The quiet hum of the bathroom fan was the only sound between them as Alexander emerged from the shower, his movements relaxed but purposeful. Ava, standing by the vanity with the phone still clutched tightly in her hand, barely glanced up as he wrapped a towel around his waist. Her thoughts were a chaotic storm, Linda’s cutting words replaying in her mind like a broken record.Alexander, ever observant, caught the subtle stiffness in her posture. “Everything okay?” he asked, running a hand through his damp hair.Ava forced a neutral expression, slipping his phone onto the counter. “Linda called,” she said simply, her tone clipped.His movements stilled for a fraction of a second before he picked up the phone, his brows furrowing slightly. “What did she want?”“She didn’t say,” Ava replied, crossing her arms over her chest. “Just that it was urgent.”Alexander sighed, placing the phone face down without returning the call. “I’ll deal with it later,” he said, his voice calm but dismissi
The low hum of chatter filled the luxurious lounge of the hotel as Ava entered, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She scanned the room, her gaze locking onto Linda almost instantly. Seated at the center of a small group, Linda exuded confidence, her laughter ringing out like a bell as she entertained her entourage.Ava’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. The moment Linda’s sharp eyes landed on her, the laughter stopped. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly masked by a cool smirk.“Well, if it isn’t Mrs. Pascal,” Linda drawled, rising gracefully from her chair. Her tone was syrupy sweet, but the underlying venom was unmistakable. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”Ava stepped forward, her chin held high. “We need to talk. Privately.”Linda’s brow arched in mock surprise. “Oh? This sounds serious. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me.” She gestured to her companions, who hesitated before reluctantly dispersing.Once they were alone, Linda’s mask of civility dr
Few weeks LaterThe gala hall was alive with the sparkle of luxury, reporters mingling with socialites, all eyes on the glittering figures in the crowd. Ava stood apart, observing the spectacle with a quiet unease. This wasn’t her world. The flashing cameras, the whispers behind delicate fan-shaped hands, the ostentatious displays of wealth—it all felt so foreign to her.But Linda… Linda was in her element.The famous model entered the room like she owned it, every inch of her radiating confidence, her high-end designer dress draped perfectly over her frame. Her presence was magnetic, every movement drawing attention as cameras flashed in her direction. Linda knew how to work the room. She knew how to stay in the headlines, even when she wasn’t trying.Ava watched Linda from the edge of the crowd, her stomach twisting with a mixture of dread and curiosity. Linda was a force—impossible to ignore. But Ava didn’t need to guess what Linda was up to. She could feel it in the air, the way t
The gala, once a celebration, had quickly become a circus. Ava stood just inside the grand hall, watching the chaos unfold around her. The room buzzed with gossip, whispers cutting through the air like knives. News of the alleged troubles in her marriage to Alexander had spread like wildfire, and now, she was the star of the evening—though not for the reasons anyone had hoped. Linda’s attack had only fueled the fire, and Ava could feel every set of eyes on her as she took a slow, deliberate breath.She straightened her back, forcing herself to stand taller, her heels clicking sharply on the polished floor as she walked past a row of reporters. Their cameras flashed at her with relentless speed, eager to catch a glimpse of the woman they saw as a victim, as the trembling wife of the infamous Alexander. But Ava wasn’t the woman they thought they knew. She wasn’t the woman who would cower or give them a scandal. Not tonight.Ava could hear snippets of conversation as she moved through th
Ava sat in the lavishly decorated room, her fingers lightly tapping on the table. It had been three years since the fallout with Alexander, and everything had changed. The tension between them was palpable, but so was the undeniable pull that had always existed. Alexander had spent the past months trying to make amends, trying to prove that he was no longer the man who had disregarded her.Tonight, he stood in front of her, the weight of his past actions evident in his eyes. “Ava,” he began, his voice steady but with an underlying vulnerability, “I know I’ve hurt you, more than I can ever put into words. I’m not asking for forgiveness overnight, but I need you to understand… I’m not the same person I was before.”Ava didn’t respond immediately. Her gaze was unwavering as she took in his words, his sincerity. She could see the effort, but there was still a part of her that hesitated. After everything, could she truly believe him again?“What are you going to do about Linda?” Ava asked,
The tension between Ava and Alexander had shifted in the last few weeks, but tonight felt like the true turning point. With each passing day, Alexander had fought to prove his sincerity, and Ava couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in him. His once hardened exterior had softened, his words had become more genuine, and there was an undeniable effort to meet her halfway.As they sat in the same lavishly decorated room where they’d shared so many memories, Ava’s mind wandered, the silence between them a reflection of the years they had spent apart. She glanced at Alexander, who was sitting across from her, his posture straight, yet there was an underlying vulnerability in his eyes. He hadn’t always been the man she’d hoped for, but now, just maybe, he was becoming the man she needed.“You don’t have to keep doing this, you know,” Ava said, breaking the silence. Her voice was softer than she intended, but it was an honesty she felt she needed to offer. “You’ve already made your cho
Ava stood before the mirror, brushing her hair with deliberate strokes. Each movement was a rhythm she clung to amidst the chaos of her thoughts. She stared at her reflection—the woman she had become: stronger, colder, yet yearning for the warmth she had long denied herself.A soft knock interrupted her musings."Ava?" Alexander's voice came from the other side. His tone was different—uncertain.She sighed, walked over, and opened the door. Alexander stood there, his eyes dark with something she couldn't place."I couldn't sleep," he said, his voice low. "Can we talk?"Ava folded her arms. "About what?"He stepped closer, but not enough to invade her space. "About... us. About what happened."Her heart tightened. "We've talked enough, Alexander. Words aren't enough."His eyes flickered with pain, but he pressed on. "Then let me show you."Before she could respond, he moved closer and cupped her face gently. His thumb brushed her cheek, and for a moment, she let herself soften. She had
The moonlight streamed through the glass panels of the balcony, casting a silvery glow over Ava’s figure. She leaned against the railing, a thin shawl draped over her shoulders, her thoughts adrift. The city below was alive with activity, but Ava felt disconnected, her energy drained by an invisible weight.For weeks, her body had been betraying her—waves of nausea, sudden dizziness, and a sharp aversion to the foods she once loved. Ava chalked it up to exhaustion. After all, navigating her fragile marriage to Alexander while adjusting to her new life was no small feat.The sound of the door opening behind her broke her reverie. Ava turned to see Alexander standing there, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the collar. He wasn’t in his usual composed stance; instead, his brows were slightly furrowed, his gaze softer than usual.“You’ve been out here for a while,” he said, stepping closer.“I needed some air,” she replied, offering a small smile.Alexander’s eyes lingered on her, as th
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