Chapter 16: The Wrong Move. (Ava's POV)A smile flashed across my face, seeing the final results of what I had cooked. For a minute, I felt like a chef who deserved an award; a golden one. I chuckled. It was pure beauty! Straight out of heaven. The grilled cheeseburger was sitting elegantly on the glass place, accompanied by some french fries. I had also roasted a full chicken, and surprisingly, it came out so good, despite how long it had been since I last cooked for myself. But today? I didn't have myself in mind when I went into the kitchen and spent over two hours, cooking. I was thinking about him— Damon.A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I ran my eyes over the food before me. It was quite a simple meal, but the aroma was heavenly. I made a quick mental note to myself to start up a YouTube channel where I would share my rare cooking knowledge with the world. I was still smiling sheepishly as my thoughts settled on Damon. It was so hard to believe that I ha
Chapter 17: No Escape(Damon's POV)My eyes followed Ava's perfect body as she walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. She had absolutely no idea that I was the brain behind her job offer, and that was exactly what I wanted.She had no idea how much control I had over her life now. The moment she agreed to take the job, she unknowingly stepped into my world, where I dictated the rules. It was amusing, really. For so long, she had pushed me away, rejecting every attempt I made to get closer. But now, she would have no choice but to see me every day. To talk to me. To feel my presence.I picked up my fork and dug into my food. Although it has a good aroma, I was sure that my taste buds were bad because I could barely taste the food. I was so distracted by my thoughts about Ava that I was certain the food tasted bland. Everything did. The only thing that could truly satisfy me was Ava. I wanted her in ways I couldn't even put into words. My need for her was growing and consu
Chapter 18: A Web Of Lies(Ava's POV)"I got the job!" I exclaimed to myself as I made my way out of the building. I was yet to get an official notice of the results of my interview, but I could swear that I had just secured the position. My feet barely touched the ground as I made my way home, lost in the excitement bubbling inside me. I wanted to scream, to spin in the streets, to tell the world that today had been mine. I nailed the interview. Every answer, every moment, had fallen into place. It seemed like fate had finally decided to be kind. I could already imagine my name on an office door, the feeling of accomplishment settling into my bones. When I reached the house, my hand trembled slightly as I pushed the door open. And then—My heart nearly leapt out of my chest.Adrianna stood in the middle of the living room. For a second, my mind refused to process it. The dim light from the chandelier cast long shadows across her face, making her expression hard to read.I couldn'
Chapter 19: CrossRoads (Ava's POV)I was fucked up in my head, weighed down by endless thoughts as I made my way out of the house. The confusion drained me, and my head began to ache. I couldn't confront Damon because of what was at risk.I knew I would kill myself if what I imagined was real and Adrianna had truly found out.I finally found a bench to sit on under the evening sky. The breeze was gentle, but my head was spinning. I looked up, completely unaware of what to do.Thinking about it, I knew I desperately needed the job. I was completely broke, and I just couldn't keep living under my sister’s roof. The salary would be more than enough to give me some financial freedom and independence. But at the same time, the thought of Damon having control over my future made my stomach knot.I felt like my brain was getting tangled. I wondered if it would be wise to take a job from someone who had only tried to manipulate me.What if things got worse and Damon got out of hand?What if
Chapter 20: The Unseen Truth (Ava's POV)“You sincerely do not have to say anything, Adrianna,” I said, trying hard to keep the smile on my face.“Ava, listen... I just—” Adrianna stammered.“I mean it, Adrianna. You don't have to say anything... I totally understand,” I added, still standing at the door.“Can... can I at least come in?” Adrianna asked, and I nodded, smiling awkwardly as I stepped aside for her to walk in.Adrianna entered, attempting to fix her hair. “Here,” she said, finally drawing her hands from behind her. I couldn't tell what it was; the wrapping concealed it.“What's this?” I asked, noting her persistent smile.“I bought it for you on my way back. I know it's small, but at least have it,” Adrianna said, placing it in my hands before I could refuse.“Small? Even if you never did anything else for me, I would have no reason to complain. I live under your roof and eat from your kitchen. What more could I possibly ask for?” I asked, glancing into her eyes as she g
Chapter 21 : When things make no sense(Damon's POV) I sat on the bed, my back resting against the wall, thinking about how close to miserable I had become. Every single thing about me was a lie, and even in my own house, I felt pressured. I felt choked. Somehow, I felt like I was being tied down and forced to do everything I didn’t want to. As much as I tried to get rid of the way I felt, nothing seemed capable of putting me at ease. Not even liquor. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt at peace, nor could I recall the last time I slept soundly without thinking about what I had become. The life I was living wasn’t what I had bargained for or hoped for. “When did you turn into this, Damon?” I asked myself, comparing the life I had lived before to the life I was living now. My heart soured as I remembered how I had to fake being attracted to Adrianna earlier. It had felt so hard to kiss her. The guilt sank me deeper into the bed as I recalled forcing myself to make
