AVA'S POV The drive home was quiet. Too quiet. So I looked out of the window, watching the streetlights blur past, as my mind raced. I didn’t know what hurt more – the fact that Jason didn’t defend me against Laura, or the sinking fear that maybe I wasn’t enough for him anymore. But Grandpa’s words seemed to have hit him. Maybe that’s why he stayed so silent. When we finally got home, Jason broke the silence. “Ava, please wait.” I stopped at the door and turned around, arms crossed over my chest. “What?” He ran a hand through his hair, frustration on his face. “I’m sorry. For tonight. For not standing up for you. I just… I don’t know what I was thinking.” His voice sounded genuine. And for a second, I saw a flicker of the Jason I married – the one who used to care so much about my feelings. But the hurt he’d caused still lingered. “You... didn’t even hesitate,” I said, my voice cracking. “You just let her lie about me, Jason. You didn’t try to stop her. You just… stared
AVA’S POV Jason had been… different since the dinner at his grandfather’s house. He’d been kinder, more attentive. Small gestures, like making sure I had my coffee exactly how I liked it and asking about my day, had started to reappear. I wasn’t sure how long this was going to last, but it was hard not to notice the effort. It confused me, though. Part of me wanted to believe he was genuinely trying to make things better, but the other part, guarded and hurt kept reminding me of everything I’d been through. Yet, today wasn’t about Jason. It was about me. It was the long-awaited day – the day that had filled my dreams for weeks. The runway would display my designs along with some of the newest jewelry collections from Grey Empire to a global audience. Upon my arrival at the location, the grand hall was bathed in the gentle light of the setting sun. The tall glass doors, sparkling chandeliers, and buzzing anticipation all seemed larger than life. This wasn’t just any event. Thi
AVA’S POVMy jaw dropped, the words taking a moment to sink in. “What?” “The cameras were broken,” Alex clarified, his voice heavy with frustration. “Someone made sure there’s no record. They went out of their way to destroy those dresses.” I leaned against the wall, my head spinning. “Why would someone do this?” I asked, struggling to keep the edge of panic from my voice. Was this a random act, or was someone targeting me? Alex’s hand ran through his hair. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. However, at this moment, we cannot allow it to disrupt the performance. We must remain concentrated. The security team will look into it later.” I agreed silently, but my stomach felt queasy. Someone had purposely ruined my hard work. It wasn’t only about the dresses – it felt personal. The models stood in a row, graceful and stylish, with the jewelry shining under the bright lights. While observing them, a feeling of pride surged through me. My creations, my designs, were stun
AVA'S POV The room whirled, my heart constricting as Laura’s voice echoed in my mind. She stood there, upright and graceful, with a shining, flawless smile on her face, appearing calm and confident, as if she fully deserved to be there and claim my efforts as her own. How could she? My hands balled into fists at my sides, yet I stayed rooted in place. I couldn’t move. My legs felt as though they were anchored to the ground, my breath caught between shock and anger. The audience erupted into polite applause, oblivious to the weight of the lie Laura had just told. She was smiling, soaking in their attention, her voice dripping with false modesty as she started bragging about her “contribution.” “Thank you so much for your support,” Laura said, her tone syrupy. “These dresses were a result of my vision and dedication. I worked tirelessly to ensure they complemented the jewelry perfectly.” Her words cut through me like shards of glass. I couldn’t believe the audacity. My hard work
AVA'S POV The following morning seemed as if I had awakened in another realm. My mind was still swirling from the events of last night’s chaos, but today marked a fresh start. Jason didn't come back home, he had been busy handling the mess from last night. But one thing joyous about last night was that I was recognized for my designs and Laura was caught up in her lies. The moment I stepped into the office, I felt the tension in the air. Whispers floated along the hallways like mist, and it seemed as if everyone was conversing quietly while a few stared at me. I inhaled deeply, wishing to soothe my anxiety as I approached my desk. The typical buzz of the office was overshadowed by the rumors. The event last night was a disaster, no matter how much Alex and Jason had tried to keep things under wraps. They’d managed to keep everything quiet from the public, but the staff had their own ideas about what had happened. Rumors spread faster than wildfire. “Did you hear abou
LAURA’S POVI felt a burning, twisting pain in my abdomen, but it was nothing compared to the blaze raging in my chest. How could Jason do this to me? Me, of all people? My parents sacrificed their lives for this company, and this was their reward. A humiliating dismissal of their child, with Ava, a lowlife replacing me as Design Director? She not only took Jason from me but now has also claimed my position. I crouched on the chilly tiled floor of my apartment, holding my abdomen. The suffering had transformed from solely emotional to a physical, intense, and ceaseless ache. My eyesight became hazy, and nausea surged in my throat. I required assistance, but the last thing I wished for was anyone's sympathy. Still, I dialed Jason’s number. “Jason,” I choked out when he answered. “I… I think something’s wrong. My stomach hurts...my baby. I need to go to the hospital.” There was a pause, long enough to make my blood boil. “I’ll send the driver,” he said flatly, his tone
