very passionate about it," she said simply.

"I'm sure she is," Nathalie said, his smirk deepening. "And you? Before marrying Damien, what exactly did you do?"

Ava sat up a little straighter. "I ran my own small business as well."

For the first time, Eleanor seemed mildly interested. "Oh? And what kind of business?"

"I designed and sold jewelry," Ava answered. "Handmade pieces, custom designs and I also worked as a waitress."

Eleanor arched a delicate brow. "Jewelry? That's… creative."

"It was a passion project," Ava admitted.

Nathalie let out a low chuckle. "A flower shop and handmade jewelry. Not quite the empire-building background one would expect for a Cole bride."

Ava met his gaze head-on. "I may not come from an empire, but I know the value of hard work."

Silence stretched between them like a battle line drawn in the sand.

Eleanor studied her carefully, then placed her napkin on the table. "We will see about that."

The Media's Curiosity

As expected, the morning headlines were ablaze with speculation about the Cole family's newest addition.

"WHO IS AVA? THE MYSTERIOUS BRIDE OF DAMIEN COLE"

"A LOWLY DESIGNER IN A WORLD OF TITANS—CAN SHE SURVIVE?"

"FROM HANDMADE JEWELRY TO HIGH SOCIETY: AVA COLE'S UNLIKELY RISE"

Photographs from the gala were plastered everywhere. Journalists analyzed her dress, her expressions, even the way Damien held her waist in the photos. They dissected every moment, trying to uncover the truth behind their sudden marriage.

And the questions kept coming.

Reporters speculated on her education, her career, even her net worth. She was scrutinized under a microscope, her every move judged by people who knew nothing about her.

And worst of all?

They didn't think she was enough.

An Unwelcome Surprise

Later that afternoon, Ava was in the study, flipping through a book she wasn't actually reading when the door opened.

She turned, expecting to see Damien. Instead, a stranger walked in—a woman with striking blue eyes, sleek blonde hair, and an air of authority. She wore an expensive designer dress, her posture exuding confidence.

Ava had no idea who she was.

The woman studied her with an unreadable expression before stepping closer. "So, you're Ava."

Ava set down the book slowly. "And you are?"

The woman smirked. "Caroline Cole."

Ava blinked. "Caroline… Cole?"

"Damien's sister."

Ava's heart skipped a beat. Damien had mentioned he had a sister, but he never elaborated. She had assumed she was abroad, detached from all of this.

"I was supposed to meet you last night at the gala," Caroline said, circling Ava like a predator assessing prey. "But I had more pressing matters to attend to. Now, I have time to see what all the fuss is about."

Ava frowned. "Fuss?"

Caroline chuckled. "Oh, darling, don't be naive. You've turned this family upside down. The media is eating this up. A nobody suddenly marrying Damien Cole? It's the scandal of the year."

Ava bristled at the word nobody.

"I don't care what the media thinks," she said evenly.

Caroline raised a brow. "Really? Because you should. The media can make or break a person in this world. And right now, you're being watched."

Ava clenched her jaw. "Why are you here, Caroline?"

Caroline smirked. "To see for myself if you're strong enough to handle this life. You may have married my brother, but that doesn't mean you belong here."

Ava met her gaze with unwavering determination. "Then I guess I'll have to prove that I do."

For a moment, Caroline said nothing. Then, she smiled slightly. "We'll see, Ava. We'll see."

She turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Ava alone with the weight of her words.

She had been tested by Damien's parents. And now, it seemed, his sister was the next in line.

Ava exhaled, steeling herself.

If they wanted to doubt her, let them.

She would prove them all wrong.