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 POVThe warmth in my body was overwhelming, an electric buzz I couldn’t shake. My steps faltered as Oliver’s hand tightened around my arm, his voice blending into the haze around me.“Ava, stay with me,” he urged, his tone edged with something close to panic.I blinked up at him, trying to focus. “What… what’s happening?”Before he could answer, another voice cut through the noise—a voice as cold and sharp as a blade.“Is there a problem here?”I turned, swaying slightly, to see Logan. He was standing a few feet away, his tall frame commanding attention even in the crowded ballroom. His dark suit seemed to absorb the light, and his piercing gaze flickered between me and Oliver.Logan’s presence sent a ripple through the room. People instinctively stepped aside, whispering in hushed tones, but his focus remained locked on us.Oliver stiffened, his face draining of color. For the first time, I saw fear in his eyes.“No problem,” Oliver said quickly, his grip on me loosening. “She’
Ava’s POVThe evening air hung thick with anticipation, the dim light casting soft shadows across my face. Logan stepped closer, his movements unhurried, like a predator sizing up its prey, though his expression held nothing but warmth. “You don’t have to be nervous,” he said, reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as his fingers lingered, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. “It was my first time. I don’t want to mess this up.”Logan’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing gently against my flushed skin. “Ava, trust me, I’m very good at taking the lead.”My nerves began to melt away as Logan’s confidence enveloped me like a warm blanket. He kissed me passionately as he guided me to the bed. When his hands touched my breast they were warm, and he began to touch my soft skin. This was just the first session and his hands were confident, as his fingertips steadied my shoulder to u
Ava’s POVAfter that night, Logan became a regular fixture at the coffee shop where I worked. He would sit at a corner table, watching me with a soft smile as I bustled around, taking orders and making drinks. His presence was both comforting and exhilarating, and I often found myself blushing under his gaze."You're doing great, Ava," he would say, his eyes twinkling with amusement whenever he caught me looking flustered."Thanks, Logan," I would reply, my cheeks turning even redder. His support meant the world to me, and I cherished every moment we spent together.Logan was there again, sitting at his usual table by the window. He was pretending to read something on his phone, but I could feel his gaze on me, as steady and warm as the late afternoon sun streaming through the glass.Every time I glanced his way, his lips curled into that easy, knowing smile that made my heart stutter. It was impossible to focus when he was around, but I secretly loved the way he watched me. Sometime
Ava’s POVThe rain tapped against the window like a persistent melody, filling the quiet space between us. Logan was sitting across from me, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. His demeanor was calm, as always, but there was an edge of curiosity in his gaze—one I couldn’t ignore.I took a deep breath. “Logan, I need your help with something.”He looked up from his coffee, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “What kind of help?”“I need to find someone,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Can you help me find Oliver? He's disappeared.”For a moment, Logan didn’t react. Then he leaned back in his chair, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “Oliver, huh?”I nodded, unsure of what to expect. Logan always seemed like the kind of person who could find anyone, but the thought of asking him felt daunting.“You’re asking the wrong guy,” he said, shrugging. Logan's expression remained calm, but there was a slight tension in his jaw. "Ava, I wish I could help, but I don't
Ava’s POVAs we settled into our cozy corner, I could sense that something was weighing on Zara’s mind. She took a deep breath before speaking."Ava, I need to talk to you about Logan," Zara began, her tone serious.I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What about him?"Zara glanced around, as if to ensure no one was listening. "I think you should stay away from him."Her words hit me like a cold splash of water. "Why would you say that?""Now that I work for his company, I've learned things about him... His identity is not as simple as you think," Zara explained, her eyes filled with concern.I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"Zara hesitated, clearly torn. "I can't tell you directly, Ava. But... I found out at the last party. Let's just say, he's not who he seems to be."Frustration bubbled up inside me. "Zara, you can't just drop a bombshell like that and not give me any details."She sighed, looking pained. "I wish I could tell you more, but I can't. Just trust me on
Ava’s POVLogan's birthday arrived on a rainy day, the sky a brooding grey, as if it too was contemplating the events to come. I was at home, lazily flipping through a magazine, when there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I was greeted by a makeup team, laden with boxes and garment bags."Happy birthday to Logan," one of the makeup artists said with a grin. "He's sent us to make sure you're ready for the celebration tonight."I was taken aback, but I let them in. From one of the garment bags, they pulled out a stunning, floor-length dress in a deep, emerald green, accompanied by a pair of towering heels and a set of heavy, jewel-studded earrings. The ensemble screamed luxury, but as I looked in the mirror after they dressed me, I hardly recognized myself.While they worked on my makeup, I tried to make small requests. "Could we maybe go a bit lighter on the eyeshadow?""Oh, but Logan insisted on this look," one of the artists replied with a practiced smile. "You look absolutely st
Ava’s POVAs Logan walked away, leaving me alone in the crowded party, a wave of confusion and frustration washed over me. My eyes scanned the room, desperate for something, anything, to ground me. That's when I saw Oliver, standing by the bar with a glass of champagne in hand, a mask of ease masking his true emotions.A surge of conflicting feelings hit me—anger, desperation, and a fierce need for answers. My heart pounded as I pushed through the throngs of partygoers, each step heavy with determination and uncertainty."Oliver," I called out, my voice trembling as it cut through the hum of conversation. "I need to talk to you about my father's death. I need to know the truth."Oliver turned, his expression shifting from surprise to a guarded look. "Ava, this isn't the right place," he began, but I cut him off, my voice rising above the background noise of the party.I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "No, Oliver. I've waited long enough. I need to know what really happened. Why
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