AVA’S POV I had just finished my consultation with the doctor, who had assured me that everything was fine with the little one inside me. Jason and I had been too reckless earlier in his office. His kisses and his touch were so familiar, so like the old days, when we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. But things were different now. I wasn’t just responsible for myself anymore. I had to think about the tiny life growing inside me that Jason was still not aware of. I sighed softly, pressing a hand to my stomach. "It’s okay baby. You are perfectly fine." The drive home was a blur, my thoughts spinning like a storm. Meeting Laura at the hospital had deeply unsettled me. I couldn’t shake the weight of her gaze which had lingered long after I walked away, and I couldn’t shake the memory of her sharp, bitter laugh. Was I too obvious? What if she had already begun to suspect the truth?Because I knew she didn't believe the little lie I told about being at the hospital becaus
AVA'S POV Jason stood there, looking angry and disappointed. His eyes moved from Miranda’s hand on my arm to her face, and she quickly let go of me. “Jason, I was just…” “Apologize,” he said firmly, cutting her off. Miranda’s eyes went wide. “You can’t be serious.” “I said apologize,” Jason repeated, his voice cold and firm. Miranda’s voice was sharp and full of disbelief. “How can you stand up for this woman when I’m your cousin?” Jason didn’t move. He stayed strong, his voice calm. “She’s my wife,” he said, still glaring at her. “And I won’t let anyone disrespect her, not even my family.” The atmosphere was heavy with anxiety. My cheeks burned, yet Jason’s words surrounded me like a protective barrier. For the first time in quite some time, I felt secure. Miranda, hurt by his words, went quiet. Her face was red with shock and embarrassment. Jason turned back to me, his face softer as he reached for my hand. I took his hand, and he led me to the racks of dresses. H
AVA'S POV My breath ceased and my heart sank. Why did we happen to bump into her? I almost didn't dare to meet Jason's gaze, afraid that the doctor might blurt out something more that would be disastrous with no remedy, I spoke first. “ Doctor, yes he's my husband,” I continued, a bitter laugh escaping my lips, “But we’re getting a divorce soon. And he didn’t come because of me, he came here for a prenatal checkup with another woman. Laura, that's her name, she's the major reason why we'd be divorcing soon.” The words tasted like ash in my mouth. I know I shouldn't be telling the doctor who was practically a stranger about my personal life but I needed her to know why she shouldn't mention the reason I came to the hospital. Jason’s face paled, and his mouth opened, but no words came out. I could see him struggling to hold onto his composure, but it was too late. The truth was already out. “I didn’t specifically come with Laura,” Jason said quickly, almost defensively. “But you
AVA’S POVI turned in the direction of the voice just in time to see my father-in-law, Richard, walking up to us with a concerned expression.He was wearing designer glasses and a floral shirt. He had clearly just gotten back from the island getaway he posted on his Instagram page where he had likely been cavorting with women.A typical playboy or should I say playman who refuses to outgrow his frivolous lifestyle even in his fifties.Like father, like son. The difference was that Jason enjoyed keeping both a wife and a mistress, while his widowed father didn’t want to remarry and preferred the company of multiple women without strings attached.Laura immediately wiped away her fake pout and switched to full damsel-in-distress mode bursting into tears. “Dad,” she said softly, her voice trembling ever so slightly. “Jason hasn’t been taking care of me at all. I’ve been feeling unwell for days, and he just…” She paused, glancing at Jason like a wounded bird.My stomach churned at her w
AVA’S POVJason’s question echoed in my ears, leaving me momentarily stunned and frozen in place. “What are you doing at the hospital, Ava?” he asked again, staring deep into my eyes. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. How was I supposed to explain? Should I tell him the truth that I was here because of the stress he and his precious Laura had caused me? That our unborn baby he wasn't aware of was at risk because of him? I felt my grip tighten on the paper behind my back, my knuckles whitening. My heart pounded, and I could barely steady my breathing. A mixture of anger, pain, and betrayal swirled inside me, making it hard to find the right words or even think of a good lie that would sound believable in his ears. But before I could utter a word, a sickly sweet voice cut through the tension. “Babe,” Laura called out, her tone dripping with affection as she approached. I clenched my teeth at the sound of the name she used. “Babe”? We have
