LAURA'S POV The sound of the door opening made me look up, I was expecting to see Jason, but it wasn’t him. It was his grandfather - Grandpa Campbell. He stood tall, his sharp eyes sweeping the room like he owned it. Actually he once did. I forced a polite smile, though my chest tightened. He hadn’t stepped into the company in years according to Jason, but his presence still carried weight. I wondered why he was here. But there's only one way to find out. “Good morning, Mr. Campbell,” I greeted, standing from Jason's chair. “Jason isn’t here at the moment. Can I help you with anything?” He didn’t answer right away. Instead, his piercing gaze landed on me, and his lips curved into a thin line. I knew that look – it was one of judgment. “Laura,” he said, his voice was cold. “Still lingering around, I see.” I swallowed the sting of his words and kept my expression calm. “I’ve been doing everything I can to support Jason and the company, sir.” He stepped further into the
AVA'S POVI was deep in thought reflecting on what my plan would be next and how I was going to raise my unborn child alone once Jason signed the divorce paper when the phone in my hand buzzed, the sharp vibration sending a jolt through me.I glanced at it, and Jason’s name flashed on the screen and my stomach churned and chest tightened. Why was he calling me? I hesitated for a moment but then it crossed my mind that maybe he was calling to let me know that he had already signed the divorce papers. The thought of it sent a sharp ache through my chest. The moment I answered, his voice came through shaky and raw. And I knew immediately something was wrong. “Grandpa’s been rushed to the hospital,” he said, his words tumbling over one another. “What happened?” I asked, gripping the phone tightly, my heart racing. “They’re not sure yet,” he replied. “Ava, please I really need you... here." Without hesitation, I grabbed my bag and was about to rush out of the house, when Sal
JASON'S POVI sat in the chair by Grandpa’s bed, staring at his frail form. The beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the dimly lit hospital room. His usually sharp and commanding presence seemed so far away now. Seeing him like this sent a pang of guilt through my chest. What had caused this? He was healthy the last time I spoke to him – stubborn as always, but fine. Something had triggered this collapse, and I needed to know what. I ran a hand through my hair, my head in a mess. Memories of Grandpa mentoring me, scolding me, and pushing me to be better played in my head like an old film. Shaking off the thought, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the company security app. I hadn’t planned on looking at the CCTV footage, but something nagged at me. Grandpa had been in my office before the collapse. Maybe the cameras would show what had happened. I found the footage and clicked play. The small screen showed Grandpa walking into my office with his usua
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
JASON'S POVI sat in the chair by Grandpa’s bed, staring at his frail form. The beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the dimly lit hospital room. His usually sharp and commanding presence seemed so far away now. Seeing him like this sent a pang of guilt through my chest. What had caused this? He was healthy the last time I spoke to him – stubborn as always, but fine. Something had triggered this collapse, and I needed to know what. I ran a hand through my hair, my head in a mess. Memories of Grandpa mentoring me, scolding me, and pushing me to be better played in my head like an old film. Shaking off the thought, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the company security app. I hadn’t planned on looking at the CCTV footage, but something nagged at me. Grandpa had been in my office before the collapse. Maybe the cameras would show what had happened. I found the footage and clicked play. The small screen showed Grandpa walking into my office with his usua
AVA'S POVI was deep in thought reflecting on what my plan would be next and how I was going to raise my unborn child alone once Jason signed the divorce paper when the phone in my hand buzzed, the sharp vibration sending a jolt through me.I glanced at it, and Jason’s name flashed on the screen and my stomach churned and chest tightened. Why was he calling me? I hesitated for a moment but then it crossed my mind that maybe he was calling to let me know that he had already signed the divorce papers. The thought of it sent a sharp ache through my chest. The moment I answered, his voice came through shaky and raw. And I knew immediately something was wrong. “Grandpa’s been rushed to the hospital,” he said, his words tumbling over one another. “What happened?” I asked, gripping the phone tightly, my heart racing. “They’re not sure yet,” he replied. “Ava, please I really need you... here." Without hesitation, I grabbed my bag and was about to rush out of the house, when Sal
LAURA'S POV The sound of the door opening made me look up, I was expecting to see Jason, but it wasn’t him. It was his grandfather - Grandpa Campbell. He stood tall, his sharp eyes sweeping the room like he owned it. Actually he once did. I forced a polite smile, though my chest tightened. He hadn’t stepped into the company in years according to Jason, but his presence still carried weight. I wondered why he was here. But there's only one way to find out. “Good morning, Mr. Campbell,” I greeted, standing from Jason's chair. “Jason isn’t here at the moment. Can I help you with anything?” He didn’t answer right away. Instead, his piercing gaze landed on me, and his lips curved into a thin line. I knew that look – it was one of judgment. “Laura,” he said, his voice was cold. “Still lingering around, I see.” I swallowed the sting of his words and kept my expression calm. “I’ve been doing everything I can to support Jason and the company, sir.” He stepped further into the
