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 POV I 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
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 POVMy breath caught at the coldness in Jason's voice. It was like the roar of a lion as I entered the room and I wondered who he was talking to. He turned to face me and our eyes locked. His widened slightly and I knew he hadn't expected it to be me who walked in. “Who are you talking to?” I asked, holding his gaze. “I didn't know you'd be back.” He said, changing the topic. Something was off about his tone but I didn't bother pressing on the matter. I reminded myself that his business was no longer my concern as we'd be divorced soon anyway. I thought about asking him if he had signed the divorce papers, but I held my tongue. Grandpa still lay there unconscious so I decided to wait until he fully recovered. If it were any other member of Jason’s family lying in that bed, I wouldn’t even bother showing up, let alone wait until they wake up before proceeding with the divorce. Jason's mouth opened slightly like he was about to say something but I ignored him and sat
AVA'S POV The question hit me like a punch to the stomach. I froze, my mind racing. How had he even suspected that? Jason and I had been so careful to keep up appearances of a happy couple in front of him. I glanced over to Jason and he had the same puzzled expression on his face and with Grandpa still recovering, I couldn't bring myself to tell him that we would be getting divorced soon. So I quickly shook my head. “No, Grandpa... why would you think that?” Grandpa’s sharp eyes bore into us, as though searching for cracks to see if we were lying. “Laura mentioned it to me at the company.” Laura? How did she know? She wasn’t with Jason when I threw the papers at him at Sally’s apartment. The only way she could have known was if Jason had told her. I looked over at Jason, my eyes shooting daggers. I noticed his brow furrowed, and his face darkened. He seemed upset that Laura had told Grandpa about the divorce. I found it funny, but the situation at hand prevented me from lau
AVA'S POVMy breath caught, and a chill ran down my spine as Richard’s eyes seemed to pierce my soul. I had always wondered why he disliked me but could never bring myself to ask. I wanted to protest, to suggest hiring extra help to care for Grandpa at his house instead, but the look in his eyes silenced me. He wanted me around, and who was I to deny him that? The drive back home or rather, Jason’s villa, since I no longer considered it my home was silent. Grandpa was taking a nap in the back seat while I sat in the passenger seat, with Jason driving. Soon, we arrived. What I didn’t expect was Jason stepping in to plead with me that Grandpa staying here meant I’d have to move back into the house. “It’ll look strange if you’re not here,” Jason said when Grandpa wasn’t within earshot. I swallowed hard, my mind scrambling for an excuse. I couldn’t bear it, I needed to be far away from Jason. Being close to him always softened me, and I was scared that the courage I had fo
AVA'S POV The next day, I checked on Grandpa, but he was still fast asleep. I hurried toward the guest room to bathe, dress for work, and leave before Jason woke up. You know those situations when you do something and later regret it? That’s exactly how I felt – regret. I must admit my flesh was weak when it came to Jason. Although we didn’t go further last night because as usual, I had to stop him, letting him touch and cuddle me was something that shouldn’t have happened. I was about to leave for work when Jason stopped me at the doorway startling me. He wore a tailored blue suit that highlighted his perfect looks and figure. It was like he was becoming more handsome every day, and I was lost staring at him until he spoke, bringing me back to reality. “Take some breakfast with you,” he said, handing me a lunchbox. My heart melted. 'What was he trying to do? Why was he making things difficult for me?' I screamed inwardly. I haven't gotten over last night and now this?
