Ava
A week passed since I was brought to his place. I counted all the days. Every single day I tried to find a way, but all the paths had been blocked. I wasn't allowed anywhere outside the mansion and all the guards left had their eyes on me.
It was suffocating. Same routine of eating, taking vitamins and sleeping all in isolation.
I couldn’t help but wonder if this was how the next nine months of my life would be.
No, I refused to stay here for that long. I wanted to live with my child, in a place full of life. My child deserved more than this.
I refused to give up hope. I was going to find my way out of here, but first, I had to confront Ethan.
The reminder of the man I once called my husband made anger surge inside me. He had ruined my life, was cheating on me and used me and my child for his gain. He was going to answer to everything m
And thereafter, I was going to take as many belongings as I could and run from this place. Even if it meant leaving the city, I would do it if it meant being away from this life.
I tensed as one of the maids stepped in but soon relaxed as I saw who it was. Emily, she was the one who constantly attended to me. For the past few weeks, I noticed her eyes sometimes on me full of compassion and sympathy.
I couldn't get out of here on my own, but maybe just maybe…
“Please, help me get out of here,” I spoke low enough to make sure the guards outside wouldn't hear.
She turned to me in surprise but I persisted.
“I was forced to be here. I didn't want any of this. Please help me go back to my home. I can't stand this anymore.”
She frowned, and I saw the uncertainty on her face.
“I'm sorry, I can’t help you. Mr. Beckham instructed us to ensure you stay here,” she said.
“Please….. At least, let me get some of my belongings from my home. I don't have anything I own here. After that, I'll return.” I lied. A part of me felt guilty for lying, but there was no other way.
I could see the moment the maid was contemplating everything. “I’m sorry Ava, I really want to help you but I fear what Mr. Zayn will do to me” She said and turned to the door, when I spoke up.
“It’s fine, I understand but if you had a daughter and she was in my shoes wouldn’t you do something to help her?”.
She paused and I was sure I hit a nerve, turning to face me with her eyes glinting with fear and sympathy, she spoke up, “The guards are changing shifts, so you'll have to be back before the next shift in an hour from now”
“You can try but to escape through the servants quarters although I doubt it will be possible” She said her voice barely a whisper and my face lit up with a smile.
“Thank you so much” I said squealing in delight.
“If you manage to escape, please promise you’ll be back before Mr. Zayn returns” She pleaded. Guilt bubbled up even more even though it was a lie. I sent a silent apology as she closed the door, leaving me alone.
~~~~~~~~
At exactly the said time, I moved, following the directions and instructions she had given me, all the maids and guards were on break and I finally reached the door.
Opening the door my heart raced as I saw the open street, with the mansion’s barrier surrounding it.
Finally, I was free.
Walking out, I took in the open air. I wanted to savor it, but there was no time to waste. Calling a taxi I drove all the way back to my apartment. The drive seemed to last for hours as you stared outside.
I was so close to freedom. First I had to meet Ethan and leave.
Once I reached the apartment building the anger and resentment that had bubbled over for the past week hit me in full force. I had let him off easy the day I left. He was going to pay for everything he'd done.
“Ethan !” I shouted stomping towards our apartment. Was he around or was he pretending not to hear me? Either way, I was going to make him feel my wrath.
Pulling the door open, I stormed in, ready to scream. The sight stopped me in my tracks.
What?
The entire apartment was completely trashed, desks and cabinets upturned, all the cutlery and dishes broken and splayed on the floor. It was as if it had gone through a hurricane.
All the fighting left me as I looked around. This had been my home for the past seven years. Seeing it like this sent a chill through me.
What happened?
My heart pounded as I looked into our bedroom. The place was the same, all my clothes strewn around some ripped, it made my insides cave in.
There was only one place that wasn't a mess; the bedside table and on top of it was a paper.
My legs felt like jelly as I walked towards it. Up close, I could see what it was.
A note..
‘By the time you see this I would have gone. Don't look for me and don't whine. You made your decision, and we were over a long time ago. I hope you like the additions I made to the place. Consider it my last gift to you.
—Ethan’
I dropped the note like it was hot coals.
He did this. He trashed this place out of spite. Looking around at the open broken wardrobe, there was no trace of his belongings. He left.
I couldn't hold back my tears this time. He had used me, in every way, before doing this and now you wouldn't even have the satisfaction to face him.
Was I blind? For seven years I didn't see his true nature.
