chapter 4

Chapter Four

Ava’s POV

I watched as the man stepped out of the sleek black car, his movements slow and deliberate. His presence alone demanded attention. Behind him, two bodyguards stood at full alert, their sharp gazes scanning the surroundings.

My breath hitched.

He was tall, his posture exuding power and confidence. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, the crisp fabric emphasizing his broad shoulders. A pair of dark-tinted glasses hid his eyes, but even without seeing them, I could feel the weight of his gaze.

I swallowed hard as my father stepped forward, his expression unreadable. Then, to my utter shock, he did something I had never seen him do before.

He bowed his head slightly as he extended his hand toward the man.

I froze.

My father never bowed to anyone. Never.

I had seen him interact with some of the most powerful men in the country, men of wealth and status, and he always carried himself with unwavering authority. Yet now, in front of this man, there was a shift—a respect that almost looked like fear.

Who was he? Why did he hold so much power than my father.

I barely had time to process it before the man extended his hand and shook my father’s. Their handshake was brief but firm.

I stood still, my pulse quickening.

Then, his eyes met mine.

Even behind the dark lenses of his glasses, I felt the intensity of his stare. A strange, unfamiliar feeling stirred within me, something I had never experienced before—not even with Richard. Not even with the man I have fallen in love with.

I looked away quickly, my hands gripping my dress.

Why did I feel like this?

Before I could make sense of my emotions, my father turned to me.

"Ava," he said in a tone that left no room for argument. "This is the man I told you about."

The words sent a jolt through me.

The man he told me about?

Realization dawned, and my stomach twisted.

This was him—the man my father had arranged for me to marry. The man I was going to spend my life with forever.

My throat went dry as I turned back toward him. He still hadn’t spoken a word. He still hasn't said a word to me.

I studied him, taking in his sharp features. His jawline was strong, his lips pressed into a firm line. Even though his face was expressionless, there was something about him that unsettled me.

"May I know your name?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, in a deep and controlled voice, he finally spoke.

"Kieran Jason ."

His voice sent shivers down my spine. For a moment my body felt cold.

Kieran Jason.

The name sounded powerful, dangerous even. It was the kind of name that held weight, that people whispered about in hushed conversations.

I extended my hand, trying to be polite despite my unease. "I'm Ava Carter. It's nice to meet you."

Instead of shaking my hand, Kieran simply stared at it for a second. Then, to my surprise, he slowly pulled his own hand back, refusing to take mine.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat.

Had I offended him?

I hesitated, my mind racing as I tried to remember if I had seen him before. There was something familiar about him, but I couldn’t place it. It was like I had met him somewhere but could not remember where.

Kieran took a step toward me, closing the space between us. My breath caught as his towering presence made the air feel heavier.

Even without speaking, he exuded control. It was in the way he moved, the way he stood, the way the very surroundings seemed to shift around him.

I swallowed down my silver hard.

Why did this man hold so much power, even without trying?

Before I could question him, my father spoke again.

"Come inside, Mr. Jason," he said. "Let’s discuss things further."

Kieran gave a small nod before following him inside.

I stood frozen for a few moments before forcing myself to move.

---

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere felt different.

I sat across from Kieran in the grand living room, my father beside him. The tension was suffocating, and yet, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.

Even as my father spoke, explaining something about our families and their connections, I barely processed the words.

I was too focused on Kieran.

The more I looked at him, the more that nagging feeling inside me grew stronger.

Have I seen him before?

My thoughts were interrupted when my father suddenly turned to me.

"Ava," he said firmly. "You will be staying with Kieran from now on. He had agreed to it"

My head snapped up immediately in shock. "What?"

"You two need time to get to know each other," my father continued. "It’s best that you move into his estate immediately."

I blinked. Had I heard him correctly?

"I—" I started, but before I could finish, my father stood up.

"I will leave you both alone to talk," he said.

I turned to him in shock. "Father, wait—"

But he was already walking away, his decision final.

A few seconds later, we were alone.

Just the two of us.

I swallowed nervously, suddenly unsure of what to say.

Kieran remained seated, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He hadn’t removed his glasses, making it impossible for me to see his eyes.

The silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating.

Then, he stood up.

My breath hitched as he walked toward me.

My body tensed as he extended his hand toward me. For a second, I didn’t move.

Was he actually offering his hand this time?

Slowly, cautiously, I placed my hand in his.

The moment our skin touched, a strange warmth spread through me.

Then—it happened.

My foot slipped on the smooth marble floor, and I lost my balance.

A small gasp escaped my lips as I felt myself falling.

But before I could hit the ground, strong arms caught me.

I looked up.

And for the first time, Kieran removed his glasses.

Our eyes met.

And immediately I almost forgot how to breathe.