JASON'S POV My world stopped, I couldn't breathe as my eyes locked on the woman on the stage. Ava was here. Three years. Three damn years, and now she was standing right in front of me. Not as the woman I once held in my arms, not as the love I lost, but as her. The CEO of Avaris Luxe. The woman who had just taken the entire room’s breath away. I didn’t even hear half of what she said in her speech. My ears were ringing, my head spinning. All I could do was stare at her at the way she carried herself, at the cold confidence in her eyes. I swallowed hard, my grip tightened on my glass. My heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure Laura could hear it. My whole body was focused on the woman standing before me. The applause erupted as she finished her speech, and I barely registered the sound. My vision was locked on her as Alex Grey stepped forward. He smiled at her. He reached out and she took his hand. A muscle ticked in my jaw. Alex leaned in, whispering something in her
AVA'S POV The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Today was a big day. Not just for Emma, but for me too. I returned to America not as an employee, but as the CEO of Avaris Luxe. The power in that title sent a quiet thrill through me. The past three years have transformed me into someone stronger, someone who no longer waited for things to happen but made them happen. But before all that, there was something more important Emma. Her excited giggles filled the room as she bounced on the bed, already wide awake. “Aunt Ava, wake up! It’s my first day of school!” I smiled as I sat up, running my hand through her soft curls. Her big, bright eyes were filled with excitement, her small feet kicking under the covers. “I know, sweetheart,” I said, playfully tugging her nose. “Let’s get you ready, okay?” She nodded eagerly and jumped off the bed, running to the wardrobe. Watching her reminded me of how much had changed. Three years ago, I
AVA'S POV I stared at my reflection in the mirror and was finally satisfied. After what felt like hours of frantic searching, I had finally found a dress that would perfectly complement the earrings. Yes, those earrings – the ones I discovered hidden in Jason's pocket this morning. A pair of delicate and luxurious pearl earrings adorned with diamonds It was created by my favorite designer, Kokichi Mikimoto, one of only five such earrings in the world. Jason is so thoughtful that he would secretly buy the jewelry I like and give it to me as a surprise on our wedding anniversary. Yes, I was sure he would give this gift to me tonight. I kept checking my dress and makeup in the mirror, and couldn't help imagining how stunning I would look in those earrings. My hands smoothed down the fabric of the dress, which clung to my body in a way it hadn't just a few weeks ago. I turned to the side, my eyes drawn to the slight, but unmistakable curve of my abdomen. A secret I had
Ava's POV Liar. He said he would be back soon, but he left me waiting all night. I dragged myself to Campbell Group where I work. The company is owned by Jason’s family, and Jason is the CEO and my boss. Sally Parker, my best friend and colleague, greeted me with concern the moment I walked into my office. “Ava, are you okay? You don’t look well.” Forcing a smile, I nodded. “I’m fine, just tired.” She looked at me skeptical but decided not to press further. “Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that today they’re announcing the new design director. It has to be you, Ava. You’ve worked so hard for it. Congratulations in advance.” “Thanks, Sal. I appreciate your support.” I am somewhat calm because I knew the position would be mine. Jason had assured me and I was ready to take on the responsibilities of the design director. I noticed everyone's phone buzzing with a new notification including mine. “I know it must be the appointment notification.” Sally hurriedly checked her
AVA'S POV I couldn't believe what I had just heard, Laura's words echoed in my ears like a thunderclap. I could feel my chest growing so tight that it became difficult for me to breathe. “You left me and married him, claiming he was the love of your life, so right now I don't care if you got divorced because of me or not.” Jason retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. Every word felt like a needle piercing my heart. “I was young and confused Jason. I'm sorry for the hurt I caused you back then. I thought I loved him but I never did, it was after I married him that I realized I left gold for bronze.” She added, “Jason, it's you my heart beats for.” Laura sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. I was breathless, eager to know how Jason would react to the pitiful Laura in front of him, but I was also afraid that his answer would make me a complete loser in our marriage. “It's too late Laura, I'm married.” Jason declared. I watched in a daze, hoping for something. I wanted to
AVA'S POV The house was quiet as I slowly woke up, the soft hum of the morning light filtering through the curtains. I noticed the other side of the bed was empty and showed no signs of Jason coming in last night. I felt a pang of sadness within me as different wild thoughts ran through my head. The silence of the atmosphere was interrupted by a burst of laughter. I frowned, as I slipped out of bed and followed the sound, the laughter grew louder and mingled with the clinking of dishes. Pushing open the kitchen door I met a scene that stung more than a slap. Jason and Laura were standing at the counter their movement in perfect harmony like they had practiced this routine a thousand times. Laura leaned closer to Jason her hands brushing his as they worked together. Jason, who always seemed so reserved, was laughing at something Laura said. His laughter was so rich and genuine, a sound I hadn't heard often. A pang of jealousy pierced my heart. "Good morning, Ava." Laur
