[AVA]I gaze at the ring in my hand, overwhelmed with a feeling of absolute euphoria.It’s been three months since Brian popped the question in his fancy penthouse, and every second since that day has been nothing short of sheer bliss.If you had told me a few years ago that Brian Reinhold would fal
“You know,” Brian whispers softly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, “we’re becoming experts at this sneaky morning rendezvous.”I chuckle, feeling a surge of affection for him. “I guess we are. It’s like our secret little world before the chaos of the day begins.”His grip tightens around me,
[BRIAN]After dropping off Ava at her workplace, I headed straight to Kian’s school.It had been two days since I last saw him, and before leaving for Thailand later in the evening, I wanted to spend some quality time with him. I had already spoken to the principal, who agreed to give me a few hours
I let out a sigh, stretching my neck from side to side. “I tried calling him, but he’s always caught up in something. I sent him a text, though. Let’s hope he actually checks it. You never know with Mason.”“So, what’s been going on in your world lately?” I asked, hoping to divert the conversation a
[AVA]“There are hundreds of ways to put your money to good use, Ms Ling. How about swinging by my office this weekend? We can chat about the investment plans that suit you best. I’m sure we’ll find the perfect fit!” I say this over the phone and glance at the wall clock, letting out a silent groan.
Living a modest life was a constant struggle, especially when it was a stark contrast to what we were used to. I understand that it might make me sound conceited and insensitive towards those who have spent their lives in poverty and faced constant hardships. But falling from such heights was a heav
[MAX]I don’t usually go asking for trouble these days. If past experiences have taught me anything at all, it is to mind my own fucking business and try to be content with what I have.Perhaps that’s the reason when a fight breaks out in the cafe where I work these days, I don’t bat an eye and leav
She snaps her head up, blinking, before a deep frown creases her face. “Rude much?” Her voice carries a husky undertone, as if she’s accustomed to speaking in hushed manners.“We’re about to close.” I say, hoping she would take the hint.From the way she nods and scrutinizes the menu, it’s clear she
“Someone has been threatening Ava?” He stands up so fast it almost makes me dizzy. “Who the fuck would do that? And why? What did she do?”“Your guess is as good as mine,” I say, shaking my head and running a hand through my hair, already tired of this whole messed-up situation. “I don’t know why sh
[BRIAN]Brooke leads me to her apartment next door—apparently, that’s her name, as she told me before she allowed me to follow her.She opens the door and steps inside. But just as I take a step in, a big, fluffy thing barks and growls at me from inside.Alright. One thing about me: I’m not very con
[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