All Chapters of The Love We Never Expected : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Ava arrived at the academy feeling much better than she had a few days ago. After the strange lunch with Serena and her classmates, she had decided to stop worrying about things she could not control. Serena clearly wanted to get under her skin, but Ava refused to give her that satisfaction.As she stepped out of the car, Rachel followed a few steps behind as usual.The academy grounds were already busy. Students walked across the courtyard carrying books and chatting with friends. The morning air was cool, and the atmosphere felt lively.Before Ava could enter the building, she heard someone calling her name.Chloe came running toward her with a coffee cup in one hand and a notebook in the other."You are early today." Ava laughed."You're one to talk." Chloe rolled her eyes dramatically."I only came early because I forgot to finish my assignment." The two women entered the building together.As they walked through the hallway, Ava noticed Serena standing with a group of students n

The Hale family estate was busier than usual that weekend. Cars entered and left the large gates one after another. Workers moved around carrying decorations, flower samples, invitation designs, and stacks of documents. Everywhere people seemed to be preparing for one thing.Grandpa Hale's eightieth birthday celebration. Ava sat beside Rachel in the car as they drove through the gates.She looked out the window and frowned."I thought this was just a family meeting." Rachel glanced at her through the mirror."It is." Ava looked at the dozens of people walking around the estate."It doesn't look like one." Rachel's lips twitched slightly."Welcome to the Hale family.” Ava sighed.That answer somehow made everything worse, the car stopped in front of the main building.As soon as Ava stepped out, several workers greeted her politely. She smiled and greeted them back before entering the house.Inside, the atmosphere was even busier.The large living room had been turned into a temporary

Ava woke up without thinking about guest lists, decorations, or Grandpa Hale’s birthday celebration. The moment she opened her eyes, she felt tired.Ever since Grandpa Hale had placed her in charge of the birthday preparations, everyone seemed to want something from her. There was always another meeting to attend, another decision to make, or another problem waiting to be solved.Even her free time no longer felt free. As she sat up in bed, her thoughts suddenly drifted to Lina and Mabel.She hadn’t seen them properly in weeks. The realization made her feel guilty.Lina had started her new school. Mabel was still working hard every day.Meanwhile, she had been so busy with her own life that she barely called them. Ava grabbed her phone and checked the time.It was still early.A small smile appeared on her face, maybe she could surprise them.The idea immediately lifted her mood. Half an hour later, she was already dressed and heading downstairs.Rachel was waiting as usual.The bodyg

The days leading up to Grandpa Hale’s birthday became increasingly busy.After successfully handling the unexpected change in the guest schedule, Ava finally felt like she could breathe again. The preparations were moving smoothly.Three days before the celebration, Dominic’s mother called a family meeting regarding the birthday banquet.Ava attended without much thought. She expected another discussion about decorations or guest arrangements.Instead, she found herself trapped in an entirely different situation.“As the women of the Hale family, we will all be wearing custom gowns for the banquet,” Mrs. Hale announced from her seat. “The fitting is tomorrow morning.”Several women immediately began discussing colors and designs.Ava remained quiet.Fashion had never been a major part of her life.Before marrying Dominic, most of her money had gone toward helping Mabel and Lina. Expensive dresses were something she admired from a distance, not something she purchased.Still, she under

The academy was unusually lively that afternoon. Students moved in and out of the practical training rooms carrying styling kits, makeup cases, and notebooks. The upcoming student showcase was only a few weeks away, and everyone seemed determined to impress the instructors.Ava had just finished organizing her station when one of the instructors walked into the room looking slightly stressed.“I need help,” she announced.The conversation inside the classroom immediately died down.The instructor pointed toward a tall senior student standing nearby.“Our model for today’s demonstration has a problem. Her hairstylist had to leave unexpectedly.”The students exchanged nervous glances and the hairstyle required for the demonstration wasn’t simple.It involved multiple techniques that many of the students hadn’t mastered yet.The instructor looked around the room.“Can anyone handle it?” For a few seconds, nobody spoke then Ava quietly raised her hand.The instructor looked surprised.“Y