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Chapter 2

Penulis: Alice Mitchell
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-06-13 21:24:05

Ava's POV

As Adrian's lips met mine in that desperate kiss, the weight of our connection washed over me, momentarily pushing aside the looming challenges we were about to face. But as the kiss ended and reality settled in, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. I knew there were secrets yet to be uncovered, and their revelation could shatter the fragile bond we had formed.

Days passed, and a gnawing curiosity tugged at my thoughts. I couldn't shake the suspicion that there was more to Adrian's generosity than met the eye. The truth was revealed one fateful evening when I stumbled upon a stack of medical bills neatly filed away in his study. My heart sank as I realized they were my father's bills, and they had been discreetly paid by Adrian.

The shock left me reeling, questioning his motives and the authenticity of his feelings for me. Was our connection merely a result of guilt or obligation? I needed answers, and I needed them urgently.

Confronting Adrian, I found him in his study, engrossed in his work. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to voice my concerns.

"Adrian, I found my father's medical bills," I began, my voice laced with a mix of uncertainty and accusation. "Why did you pay them without telling me?"

He looked up from his desk, his eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of remorse.

"Ava, I didn't want you to worry. I wanted to ensure your father received the best care," he replied, his voice tinged with sincerity.

Anger welled up within me, mixed with a tinge of gratitude. "I appreciate the gesture, but why keep it a secret? It makes me question your intentions, Adrian. Was this all part of the contract?"

He rose from his seat, his expression pained. "No, Ava, it wasn't part of the contract. I wanted to help you, to ease your burden. I never meant for it to complicate our relationship."

My heart softened, conflicting emotions battling within me. I couldn't deny the impact his gesture had on my father's well-being, but the secrecy had fueled my doubts. I needed time to process, to determine whether our connection was genuine or simply a facade.

Before we could delve further into our discussion, a sudden knock on the study door interrupted us. Adrian's secretary, Cassandra, entered, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Adrian, darling, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," she purred, her gaze flickering between the two of us.

Adrian's eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. "Cassandra, what do you want?"

Her smile widened, revealing a glint of malice. "Oh, just thought you should know, darling, that I stumbled upon some interesting photos. Photos that might put your little contract marriage in jeopardy."

My heart skipped a beat, and panic seized me as I realized what she was insinuating. The evidence of our one-night stand, in the wrong hands, could destroy everything we had built.

"Give me those photos, Cassandra," Adrian demanded, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

She laughed, a cold, calculating sound. "Oh, Adrian, it's not that simple. I have something to offer you in exchange for their safekeeping. Something that you won't be able to resist."

Fear and anger surged through me, fueling my determination to protect what little happiness I had found with Adrian. Stepping forward, I met Cassandra's gaze, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands.

"What do you want, Cassandra? What will it take for you to keep those photos to yourself?"

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction, reveling in the power she held over us. "I want Adrian back, Ava. I want him to break this contract and choose me instead."

The audacity of her demand struck me, and anger flared within me. "You're delusional if you think Adrian would ever go back to you, Cassandra. He chose me, and he'll continue to choose me."

Cassandra's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "We'll see, Ava. I have my ways of getting what I want. Consider yourself warned."

With a final glance of triumph, Cassandra left the room, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty and fear. Adrian's face hardened, his jaw set with determination.

"We can't let her control us, Ava," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "We need to find a way to neutralize her threats before they destroy everything we've worked for."

I nodded, a sense of determination replacing the fear that had gripped me just moments before. "We'll fight back, Adrian. Together. No matter what it takes, we won't let her tear us apart."

With our resolve strengthened, we embarked on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Betrayals, secrets, and hidden agendas threatened our every step, but our love grew stronger amidst the chaos. As we worked to untangle the web of deceit surrounding us, we discovered that our connection ran deeper than either of us could have imagined.

Little did we know that the path to happiness would be paved with challenges and sacrifices. As the storm raged around us, we clung to each other, holding onto the hope that love would prevail against all odds. Our story was far from over, and we were determined to rewrite the ending, forging a new beginning that defied the constraints of contracts and shattered the chains of our pasts.

