AVA'S POV I slowly regained consciousness, a pounding headache clouding my thoughts. I blinked, realizing I wasn’t at home. My eyes darted around, and then I saw him, Alex, sitting by the window. I quickly sat up, the blanket slipping off me. “Mr. Grey?” My voice was weak, barely more than a whisper. He immediately stood, his expression a mix of relief and something I couldn’t quite place. “You’re awake,” he said, stepping closer to the bed. “Why… why are you here?” I stammered, flashes of the previous night returning in pieces. “You don’t remember?” His voice was calm. I frowned, trying to recall everything. I remembered the dinner with Marcus, the strange feeling after I’d drunk the wine he offered, and then everything going hazy. The last thing I remembered clearly was being scooped up and carried out by Jason. “Jason…” I blurted out. “Why isn’t he…” Alex’s jaw tightened. He didn’t answer right away, and the silence stung more than words could. It wasn't Jason who had com
AVA'S POV My hands trembled as I sat there in the car. Watching him answer the phone felt like a slap on the face. How could he take her call? After everything I had been through, after I was nearly raped, how could he just sit there and act like it didn’t matter? His wife was almost violated, and yet he answered Laura's call, knowing exactly how I felt about her.” He was accusing me of cheating, speaking to me with an angry tone but here he was speaking to Laura with a soft voice. Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back. I was tired of crying because of him, yet I couldn’t stop myself whenever they welled up in my eyes. He should have been consoling me, comforting me, helping me forget the horrible experience I had just endured. Instead, he was here, answering the call of the woman who had turned us into strangers. Did this mean he didn’t have even an ounce of feeling for me anymore? The fact that he doesn’t trust me and assumed I was cheating with Alex—cou
JASON'S POVI couldn’t get Ava's face out of my mind, the way she looked at me when I accused her of cheating. It wasn’t anger, it was pain. And maybe that’s what made it worse. I hated seeing her like that, but I couldn’t help myself. Alex’s presence in her life gnawed at me like an open wound. The man seemed to show up at just the right or wrong time, and it didn’t feel like a coincidence. But now, sitting here in my office with the footage from the restaurant playing on my laptop, I felt like something wasn’t adding up. I went through the video again, watching Ava enter the private dining room, looking as poised as ever. I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. “Think, Jason,” I muttered to myself. That’s when it hit me. Marcus didn’t seem surprised to see Ava. He looked… prepared. Almost as if he’d expected her. Why? He should have been shocked to see her instead of Laura. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the screen. Laura had insisted on Ava going
LAURA'S POV The sound of the lock clicking sent a chill down my spine. My heart thudded faster in my chest, and for a split second, I froze, clutching my glass of juice. My pulse quickened as the door creaked open. When Jason stepped inside, I was surprised but then I couldn't contain the joy that bubbled up inside me. This was the first time he was here without me having to pull any stunts. I set my glass of juice on the table, unable to stop the wide smile spreading across my face. “Jason,” I said softly, my voice full of warmth. “What are you doing here?” His face was hard, his eyes cold. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice low and cold. I tilted my head slightly. This wasn’t the reaction I expected, my expression full of concern. “Of course. You seem upset. Sit down, let me get you a drink…” “I’m not here for drinks, Laura,” he interrupted sharply, his tone cutting like a blade. I paused, confused by his reaction, then gestured for him to continue. “Alright. Wha
LAURA'S POV I needed to see Marcus to release the anger building up inside of me. So, I headed straight to the hospital where he was being treated. The sterile, cold corridors seemed to match the chill in my bones. The scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, strong and overwhelming. I walked with purpose, the sharp clicks of my heels echoing in the silence, a rhythm that mirrored the simmering rage inside me. Marcus was in Room 310 according to the nurse at the front desk. I already knew why he was here—Alex’s assistant had made sure of that. But I didn’t care about his broken ribs or any other injury they had to patch up. He’d failed me, and that failure would cost him dearly. In my mind, he deserved what he got. For all his bluster, he couldn’t handle such a simple task. I pushed the door open without knocking, letting it crash against the wall. Marcus flinched, turning his swollen face toward me. One eye was almost shut, the bruises around it dark and angry. His arm
AVA'S POV I had just finished my bath and was getting ready for Jason’s grandfather’s 70th birthday dinner when I noticed a dress laid out on the bed. It was a stunning silky emerald green dress and a knot formed in my chest realizing Jason must have picked it for me. But why would he do that? Was this his way of apologizing after everything he had put me through? Does he think a dress could fix what he had broken between us? My heart ached, torn between wanting to believe he cared but deep down I knew action spoke louder not some fancy gift. Since I didn’t have a new outfit for the celebration, I decided to wear it. Rejecting such a beautiful dress would be a waste after all. I slipped on the dress, and it fit perfectly, bringing out my figure. I glanced at myself in the mirror, and I looked beautiful, but inside, I felt empty. Jason’s voice pulled me back to reality. “Are you ready?” I turned to him without saying a word, making it clear that I hadn’t forgiven him.