I regret it. I regret everything.
I didn't know how long I remained crying before the tears waned. Wiping my eyes, I tried to put myself together when my door banged open.
Turning around in alarm, terror filled me as I saw the bodyguards standing at my doorway. They had found me.
How long has it been since I left? Spotting the sky I realized it was nearing evening, meaning that I'd been there for hours.
I had stayed away too long, and now they found me.
There was no way to run as they caught me and took me out of the building.
….
The sun was going down by the time we returned to the mansion. A cold chill filled me as I was forced out, pushed into the mansion.
Zayn stood at the entrance door, looking on coldly. True fear filled me, however, when I saw the maid who helped me, kneeling beside him. She was in tears, and it sent a pool of regret throwing me.
‘I’m sorry,’ I wanted to say. It was my fault that she was in this mess.
“Welcome back,” his voice was just as frosty as his attitude. I held back my trembling body as I was held back by the guards.
“Now that you're here, it's time to move on to punishment,” he said and my blood froze.
“No!” I screamed, struggling as her sobs grew louder.
“I'm the one at fault. I planned to escape. She doesn't know anything. Please let her go. She's not at fault.” I begged.
Surely, he couldn't do this. Punishing someone wasn't right.
“Nice try.” He smirked, before signalling his guards to carry her away.“Take her to be flogged. 10 lashes should be enough,”
Tears spilled out as I looked at him. There was no sign of remorse in his features.
This was inhumane. He was a monster.
There was nothing I could do as the maid was dragged more tears slipped from my eyes.
This was my fault.
His footsteps forced me to look up to find him staring at me. Fear and anger trickled down my spine. What was he going to do to me now?
“This is what happens when you disobey my orders. I punished her because of you. Now I hope you understand the cost of your selfishness.”
Anger surged in me. The man right in front of me, no matter how handsome or rich, was a monster. He had ‘bought’ my child, and taken away my freedom, and he dared to call me selfish.
“More security will be put on you. You won't be punished for this. You're lucky. The only reason you won't be punished is because you're carrying my ‘legacy’.”
That was my last straw. Without hesitation, I longed and spit on him, watching it land on his face.
The grip from the guards felt tighter as he froze in shock, but I wasn't done yet.
“You're nothing but an inhumane monster, talking about selfishness and legacy.” I spat out, “someone like you doesn’t deserve to be a father. My child isn't just a legacy and seeing you, I know he or she will be better off without knowing you.”
My words were harsh, but I couldn't care less.
“It makes me wonder if this was how your mother was treated during pregnancy, because tell me who locks a pregnant woman in a room all day. It’s messing with my head!”
I didn’t mean to bring up his mother but I was trying to understand why he was treating me like a vessel for his legacy?
His face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger and for a split moment I thought he was going to retaliate. I flinched back as he moved, but he only moved backwards, wiping the spit from his face before walking out of the mansion.
I was pulled up and taken back into my room. As I was pushed inside I heard the door lock behind me. It was the last straw before I finally broke down, filled with more despair.
ZAYNI was startled by her last words. No one has ever spoken to me in that manner before, but I’d let her. Hurt shone in her eyes, and for the first time in a long while, I felt remorseful forever causing her pain. At this point, I couldn't do anything besides just stare. Was I truly a monster as she thought? I believe that I was doing the right thing. She wasn't going to leave with my legacy or harm him in any way.Sophia's arms stroked my arms gently as I continued brooding. “I hate seeing you this way. Why do you allow such a non-entity to have so much impact over you?” I scoffed at her accusations because this was not what I was expecting her to say. “How is your trip to Rio de Janeiro going?” I replied. She moved away from my back and sat on my lap. “I believe that you have a lot to tell me about your trip too. How come I am just finding out that you are leaving without informing me? That's wild if you ask me.” She responded, ignoring the question. That was a cop-out. “Soph
AVAI could hear the drilling of the door from where I sat, but I didn’t care. The maids and guards had tried getting me to open the door, but I refused, and I’m sure they already called Zayn; hence the breaking of the door. Being locked in this room like a prisoner was already messing with my head, and he would have to shove that food in my mouth if he really wanted me to eat.There was a loud bang as the door fell to the floor, Zayn’s eyes blazed with anger as he walked into the room, his eyes throwing daggers at me “What the fuck is wrong with you, woman?” He thundered, but I didn’t even spare him a glance. “What’s this I hear about you locking the door and refusing to eat? Do you plan to starve my kid to death? “ He asked, but I kept mute as if he weren’t talking to me.He stared at me for a while and when he saw that I want going to speak, he spoke again,” I didn't know that I was talking to a deaf person.” He hurled another insult at me and I rolled my eyes, clearly annoying him
AVA “Grrrrrr!” The harsh sound of the alarm clock filtering into my ears had me groaning as I woke up with a start. I massaged my temples and stretched, letting out a small yawn. “Freedom at last,” I muttered under my breath when A chuckle filtered into my ears again, making me jolt. My hands flew to my chest to stop the beating organ from bursting out in fright.Emily? Standing right in the middle of my room with a wild smile on her face was the maid who helped me escape that day.I stared at her for a minute, blinking and rubbing my eyes to be certain she was the one.“It’s me, Ava” She said, smiling, and I jolted from my bed, running to meet her. “It's you!” I squealed in delight, throwing my arms around her in a tight hug. “How did you get in here? Did he see you?!” I whisper-yelled after releasing her from my grip. She nodded, raising her hands in a placating manner. “Yes, he saw me”What?!I hugged her again. “I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that because of me.