****************

The days that followed Cassandra's blackmail attempt were filled with tension and uncertainty. Adrian and I were determined to protect our fragile connection from being torn apart by her manipulations, but the discovery of an unexpected pregnancy added a new layer of complexity to our already tumultuous situation.

I found myself standing in the bathroom, staring at the positive pregnancy test in my trembling hands. Waves of emotions crashed over me - fear, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. How would this revelation affect our already delicate relationship? Would Adrian see it as a burden or a reason to distance himself further?

Taking a deep breath, I made my way back to the study, where Adrian was poring over a stack of papers. His brows furrowed as he looked up, sensing the weight of my presence.

"Ava, is everything alright?" he asked, concern etched in his eyes.

I took a moment to steady myself, my voice trembling slightly as I responded, "Adrian, we need to talk. It's important."

He set the papers aside, giving me his undivided attention. "Of course, Ava. What is it?"

Gathering my courage, I held up the pregnancy test. "I'm pregnant, Adrian. It's yours."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Adrian absorbed the magnitude of my revelation. His eyes widened, a mix of shock and something else flickering within them.

"Pregnant?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. "I didn't plan for this, Adrian. But it's happening, and we need to face it together."

His expression softened, and he crossed the room in long strides, enveloping me in his arms. "Ava, I... I don't know what to say. This changes everything."

I clung to him, my tears soaking his shirt as I whispered, "I understand if this is too much for you, if it's not what you signed up for. But this child is a part of both of us, and I won't go through this alone."

He pulled back slightly, cupping my face in his hands. "Ava, you're never alone. I may not have expected this, but I won't turn my back on you or our child. We'll figure it out together."

Relief washed over me, mingling with the love and gratitude I felt for this man who had come into my life unexpectedly but had proven time and again that he was willing to fight for us. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with his support, I believed we could overcome any obstacle.

As the news of our impending parenthood spread, it ignited a firestorm of speculation and gossip. Our families had their reservations, concerned about the unconventional circumstances that had led us to this point. But despite their doubts, Adrian and I were determined to prove that love could conquer all, even in the face of adversity.

With each passing day, my belly grew round with the life growing inside me, a constant reminder of the love Adrian and I shared. We navigated the ups and downs of pregnancy, attending doctor's appointments together, sharing in the joy of feeling our baby's first kicks, and making plans for our future as parents.

But as our due date approached, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows. Cassandra, ever persistent in her quest to regain Adrian's affections, grew more desperate and vengeful. She knew the upcoming arrival of our child could solidify the bond between Adrian and me, a bond she was determined to break.

One stormy night, as Adrian and I huddled together, seeking solace in each other's arms, a message appeared on his phone. It was a photo, an ultrasound image of our unborn baby. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the familiar backdrop of our doctor's office.

"What is it, Ava?" Adrian asked, sensing my unease.

I showed him the photo, the fear in my eyes mirrored his own. "She's found out, Adrian. Cassandra knows about the baby."

His jaw clenched, his protective instincts kicking into high gear. "We can't let her use this against us, Ava. We'll take every precaution to ensure the safety of our child."

But as we braced ourselves for Cassandra's next move, we knew that our journey had taken an even more treacherous turn. The stakes had risen, and the battle for our love and the future of our family had reached a critical point. We were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that the arrival of our child would forever change the course of our lives.

Bab terkait

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 3

    Ava's POVAs the days turned into weeks, Cassandra's presence continued to loom over us like a dark cloud. Adrian's trust issues resurfaced with a vengeance, his fear of being deceived once again threatening to consume our fragile bond. Despite our best efforts to keep Cassandra at bay, her calculated moves only intensified, reminding us that the past could never truly be escaped.One evening, as we sat in the sanctuary of our home, a sense of unease settled over us. Adrian had received a message on his phone, and his face contorted with a mix of anger and disbelief. He read the message aloud, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and hurt."Meet me at the park tomorrow, Adrian. I have something that will change everything."My heart sank, knowing all too well who the sender was. Cassandra had discovered a secret, something that could potentially destroy everything we had fought so hard to build. Adrian's eyes bore into mine, searching for answers, seeking reassurance that our fou

