Ava wandered through the quiet walls of the mansion, the warmth from her morning coffee doing little to ease the sense of distance lingering between her and Alexander. Their night together had been more than she expected—more than she thought he could have cared . Yet, his cool dismissal that morning left her wondering if it had meant anything to him at all.As she approached his study, she heard low, muffled voices from the slightly ajar door. Curious, she hesitated, her hand hovering over the knob.“...No, I don’t think it’s Linda,” Alexander’s deep voice said. “She’s been loyal for years. This lead doesn’t make sense.”A second voice, one she recognized as Old Man Stan, responded cautiously. “With respect, Alex, loyalty can be deceiving. The connection to the waitress is there—clear as day. I think you should investigate further.”Ava’s breath caught in her throat. Linda? Waitress? What connection? She pressed herself closer to the wall, her pulse quickening.“I said drop it,” Alex
The clock ticked steadily on the wall, the veins, the blinding fear when the men cornered her. And Alexander—his face dark with rage as he stormed in, a protective force shielding her from harm.But now, hours later, that protective moment felt like a distant memory. The man who had shielded her from those predators seemed like a figment of her imagination, overshadowed by the Alexander she knew all too well: cold, distant, and utterly indifferent.The sound of the door creaking open jolted her from her thoughts. She stood abruptly, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress as Alexander entered. He looked as composed as ever, his tie slightly loosened, his sharp features unreadable.“Did you find anything?” Ava asked, her voice breaking the heavy silence.Alexander set his briefcase down on the table, letting out a tired sigh. “Not much. The investigation suggests it was just a careless mistake by one of the waitresses. Someone probably slipped something into your drink without thinking.”
The morning sun filtered through the delicate lace curtains of the grand living room as Grandpa Pascal prepared to leave. Ava stood near the door, her hands clasped nervously in front of her, her heart heavy at the thought of his departure.“You’ve done well, Ava,” Grandpa Pascal said with a warm smile, his kind eyes crinkling at the corners. “But now, it’s time for you and Alexander to figure this out. No relationship thrives without effort from both sides.”Ava nodded, though her throat tightened. His words were meant to reassure, yet they left her feeling exposed. She glanced toward Alexander, who stood a few feet away, his face a mask of polite indifference. His posture was relaxed, his hands buried in his pockets as if he were merely waiting for this interaction to conclude.“Take care of her, Alexander,” Grandpa Pascal said firmly, his tone carrying a warning beneath its warmth.“Of course, Grandpa,” Alexander replied smoothly, his voice devoid of genuine sentiment.As the door
Ava’s mornings had become her sanctuary, a precious reprieve from the invisible wall that separated her and Alexander. As the first rays of light painted the bedroom, she slipped out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb him. It was a ritual now—her way of keeping the peace in a marriage she’d vowed to make work.In the kitchen, she prepared his breakfast with care. Though Alexander rarely acknowledged her efforts, she found solace in the simple act of doing something for him. Perhaps, she thought, one day he’d notice.But today, Alexander did notice. He emerged from the bedroom earlier than usual, his tie slung loosely around his neck, his hair still damp from a quick shower. Ava paused, startled to see him there.“You’re up early,” she said, her voice soft.“I have a meeting,” he replied, his tone neutral. But his gaze lingered on the table.A plate of freshly made omelets, toast, and a cup of his favorite coffee sat waiting for him. Ava’s heart fluttered with a mix of hope and anx
Ava woke to the unfamiliar warmth of Alexander’s arms draped around her. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to bask in the intimacy, hoping that last night had been the turning point in their tumultuous marriage.When Alexander stirred, his gaze softened as it landed on her. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.Her heart fluttered at the rare gentleness in his tone. “Good morning,” she replied, smiling tentatively.They shared a quiet breakfast, a stark contrast to their usual tense interactions. For once, it felt like they were a real couple. Ava dared to believe they could build on this fragile connection.Days passed, and though Alexander remained distant in small ways, Ava clung to the hope that their relationship was improving. Determined to deepen their bond, she decided to surprise him by organizing his office—something she knew he wouldn’t do himself.It was during this innocent act of affection that she stumbled upon the medical report. As she read the
Alexander had never felt so numb in his life. The moment he had discovered the truth about Ava’s sacrifice—her giving him her eye—he felt a surge of regret and guilt that swallowed him whole. But nothing could have prepared him for the blow that came next.It started as a normal visit to the hospital. He had just received confirmation that Ava had been admitted, and in a desperate attempt to make things right, he arrived to apologize. Yet, upon his arrival, he was greeted by chaos. Alarms blared, nurses and doctors rushed past him in a blur, and the smell of smoke filled the air.A fire had broken out in the ward where Ava had been recovering.His heart dropped. Panic surged through his veins as he rushed toward the ward.But it was too late. The flames had consumed the area, and Ava was nowhere to be found. No one knew where she had gone. There were no signs of her in the burn ward, no mention of her being transferred. His chest tightened as the dread of losing her for good threatene