JASON'S POVThe moment Ava's lips touched mine, I felt my heart race. It wasn't that we hadn't kissed before but this was so unexpected, so out of character for the Ava I knew. She wasn't one who showed affection in public, so I was confused, at the same time full of joy. For a brief second, I let myself believe it meant something. That maybe, just maybe, she had thought about everything and decided to forgive me. But as soon as Laura stormed out, slamming the door behind her, Ava’s expression changed. The softness that had been there for a moment vanished, replaced by that guarded, cold look I was so familiar with now. “Don’t think I’ve forgiven you,” she said coldly, straightening up and creating a distance between us. Her words hit me like a punch to the face. The warmth I thought was building between us evaporated instantly, leaving behind a deep feeling of regret. "Ava, I know I’ve made mistakes,” I began, speaking with caution and choosing my words carefully. “But
JASON’S POV I didn’t expect to see anyone I knew here. Definitely not her. The second I walked into the waiting room, I spotted Ava sitting there, alone, stiff, like she didn’t want to take up space. For a second, I honestly thought my mind was playing tricks on me. Maybe I was more exhausted than I realized but then she looked up and our eyes locked. And just like that, something heavy hit me in the chest. I stopped walking, and just stood there like an idiot, staring at her. What was she doing at a police station? Her hands were clasped together in her lap so tight it looked like she was afraid to let go. She didn’t smile and I didn’t either. We just stared for a few seconds, and in that silence, every memory came rushing back — memories I wasn’t ready for. Finally, my legs remembered how to move and I made my way toward her. “Ava?” I said her name, my voice rougher than I meant it to sound. She gave a small nod. Barely acknowledging me. Her face was calm on t
AVA'S POV I just sat there, staring at the phone after the call ended, like it might ring again if I held on tight enough. My hand was still wrapped around it, fingers stiff. Officer Daniels hadn’t given me much. Just that I was needed for questioning in an “ongoing case.” That was it. No context. No warning. Just cold, polite words that chilled me to the bone. My stomach felt like it had dropped through the floor. I forced myself to breathe and pushed up from the bed. I needed to keep it together. Emma and Mason were downstairs, and I couldn’t let them see me rattled. Not when things had just started feeling normal again. I changed back into jeans and the same soft sweater I wore earlier. Nothing fancy. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. I didn’t want to look guilty either. God, what was I even thinking? Guilty of what? You didn't do anything wrong Ava. I shook my head and went downstairs heart pounding but face calm. The sound of giggles greeted me before I e
AVA'S POV The house was warm when we got home, filled with that familiar smell of pasta and garlic and something sweet baking in the oven. I stepped in first, holding Emma’s tiny hand while Mason followed close behind, his eyes quietly taking in the space. He hadn’t said much on the drive, but he looked comfortable beside Emma, and that was enough for now. “Alright, lovebug,” I said softly, crouching to unlace Emma’s little shoes, “bath time first, okay?” She groaned but didn’t fight me. “Do I have to now?” “Yes, ma’am,” I said with a teasing grin. “You’ve been outside all day. We need to wash off the playground.” Emma rolled her eyes dramatically, then grinned and ran toward the bathroom. I turned to Rose, who had just come from the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel. "Welcome ma'am." “Can you keep him company for a bit?” I asked, giving her a quiet nod. “Just until I get Emma cleaned up?” “Of course,” Rose said, her voice warm. She walked over to Mason, crouching so
LAURA’S POV I couldn’t move. For a second, I honestly couldn’t breathe. My ears were ringing and my heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear what the officer was saying. There must be some kind of mistake,” I managed to say. My voice came out shaky – thinner than I wanted it to sound. They had a f*cking warrant. This had to be serious. “What… what is this about? The officer didn’t flinch. “We’ll explain everything at the station, ma’am. Please come with us.” I looked around the room, begging silently for someone – anyone – to say something. Defend me. Help me. But no one moved. No one even looked at me directly. They all just sat there, frozen. Some stared at the floor. Others avoided my eyes completely. These were people I’d worked with for years –people who’d celebrated wins with me and leaned on me for direction. Now they just looked… uncomfortable. Afraid, even. What was I expecting? They’d just asked Jason to fire me over a silly mistake. Could people like that re
