Ava gripped the steering wheel tightly, her frustration simmering as she drove back to the hotel. She refused to let anyone dictate her designs, let alone make major changes that compromised her vision. Difficult clients were nothing new to her, but they had always respected her professional judgment in the end. Victoria, however, was deliberately making things difficult. Maybe it was time to step away. She had initially taken this project because her studio had been struggling, but now that they were stable, she didn’t have to tolerate this nonsense any longer.Making a firm decision, she swiftly organized her documents and returned to the hotel, determined to wait for Alexander.Meanwhile, Alexander had declined Victoria’s dinner invitation, using work as an excuse. As he stepped out of the elevator, Jonathan followed closely behind, briefing him on the final preparations for tomorrow’s meeting. But as Alexander glanced toward his hotel room, he noticed someone waiting outside. His s
Ava’s pupils contracted slightly, struggling to believe that Alexander had actually said those words.Everyone always said he was an unattainable figure—cold, distant, never seen with a companion. The kind of man who never entertained distractions.She had never deluded herself into thinking she could be an exception. More than anything, the idea terrified her. Her chest tightened with panic, her emotions overwhelming her until she realized she was crying.Alexander’s gaze held an unreadable expression, his sharp eyes laced with disinterest. “Sorry, I mistook you for someone else,” he said casually, his voice as smooth as glass. Leaning against the doorframe, he added, “I thought Victoria had come.”Ava froze before exhaling in relief. So, he had been expecting Victoria tonight?Her fingers clenched briefly before she smoothed them over her wrinkled blouse. If he had mistaken her for someone else, it explained everything. The way he grabbed her. The intensity of his touch. It wasn’t ab
Victoria arrived at the top floor and knocked lightly before pushing open the door. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow over Alexander, who was seated on the sofa, engaged in a video conference with overseas executives. The faint scent of shower gel lingered in the air, suggesting he had just taken a shower. At the thought, her body grew warm.Beneath her coat, she wore an alluring outfit—something she had carefully chosen just for tonight. A gift for him. She believed that once he unwrapped it, he would be very pleased. A slight blush tinged her cheeks as she stepped inside and changed into indoor slippers.But just as she squatted down, her fingers froze mid-motion. Two long strands of hair lay on the pristine floor.Her heart pounded. The penthouse was Alexander’s private space, professionally cleaned and disinfected daily due to his extreme aversion to germs. No one was allowed to enter without full coverage, ensuring that not even a single strand of hair would be left behi
The moment presented itself perfectly. They were alone and all she needed to do was persuade him to get back together. Yet just as Victoria was about to speak, a hesitant voice came from the entrance."Miss, Mr. Laurent asked you to return first. I’ll wait here and bring the cat back once the treatment is complete."The softness in Victoria’s face vanished, replaced by a cold sharpness that made the servant lower their head in fear. She took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation rising within her. Ever since returning to the country a few days ago, she had been spending all her time with Alexander, neglecting her father’s calls and inquiries. Now, he must have learned about her visit tonight and wanted to check if she had succeeded in getting closer to Alexander.Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides before she forced herself to ease up."You go back first. I'll wait here," she ordered, voice firm. "And don't let this kind of mistake happen again next time. You should know tha
That night, instead of returning to his usual hotel, Alexander went to Le Châteauesque Manor—a place that, until recently, had been occupied by Rex, the dog. The lingering traces of dog hair triggered his allergy, and despite taking medication, he developed a mild fever by morning.When Victoria heard about this from Hugo, she wasted no time. Since she and Alexander had agreed to mend their relationship, she needed to show sincerity.As she stepped into the Vanderbilt Corporation’s sleek marble lobby, the scent of polished wood and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The reception area was always buzzing with activity, a hub of well-dressed professionals gliding between meetings. Women came to the Vanderbilt family offices daily, each one hoping to catch Alexander’s attention. Celebrities, socialites, and influencers—all eager to get close to the elusive billionaire. The front desk had learned to turn them away effortlessly. But Victoria? She belonged here. Brigitte—Raphael's girlf
(From here, Ava will be referred to as Serena, as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr., Aunt Torres, and the staff recognize her as “Serena” or “Miss Morales,” Alexander’s wife.) ---The moment Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. saw Serena’s name flash across his phone screen, his heart lifted. "Serena, what is it? Did Alexander mess with you again?"His voice, though laced with concern, carried an undertone of disappointment. Ever since Alexander’s so-called affair had come to light, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s anger had not subsided. Just thinking about his grandson’s betrayal to his devoted wife ignited a fresh wave of fury in his chest.Serena had initially called just to vent, but the warmth in Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s voice struck a chord deep within her. He had always been in her corner—more than even her own father. That realization caused a lump to form in her throat, her vision growing misty with unshed tears.Sensing her silence, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s expression darkened. "I knew it. That boy did something again, didn’