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-13
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 4

    Ava's POVThe room was suffused with an air of melancholy, the heavy silence broken only by the sound of my father's labored breathing. I sat by his bedside, my heart heavy with the knowledge that his time with me was slipping away. His once vibrant eyes, now dimmed with the weight of illness, sought mine, and I grasped his frail hand, clinging to the remnants of our shared bond."Dad," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'll do without you. You've always been my rock, my guiding light."His lips curved into a weak smile, a flicker of his former strength shining through. "Ava, my sweet girl, you have always been the strength within yourself. You will find your way, even when I am gone."Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "But I'll miss you, Dad. I'll miss your wisdom, your love."His grip tightened around my hand, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "There's something I

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 5

    Ava's POVThe scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Isabella and I sat in her cozy living room, surrounded by stacks of documents and photographs. Determination burned in my eyes as I sifted through the evidence we had painstakingly gathered over the past few weeks. Every piece of information revealed the depth of Cassandra's manipulation, the intricate web of lies she had woven to achieve her selfish goals."This is unbelievable," I muttered, my voice laced with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Cassandra went to great lengths to deceive us all."Isabella nodded, her expression mirroring my frustration. "She's been playing a dangerous game, Ava. But now that we have this evidence, we can expose her for who she truly is."Together, we meticulously organized the evidence, piecing together the puzzle that Cassandra had so carefully constructed. It was a challenging task, as her deceptions were cunningly disguised, requiring us to dig deeper and connect the dots with precision.A

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 6

    Ava's POVThe sun cast a warm glow over the city as Adrian and I strolled hand in hand along the bustling streets. It had been months since our lives had been turned upside down by the revelations of our intertwined pasts. We had found solace and strength in each other's arms, building a life filled with love and purpose.But as we revealed in the joy of our newfound happiness, an unexpected presence loomed on the horizon, threatening to shatter the tranquility we had fought so hard to achieve. Adrian's estranged half-sister, Olivia, had resurfaced, driven by a deep-seated bitterness and a thirst for revenge.It was on a crisp autumn day that we received an anonymous letter, warning us of Olivia's return and her nefarious intentions. Fear gripped my heart as I read the words, knowing that our lives were about to be disrupted once again.Adrian's brow furrowed in concern as he read the letter over my shoulder. "Olivia," he muttered, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and resignati

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 7

    Ava's POVAs the years went by, our love continued to flourish, and life seemed to settle into a beautiful rhythm. Our children grew, bringing laughter and joy to our home. We revealed the simple pleasures of family dinners, movie nights, and the warmth of each other's presence.However, fate had another twist in store for us, one that would test the strength of our bond once again. It started with a phone call, a voice from the past that sent shivers down my spine. It was a call from a private investigator, claiming to have information about my long-lost mother.My heart raced as I listened to the details. The investigator had tracked down a woman matching my mother's description, living in a distant town. It was a bittersweet mix of hope and apprehension that surged through me.I confided in Adrian, sharing the news that shook the foundation of my identity. His eyes were filled with concern, but his unwavering support enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Together, we decided to e

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 8

    Ava's POVThe sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the tranquil city skyline. I stood on the balcony of our penthouse, taking in the breathtaking view, lost in my own thoughts. Adrian's voice broke the silence, his tone tinged with concern."Ava, who is Lucas?" he asked, his piercing gaze fixed on me.I turned to face him, caught off guard by the sudden question. Lucas. The name brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. He was my closest friend, my confidant, the one who had been there for me when no one else was. We had shared laughter, tears, and dreams of a better future."He's an old friend," I replied hesitantly, trying to gauge Adrian's reaction.Adrian's brows furrowed as he took a step closer, his eyes searching mine for answers. "Why haven't you mentioned him before? And why is he suddenly reappearing in your life now?"I took a deep breath, my mind racing to find the right words. "Lucas and I lost touch after I left our hometown. We drifted a

