Ava’s POVBy the time dinner rolled around, I found myself seated in a private buffet room arranged by Logan’s secretary. The space was as luxurious as one would expect—polished marble floors, elegant lighting, and an array of dishes that could rival a royal feast. My unease about my room assignment still lingered, but the cheerful banter of my colleagues was surprisingly infectious.The food was excellent, and for a moment, I let myself relax. Perhaps this trip wouldn’t be as daunting as I’d feared.As I reached for a glass of sparkling water, Jennifer slid into the seat next to me. She wasted no time starting a conversation.“George has been insufferable today,” she said, her voice low but laced with disdain. “Strutting around like a rooster, bragging about his supposed connections. Can you believe him?”I raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet, sipping my drink. Jennifer wasn’t someone I had ever been close to, and her sudden friendliness made me wary.“Honestly,” she continued, rollin
Ava’s POV(Flashback)The morning rush at the coffee shop was a familiar blur of clinking cups and the low hum of chatter, punctuated by the hiss of the espresso machine. By now, Logan had become a regular sight, his broad shoulders and sharp jawline unmistakable even through the busiest crowd. He sat at his usual corner table by the window, scrolling through his phone as sunlight painted his profile in golden hues.The first time he came in, he’d barely looked at me. Now, his easy smile when I brought his coffee felt like a small victory.“Priority customer,” Tom, the manager, teased as he placed a slice of tiramisu on the tray beside Logan’s black coffee. “He’s keeping the place running at this rate. Take this to him, will you? My gift.”I rolled my eyes but picked up the tray. “Don’t let him hear that. He might ask for a shareholder’s cut.”When I approached Logan’s table, he glanced up from his phone, and his expression softened. “Ava. You always seem to know when I’m in need of c
Ava’s POVThe morning was crisp as I slid into Logan’s car, the soft hum of classical music filling the air. The interior smelled faintly of leather and something spicy—his cologne, I guessed. He greeted me with his usual composed smile, and for a moment, I almost forgot the gnawing unease that always seemed to accompany him.As he steered the car smoothly onto the main road, I noticed the glint of his watch under the sunlight. My breath caught as I recognized the design—Marc Chagall’s ethereal strokes etched into a luxury timepiece. Vacheron Constantin Chagall & L'Opera de Paris.“You’re wearing a Chagall watch?” I asked, unable to mask my surprise.He glanced at his wrist, a flicker of pride flashing in his expression. “A little indulgence,” he said lightly. “It felt fitting for today.”I let out a soft laugh, though the knot in my chest tightened. His world was a universe away from mine, each detail—a watch, a car, the perfectly pressed lines of his jacket—serving as a constant rem
Ava’s POVCassie appeared, her smile bright yet sharp, like polished steel. She was effortlessly beautiful in a black dress that hugged her figure and somehow managed to be understated yet commanding. My scarf suddenly felt like a glaring mistake.Her eyes swept over me, lingering on the scarf with an almost imperceptible arch of her brow. It wasn’t overt, but I felt the judgment all the same. I instinctively adjusted it, feeling suddenly out of place, like a child playing dress-up at an adult’s event."Logan, this year’s exhibition is simply marvelous," Cassie said, her voice oozing approval. She clasped her hands together with a delicate air. "The present was better than ever. Truly, it’s unmatched.""Glad you think so," Logan replied smoothly, his lips curving into that effortless smile that charmed everyone.Wait. The present? I blinked, my gaze flickering between them. Logan didn’t elaborate, and Cassie moved on as if it was common knowledge. A pang of unease settled in my stomac
Logan’s POVThe sound of heels clicking against the stone path drew my attention, and there she was, Cassie, rushing toward me with that ever-confident stride. Only this time, she misstepped.Her heel caught on the edge of the stone, and she stumbled forward, arms flailing. Instinctively, I reached out, but before she fell into me, Leo and Andrew appeared, steadying her on either side.“Careful there,” I said, my tone light but my grip tightening on her.Cassie laughed it off, waving a hand. “Just these damn heels. They’re treacherous.”I stepped back as she brushed herself off, not missing the flicker of irritation that crossed her face. Cassie hated looking anything less than perfect.We piled into the car shortly after. Andrew and I took the front seats while Cassie and Leo slid into the back. The partition between us was down, and I could hear their conversation clearly, as I always did.Cassie started immediately, her voice dripping with disdain. “You wouldn’t believe the people