AVA'S POV The days that followed Laura's departure were strange. Jason became more loving and attentive towards me. He cooked for me, bought me flowers, and even took a leave of absence from work to spend quality time with me. It felt like the early days of our relationship. I felt that he was trying to compensate me for all the agony I had undergone during these past recent months. He could not have been more successful. After getting home from work, Jason changed his clothes and went to prepare dinner. And I rested on the couch and watched him busy in the kitchen. He was tall and handsome, and the sunset shone on him through the windows, creating a light halo that removed some of his coldness. He lowered his eyes slightly, and his hands with distinct bony fingers handled the ingredients skillfully. This scene gave me a feeling of peace. “What’s wrong?” He turned around and asked me in a gentle voice. “Babe, will you be able to accompany me to the hospital tomorrow
AVA'S POV I regained consciousness in a hospital bed feeling dazed and confused. The room was well-lit, and the clean scent of disinfectant overwhelmed my senses, almost suffocating me. My pulse quickened as the accident flashed back into my memory, vivid and harsh. The baby was my first concern. Fear took hold of me as I touched my belly, dreading the worst. “Hey, easy there,” came a familiar voice breaking through my racing thoughts. It was Sally sitting beside my bed. Her presence gave me a bit of comfort, but I got more anxious when I remembered I hadn't told her about my pregnancy. The weight of keeping this secret felt like a big rock was stuck in my throat. She saw the fear in my eyes and helped me lie back down on the bed, putting her hand on my arm. “Don't worry. The baby is fine," she said in a calm and reassuring voice, but I could tell she was worried too. Her words brought me relief but also made me feel guilty. I hadn't planned to reveal my pregna
AVA'S POV The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Today was a big day. Not just for Emma, but for me too. I returned to America not as an employee, but as the CEO of Avaris Luxe. The power in that title sent a quiet thrill through me. The past three years have transformed me into someone stronger, someone who no longer waited for things to happen but made them happen. But before all that, there was something more important Emma. Her excited giggles filled the room as she bounced on the bed, already wide awake. “Aunt Ava, wake up! It’s my first day of school!” I smiled as I sat up, running my hand through her soft curls. Her big, bright eyes were filled with excitement, her small feet kicking under the covers. “I know, sweetheart,” I said, playfully tugging her nose. “Let’s get you ready, okay?” She nodded eagerly and jumped off the bed, running to the wardrobe. Watching her reminded me of how much had changed. Three years ago, I
JASON'S POV My world stopped, I couldn't breathe as my eyes locked on the woman on the stage. Ava was here. Three years. Three damn years, and now she was standing right in front of me. Not as the woman I once held in my arms, not as the love I lost, but as her. The CEO of Avaris Luxe. The woman who had just taken the entire room’s breath away. I didn’t even hear half of what she said in her speech. My ears were ringing, my head spinning. All I could do was stare at her at the way she carried herself, at the cold confidence in her eyes. I swallowed hard, my grip tightened on my glass. My heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure Laura could hear it. My whole body was focused on the woman standing before me. The applause erupted as she finished her speech, and I barely registered the sound. My vision was locked on her as Alex Grey stepped forward. He smiled at her. He reached out and she took his hand. A muscle ticked in my jaw. Alex leaned in, whispering something in her
LAURA'S POV The atmosphere shifted the moment the lights dimmed. A hush fell over the grand hall, conversations dying as if the entire room had taken a collective breath in anticipation. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the CEO of Avaris Luxe.” The announcer’s voice echoed through the vast space, commanding attention. I straightened, my grip tightening around Jason’s arm as my heart pounded with excitement. Finally. The mysterious owner of Avaris Luxe was stepping into the light. The entire world had speculated about the person behind the brand rumors whispered of a secretive, powerful figure, someone untouchable, someone who controlled an empire with nothing but vision and ruthless ambition. I lifted my chin, my posture poised as my eyes locked onto the stage. All around me, I could hear the hushed murmurs, the quiet gasps of anticipation. The spotlight flickered. A poised, confident figure stepped onto the stage. And the air in my lungs vanished. My fingers, still