Three years had passed since Ava’s disappearance, but to Alexander, it felt like a lifetime. The fire that had destroyed the hospital where Ava had been recovering—the same fire that had stolen her from him—was still a wound he couldn’t touch without bleeding. He had come to understand the emptiness that had settled in his chest, a void that had only grown with each passing day.In the days after the fire, Alexander had thrown himself into work, pretending to bury the guilt, the heartbreak, the regret. But it was impossible to avoid the truth. He had made a terrible mistake. Ava had sacrificed everything for him—her career, her health, her love. And what had he given her in return? A cold marriage, neglect, and the ultimate betrayal when he had chosen Linda over her.Now, as the years went by, that choice haunted him, and Alexander was determined to make things right, even if it meant swallowing his pride and facing the painful truth.He had spent countless hours, months even, seeking
Three years had passed since Ava disappeared, but for Alexander Pascal, every day without her felt like an eternity. Now, as he stood before her door, the world around him blurred into insignificance. His hand lingered on the edge of the doorframe where she had left him standing moments ago, waiting for her answer. And then, like the faintest crack of light in a dark tunnel, she stepped aside.“Come in,” she said, her voice even, neither inviting nor dismissive.Alexander hesitated before crossing the threshold. It was the first time he’d seen her in years. Ava’s hair was shorter, her posture straighter, her eyes harder—but they were still the same eyes that had once looked at him with an unguarded love he’d taken for granted. Inside, the air was warm and faintly scented with lavender. It was nothing like the cold, sterile penthouse they had once shared.Ava motioned to a modest couch. “Whatever you came to say, say it.”Her tone was clipped, a stark contrast to the warmth of her home
Ava's gaze lingered on the melting ball of ice cream before her, but her focus was drawn outside, where Alexander stood with his back to her, engrossed in a phone call. The warm afternoon sun painted golden streaks on his broad shoulders, and the sound of his deep voice reached her ears faintly. She couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. Two months in, and their lives felt like they were perfectly aligned for the first time.Her pregnancy was now visibly showing, a small but noticeable curve beneath her loose dress. The thought of their growing baby filled her with warmth and excitement, a feeling mirrored in Alexander’s every action these days. The joy of planning their future and talking about parenthood had brought a new layer of closeness between them.Alexander ended the call and turned toward her, closing the distance in a few swift strides. His rare smile, one she’d learned to cherish, lit up his face."Hey, baby," he said, his voice warm and teasing. "Are you reall
Alexander stood by the doorframe, watching Ava with a tenderness that he rarely allowed himself to feel. Her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of sleep, her face soft despite the evident exhaustion. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling back.The dim light of the room cast shadows across the walls, and as he straightened, a resolve settled over him. Ava needed time to recover, and he would make sure she had it. Turning quietly, he exited the room, shutting the door softly behind him.Walking into the living room, he spotted Monica arranging a vase of fresh flowers on the table. She looked up as he approached."Ava will stay in bed for a while longer," Alexander began, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "Get her some food, something light but nourishing, and take it to her room. Make sure she doesn’t wake up hungry. Stay nearby in case she stirs awake. I’ll be in the study."Monica nodded, her features reflecting the r
Ava leaned against the kitchen counter, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she took a deep breath. The aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of laughter from the living room. She had worked tirelessly to make the evening special—a feast to celebrate Alexander’s recent breakthrough.Her heart swelled with pride when she thought of him. For weeks, he had poured every ounce of himself into his work, and tonight was proof that the sleepless nights and endless planning had paid off. She wanted to honor that. She wanted him to feel cherished.“Ma’am,” Monica’s voice broke through her thoughts. The housekeeper’s warm smile matched her tone. “The dining area is set, and we’re ready to go. I’m so happy for you both.”Ava returned the smile, though exhaustion tugged at her features. “Don’t stand on ceremony, Monica. We made this happen together. You’ve been with us so long, you’re practically family now.”Monica’s cheeks flushed