Ava's POVIt had been a few days since Logan had last reached out to me. A part of me felt relieved—after everything that had happened, I wasn’t sure how to face him anymore. But another part of me, the part that had grown accustomed to his presence, found the silence oddly unsettling.I sat in the corner of a quiet coffee shop, my laptop open in front of me, calculating the mess that had become my finances. It had started innocently enough—just a few unexpected expenses, some overdue bills—but now it was spiraling. Taxes, student loans, rent, and the occasional luxury gift from Logan that I could barely afford. The numbers just didn’t add up."Hey, Ava, are you doing okay?" Zara slid into the chair across from me, her eyes scanning the coffee cup in front of me, half-empty and forgotten.I sighed, shaking my head. "I’m fine. Just trying to figure out how I’m going to survive the next few months."Zara raised an eyebrow. "Survive? Are you serious? You've got Logan—he could solve all o
Ava’s POVI followed Oliver at a careful distance, my heart pounding in my chest like a trapped bird. The dimly lit corridors of the sprawling estate seemed endless, each turn more disorienting than the last. Zara was supposed to be here, but I couldn’t find her. Now, lost in this labyrinth of opulence, I regretted every impulsive decision that had led me here.Just as I was about to give up and retreat, a sound reached me. A faint melody—sensuous, slow, and haunting. It was coming from a room at the end of the hallway. Drawn by curiosity and an inexplicable pull, I approached, the door slightly ajar. Inside, the scene unfolded like something out of a forbidden dream.Zara.She stood in the center of the room, a vision in crimson silk that clung to her every curve. The dress—if you could call it that—was daring, with slits that ran up both sides, revealing long legs adorned with shimmering anklets. The fabric caught the light, giving her an ethereal glow, while delicate chains draped
Ava’s POVThe air seemed to thicken as I looked at Oliver, standing there as if he hadn’t fractured my world years ago. My chest felt heavy, and my throat tightened with the weight of the questions I had buried for so long.Memories I had worked so hard to suppress flooded back, sharp and unrelenting. My father, sitting at the dining table late into the night, stacks of papers and blueprints scattered before him. The excitement in his voice as he spoke of bidding on a property— Ridgewood Estate a deal that could have changed everything for our family.I remember the pride in his eyes when he said, “This is it, Ava. This is our future.”But the future never came.Instead, everything fell apart.I balled my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fought to steady my breathing. Oliver had been there, right in the middle of it all. As one of the key employees in the company managing the bidding process, he had worked closely with my father. My father trusted him. We trusted him.And th
Ava’s POVMy mind felt like it was swimming through a thick fog as I gradually woke up from what felt like a coma. My body was heavy, yet a strange warmth coursed through my veins. My senses were heightened, and I felt an unfamiliar heat spreading through me. As my eyes fluttered open, I realized I was in a luxurious hotel room, one that I didn't recognize at all.The soft sound of water running caught my attention, and I turned my head to see a man showering in the glass-enclosed bathroom. Panic surged through me. Where was I? Who was this man? My heart raced as I looked around the room, noticing clothes strewn about, and none of them belonged to Daniel.Fighting the rising sense of dread, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and tried to stand, my knees wobbling slightly. I needed to get out of here. I stumbled towards the door, my vision still a bit blurry, but determined to escape. Just as my hand touched the doorknob, a strong arm wrapped around my waist and lifted me off my
Ava’s POVI weaved through the glittering crowd, my heels clicking softly against the polished floors as I searched for Daniel. The estate was massive, and between the lavish decorations and the endless sea of well-dressed guests, finding one person felt like an impossible task.On the way, I ran into a small group of my colleagues, who were huddled together near the wine bar, sipping from crystal glasses and laughing a little too loudly. The unmistakable buzz of gossip filled the air, and before I could slip away unnoticed, one of them spotted me."Ava! Come here, you have to hear this," Emma, one of the more outspoken ones, said with a mischievous grin.I hesitated for a second but decided that a quick chat wouldn’t hurt. Besides, maybe someone had seen Daniel."What are you all talking about?" I asked, accepting the glass of wine someone handed me."Oh, just the latest scandal," Lisa smirked, swirling her drink. "You know the financial man, right?"I raised an eyebrow. "Which one?
