I shook my head, trying to refocus on the task at hand. I scrolled up through my notifications, searching for the incoming message. As I did, my phone chimed again, causing the screen to jump back up to the top. If I had been feeling hot earlier, thinking of all the ways Brian had taken me the day
He turned to face me, his eyes blazing with anger. “You were right,” he said, his words sharpened with hate. “I don’t want to be with someone who lies to me. I trusted you, and you betrayed that trust.” I could feel the tears rolling down my cheeks now, but I couldn’t look away from him. “I’m sorry
[BRIAN] As I pushed open the door to my penthouse, my mind was in a tumultuous state. The images of Ava’s confession played on a loop in my head, and I couldn’t seem to shake them off. The woman I had started to care for, the one I had let my guard down for, was a liar. My chest tightened with ange
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said, not quite sure what else to say. Georgina let out a sigh and sat across from me. She leaned forward, rubbing her temples, and spoke, “No, no, it’s fine. It’s probably for the best.” I had no idea what to say next. What did she mean when she said it was for the bes
[AVA] Sitting in the dimly lit corner of the quaint cafe, I couldn’t help but stare blankly at the steaming cup of coffee in front of me, lost in my own thoughts. Despite Sean’s long chatter about his new project at work and his failed attempt to come out to his parents, my mind kept wandering back
He chuckled lightly before his expression turned serious once more. “What I’m trying to say is, if you genuinely have feelings for him and are willing to do whatever it takes, then maybe it’s time to give him a little demonstration. Show him why he should be proud of everything you are and what he w
[BRIAN] I stood outside of Val’s bedroom, hesitant to enter. It had been months since I had last stepped foot in this room, but today something drew me here, something I couldn’t quite explain. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, revealing a flood of memories that hit me like a ton of br
I opened Val’s journal once again and stumbled upon another entry, this time written on the day before Christmas. I couldn’t help but smile. Val had written about Kian being a complete pain in the ass, running around the house and asking her about his present. She had mentioned how difficult it was
[BRIAN]When I pull up at Ava’s old address, I have only one goal in mind.To find Max and get the hell out.Why? Because this place always gave me the creeps. Not only is it the most notorious part of the city, but it’s also slightly dangerous.When Dean and his family went bankrupt years ago, I di
He walks back to the couch, and for the first time, I notice a camera that’s already been set up.My stomach tightens.He grabs the camera stand with one hand and drags it closer to where I am. Adjusting the angle, he makes sure it focuses directly on me. Then he straightens, his gaze locking onto m
[AVA]I might have lost consciousness because the next time I open my eyes, the bright lights make me wince and squeeze them shut again.“Ah…” I whimper, only then realizing my ankle is badly bruised.“You’re awake.”A deep male voice rings in my ears, and I look up—only to find the same staff guy w
[AVA]Once Brian leaves, I sink back onto the couch, my fingers dialing Max’s number again.Maybe if he picks up, I can convince him to drop by on his own, and Brian wouldn’t have to go.But every call goes unanswered. And the more I try to convince myself it’s no big deal—that Max is just being him
I run my fingers through his wet hair. “Because I can’t stop thinking about what happens next. About who’s behind this. About how this doesn’t just affect me but everyone around me.”“You don’t have to figure everything out right this second, Ava.”“I know,” I whisper, but knowing and believing are
[AVA]I finally feel a little better—enough to let Brian freshen up after his long flight.He kisses me on the forehead and promises to join me soon.Maybe he knows that if I’m left alone, my mind will start spiraling again, drowning me in guilt. And once that happens, I won’t be able to focus on an
I unlock the door and pull the door open, only to find his familiar handsome face looking back at me.He’s dressed in a white shirt and blue denim jeans, and I don’t think he could look any better.I know, I know. I probably sound like some horny bitch, but I don’t care. It’s Brian. And being horny
[AVA]After dropping me off at Brian’s penthouse, Aaron insists on staying until Brian returns.But I can clearly see the disinterest on his face—he can’t stand another bored minute with me. So, I do what I know is right.I ask him to leave.Maybe out of formality, he insists once more that he doesn
[AVA]“I’m sure she didn’t mean it, Ava,” Miranda tries to say, but she might as well accept that her daughter will never see me as someone to be trusted.Whatever I’ve done to piss this woman off, one thing is certain—I don’t care anymore. I neither have the time to bother myself with her nonsense