ZAYN'S POV My lips pressed into a firm line, as Sophia's voice rang out, echoing through the dining hall. She was supposed to be in Rio De Janeiro, but why did I feel so mad about her timing?Exhaling through my nose, I slammed my fork on the table. “And what are you doing here? What happened to your trip?” I asked, gritting my teeth. Sophia blinked rapidly, disgust lighting her face, “What is going on here, Zayn. Just now, the both of you were…”“I asked first. What the hell are you doing here?” I interrupted, turning to her. “Does that matter? Is that the most important thing now? No, I don't think so!” Sophie moved closer, her eyes bouncing from me to Ava. She was starting again. She was trying to raise trouble, “You not talking makes it all the more suspicious.” She spat.“What exactly is wrong with you, Soph? You just came in, and started flying wrong accusations everywhere. What do you think happened? Did you see me locking lips with her, or does this perhaps look like a bed
AVA’S POV “Who the hell is Lucy?” I screamed, my voice hoarse with panic, “H…how did she die?” I stammered, my legs trembling in fear.What exactly had I gotten myself into? My mind was racing. I couldn't think straight. My eyes bouncing between all three of them, I blinked, trying to piece together what the man just said. Why was no one answering me? Their silence was adding to my fears.“Why won’t you talk? Please…. Answer me” I said, moving forward, careful not to step on the glass, “Just now, you were saying something about another surrogate dying.” my voice came out urgent, and desperate with a little wobble.I swallowed, moving closer to the strange man, who had a lazy grin on his face. Zayn spoke up, his voice firm, “Ava, go inside. You need rest. I’ll explain later.”Who needed the damned rest when something like death was mentioned. “He didn’t tell you? What a pity…” Zayn's uncle began, with a pitiful smile and adding more to my fears, “Lucy was so pretty, it’s such a pi
ZAYN'S POVSophia folded her arms, shaking her head, as she exhaled. “It won't take me long. It's just a week this time around. A week will pass by before you know it. It's only seven days. Seven days, Zayn.” She held up her fingers, looking at me with such desperation that made it seem like she wanted to push the exact way she was feeling onto me. “That's what you keep saying. I'm tired of hearing you give excuses! What exactly are you going there to do?” I snarled, my voice dripping with venom. It wasn't long since she went to Rio de Janeiro, now she was talking about Jamaica! “New products will be released in Jamaica, and I have to be there to inspect them in person. Check everything out, and decide which ones I want, and which ones I don't want.” “You’re so unbelievable, Sophia! An assistant can do that for you. You can have a video call on it. Isn't this just an excuse?”“No. There might be little flaws that I can't see unless I go there in person. Touch it, feel it… you don'
AVA’S POV“I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. I…”“It's fine” I cut in, quickly, stepping backwards, as I blinked uncomfortably. “I'll just… uh, I'm just going to… you know, go out. Like you wanted me to.” Stepping backwards, I turned around, and left his office immediately, sucking in all the breath I'd forgotten to breathe in. His receptionist was staring at the door, and my guilty conscience made me think she had somehow magically heard and seen everything that went on. “Where is the waiting room?” I asked, and she rose from her seat. “Come with me, please.” She said, getting out from behind her desk to walk ahead of me and my bodyguard.We went with her, and I couldn't help thinking of all that went on minutes ago. Everything had just changed drastically, and the energy was weird. His eyes! They looked like a swirling tsunami of desire. They acquired a dark feel as he stared at me, and even now, the goosebumps were present on my skin. I exhaled through my mouth, and shook m
ZAYN'S POVAva clutched my shirt with shaking fingers as she watched me with her large dark eyes bouncing between mine.“What happened?” My hands settled on her shoulders feeling the violent tremors running through her. She tried to speak, tried to take in deep breaths, but couldn't stop the frantic shallow gasps from escaping her. I looked towards her room, as she also looked back, her pupils blown wide with panic. Her grip clamped down even harder on my chest. “In my room…” her voice was a breathy whisper that trembled with the force of her terror. My chest tightened, as an unsettling dread cooked in my belly, “What did you see?” My lips stretched into a thin line. “I… I…” a sob broke out of her, and her trembling fingers flew to her mouth, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She struggled to get the words out. “Wait here.” I said, brushing her hands off my clothes gently, stepping cautiously to her room.There it was. I didn't even need to step in before my breath was knock
