Ava had planned to leave right away, but after sending Rachel that message, she knew her friend would come storming in. So she waited by the elevator.
It didn’t take long. Rachel arrived like a force of nature, her high heels clicking sharply against the marble floor, her stride radiating fury.
"Rachel?" Ava called, but Rachel was too far gone in her anger to respond.
She made a beeline for the suite at the end of the corridor and pounded on the door with the force of a woman scorned.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Inside, the birthday celebration was in full swing. Two men and two women were laughing as they clinked glasses, singing a boisterous rendition of Happy Birthday.
The birthday girl, draped over Tom’s shoulders, smirked. "Tom, did you invite me a surprise guest?" she teased, her voice saccharine.
Everyone chuckled. They all knew Tom—good-looking, broke, and willing to do anything for money.
He had been hesitant t
Jonathan wasted no time executing Alexander’s order. The hotel, owned by the Vanderbilt family, operated with precise efficiency. Within five minutes, security had retrieved the complete surveillance footage of Ava leaving in a car.Alexander strode out of the lobby, his expression cold and unreadable. Jonathan was already waiting at the curb with the engine running. The red dot on the GPS map indicated Ava's location—she hadn't been taken far.The kidnappers had been careless, confident that no one would come for her so quickly. After all, Mr. Thompson had assured them she was a nobody, someone with no powerful connections. One million dollars in exchange for her? It seemed like an easy deal.Inside the speeding car, Ava drifted in and out of consciousness. Her body ached, her head throbbed, and the overwhelming stench of gasoline churned her stomach. She felt hands on her—rough, unwelcome, invasive.The man beside her groped at her, but the vehicle’s motion prevented him from doing m
As the car window lowered, Ava acted instinctively. Without a second thought, she turned and buried herself against Alexander’s chest, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist.From the outside, it looked like a woman seeking comfort in the arms of her lover.Valentina, who had been watching expectantly, felt her breath hitch. Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. The image before her sent a sharp wave of jealousy crashing through her, but she forced a soft, composed smile onto her face, though it barely hid the storm brewing in her heart.“Mr. Vanderbilt, are you unwell?” she asked, her voice laced with gentle concern.In truth, she had been hoping to catch his attention—to show him that she was different from other women, that she was considerate and understanding. Yet here he was, holding another woman in his arms.Alexander cast her a brief, indifferent glance. He had never held much regard for Valentina. His sharp gaze flickered with irritation before
Alexander gazed out at the night sky, his expression unreadable. The soft glow of city lights reflected in the glass, but he felt no excitement at Victoria’s words."I'm coming back, Alexander. Aren't you happy?"His voice remained indifferent, steady as ever. “Naturally.”Across the ocean, Victoria Laurent sat with her phone pressed to her ear, waiting—expecting a different reaction. A trace of disappointment flickered in her chest, but she quickly dismissed it.He must still be upset about the past.The separation hadn’t been her choice—it was Cordelia Vanderbilt who had forced them apart, pushing Alexander into an unwanted marriage. Victoria had expected him to fight harder, to chase after her, to rebel against his family for her sake. But he hadn't.That had left her resentful, waiting for him to take action. She had assumed he would eventually come to her, beg for her return, prove to the world that he couldn’t live without her. Yet, instead of bridging the distance, Alexander had
"Ava?"The voice was warm yet filled with concern. It was exactly the same as last time.Ava's fingers curled slightly at her sides as she turned around. Since Diana had already spotted her, there was no point in avoiding the encounter. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and greeted her with quiet respect."Mrs. Richardson."Diana’s sharp eyes immediately landed on Ava’s cheek, where the unmistakable imprint of a slap stood out against her fair skin. The redness hadn’t yet faded, the edges of the bruise barely beginning to darken.Diana was an educated and refined woman. She knew better than to be too direct when addressing someone’s pain, but she couldn’t simply ignore what was right in front of her. Moreover, she had already observed that Ava was fiercely independent, someone who didn’t ask for help—even when she desperately needed it.How could my son allow his girlfriend to be treated like this?A deep frown formed on Dian
Dear Gentle Readers, Understanding your request to hasten the plot, some chapters will be made free to show this writer’s appreciation towards your support. Please continue reading this story... no part of this story will go to waste (aka it will be important for future chapters). Grazie mille, Yours, E.C. -------Aunt Torres felt a heavy sense of unease, sensing Alexander’s anger. Their already distant relationship seemed poised to grow even colder. She sighed. Miss Morales didn’t look well before going upstairs. She probably didn’t even hear the knocking.She wanted to salvage Serena’s image, to explain that it wasn’t intentional, but before she could speak, Alexander cut her off.“I don’t want to hear about her affairs.”His voice was detached, his expression impassive. A wall had been built, shutting out any further discussion. Aunt Torres held back whatever she was about to say. Throughout the meal, the silence weighed on the dining room. The servants moved cautiously, their