Alexander woke up, instinctively reaching for the other side of the bed. His fingers brushed against the cool sheets, and a sense of emptiness gnawed at him. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he stared at the vacant space beside him. The absence of warmth signaled she had been gone for some time.His eyes darted toward the clock on the wall—6:15 a.m. Too early for her to be up, he thought. His chest tightened as unease crept in. His mind immediately conjured worst-case scenarios, fueled by his protective instincts and an irrational fear he couldn’t shake.Throwing off the covers, Alexander swung his legs off the bed and stood. His rumpled hair and unkempt look mirrored his internal disarray, but he didn’t care. He needed to find Ava. The thought of her being out of sight, even for a moment, unnerved him.He hurried down the hall, his footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet house. As he approached the living room, he was met with silence. A quick scan revealed nothing out of place, y
The sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting soft golden rays onto the living room floor. Ava reclined on the plush sofa, her hand protectively resting on her growing belly. The room was calm, save for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall. Alexander sat beside her, his dark eyes searching her face for any sign of discomfort.“I know for such that something like this needs your utmost rest,” he began, his tone low yet firm. “And I hope you’re willing to compromise. Your job could be held till you’re out of bed and back to your feet.” He paused, gauging her reaction. “You need to prioritize yourself now.”Ava’s lips curved into a slight pout, her fingers playing with the edge of her blouse. “But what if I get too bored?” she teased, though her voice carried a hint of genuine concern.Alexander leaned closer, his presence exuding reassurance. “Baby, I know, and that’s why I won’t go to work every day. And when I do, I’ll make sure to come back early enough. Is that okay
Ava stirred in her sleep, turning over in the dim light of the room. Her soft, supple body pressed against Alexander, her leg brushing over his thigh. The subtle pressure and her intoxicating warmth sent a jolt through him, and his eyes flickered open.The faint glow of the bedside lamp cast a golden hue over her serene face. Her head rested on his chest, her breath soft and rhythmic. She shifted slightly, and her cheek brushed against him, causing him to stiffen beneath her.Alexander’s jaw tightened as he suppressed a groan. He didn’t need this—not now, not in the middle of the night when his self-control was already hanging by a thread. But the way she nuzzled closer, seeking comfort in his embrace, made it impossible to stay detached.Her hazy eyes blinked open slowly, and for a moment, their gazes locked. She looked up at him, her expression drowsy but undeniably alluring. “Hmm… baby, are you awake?” she murmured, her voice a blend of sleep and mischief.Alexander swallowed hard,
Alexander sat across from Grandpa Pascal on the porch as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The air was light, filled with the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves as a breeze swept through. Their laughter mixed with the sounds of the evening, making the moment feel surreal—peaceful, even.After everything they’d been through, these moments felt like stolen treasures.“What’s next now, Alex?” Grandpa Pascal asked, his voice steady but curious.Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the fading sunlight. “I want to start fresh with her, Grandpa. Redo everything.” He let out a soft chuckle, though it didn’t hide the hint of regret in his tone. “We could have another wedding, make new memories, and even renew our marriage certificates. You know, I never signed the divorce papers. I was just… stupid back then. I lost her because of my own mistakes.”Grandpa Pascal nodded thoughtfully, his wrinkled hands restin
Ava woke up the next morning, the sunlight gently filtering through the curtains. The house was eerily quiet, save for the faint clinking of dishes coming from the kitchen. She padded out in her silk robe, her steps light but deliberate. When she entered the kitchen, her gaze fell on Monica and Janet, who were busily chatting while preparing something. Their faces lit up as they noticed her.“Mrs. Pascal, you’re awake?” Monica’s voice carried an excited warmth that made Ava’s lips curve slightly. “We were just discussing going grocery shopping. Is there anything specific you’d like us to get?”Ava paused, taking in the genuine enthusiasm on their faces. These two women had been a constant presence in her life, even during the times she had wanted things to be different and for Alexander to at least see her. She owed them more than she cared to admit.“Well,” she began, her voice softer than usual, “if you don’t think I need anything after considering everything, then I trust you’ll ma
Ava stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, the soft morning light filtering through the blinds, casting long shadows across the floor. Her reflection showed a woman on the edge of a new chapter. There was no denying it now—her life was changing in ways she hadn't fully processed. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, the subtle swell a constant reminder of the life growing inside her. Her heart fluttered at the thought.She was pregnant.The weight of the word still felt surreal. She had always been the one in control, the doctor who could solve any problem, who had all the answers. But this... this was different. This wasn’t something she could just fix with science or experience. This was something completely outside her realm of control. It was raw, unpredictable, and so deeply personal.Turning around, she found Alexander leaning against the doorframe, watching her quietly. His presence always had a way of grounding her, calming the storm of emotions she