AVA'S POV The question echoed in my head, and for a moment, I felt like the ground should just open up beneath my feet and swallow me whole. I couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. My heart hammered so loudly in my chest that I thought it might burst. I tried to steady myself, to pull it together, but panic surged through me. My hand was on my stomach, and I could feel the small flutter of life growing inside. It was real. But I couldn’t let anyone know. Not now. Not like this. “Are you pregnant?” Evelyn repeated, her voice calm but firm. “No,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly. My heart pounded so loudly, that I was sure everyone at the table could hear it. The lie felt horrible in my mouth, and I felt bad for denying my unborn child. But what could I do? I couldn't reveal the news to them because Jason might try to take the child away from me once I asked him for a divorce. He was wealthy so he could easily beat me in court if I tried to sue him. I have read stories l
LAURA'S POV Grandpa Campbell's words cut through the room, hanging in the air like a thick fog suffocating everything around me. Richard was forced to keep quiet. I gripped my wine glass so tight I thought it might shatter. Why her? I was supposed to be the one married to Jason and not her. Why does she get his grandfather's affection while I get nothing? He hadn’t even acknowledged me properly since I walked in. A cold stare, a stiff word questioning who invited me – that’s all I got. But Ava? She could do no wrong. I needed Grandpa by my side for me to be able to win Jason's heart properly. He was the only issue I had in the family. But I don't know why he hates me. I haven't done anything wrong in his eyes to deserve his hatred and I couldn't help but blame Ava for that. After the dinner, Ava sat beside Grandpa, his wrinkled hand resting on her shoulder as he smiled at her like she was his pride and joy. I took a long sip of my wine, the bitterness on my to
AVA'S POV Jason didn’t call again. Days had passed since Sally last informed me about his desperate attempts to reach me, but now… nothing. No messages. No calls. Just silence. I should’ve felt relieved, but instead, a part of me remained cautious. Jason wasn’t the type to back down so easily. He had tried calling me endlessly after the Avaris Luxe opening, and then suddenly, he just gave up. Unlikely. I pushed the thought aside as I scrolled through emails, making a mental note of upcoming meetings. Avaris Luxe had only been officially open in America for a short time, and already, things were moving fast. Faster than I expected. Just then, a soft knock sounded at my door. “Come in,” I called, not looking up. The door opened, and Sally walked in, a small smirk on her face as she clutched her tablet. “You’re going to love this,” she said, sliding into the chair across from me. I leaned back, arching a brow. “That depends. What is it?” She tapped a few times on her s
AVA'S POV After dropping Emma off at school, I wasted no time getting back into the car. The moment I shut the door, I let out a quiet breath, steadying myself. Today was important. My first official day running Avaris Luxe in America. I couldn’t afford to be late, not when I had spent the past three years building myself up for this moment. As the car moved through the streets, I tapped my fingers lightly against my lap. My mind was already racing with everything I had to do meetings, reports, and ensuring everything was running smoothly. But despite all that, a part of me still lingered on what had just happened at Darton School.I hadn’t expected to run into Laura there of all places. But seeing her with that little boy confirmed what I already knew she was still as manipulative as ever. Using her own son to make a statement, to remind me that she still held some power. But she was wrong. I wasn’t the same woman she had once tried to destroy, the same woman she had made lose h
JASON’S POV Laura’s heels clicked loudly against the marble floor as she stormed out of my office. I could see the hurt on her face, but I felt nothing. Once, I might have cared. Once, I might have tried to explain myself, to soften my words, to make her feel better. But not anymore. I had spent years thinking about her feelings – years that had cost me everything. Even when I was married to Ava, Laura had been a shadow in my life, always there, always pushing her way in. And I had let her. I had been too weak to shut her out completely because of the debt I owed her parents, and it had destroyed my marriage. It had cost me Ava. It had cost me my child. Or at least, that’s what I had believed. I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. Ava had a daughter. The words played in my head over and over again. Laura had said it so bitterly, so smugly, as if she wanted to rip my heart out. "While you were being loyal to a woman who divorced you and left you, she was busy moving
LAURA’S POV The moment I saw her, my blood boiled. Ava. Even her name left a bitter taste in my mouth. Standing there in her perfectly fitted dress, looking calm and collected, as if she hadn’t just humiliated Jason and me in front of the entire city. As if she hadn’t made a spectacle out of us, dragging Jason out like some common criminal while the media had a field day. It had been two days, but the shame still burned inside me. Every news outlet, every social media post – everyone was talking about it. I couldn’t step into a boutique without hearing whispers. Even at the charity luncheon I attended yesterday, some women were still giggling about it, hiding their smirks behind their champagne glasses. But here Ava was, acting like nothing happened. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palm. I wanted to yell at her, slap her hard to wipe that calm expression off her face, but I wouldn’t embarrass myself in front of all these people. Parents were everywhere, dr
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