(From here, Ava will be referred to as Serena, as Aunt Torres and the Vanderbilt staff recognize her as “Serena” or “Miss Morales,” Alexander’s wife.)Serena had spent the morning finalizing paperwork at the agency before heading to her new house. The previous owner had left it in pristine condition, already renovated and furnished. All she needed to do was move in with her bags.Determined, she returned to Le Châteauesque Manor, gathering her scattered belongings. The grand estate, with its imposing architecture and sprawling gardens, felt suffocating rather than luxurious. It was too intertwined with Alexander’s presence.Aunt Torres, noticing her efforts, couldn't help but voice her concern."Miss Morales, is this really a good idea? You’ve never lived in Le Châteauesque Manor before, and now that the old master is back, he might come by unexpectedly. He’s not easy to fool. Last time, he even went into Mr. Vanderbilt’s room and didn’t look happy. If he notices your belongings missin
Ava was burning up, her fever making her dizzy, but she still wanted to go to the hospital to apologize to Diana.She tried to lift her head, her vision swimming, but Alexander’s words barely registered. Her body felt too heavy, her thoughts sluggish. All she could do was nod faintly.Alexander assumed she had understood him. Without hesitation, he guided her toward a nearby bench."Wait here. He should come pick you up," he instructed, his tone detached.He had done more than enough.The idea of being entangled in Ava’s mess again made him uncomfortable. Nothing good ever seemed to happen when he was around her.Ava sat quietly, too weak to protest. She looked fragile and obedient in her feverish state, her usual sharpness dulled by exhaustion.People passed by, glancing at her briefly before moving on. No one stopped to ask if she needed help.Alexander had already turned back toward his car, reaching for the door handle, when a sharp voice cut through the air."You little slut! I f
Dear Gentle Readers, At last this chapter will tie up the loose end about Ava being Raphael’s girlfriend...Please do enjoy. Grazie mille. Yours,Ethan***Brigitte arrived in the morning, carrying a small insulated container. Seeing that Ava’s complexion had improved slightly, she let out a relieved sigh."You had a high fever last night," Brigitte said as she set the container on the table. "This is the porridge I made this morning. You should have some."Ava, touched by her kindness, nodded and took the bowl. Brigitte, however, subtly glanced around the apartment, curiosity flickering in her eyes.Last night, she had mentioned to Mr. Vanderbilt that Ava’s husband was always out early and returned late. Yet, in all the time she had lived across the hall, she had never once seen the man."Ava, is your husband really that busy?" Brigitte asked, her tone casual but probing. "You had such a high fever last night, and he didn’t come to take care of you."Ava's grip on the spoon tightene
"Ava..." Rita expected her cousin to be upset, maybe even furious, but Ava's expression was unexpectedly calm—relieved, even."Rita, thank you, but I can ride with someone else. Mr. Vanderbilt is not in a good mood today, so I'd rather not make him angrier," Ava said, her voice light yet decisive.Rita frowned, puzzled. Why was Alexander in a bad mood? And why did Ava sound as though she had expected it? These two didn’t look like a couple who had spent the night together—if anything, they seemed even more distant than before.Meanwhile, across the venue, Alexander approached Hugo’s table with long, measured strides, his expression stormy. His suit, tailored to perfection, couldn't mask the tension in his shoulders or the sharp, unreadable look in his dark eyes.Victoria, however, didn't follow. She had veered off to chat with other socialites, her posture poised as if she had already won some silent battle.Hugo, who had been lazily swirling the whiskey in his glass, looked up with a
The crowd that had been eagerly watching the drama slowly dispersed, the tension in the air fading like a dissipating storm. To put on a show of sisterly affection, Victoria personally escorted Michelle to the car, ensuring that all eyes saw her as the graceful and understanding older cousin.Ava, however, remained rooted in place, her body instinctively tensing as Alexander approached. She wasn’t sure why, but she had an urge to step back. Yet, she forced herself to stand her ground, lifting her gaze to meet his. He loomed over her, his dark eyes locked onto hers as if searching for something.Her expression, however, was unreadable—calm, indifferent, as if last night's intimacy had been nothing more than a passing dream."Ava," he murmured, his voice low. There was something he wanted to say.Before he could continue, Victoria returned, her tone carefully measured, yet laced with subtle authority.“Xander, breakfast is ready downstairs. You guys probably haven't eaten yet. Let’s all