AVA'S POV It had been hours since that email came in, and I still couldn’t stop smiling. Not even a little. Vogue. Freaking Vogue. Every time I thought about it, my cheeks hurt a little more from grinning like an idiot. I should’ve been tired. I should’ve curled up and napped or maybe done something productive. But I didn’t want the moment to pass without doing something with it. And then it hit me – Emma. I hadn’t picked her up from school in a while. Rose usually handled it with her usual grace and mom's energy, but today… I wanted to do it myself. I tossed on some jeans and a soft cream knit sweater – something simple but still presentable. The weather was light enough for flats, and my hair was still air-dried from the bath earlier, tucked behind my ears. I didn’t even bother with makeup. Just lip balm and a little smile I couldn’t get rid of. The school wasn’t far, and traffic wasn’t terrible for once. When I got there and stepped out of the car, I scanned the small crowd
JASON’S POVThe moment they all noticed my presence, chairs pushed back and everyone stood up fast like soldiers waiting for orders. No one said a word. The air felt heavy, like the tension had soaked into the walls and the only sound heard was the low hum of the AC above.I looked around the table every face tight with nerves. Some tried to look busy. Some looked right at me. But when my eyes landed on Laura again, she looked away fast, pretending to focus on her notepad.I walked straight to the head of the table, pulled out my chair, and sat down. Everyone else followed. Laura was the last to sit. She moved slowly like her body knew what was coming even if she hadn’t admitted it to herself yet.I opened the folder in front of me and flipped a few pages. The sound echoed in the silence. No one dared speak. I didn’t rush. I let the quiet stretch. Let it press on everyone’s shoulders a little more. A few people glanced at each other. I caught Steph glancing toward Ben. Laura’s fingers
JASON’S POVI ended the call and tossed the phone on my desk. It landed with a loud thud. Steph and Ben stood there like statues like they were too scared to even blink. The room was thick with silence, and I could feel their eyes on me, waiting for whatever was going to happen next. “Steph, you can go,” I said, not even looking at her. She hesitated. “Uh… sir, my phone?” I looked down and realized I was still holding it. I picked it up from the desk and handed it to her without a word. She grabbed it and practically sprinted out of the office. I didn’t blame her. I could be very scary when I am angry. Ben shifted a little like he wasn’t sure if it was safe to speak. “Should I still gather the design team?” he asked quietly. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the wall for a second. I let out a slow breath, trying to cool the anger in my chest before I answered. “Push it back one hour.” Ben blinked. “One hour?” “I said one hour. We wait for Laura.” I said, my voice s
JASON’S POV I slammed the tablet on my desk so hard that Ben flinched. “Have you seen this crap?” I barked. Ben shifted awkwardly, standing a little straighter. “Yes, sir. It’s all over the internet.” I dragged a hand down my face, then leaned over the tablet again, jaw clenched. The headline burned into his eyes. I stared at the screen, my fists clenched. Every word in that article made my blood boil. “Storm Management Faces Backlash After Campbell's Group Runway Disaster.” “Campbell Group’s designs labeled uninspired, rushed, and low-quality.” And then the photos. One of Storm's management top models in Milan walked down the runway while the sides of her dress split wide open. I could see the moment on her face – shock, embarrassment, trying to stay professional while the cameras flashed. It was a disaster. A very public one. And my company’s name was all over it. Everyone in the world already knew about it. Beneath that, editorials ripped the collection apart. “Un
AVA’S POV I arrived at the hotel and it was ridiculous. In a good way. Like, over-the-top, velvet-everywhere, fountain-in-the-lobby kind of ridiculous. The kind of place that didn’t just want to impress you – it wanted to slap you in the face with money and say, this is how the other half lives. I’d been in luxury spaces before, obviously, but this one was on a different level. It was the kind of place you don’t just walk into – you glide, like you’re supposed to belong. A sharply dressed concierge met me the moment I walked in, addressed me by name, and immediately led me to the elevator without asking any questions. It was like she knew me already. No waiting, no nonsense. Just pure efficiency wrapped in gold trim. I took a quiet breath as the elevator rose. I don’t know why I was nervous. I shouldn’t have been. This was my world. This was what I did. I have met a lot of important people – she wasn't the first and she wouldn't be the last. Still… I guess something about bei