Ava’s POVThe cool night air brushed against my skin as Logan led me onto the balcony. The noise of the party dulled behind us, leaving only the distant hum of music and laughter drifting through the open doors. The scent of pine and crisp winter air mixed with the faint traces of Logan’s cologne—clean, understated, nothing like the overpowering scents most men in his circle wore.I took a deep breath, glancing over my shoulder toward the ballroom. Luke was nowhere in sight. That was all I needed."Thanks for the save," I said briskly. "But I should get back."I turned to leave, but Logan’s voice stopped me."Do you hate me that much?"His words weren’t sharp or accusatory. They were quiet. Almost curious.I hesitated, caught off guard.Turning slowly, I met his gaze. In the dim light, his expression was unreadable, but something about the way he was looking at me made me pause.*"I don’t—" I stopped myself, exhaling. "That’s not it."It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth eith
Logan’s POVFrom the balcony above, I swirled the dark liquid in my glass, watching the dance floor below with idle amusement. The waltz was slow, deliberate—the kind of dance that turned reality into a dream, a carefully orchestrated illusion.And in the center of it all—Daniel and Ava.My fingers tightened around the glass. Daniel’s hand rested on her waist, his movements smooth, practiced. He smiled, soaking in the admiration of those around him, the perfect picture of confidence. And Ava, wrapped in that emerald dress, moved with effortless grace, oblivious to the storm brewing above her.I exhaled slowly, letting the cool air settle against my skin.I wasn’t sure what irritated me more—Daniel’s unshaken happiness or the fact that Ava seemed to believe in it.How fragile. I took another sip of my drink. How easily this can all be undone.Setting my glass down on the marble railing, I pulled out my phone. The moment the call connected, I didn’t bother with pleasantries."Leave."Do
Ava’s POVI couldn't stop thinking about the watch.This one, with its delicate, hand-painted details, felt too sentimental for him. And yet, he still wore it. What confused me even more was that the woman beside him wasn’t Cassie.Emily’s presence should have explained everything. She was charming, poised, and beautiful. The kind of woman who fit effortlessly into Logan’s world. But the watch… that felt like something different.I shook the thought away as Daniel and I stepped further into the winery, surrounded by the warm hum of conversation and the rich scent of aged wine. The place was a masterpiece in itself—high wooden beams stretched overhead, walls lined with bottles of vintage collections, and delicate chandeliers that cast golden light over the polished floors.Before I could say anything to Daniel, a group of his colleagues spotted us."Ava, you have to come with us!" One of them looped her arm around mine before I could react."We’re going on a tour of the winery, and you
Ava’s POVChristmas Eve should have felt magical—twinkling lights, warm laughter, and the scent of cinnamon and pine filling the air. But as I sat in Daniel’s car, watching the city lights blur past the window, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling curling in my stomach.Logan.Daniel had told me earlier, almost offhandedly, that Logan’s company had partnered with his for a major project. And as if that wasn’t enough, Logan had decided to host a grand Christmas Eve party to celebrate.I smoothed my hands over the expensive dress I was wearing—a deep emerald satin, the color chosen to match my eyes. Daniel had picked it out for me, along with the matching heels and the diamond bracelet clasped around my wrist. He had returned from his business trip with bags of gifts, showering me with luxuries I never asked for. A new phone, designer bags, and even a limited-edition perfume that I was certain cost more than my monthly salary. And yet, every time I voiced my concerns, he brushed them of
Ava’s POVThe soft glow of the restaurant’s candlelight reflected in the emerald pendant that now rested against my collarbone. I traced my fingers over the delicate silver chain, still in disbelief at the exquisite gift. The gemstone shimmered, mirroring the very color of my own eyes.“Daniel, this is too much,” I murmured, unable to hide the hesitation in my voice. “You didn’t have to—”Daniel reached across the table, taking my hand in his. His touch was warm, reassuring. “And yet, I wanted to,” he said with a small smile. “You gave me this.” He gestured to the sleek tie clip pinned to his collar. “And don’t even try to say it’s not the same. It means just as much.”I glanced at the gift I had carefully picked out for him, a simple yet elegant tie clip engraved with his initials. It wasn’t extravagant, but it carried meaning—just like this necklace, despite the luxury of it.“You always do this,” I sighed, shaking my head. “You make it impossible to argue with you.”“That’s the goa
Logan’s POVThe bar was dimly lit, the scent of aged whiskey and expensive cologne lingering in the air. The private lounge buzzed with low chatter and laughter, glasses clinking as Leo leaned back, smirking over the rim of his drink."Now, this is a surprise," Andrew drawled, eyeing the woman draped casually across the leather couch. "I thought you were off playing house with your perfect little fiancé."Cassie tilted her head, her lips curling into an amused smile. "Benjamin got boring."I raised a brow. "Bored? Or bored of you?"Leo and Andrew let out low chuckles, but Cassie just rolled her eyes. "Not the point." She swirled the wine in her glass, watching the deep red liquid catch the light. "I was supposed to stay another two months, but honestly? I needed a break. So, I came home early—alone."Alone.That was enough to make everyone pause. Cassie wasn’t the type to ditch a man without reason. Unless she was already looking for something else.Andrew leaned forward, intrigued. "
Ava’s POVI barely tasted the breakfast set before me. The eggs were cooked to perfection, the toast lightly buttered, the coffee rich and smooth—but every bite felt hollow, like I was simply going through the motions. The weight of last night still clung to me, a heavy, suffocating presence that refused to be shaken off.I left as soon as I could, stepping out into the crisp morning air, inhaling deeply as if it could cleanse me of everything. I needed to go home.But when I got there, silence greeted me.Daniel hadn’t called. Not a single message. No missed calls. Nothing.I sat on the couch, my fingers tightening around my phone. He should have been worried. He should have asked where I was. The longer I waited, the heavier the pit in my stomach grew.It was late afternoon when the door finally opened.Daniel stepped inside, his face unreadable—until he saw me. His expression shifted in an instant, a flicker of something dark flashing in his eyes before his lips pressed into a thin