Alexander was not alone. Hugo Beaumont and Colton Valcrosse stood on either side of him, their towering presences only adding to the weight of his arrival. The air was thick with tension, an unspoken shift settling over the gathered crowd.Michelle, still sitting on the ground, felt her stomach drop the moment she caught sight of Alexander. Humiliation burned through her veins. Of all people to witness her in this pitiful state, it had to be him, the person she had a crush on. Could anything be worse?Alexander’s gaze swept over the scene, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "What’s going on?" His voice was calm, detached—so effortlessly composed that it was hard to believe he had been a man consumed by raw passion just the night before.Victoria wasted no time approaching him, her heels clicking against the polished floor with urgency. "Last night, a bodyguard mistakenly drank the wrong drink and harmed Michelle," she explained, her voice carrying just the right balance of concern and
- please read to the very end of the chapter - Ava woke to the cold touch of the hardwood floor against her skin. Her nightgown felt strangely loose, slipping slightly off her shoulder as she groggily pushed herself up. A dull ache radiated from her waist, making her wince as she realized her lower body was sprawled on the floor while her legs still rested on the bed.Had she fallen off in the middle of the night?She rubbed her temples, feeling weak and disoriented. The last thing she clearly remembered was taking a drink from Alexei. After that, everything was a blur—just a deep thirst and the vague sensation of searching for water. Her mind struggled to fill in the gaps, but nothing came.Ava exhaled in relief. At least she hadn’t embarrassed herself in front of anyone. She must have somehow returned to her room early. However, a new problem presented itself—she hadn’t brought any extra clothes, and the silky sleepwear Rita had given her wasn’t appropriate for stepping outside.Jus
Ava clung to Alexander’s waist, her movements hesitant, unsure of how to respond. The only thing she could manage was wrapping her arms around his neck."It tickles," she murmured, her voice breathy.His hot breath fanned against her skin, seeping through the thin fabric of her dress, igniting a sensation that sent shivers down her spine.Alexander, already on edge from her teasing, tightened his grip on her waist. His voice dropped, husky and deep."So, what should I do to relieve your itch?" He had never imagined himself uttering such flirtatious words, but with Ava, they came naturally.She buried her face into the crook of his neck, her lips brushing against his skin. "Husband, you’re really good... it feels so good."Downstairs, the night was alive with murmurs of conversation and footsteps, but none of it mattered. Alexander held Ava closer, shielding her from the world as if nothing else existed beyond them.Ava whimpered softly, overwhelmed by the moment, but before she could
The pool area buzzed with activity. Waiters weaved through the guests, offering a selection of drinks, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries to those lounging or swimming. Amid the chatter and clinking of glasses, a waiter approached Ava with a light blue cocktail, placing it on the table in front of her.Alexei leaned in, his voice laced with amusement. "Drink it," he said, watching her reaction carefully.Ava ignored him, keeping her gaze steady on the water.Alexei smirked and moved even closer, his breath warm against her ear. "What’s wrong? Do you want me to feed you? Mouth to mouth, perhaps?"Knowing Alexei, he was more than capable of following through on that threat. Without another word, she grabbed the glass and downed the drink in one go. The alcohol burned on the way down, making her cough.Alexei reached out instinctively to pat her back, but she pushed him away."Mr. Volkov, Farah likes you," Ava said flatly. "Even if you help me
Rita led Ava through the vast grounds, passing from the lively seafood section to the entertainment areas. The sprawling estate was designed for indulgence, featuring everything from Olympic-sized swimming pools to high-adrenaline bungee jumps and a state-of-the-art shooting range. The event was in full swing, with guests scattered in various spots, enjoying their freedom to partake in whatever entertainment suited them.By the time they reached the grand dessert display—a magnificent ten-meter-long spread of exquisitely crafted pastries—chefs had already begun preparing fresh seafood under glass enclosures, while clusters of socialites chatted over cocktails nearby.“Farah hosts these gatherings every year, though never on a fixed schedule,” Rita explained as they approached the desserts. “It could be spring, summer, or fall. The chefs she brings in have all worked for the Vanderbilt family before. Michelin-starred talents—worth more than some pro athletes. The food is exceptional.”
As Ava finished helping Rita with her painting, she glanced over and saw Rita on the phone, her voice light and cheerful. Only then did Ava realize that Rita’s driver had already left.Rita returned with a bright smile. “Ava, do you have any plans for tonight or tomorrow morning?”Ava thought for a moment. Her father was still unconscious, and the construction in Manhattan was progressing smoothly. Aside from picking up Rex tomorrow afternoon, she had nothing pressing. “Not really.”Rita clapped her hands in excitement. “That’s great!”Without warning, she linked her arm with Ava’s and pulled her toward the roadside. “I absolutely must treat you to something amazing today! I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything like it before!”Ava was about to protest when she spotted a sleek black luxury car parked ahead. Her stomach twisted. She knew that car.Alexander’s car.Before she could react, Rita had already opened the door and gently nudged her inside.“Xander, I brought Ava along. You
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