The heavy air in Le Châteauesque Manor carried the weight of discontent. The tension was palpable as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. walked in with slow, measured steps, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor. His presence commanded instant attention. He settled into the high-backed armchair across from the sofa with practiced ease. The room, grand yet intimate, was bathed in the soft glow of antique chandeliers, casting a warm contrast against the tension crackling in the air. His sharp gaze swept across the grand room before settling on Victoria, who sat stiffly on the couch. Aunt Torres, ever the dutiful housekeeper, hurried over with a delicate porcelain teacup, steam curling from its surface. The old man accepted it with a measured nod, lifting the cup just enough to brush away the floating tea leaves with its lid before taking a deliberate sip. His voice, steady and firm carrying the weight of authority. “Miss Laurent,” he began, his tone cutting through the thick silence like a
Dear Gentle Readers, This author was denied promotion & the app actually said that this story does not perform well with only 4 readers and 2 comments thus no ads since last week... This author refuses to believe that especially when he saw at least 7 people liked & gave a thumbsup on the last free chapter. Can you please help this author by giving a thumbsup and commenting on this chapter, please? So this author has proof when consulting and reporting this to his editor tomorrow morning. As a token of gratitude for your generous help, please enjoy this chapter free of charge... Grazie mille. Yours, Ethan. P.S. this is actually 2 chapters combined into 1 therefore it is quite long, apologies for that. ---------That night, Serena slept soundly, the kind of deep, dreamless rest that felt like a rare luxury. By the time morning light filtered through her curtains, her spirits were noticeably brighter.The first thing she did upon waking was reach for her phone. A single missed call
Ava rushed out of the hospital, her heels clicking against the pavement as she hurried to her car. Once inside, she started the engine with shaking fingers and glanced at her phone. Her heart dropped. The roads were packed—an evening traffic jam clogging the city like a pulse grinding to a halt.Her fingers clenched the steering wheel, frustration bubbling up. She honked the horn more times than she could count, each one sharper than the last. A twenty-minute drive had now turned into a maddening forty-minute crawl.Alexander had given her exactly one hour.With every passing minute, her heart beat faster, the pressure building like a kettle about to boil over.And then—bang.Her car lurched forward. She’d been rear-ended. The sudden jolt slammed her head into the steering wheel, sending a flash of pain through her skull. Her eyes stung with tears, but she blinked them away, biting down on her panic. The driver behind her got out, waving his arms and pulling out his phone to call the
Alexander couldn't focus, his thoughts scattered and restless. As his phone rang with a call from a business partner, he seized the moment and stood up.“Grandpa, the business partner is calling. I need to go over the details of this morning’s meeting,” he said, already moving away.Grandpa let out a long, weary sigh. To him, it looked like Alexander was just eager to escape. “If you put that much effort into Serena,” he grumbled, “you two would have had a house full of kids by now. Go on, but no matter how busy work gets, don’t forget the wife waiting for you at home.”Alexander didn’t answer. He slipped into his car and glanced at the dashboard clock—8:00 PM. Ignoring the call still ringing on his screen, he turned the key and headed straight to the hotel.By the time he arrived, it was 8:30.His phone buzzed again. It was Jonathan, this time with more urgent news—Ryan had been arrested, and sensitive information about PW Group had been leaked. By morning, the media would be ablaze w
The Vanderbilt building was unusually still for a Friday evening. Outside, the city buzzed as it always did, but inside Alexander’s top-floor office, silence reigned.The only light came from the city skyline pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Alexander stood by the glass, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a thick, official envelope.The divorce had been finalized. Her name — Serena Ava Morales Vanderbilt — would no longer be linked to his. And yet, the weight in his chest hadn’t budged. If anything, it had settled deeper.The quiet was broken by the buzz of his phone.Hugo.He answered with a low, “Yeah?”“Finally!” Hugo’s voice crackled through the speaker. “You’re free. About damn time, man.”Alexander didn’t respond.“So,” Hugo continued, voice laced with mischief, “how about some celebratory drinks? I’ve got a private room at 230 Fifth, and I might’ve invited a few… distractions.”“Hugo—”“Come on, don’t be boring. Half the city would give their left arm for a