LAURA’S POV The day had finally arrived. The Avaris Luxe grand opening – the most exclusive event of the year. A night of luxury, power, and influence. I had spent days preparing for this. The moment I would step onto that red carpet beside Jason, the cameras would capture us, and the world would finally see what I had always known – I was Jason Campbell’s future wife. I stood in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting the neckline of my dress. The deep emerald silk draped over my body like liquid, hugging every curve in the most flattering way. It was bold but refined, the kind of dress that demanded attention. Under the lights, the fabric shimmered, exuding power and confidence. Exactly what I wanted. Jason’s suit matched my dress, a detail I had carefully planned. I had picked out everything – his cufflinks, his tie, even the exact shade of fabric. When the designer sent it over, I had fully expected Jason to refuse, to toss it aside as he did with everything I tried to
ALEX'S POV I watched Ava closely, searching her face for any sign of hesitation. She had been fine, determined, until she saw his name on the guest list. Her fingers tightened around the folder, her knuckles turning white. She didn’t say anything at first, but I knew what was running through her mind. I had been by her side for three years. I knew that look. Damn it. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to keep my voice calm. Stay rational, Alex. Don’t push her. “Ava,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “If you don’t want to see him, I can take him off the list.” Her head snapped up, her eyes meeting mine. There was something unreadable in them, something locked away behind years of carefully built walls. But she didn’t waver. “No,” she said firmly. “I’m ready.” I narrowed my eyes. “You sure?” A small smirk tugged at her lips. “What, you don’t think I can handle it?” I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head. She was stubborn had always been but this was Jason. This
AVA'S POV The door swung open, and to my surprise, it was Alex standing there, dressed in a sharp grey suit, the top button of his shirt undone like he had rushed over with a small smile plastered on his lips. I blinked. “Alex?” He grinned. “What? Not happy to see me?” I folded my arms. “You scared me! And I thought you said you’d come after work.” He shrugged, stepping inside like he owned the place – which, technically, he did. “I couldn’t wait to check on my two princesses who just arrived." Before I could reply, Sally let out a dramatic gasp from behind me. “Oh, so what does that make me? The forgotten prince?” she huffed, putting both hands on her hips. Alex chuckled, shaking his head. “You? A prince? You wish.” Sally scoffed. “Rude.” I laughed as she grabbed a cushion and smacked his arm. He dodged it with ease, laughing. Over the years, Alex and Sally had grown closer. Although Alex could put on a tough front when necessary, he was actually playful and light
AVA'S POV The plane touched down smoothly, the gentle hum of the engines filling the cabin. I let out a slow breath as I stared out the window. America. Emma wiggled excitedly beside me, her tiny fingers gripping my arm. “We’re here!” she squealed, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement. She had insisted on coming back to America with me, and her dad, who was a single father, had approved when he saw the persistent look on his daughter’s face. I smiled softly and brushed a stray curl from her face. “Yes, baby. We’re here.” She bounced in her seat as the flight attendants announced our arrival, and soon, we were walking through the airport. Despite the time that had passed, stepping foot in this country again sent a strange chill through me. The air smelled the same, the people moved with the same hurried energy, but everything felt… different. Or maybe I was the one who had changed. “AVA!” A familiar voice made me turn just in time to be pulled into a tight hug. Th
LAURA’S POV The door clicked shut, and I moved to the window, watching as Jason guided Mason toward the car. He bounced excitedly, gripping his backpack straps, while Jason followed behind calm and composed as ever. I knew Mason was excited to go to school with Jason. I had to lie to Jason that he was bullied at school because of not having a father figure so that Jason would take him. I gritted my teeth. This should have been a perfect picture – Jason taking Mason to school while I, his fiancée, watched from the window, feeling loved and secure. But it wasn’t. Because no matter what I did, Jason never looked at me the way I wanted. I pulled my robe tighter around me, the silky fabric cool against my skin. I had worn it for him this morning, hoping, praying that for once, his eyes would linger. That he’d want me. But of course, he didn’t just like always for the past three damn years. He barely spared me a glance, as if I were just a man wearing silk lingerie. I turned away
JASON'S POV The morning air was cool as I drove through the city. Three years had passed, but nothing had changed – not really. I was still here, trapped in a life I didn’t want, still waking up every morning with the same dull ache in my chest. Laura was my fiancée now. At least, that’s what everyone believed. That’s what my father Richard expected. But I knew the truth – I was never going to marry her. I had never loved her. Ava was the only woman I had ever truly loved, and she was gone. I had spent three years pretending to move on, but it was all a lie. No woman had ever come close to making me feel what she did. No one ever would. And yet, here I was, playing the role Richard had forced on me, carrying a title that meant nothing. I pulled up to Laura’s apartment, shutting off the engine with a sigh. Today, I had promised to take Mason Laura's son to school. The boy wasn’t mine, yet he carried my last name. Richard had insisted on it, saying it was ‘best for the f