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 9

    Ava's POVAs the years passed by, our lives settled into a comfortable rhythm. Our family grew and flourished, and we revealed the joy of parenthood and the love that surrounded us. It seemed as though the stormy days were finally behind us, and we could bask in the tranquility of our shared happiness.But fate had a way of reminding us that life is never without its surprises. Just when we thought we had reached the pinnacle of our contentment, a letter arrived at our doorstep—a letter that would unravel the peace we had fought so hard to attain.I opened the envelope, my heart pounding in my chest. The words on the page sent a chill down my spine. It was a message from someone we never expected to hear from again—Cassandra, the woman who had once sought to destroy our love.She wrote of regret and redemption, claiming to have changed her ways and seeking forgiveness for the pain she had caused. Skepticism warred with compassion within me as I considered her words. Could she truly ha

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19
  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 10

    Ava's POVI felt a knot of unease settle in the pit of my stomach as I stood in the lavish penthouse office overlooking the city skyline. The familiar scent of expensive leather and the sound of bustling city life below did little to ease my growing apprehension. Adrian, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, his face etched with concern."Adrian, what's going on? You've been distant lately," I said, my voice tinged with worry. "Is something bothering you?"He looked up at me, his gaze filled with a mixture of frustration and hesitation. "Ava, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Marcus."My heart skipped a beat. Marcus, Adrian's closest business associate and confidant, had always been a figure of mystery to me. Tall, with a commanding presence and a shrewd mind, he had been a pillar of support for Adrian throughout our tumultuous journey. But now, his name carried a weight of uncertainty."What about Marcus?" I asked, my voice bare

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-19

Bab terbaru

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 36

    Ava's POVThe early morning sun bathed the city in golden hues as I stood at the entrance of my newly opened boutique. The air was alive with anticipation, a mix of excitement and nervous energy. I adjusted the collar of my crisp white blouse and took a deep breath, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life.As the doors swung open, the first customers trickled in, their curious gazes scanning the carefully curated displays of clothing and accessories. I greeted them with a warm smile, eager to share my passion for fashion and style. The boutique was an extension of myself, a culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and hard work.The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. My boutique flourished, attracting a loyal clientele of fashion enthusiasts who appreciated the unique pieces I offered. Word spread, and soon my boutique became a go-to destination for those seeking quality and sophistication.As my business thrived, I couldn't help but notice the impact it had

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 35

    Ava's POVI walked into the bustling office of the charity organization, my heart filled with anticipation and excitement. This was my chance to make a difference, to contribute to something greater than myself. As I greeted my fellow volunteers and staff members, I could feel the collective energy in the air, a shared sense of purpose and determination.The charity's mission was to provide support and resources to underprivileged communities in New York City. We were committed to improving the lives of those in need, whether through education, healthcare, or basic necessities. It was a cause that resonated deeply with me, and I was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.As the days turned into weeks, I immersed myself in my work, assisting with fundraising events, coordinating outreach programs, and building relationships with community leaders. It was during one of these events, a glamorous gala held in a prestigious ballroom, that the first glimmer of suspicion caught my

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 34

    Ava's POVI stood at the entrance of the lavish ballroom, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The room was filled with the elite of New York's high society, a gathering of powerful individuals who seemed to hold the world in the palm of their hands. They were Adrian's closest friends, the ones who had stood by him through thick and thin, and now, I found myself thrust into their glamorous world.As I made my way through the crowd, I caught glimpses of familiar faces, each exuding an air of sophistication and power. They were the titans of industry, the visionaries, and the influencers, all connected by their immense wealth and shared experiences. It was an exclusive circle, one that I had only heard about in whispers and seen in glossy magazine spreads.Adrian took my hand, his touch offering both comfort and reassurance. "Are you ready for this, Ava?" he asked, his voice a low murmur in my ear.I nodded, my eyes scanning the room as I took in the opulence that

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 33

    Ava's POVThe morning sun cast a warm glow across the bustling city streets as I made my way to the office. Over the past few years, I had built my business from the ground up, transforming it into a successful empire. I was proud of the hard work and sacrifices that had brought me here.As I entered the sleek, modern building that housed my company, the energy was palpable. The sound of ringing phones and the hum of conversation filled the air. My team members bustled about, focused and driven, their dedication evident in their every move.Taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere, I made my way to my office, the corner suite with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. It was a testament to the success I had achieved and the dreams I had pursued relentlessly.I settled into my plush leather chair, surrounded by the reminders of my accomplishments—a shelf filled with awards, a wall adorned with newspaper clippings featuring my name, and a collectio