Chapter 22: Midnight Sins(Ava's POV)I rubbed my eyes, breathing heavily and sighing each time my fingers landed on my laptop keyboard. My eyelids were so heavy it felt like my head might fall off my neck. My determination to finish the design was the only thing keeping my eyes open.If not, I was sure I would have been long gone into dreamland. I sincerely thought being an intern for a brand and working online would be as light as a feather… little did I know I’d have to stay up late, trying to fix a design."You have to finish this, Ava. You can definitely do it," I whispered to myself, being my own support system.I closed my eyes for a moment, but when I opened them, trying to get back to work, my phone vibrated. I finally decided to check who it was… only to find a message from Damon. It was simple."Hey, Ava. I wonder if you’re okay. We haven’t really had time to talk lately, and I’ve been worried about how you’re doing. If you wouldn’t mind, please meet me in the kitchen at 1:
Chapter 23: Temptation(Damon's POV)It took me a few minutes before the reality of what was happening hit me with full force.This wasn't a dream!I wasn't imagining this. I was actually sharing a kiss with Ava, who clearly wanted this as much as I did. Her tongue danced with ease past my lips, swirling around in my mouth like it was the most natural thing to do.My breath caught, and I suddenly knew that something was not right. Why was Ava kissing me back? Why didn't she try to push me away or ask me to leave? Or call me a pervert, as usual? Did she want me too?Without thinking, I pulled away from her lips as my confusion mounted. I needed to be sure that I wasn't kissing someone else while thinking it was Ava.My eyes ran over her face."I can't believe this," I muttered, taking a deep, steadying breath. I reached out to cup her oval face in my large palms.She was breathing heavily, and her eyelashes batted at me.A faint red blush crept up her cheeks as her lips curved into a s
Chapter 28: The Morning After Regret(Ava's POV)My head throbbed. I felt embarrassed, humiliated and reduced to nothing."Congratulations, Ava. You’ve successfully made a fool out of yourself. Anytime Walter sees you, he’ll always remember you as the drunk woman who stripped herself naked and desperately begged him for sex." A small voice mocked in my head. The thought made my stomach churn. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying that when I opened them, I’d wake up in my bed and realize it had all been a bad dream. But when I peeked, reality hit me like a freight train. I was still here. And worse, Walter was staring at me.My lips curled in a mix of disgust and frustration. I bet he could draw my naked body with his eyes closed at this point.Oh, fuck!What if he told Damon? Damon would mock me for life, saying I refused to sleep with him but had no problem throwing myself at his best friend.A groan bubbled in my throat, but I swallowed it down. I shouldn't have come to that damn party
Chapter 27: No fuckin' way!!(Ava's POV)I woke up to a splitting headache.Damn.I groaned, pressing my fingers against my temples, trying to ease the pounding pain. My head felt like it had been run over by a truck. I slowly forced my heavy eyelids open, squinting against the dim morning light filtering through an unfamiliar set of curtains.Wait.I blinked.Where the hell am I?My breath hitched as I took in the unfamiliar ceiling above me. The intricate design was nothing like the one in my room at Bianca’s place or Adrianna’s house. Panic shot through me, sending a shiver down my spine. My pulse quickened.How the fuck did I end up here?I pushed myself up on the bed, my body aching from what I assumed was a long night. My heart pounded wildly against my ribs as I slowly lifted the blanket covering me—only to find my bare skin underneath.My breath caught in my throat.I was naked. Completely naked.A choked gasp escaped my lips as I clutched the sheets against my body. My mind r
Chapter 26: How did I end up here?(Ava's POV)How do you know you've hit rock bottom? Is it when you're drowning yourself in alcohol to numb the pain? When you're making reckless choices just to prove a point to someone who probably doesn't even care? Or is it when you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself anymore?I wasn't sure.But as I stood there, surrounded by a world I didn't belong to, I knew I was close. I was still at the party. Somehow, the party had lost its slow, elegant charm and was growing wild by the minute. Now, it felt like I had stepped onto the set of an R-rated film.The warm white lights had been replaced with flashing red and blue, casting an eerie glow over the large living room. Women pressed their bodies against men who didn’t even try to hide their erections.In the corners, people kissed feverishly, hands wandering without restraint. Some even placed women on tables, allowing their fingers to trace over exposed skin as if they were in a private r