Ava sat cross-legged on the floor of her apartment, Rex’s warm head resting against her knee. The golden retriever let out a soft, contented sigh, completely unaware of the life-changing moment that had just arrived.On the table before her lay a sealed envelope.Her name printed clearly beneath it:Serena Ava Morales Vanderbilt.She knew what it was. In fact, she’d been waiting for this moment for years — though not in longing or hope.She had never begged for Alexander’s attention. Never sought his approval.Not five years ago, when she signed that marriage certificate under the cold gazes of the powerful Vanderbilt family and Alfonso, her father’s watchful eyes.Not when he had left the country right after signing the marriage certificate without a word, abandoning a marriage neither of them had wanted.She had lived alone since then.Alone with the Morales debt, the fading reputation of he
Alexander didn’t remember much of the drive back. The city was a blur of lights and shadows, his thoughts tangled and restless. The tight knot in his chest refused to ease.The image of Ava — Serena — standing by that window lingered with painful clarity. The hollow look in her eyes. The way her voice had cracked when she spoke of dignity, safety, and the things he’d stripped from her.He’d always considered himself a man in control, measured and strategic in every move, every decision. But tonight, for the first time, he felt powerless.And ashamed.He’d broken something he had no right to touch. Now, all he could do was try — maybe hopelessly — to repair what pieces remained.By the time he arrived at the Vanderbilt estate, the staff were long asleep, and the house was quiet. But he didn’t stop there. He headed straight to his private study, locking the door behind him.He pulled out his phone and made a call.Jonathan picked up on the second ring, sounding slightly groggy. “Sir?”A
The city lights blurred past as Alexander sped through the streets, his grip tight on the steering wheel. The cool night air seeped through the slightly opened window, but it did nothing to calm the restless storm inside him.For the first time in years, his usually sharp, calculated mind was clouded — not by business, not by rivals, but by a woman.His wife.And how badly he’d wronged her.Ava. Serena.Every time he said either name in his head now, it twisted something deep in his chest.He thought back to her messages — not a single word of accusation, not one plea for sympathy.Even after everything, she hadn’t used his name.She called him Mr. Vanderbilt.Professional. Distant. Like a stranger.And wasn’t that what he’d made himself?As he pulled into the underground parking of the hotel, he sat in the car for a long moment. His reflection in the windshield stared back at him — polished, cold, successful. A man respected, feared, envied. But none of that meant anything now.He gr
Alexander let out a sigh, leaning back in the chair as his grandfather rifled through a worn leather photo album placed neatly beside the chessboard. The old man flipped through its pages, mumbling to himself. The room felt heavier somehow, the air thick with nostalgia and something Alexander couldn’t quite name.Alexander leaned back against the worn leather chair in the grand sitting room of the Vanderbilt Mansion, pretending to sip his tea while his grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Sr., dug through an old photo album. The scent of aged paper and tea leaves hung in the air, mixing with the warm, familiar atmosphere of a home built on old money and endless pride.He didn’t want to be here.His mind had been elsewhere all evening — on Ava.The hotel. The time. Her waiting.She’d agreed to meet him there, not because she wanted to — but because she had no choice.Because of Ryan Kuzmin.Alexander had promised her that if she surrendered to his terms — ten nights, no conditions — he wou
Dear Gentle Readers, Thank you for your support from the beginning until this point. This author really appreciates it. Never thought this story will have these many readers...This author understands your wish for this story to end therefore there will be 2 branches of the story from here onwards. The first branch is for Alexander to realize that Ava is Serena and the story can conclude there.The second branch is what the author has already prepared from the beginning. All good things must come to an end at some point...Please enjoy the ride and if you wish to read other story, please check out "Taming the Wild CEO" which has the following premise :For nearly four years Ella Stanford has been working as a secretary to Javier Summers, and for most of that time, she has been fighting her own feelings for him. Javier was undeniably sexy but she knew she should never fall for a ruthless playboy. He has never paid heed to her, so this has not been a problem but a struggle on her own
When Ava pulled up in front of the boutique, she sat frozen in her car for a long minute, her fingers clutching the steering wheel, her heart pounding. The neon lights reflected off the windshield in lurid pinks and reds, making everything feel surreal.With a deep breath, she opened the door, keeping her head down as she briskly walked toward the entrance.Inside, a burst of artificial floral perfume and soft pop music hit her. The boutique was dimly lit, with shimmering silk and lace displayed under glowing spotlights. Ava didn’t dare meet anyone’s eyes.The sales clerk approached — a middle-aged woman with shrewd eyes and a practiced smile that brightened the moment she saw Ava.“Beautiful lady, what kind are you looking for?” the woman asked warmly.Ava’s mouth opened, but the words wouldn’t come. She had no experience here — none of this belonged in her world. “A-anything is fine…” she stammered, avoiding the clerk’s gaze.The woman’s expression turned stern. “How can you be so c