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 32

    Ava's POVThe day started like any other. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the city as I met Isabella at our favorite café. We sipped our coffees and laughed, cherishing the simple joy of each other's company. Little did we know that our lives were about to be upended in the most unimaginable way.As we walked back to our apartment building, Isabella seemed preoccupied, her usually vibrant smile replaced with a furrowed brow. I asked her what was wrong, but she brushed it off, claiming it was nothing. I should have pressed further, insisted on knowing, but I didn't want to pry. Little did I know that at that moment, the course of our lives had already been set in motion.Later that evening, as I sat alone in my living room, my phone buzzed with a text message. It was Isabella's number, but the message itself sent shivers down my spine. It was a single sentence: "Help me, Ava. They're watching." I read and reread the message, my heart pounding in my chest. Something was

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 31

    Ava's POVThe sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the city as I made my way to Adrian's law office. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the air filled with a slight chill that matched the unease in my heart. Something was amiss, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our world was about to be turned upside down.As I entered the sleek and modern office, I was greeted by the familiar scent of leather and the sound of bustling activity. The receptionist smiled politely and gestured towards Adrian's office, her eyes betraying a hint of concern. I offered her a reassuring smile in return before making my way towards the door.The door creaked open, and there sat Adrian, his usually composed demeanor replaced by a furrowed brow and a troubled expression. His trusted lawyer, William, sat across from him, their conversation seemingly intense. I could sense the tension in the room, a palpable energy that set my nerves on edge."Hey, what's going on?" I asked, my voice laced with

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 30

    Ava's POVI could feel the warm sun on my skin as I strolled through the bustling streets of the city, lost in my own thoughts. It had been years since I had seen or heard from my childhood friend, Rachel. We had been inseparable, our bond forged through countless adventures and shared secrets. But then, tragedy struck. Rachel disappeared without a trace, and I was left to mourn the loss of not only my friend but a piece of my own past.But today, as I turned the corner, I saw her. Rachel. Standing there, as if she had never left. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of joy and disbelief flooding my senses. I approached her cautiously, unsure of what to expect."Rachel? Is it really you?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of hope and confusion.She turned to face me, her eyes meeting mine with a flicker of recognition. "Ava... I can't believe it's you. After all these years."Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed forward, enveloping her in a tight embrace. "I thought you were gone,

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 29

    Ava's POVThe moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over Adrian's sprawling mansion. The scent of blooming jasmine wafted through the air, lending a touch of serenity to the otherwise silent estate. Little did we know that beneath this calm facade, danger lurked.Adrian and I were enjoying a quiet evening in the grand living room, savoring the warmth of the crackling fireplace and the soothing melody of a classical piano piece playing softly in the background. Our conversation meandered from trivial matters to dreams of the future, enveloped in a bubble of blissful contentment.Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere shattered as a loud crash echoed from the other end of the mansion. We exchanged a startled glance, our hearts pounding in unison. Instinctively, Adrian reached for my hand, his touch grounding me in the face of uncertainty.Without wasting another moment, we moved swiftly, our steps silent as we navigated the ornate hallways of the mansion. As we approached

  • FRAGILE PROMISES   Chapter 28

    Ava's POVThe sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the city as I strolled down the bustling streets of New York. The gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter and conversation, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It was a picture-perfect evening, yet an uneasy weight settled in my chest, knowing that the tranquility was merely a prelude to the storm that awaited.As I approached the entrance of the elegant café where Adrian and I had arranged to meet, my mind was consumed with conflicting emotions. We had built a relationship upon trust, love, and shared values, but now we stood at a crossroads, each facing individual opportunities that could alter the course of our lives forever.I pushed open the glass door, the tinkling of a bell announcing my arrival. The cozy interior was alive with the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly baked pastries. I scanned the room, my heart skipping a beat when I spotted Adrian sitting at a

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