Chapter 4

Brandon wasn't sure how or when it actually started. As far as he could remember, Ava had been everything to him. When they got married, he was so in love with her,so much that he would've given up the entire world just to be with her.

Brandon first met Ava when they were both in college. He had been graduating that very year while Ava was just a freshman. She had been that girl who had everyone's attention the moment she was walked into a room. Long and heavy silky hair, a pair of the most gorgeous ocean blue eyes, a sharp nose and a perfect jawline to compliment her round face. Not only was she pretty but she had a very kind heart. It was very rare, considering the rumors that she came from a really wealthy and prominent family.

Brandon didn't care though, the moment he first laid his eyes on Ava, he knew that he had to make her, his. She wasn't easy though, Brandon had made quite the effort before Ava finally agreed to go out for coffee with him. Brandon truly believed that Ava was what he wanted and she was until she wasn't anymore.

At first, it was him starting to get annoyed by the little things she did. He'd mask it off course but it still irked him. Brandon had nothing against his wife. Not only was Ava sweet but she was smart and really hardworking. After being ousted out of her family, she had been as hopeful as as if everything was normal. With her determination, she had managed to start her own company and over the years, it flourished and grew to become one of the best in the city with a little over five hundred employees.

Not only did she succeed financially but she had also given him two fine boys. How could anyone not love a woman like that? Brandon was that man. By the time he realized what he felt for Ava wasn't love anymore, it was already too late to say something and he was already involved with Mia.

Brandon knew it was wrong to get involved with his wife's best friend and before he really got to this point, he had tried very much to resist giving into this relationship. Everyday, he'd promise Mia that he would tell Ava and every other day he'd fail on his promise.

When he walked downstairs with Mia and saw Ava in the kitchen calmly watching them, at first he felt guilty. Not because he was with Mia but because he knew how much Ava depended on him. With the both of them out of Ava's life, Brandon knew his wife wouldn't have anyone. He felt bad, true, but atleast now he felt free. His huge secret was out and he wouldn't have to feel like he was suffocating whenever he was around Ava.

Brandon wasn't really expecting Ava to confront him head on when he walked into their home a week later. Normally, when they had a misunderstanding, they'd both take the time to cool off so they'd sort things out. Even while he left Mia's place, he promised to come back with a permanent solution and he had fully intended to propose getting a divorce when Ava beat him to it.

Brandon looked at Ava and nodded slowly, agreeing way too quickly and for a moment, he saw pain flash across Ava's face. Had she been expecting him to refuse?

"Alright then. I can talk to my lawyer and he'll reach out to you for the proceedings" Brandon said quietly while pulling his tie off slowly.

"Great. Remember the prenup we signed when we got married 9 years ago. My lawyer already has a copy-" Ava muttered softly, pushed herself off of the door and walked further into the room. She walked to the other side of the bed and grabbed a pillow before making her way to the closet to get an extra blanket.

"What prenup?" Brandon's question made her halt for a moment. Ava knew he wouldn't remember after so long. Well when they got married, Ava didn't have much to her name. She had just being disowned by her family. Brandon's family on the other hand still didn't approve of her. For her to get married to the love of her life, a prenup had to be signed. Brandon's mother had been very precise about it and despite Ava being against it, Brandon convinced her that it wouldn't matter. It was just a piece of paper and it had nothing to do with whatever they felt for each other.

At the time, Ava had felt very oppressed that Brandon's family would think she was after their money. The same money she had given up just to be with their son.

" If i remember clearly, the prenup was an insurance in case something like this happened. Your mom thought i'd cheat on you so she insured your properties. Well that goes both ways except then, i didn't have anything to my name. I don't think you and you family thought i'd ever have anything and so here we are" Ava placed the blanket on the bed and looked at Brandon. "I'll be in the guest room if that's all"

Brandon stood up quickly and held Ava's arm to stop her from leaving. "What the hell are you talking about?" he demanded to know and Ava just smiled.

"What's going on is that i'm going to divorce your cheating ass and still remain with my business, this lovely home which happens to be in my name and most of the cars" Ava broke it down to him very slowly as if she was talking to a five year old. When she saw the look on Brandon's face, her brows knitted into a frown.

"Brandon? You didn't think you'd cheat on me and go right ahead to enjoy my money with that slut, did you?" she asked quite innocently before Brandon moved his hand and wrapped it around her neck quite tightly.

"What the hell did you call her?!" Brandon's thundering voice made Ava look at him with a new light. Her Brandon would've never placed his hand on her like that. Ever. "She's a slut, isn't she?"

Ava placed her hand on Brandon's to stop her from choking her. When he finally let go, she moved back coughing and glared at him. "Are you angry because i called her a slut or because you're not getting a single cent of my money? Brandon. That's not all. I'm filing for full custody of the twins. Good luck finding a lawyer good enough to get you out of this because i will fight you with everything in me for everything that is mine!" she declared and shook her head while rubbing her neck.

Brandon took small steps closer to Ava and towered over her. " Well my love, good luck finding a lawyer good enough to get me to sign those papers because i will not. I will not allow you to get what you want Ava. Not in this lifetime" Brandon said before he leaned in and gently kissed Ava's forehead. He pulled back after a moment, watched how Ava's silhouette was shaking and he knew she was boiling in anger. She was furious and the deadly look she had in her eyes was a tell. Grabbing his shoes from the floor, he walked out of the door and Ava could hear his footsteps retreating. A few moments later, she heard the front door open, close then the car starting. Brandon had left once again.

Feeling her legs give out, she sank to the floor, her tiny silhouette under the silk night gown she had on, shaking visibly as she silently broke down.