AVA’S POVThe moment Jason stepped out and I shut the door, the tears came. I didn’t even notice when they started streaming down my face, hot and endless. No matter how many times I used the back of my hands to wipe my face the tears kept pouring down. The pain in my chest felt unbearable, like my heart was being ripped apart and I clutched my chest tightly hoping to suppress it.But it didn't work. I leaned against the door, sliding down until I sat on the cold floor, wrapping my arms around my knees, sobbing quietly. Jason’s face kept flashing in my mind – his desperation, his pleas – but I couldn’t let myself give in. He had crossed too many lines and hurt me too deeply time and time again. I knew I shouldn’t be crying, not after all the pain he caused me by always putting Laura first. But the truth is, I still haven’t gotten over Jason, and I don’t know if I ever will. I don’t know how long I stayed like that. Minutes passed, maybe hours, before I felt a dull ache in my bel
JASON'S POVAva’s words hit me like a slap across the face. I stared at her, my eyes slightly wide hoping she didn’t mean it, but her expression was firm. She wasn’t bluffing and my heart sank. I couldn't sleep last night after returning home from the club because I didn't find Ava anywhere in the house. I tried calling both her and Alex and neither of them answered my call. I was restless the whole night, my thoughts running wild as I waited for the day to break.It's not that I didn't trust Ava – I do. It's Alex I don't trust. Early this morning, I rushed out of the house like a madman to confirm Ava’s whereabouts, without even taking a proper shower so I couldn’t just give up. Not yet! “Ava, please,” I pleaded again, my voice breaking slightly. Her eyes stayed cold. “Don’t make me do it, Jason.” I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, and Ava was the one pushing me off. I wanted to argue, to plead with her to listen, but something about her tone told me it would
AVA'S POV I could feel my heart racing as the tension in the room rose. Sally and Kevin kept glancing between Jason and Alex not knowing what to say. I looked at Alex and then at Jason. I was done with the drama with Jason. “Okay, Alex…let's go,” I said, trying to stay calm but my heart hammered in my chest. Jason's fist clenched tightly and his eyes flashed with anger but he didn't say anything. “Ava…” he said finally. “I've made my decision,” I interrupted, keeping my voice steady. Sally gave me a proud wink. “Call me when you get home, okay?” I nodded, giving her a small smile. “I will.” “Let’s go,” Alex said gently, his hand resting lightly on my back as he guided me toward the exit. Behind us, Jason’s jaw clenched, and I could almost feel the fury radiating off him. I didn’t look back. Alex looked surprised when I told him I wasn’t going to Jason’s villa but to Sally’s apartment. However, he didn’t ask why, and I felt relieved. The ride there was quiet at first, but
AVA'S POVJason’s sudden presence in the room turned the carefree atmosphere tense in an instant. “Jason, you came. I thought you said you weren't coming?” Kevin said in a carefree tone, as he stood up to shake Jason's hand, but he ignored him. Instead, his piercing gaze moved from Alex to me, the anger in his eyes evident and undeniable. Kevin seemed to understand the reason for his attitude and simply sat back down beside Sally without saying another word. “Jason,” Alex greeted, his tone polite but Jason ignored him too. His eyes were locked on me completely. “Ava, I need to talk to you now,” he said coldly. I pretended not to have heard him and quickly stood excusing myself, "I’ll be back Alex." My chest tightened as I made my way to the ladies’ room. I needed space, somewhere far from Jason, somewhere to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. The cool air of the bathroom was a small relief as I leaned against the sink, staring at my reflection. My heart raced. “He
AVA'S POV The days following the jewelry store incident felt like a blur. I buried myself in work and avoided unnecessary interactions with Jason. Grandpa had already returned to his house, though his doctor warned us to still be mindful of his health and to avoid stressing or saying anything that could trigger him. That was a relief, I couldn’t bear pretending everything was fine and the thought of him witnessing the tension between Jason and me. Today, Sally called, insisting I come to her apartment. “I have something to cheer you up,” she said vaguely. I hesitated at first, but Sally’s energy was contagious. If anyone could brighten my mood, it was definitely her. When I arrived, I didn’t expect to see Kevin Tyler lounging on Sally’s couch, holding a glass of wine like he belonged there. “Kevin?” I froze at the door, my mind struggling to process his presence. Kevin Tyler, the professional basketball player, also happened to be Jason’s old friend and someone I had
JASON'S POV Ava's words hung in the air, hitting Laura like a blow. Laura's smug expression faltered and her face reddened in anger even the sales associate's mouth dropped as they stared at Ava, then glanced back at Laura.Clearly shocked and curious about why Ava said such words. My stomach twisted as I looked into Ava's eyes. She wasn't angry. No, that would have been better and easier to handle. What I saw in her eyes was resignation when someone was done and didn't care anymore. And I got scared. My mind reeled back to last night, the reason I’d missed dinner with Grandpa and Ava. I had planned the dinner myself, thinking it would be a chance to prove to Ava that Laura wasn't my first choice and that my family came first. I even told myself it was time to take a stand and show her that she mattered more than anything or anyone else. But then Laura called on my way to the restaurant. Her voice trembled over the phone, and she cried telling me she couldn't go on anymore