ZAYN I watched her leave. Of all times this piece of shit to show up it had to be now! This wasn’t how I planned to confront Sophia, this wasn’t the fucking plan! Ava…. I’d hurt her yet again, seeing her tear up broke my heart into a million pieces. But I had no choice— we needed a location— The private investigator I hired has been on my neck all day—The plan was supposed to be me catching then red-handed, but all efforts to find their private home was abortive, and so he suggested I propose to Sophia, she would want to relate it to Andrew, and then we can get their location. I was supposed to inform Ava this night before anything, but seeing Sophia lie and try to guilt—trip me when she had three kids for my uncle disgusted me to the core, and it seemed like the perfect time—the only regret was that I hurt the one I loved. Sophia broke away from the hug, a smile formed on her face, “This feels unreal, baby. Never would I have thought this was your plan a
AVA “What’s going on here?!” Zayn questioned again, his voice firm and sharp. I stepped backwards, creating distance between Carter and I before looking up to Zayn, “Actually, we were….” “Ms Ava had a bit of distress and I thought to help her out, an insect happened to enter her eye,” Carter cut in, a stoic expression on his face. Zayn cleared his throat loudly, and I walked to where he stood, “Yes, he helped me get something out of my eye, are you done with the call?” I lied, I know I shouldn’t, but how was I supposed to tell Zayn what Carter had just said? Zayn's gaze flickered to Carter before returning to mine, “Yeah, no more calls for today. What have you shopped so far?”. I heaved a deep breath. Although he didn’t look convinced, but at least we could move past this. The store was multipurpose, so everything we needed was in stock. After minutes of roaming around, picking different items, we were finally through with shopping, Zayn paid and we headed home.
AVA I froze for a moment, blinking rapidly. I didn’t hear him clearly, did I? A smile crept on my face, the answer was definitely a ‘YES’ but I needed to make sure he was in his right senses and wasn’t drunk. I raised my head up to meet his gaze, only to notice he had drifted off to sleep. He looked so beautiful while he slept. My fingers tracing the contours of his face and for a moment, I let myself believe this could be my happy ending, but— The smile on my face soon dropped to a frown as I recalled what happened earlier. I had been so focused on Zayn that I forgot about the threats, I had so many questions, one of which was, WHO COULD BE BEHIND THE MESSAGES? As I thought about it, my mind began to wander to the people around me. My Instincts were screaming at one person—Sophia, but suspecting her came with a lot of questions, why would she stalk me when we lived in the same house? And sending threats—it didn’t sound like her, Sophia was always outspoken, so thr
AVA I immediately rested my head on the table in fright, ignoring whatever that was happening around me. The only thing that kept resounding in my ears was that sound—A gunshot.“Ma’am,” Carter called out, shaking me slightly, but I refused to raise my head, my heart was racing with fear, “Ava!” He yelled this time around, but I didn't flinch.“It’s just a busted tire, you’re drawing attention,” Carter added, his voice now low.A busted tire? No, I’m certain I heard….. And that was when it occurred to me that I didn't see any gun, I’d only heard a sound and thought it was a gunshot.I raised my head slowly from the table to see almost everyone in the shop’s eyes on me, as they whispered audibly. Carter was right, it was just a busted tire and my paranoia had gotten the better part of me. He looked at me, his expression laced with concern, “What happened?” I ignored his question, my eyes scanning the room in search of the hooded lady, but she was nowhere to be found. My phone beep