Chapter 25: What next? (Ava’s POV)I sat across the table, my arms folded as Bianca stared me down from the other side. She had her legs crossed, hands resting on her lap, her sharp gaze slicing through me like a mother who just found her daughter sneaking out of a man's house.I shifted uncomfortably, sighing before finally breaking the silence. "Can you stop looking at me like that?"Her stare didn’t waver. If anything, it intensified."Why wouldn't I, Ava?" she shot back. "You just got up and left your sister's house without a word and came straight here! What the hell is going on?"She wasn't wrong. I had left Damon and Adrianna’s house abruptly. I hadn’t given them a heads-up, no message, no call—nothing. Just packed a bag and walked out.I knew how crazy it looked. But staying there was unbearable. Every second, my mind replayed the kiss—the way Damon’s lips molded against mine, the heat that ignited between us, the way I had almost lost myself completely.I needed to get out b
Chapter 24: Unspoken Desires(Damon's POV)I was still enjoying the warmth of my bed and the comfort of sleep until I felt someone shaking the hell out of me. My eyes were heavy... I was sincerely hoping to sleep a little longer. I tried opening them, only to meet Adrianna's troubled face. Her breath was heavy, and her eyes held a depth of emotions while I tried to get a hold of the situation."Ava... Damon! Ava... Ava is missing," Adrianna screamed.My once-heavy eyes flung open, and I immediately sat up.How could Ava be missing?This time, I did the shaking. I held her shoulders and looked into her eyes."What do you mean Ava is missing?" I asked, letting go of her as I rushed out of bed."Explain to me, Adrianna. What happened?" I asked, my voice raised.My heart was beating faster than a crazy drum. It felt like my whole world was about to come crashing down."I was... I planned to take her shopping very early this morning, so I got up, got dressed, and decided to go to her to te
Chapter 23: Temptation(Damon's POV)It took me a few minutes before the reality of what was happening hit me with full force.This wasn't a dream!I wasn't imagining this. I was actually sharing a kiss with Ava, who clearly wanted this as much as I did. Her tongue danced with ease past my lips, swirling around in my mouth like it was the most natural thing to do.My breath caught, and I suddenly knew that something was not right. Why was Ava kissing me back? Why didn't she try to push me away or ask me to leave? Or call me a pervert, as usual? Did she want me too?Without thinking, I pulled away from her lips as my confusion mounted. I needed to be sure that I wasn't kissing someone else while thinking it was Ava.My eyes ran over her face."I can't believe this," I muttered, taking a deep, steadying breath. I reached out to cup her oval face in my large palms.She was breathing heavily, and her eyelashes batted at me.A faint red blush crept up her cheeks as her lips curved into a s
Chapter 22: Midnight Sins(Ava's POV)I rubbed my eyes, breathing heavily and sighing each time my fingers landed on my laptop keyboard. My eyelids were so heavy it felt like my head might fall off my neck. My determination to finish the design was the only thing keeping my eyes open.If not, I was sure I would have been long gone into dreamland. I sincerely thought being an intern for a brand and working online would be as light as a feather… little did I know I’d have to stay up late, trying to fix a design."You have to finish this, Ava. You can definitely do it," I whispered to myself, being my own support system.I closed my eyes for a moment, but when I opened them, trying to get back to work, my phone vibrated. I finally decided to check who it was… only to find a message from Damon. It was simple."Hey, Ava. I wonder if you’re okay. We haven’t really had time to talk lately, and I’ve been worried about how you’re doing. If you wouldn’t mind, please meet me in the kitchen at 1:
Chapter 21 : When things make no sense(Damon's POV) I sat on the bed, my back resting against the wall, thinking about how close to miserable I had become. Every single thing about me was a lie, and even in my own house, I felt pressured. I felt choked. Somehow, I felt like I was being tied down and forced to do everything I didn’t want to. As much as I tried to get rid of the way I felt, nothing seemed capable of putting me at ease. Not even liquor. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt at peace, nor could I recall the last time I slept soundly without thinking about what I had become. The life I was living wasn’t what I had bargained for or hoped for. “When did you turn into this, Damon?” I asked myself, comparing the life I had lived before to the life I was living now. My heart soured as I remembered how I had to fake being attracted to Adrianna earlier. It had felt so hard to kiss her. The guilt sank me deeper into the bed as I recalled forcing myself to make
Chapter 20: The Unseen Truth (Ava's POV)“You sincerely do not have to say anything, Adrianna,” I said, trying hard to keep the smile on my face.“Ava, listen... I just—” Adrianna stammered.“I mean it, Adrianna. You don't have to say anything... I totally understand,” I added, still standing at the door.“Can... can I at least come in?” Adrianna asked, and I nodded, smiling awkwardly as I stepped aside for her to walk in.Adrianna entered, attempting to fix her hair. “Here,” she said, finally drawing her hands from behind her. I couldn't tell what it was; the wrapping concealed it.“What's this?” I asked, noting her persistent smile.“I bought it for you on my way back. I know it's small, but at least have it,” Adrianna said, placing it in my hands before I could refuse.“Small? Even if you never did anything else for me, I would have no reason to complain. I live under your roof and eat from your kitchen. What more could I possibly ask for?” I asked, glancing into her eyes as she g