Two months later, Ava was settled into the comfortable couch in Dr. Veronica's office, her therapist. The doctor's warm, genuine smile put her at ease as she asked, "Ava, have you been experiencing any more nightmares or flashbacks?"Ava shook her head, a gentle, relieved smile spreading across her face. "No, I've been sleeping peacefully. It's been a huge relief, not waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, with the memories haunting me."Dr. Veronica's eyes lit up with joy, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm so happy to hear that, Ava! Your progress is truly remarkable. You've come a long way since we first started our sessions. The coping mechanisms we've worked on, the strategies to deal with your past... it's all paying off."The doctor's gaze drifted to Ava's belly, which had begun to rise slightly, a subtle sign of the new life growing within. "And how's the baby doing? Any exciting developments?"Ava chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "Always kicking! I
Amelia entered the villa of the Timberlakes' building, her casual dress a stark contrast to the luxurious surroundings. She wore a simple polo shirt and jeans, her feet clad in comfortable sneakers. A canvas bag was slung over her shoulder, and a cap shaded her face. A camera hung around her neck, a testament to her passion for photography.As she strode through the villa, her eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the opulent decor. The sound of gentle splashing drew her attention to the pool at the front, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sun's rays.Seated on a small bench outside the villa was Gloria, her shades perched on her nose, her eyes fixed on Amelia. She wore a longer, flowing dress, its colors vibrant and bold, a statement piece in the serene surroundings.The villa's exterior was a testament to the Timberlakes' wealth, with lush greenery and meticulously manicured lawns. The sound of birdsong filled the air, and the scent of blooming flowers wafted through the b
As the evening unfolded, Ava and Luke approached their apartment in the penthouse, hand in hand, the anticipation building up inside them.Earlier, Luke had informed Ava about something he wanted to show her. A surprise. Luke's hand covered Ava's eyes, leading her into the apartment with a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I have a surprise for you," he whispered, his voice trembling with excitement, his eyes sparkling with mirth.“What is it?”Ava playfully pushed his hand away, laughing, her curiosity piqued. "Luke, you're killing me! Remove your hands, I want to see!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of frustration, her eyes shining with excitement.As they entered the sitting room, Luke removed his hands, shouting "Surprise!" at the top of his lungs. The room erupted in a chorus of "Surprise!" and the lights brightened, revealing a sea of familiar faces, all gathered in one place, their eyes fixed on Ava.With a confetti popper, the whole room erupted with bal
The room was filled with a sense of peace and joy as if the very air was infused with happiness. The soft glow of the candles and the warm smile of the guests created a serene atmosphere, where love and contentment reigned supreme.Luke, ever the gracious host, was engaged in conversation with Mia, laughing and chatting with ease. Meanwhile, Ava stood alone, a soft smile on her face as she gazed at Luke with adoration. She felt like the luckiest person alive, grateful for the love and happiness that Luke had brought into her life.As she stood there, lost in thought, Ava couldn't help but feel her heart swell with emotion. She thought to herself, "I'm so grateful for this man, who brings me joy every day. I'm falling more and more in love with him, and I don't know how I'd ever live without him."Just as she was lost in her reverie, Ava's mother, Mrs. Greenfield, approached her, a gentle smile on her face. "Why are you standing alone, sweetie?" she asked, concern etched on her feature
As they stepped out of the elevator, Ava escorted her mother through the opulent penthouse foyer, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting ambiance around them. The marble floor gleamed underfoot, its subtle sheen reflecting the light of the chandeliers like a still pond. The sound of gentle music floated through the air, a soothing melody that seemed to match the rhythm of their footsteps."If you need anything, sweetie, don't hesitate to phone me," Mrs. Greenfield said, her voice filled with concern, her eyes scanning Ava's face as if searching for any sign of distress.Ava smiled reassuringly, her lips curving upwards in a gentle arc. "I'm alright, Mom. Really. Luke is taking good care of me. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m all grown up now."They made their way to the underground parking lot, the lighting transitioning to a sleek, modern glow that seemed to emphasize the luxurious surroundings. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent o
Jackson's hands reached out to steady Ava, his touch gentle, but Ava's reaction was instantaneous. She flung his hands away, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice cold as ice. "Don't touch me. I'm fine. You can leave now."Jackson's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, his face a mask of concern. "You should be careful, Ava. My aunt and Amelia are planning something. I think, but I know it can't be good."Ava's laugh was harsh, her eyes rolling in disdain. "Like you care," she spat, her voice dripping with venom.Jackson's mouth opened as if to say something more, but he seemed to think better of it. His eyes lingered on Ava's face, searching for something, before he turned and walked away, leaving Ava shaken and alone.Ava turned away, her shaking breaths the only sign of her turmoil. She walked into the penthouse, her composure brittle, her mind reeling with questions. How had this escaped her notice? She had no idea Amelia was out of prison already. A chill ran down her spine. For
Luke stood in the shadows, his face etched with concern as he overheard Ava's conversation with Stanley. His eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Amelia's release from prison. He knew how much Ava had suffered at her hands, and the thought of her returning to that dark place was unbearable. He remembered the nightmares, the anxiety, the fear that had gripped her for so long. He didn't want her to go back to that.As Ava and Stanley parted ways, Luke approached her, his expression softening. "Hey, what are you doing out here?" he asked, his voice gentle, trying to sound nonchalant despite the worry gnawing at his gut.Ava chuckled, a hint of nervousness in her laugh. "Just seeing Stanley off," she lied, trying to brush it off, but Luke knew her too well.Luke's eyes lingered on hers, his gaze piercing. "You should come back inside," he said, his voice laced with concern. "It's getting chilly out here, and you're pregnant. You need to take care of yourself.""Yeah, l
The next morning, at the gigantic Timberlake mansion, the family gathered for breakfast in the grand dining hall. Mr. Timberlake, his face paralyzed, sat in his wheelchair, reliant on Gloria to feed him. Amelia, seated across from them, ate her meal with a mixture of disdain and superiority.The door swung open, and Luke stood in the entrance, his presence commanding attention. His cold stare swept the room, his eyes lingering on each face before settling on the family. He wore a tailored suit, his blazer accentuating his broad shoulders, exuding an aura of power and control.The room fell silent, fear etched on every face. How did he get in undetected? Amelia's eyes widened, her mouth opening to form a silent "Luke Richardson." She stuttered, "W-what are you doing here?"A bodyguard rushed behind Luke breathing heavily in exhaustion. He had been chasing Luke and trying to stop him from entering. Gloria nodded at the guard to let Luke be. Luke now walks majestically to the front of