LAURA'S POV The office fell silent immediately Jason left, and I sat behind his desk, staring at his laptop. His cold rejection stung more than I cared to admit. Jason was once head over heels for me but now he was rejecting me. I clenched my fists, my acrylic nails digging into my palms. "It’s all Ava’s fault," I muttered. She was the reason Jason couldn’t see what was right in front of him. She was the reason he kept rejecting me. I took in a sharp breath, then opened my email on my phone and scrolled through the messages. My heart raced as I found the one from Dr. Samuel Croft, dated a week ago. Clicking it open, I scanned the attached report for what felt like the hundredth time. Ava Campbell – Pregnancy Confirmation. The words were like a slap to my face, each letter mocking me. I had gone through this email when Samuel first sent it a week ago but reading it again felt just as painful as the first time. “She thinks she’s won,” I said bitterly, my voice echoin
JASON'S POV I stared at the divorce papers, my chest feeling heavy. Ava wanted to end it. My mind was blank, and I couldn’t think straight. How did it get this bad? How did I let her slip away? The buzzing of my phone broke the silence, but I didn’t grab it right away. It buzzed again, snapping me out of my thoughts. I checked the screen –it was Laura. I groaned, frustrated. “What now?” I muttered before answering. “Jason, you need to come to the office right now,” Laura said. She sounded serious. “What’s wrong?” I asked sharply. “There’s an emergency. I can’t explain everything on the phone, but it’s bad. You need to get here fast,” she said. I sighed, rubbing my face. I didn’t trust her, not after all the trouble she caused at Alex's jewelry launch, but if it was important for the company, I had no choice. “Fine, I’ll be there,” I said and hung up. On the way, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ava. The divorce papers were burned into my mind but what stayed with me more w
JASON’S POV I stood there frozen in place, my blood running cold. Ava... at the hospital? Why hadn't I known? The photos on my phone stared back at me. I swiped through them, my fingers trembling. They weren't just of Alex holding her in the restaurant anymore. I came across photos that were clear as day, showing Ava outside the hospital. She looked sick and vulnerable. I stared at the pictures, my throat tightening and my chest felt like it was being twisted by a knife. How had I missed this? I hadn’t even noticed these photos when they came through earlier. All I had seen was the one of Alex holding her. That’s what made my blood boil. The sight of them together being that close had triggered something deep inside me. That’s when I stormed out to confront Alex. I had been so fixated on Alex, so consumed with jealousy and anger, that I didn’t even notice the bigger picture. Ava was in pain, and I wasn’t there for her. What kind of husband am I? I called the per
ALEX'S POV I couldn't get Ava out of my head even as I walked out of her ward, the image of her sitting on the hospital bed looking pale and fragile replayed in my head causing my heart to ache. She needed to eat, especially with how much she had thrown up earlier at the restaurant so I decided to get her something to eat at the hospital cafeteria. I stared at the takeout box in my hand, I had ordered something light – a soup and some crackers, the scent of the warm food rising faintly through the packaging. Walking up to the nurse’s station, I cleared my throat. “Excuse me, Miss," I said, holding out the box. “Can you make sure Ava Campbell gets this? I was the one who brought her here. She’s in Room 203." The nurse glanced at the box, then at me, her expression softening. “Of course. I’ll deliver it right away.” “Thank you,” I said, exhaling slowly. I had received a message from my secretary earlier informing me of Jason's presence at the company, and I wondered why h
AVA'S POV I couldn’t breathe. Every part of me froze. Laura? A murderer? It felt impossible, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t lying. What would he benefit from lying to me though? Nothing! I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but it wouldn’t go away. “What do you mean? How did she…?” My voice trailed off. I couldn’t even finish the sentence. Alex’s face darkened, and he leaned in, his eyes cold. “As you know, Laura and my brother were married. She was cheating on him, and when he found out, he planned to divorce her. She knew once he did she wouldn't get the money she thought she deserved.” My chest tightened. I always knew Laura could be cruel, but this? This was something darker. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. “Then she did something terrible,” Alex continued, his voice filled with bitterness. “She set up a car accident to kill him. She thought if he died, she’d get the insurance money. But he didn’t die. Instead, he’s in a vegetative state now.” I gasp
AVA'S POV My heart stuttered in my chest, and my mind went completely blank. I hadn’t told anyone about the pregnancy except Sally of course who found out because of the car accident I had. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but nothing came out. I couldn’t even manage a simple response. The weight of his question hung heavy in the air, suffocating me. Alex was the last person I imagined to find out. How did he know? More importantly, he should not know about my marriage with Jason. We returned to the table together and with each step I took I could feel my heart beating faster in my chest. My hands trembled as I reached for the glass of water on the table, but my fingers wouldn’t cooperate. Everything inside me was frozen. My throat tightened, and I thought I might choke on the words I needed to say. The ones I couldn’t seem to form. "I know you are married to Jason," he continued his voice like a bomb exploding all my secrets. I blinked, my heart racing.