AVA He left…. No, I chased him with my words. My chest tightened as tears streamed down my face. I felt empty as the ache in my chest doubled. The silence that followed after him was suffocating and what haunted me most was the look in his eyes before he left— It was like I stabbed a knife into his chest. I have never felt this way before, he managed to sneak into my heart and I tried all my best to ignore whatever it is that I was feeling, but I couldn’t. I loved him….so much, more than myself, but why did I keep hurting him? Perhaps I was too scared… He had shown me a different type of love, and it felt too real to be true. I kept having doubts, ‘What if he changes like Ethan?’ And I failed to realize the more I kept overthinking the more I took wrongful decisions and hurt him repeatedly. I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if I handled things differently—If I’d stopped pushing him away, told him about the triplets earlier, or chosen my words ri
ZAYN Ava's eyes widened in shock as colour drained out of her face, she opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. “Why?” I asked, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil brewing inside, “Why would you hide such from me?” She swallowed hard, blinking rapidly as she made sure not to meet my gaze, No words. She was so silent and it was killing me inside, I wanted to know why she would hide such vital information from me. I was already overthinking and I needed her to speak! “Say something already!” I said, my voice rising, “Didn’t you think I should know or perhaps this….our relationship means nothing to you?” She raised her head, her eyes meeting mine and they held an emotion I couldn’t decipher, “Zayn…I know you’re hurt but can we talk about this at home…somewhere private and—” “No!” I cut in sharply, “We are having this conversation now, Ava. Why won’t you tell me that we were having triplets!” She adjusted herself on the bed and hesitated a bit befor
ZAYN’S POV The sound of her screams were loud and echoed through the hallways, but I couldn’t find her. “Ava!” I yelled, my heart racing with fear as I opened all the rooms once again, “Where are you?!” She didn’t respond, and I could hear her soft whimpers. My head was spinning as I couldn’t understand what was going on. “Zayn….please…” her voice trailed off, and I ran outside only to find myself submerged inside water. And Ava….was struggling to swim. The water was so deep and the current too strong as I struggled to swim forward. It was like I couldn’t move, no matter how I tried, and her screams were getting worse as she struggled to stay afloat. I kept trying to move forward, desperate to save her, but I felt someone pulling me back, “Get away from me!” I yelled, but the person didn’t bulge. My eyes were fixated on Ava as I tried breaking free from the person’s hold, “Take care of the baby, I love you” She muttered, trying to keep her eyes open. And then it h
Zayn’s POVI paced back and forth on the hallway, my heart racing with different thoughts. Who could have done this to her?!How were we not able to notice?The doctor hasn’t said a word since I came in, and it was like my heart was being ripped out of my chest, I couldn’t stay calm, no matter how I tried.The image of her face contouring in pain and her vomiting blood was still fresh in my head and…. I was scared. What if she…. No, I shouldn’t be negative. I promised to protect her… I promised her no harm, how did I not see this coming? Pain, anger, fear, was all that was radiating through my body and I needed to vent it out on something.I couldn’t wait any longer, The antiseptic smell of the hospital hit me like a punch to the gut as I pushed open the doors of the room. But I was blocked by some of the nurses and security, “Sir you can’t be here, you need to wait outside”. One of them said, holding me back.From where I stood, I could see her. My heart melted away, tears threateni
AVA'S POV. “What are you implying, then?” Cassandra asked, her voice shaking, “I knew you blamed me for her death, but you kept denying it, Why would I hurt Lucy?” She added, tears streaming down her face. My mind was reeling with different thoughts. Cass never told me she knew the previous surrogate that died and finding out now. Could it be that…..No!! Cassandra wouldn’t. She is kind-hearted, and Zayn was only thinking this way because of the hatred he had for her. “You claim you have always wanted to made amends but the last time you came here was when Lucy was pregnant, and now you are back claiming to want to make amends with me, I know your tricks Cassandra”. My gaze flickered to Cassandra, and coincidentally, she also did. Her eyes were teary, and I could feel my heart racing, the only question in my mind was, “Was she also part of the persons who wanted my baby dead?” “You know what I’m done! This is the height of this, Zayn” She blurted out, her voice lou