Ava’ POVLogan didn’t pause to bask in the attention, though. He walked straight toward us, his movements deliberate, exuding a confidence that was impossible to ignore.I tensed instinctively, watching him approach like he was walking into a lion’s den. Alexander’s bodyguard—a hulking brute with a neck thicker than my thigh—stepped forward before Logan could get too close. His shoulders were squared, and the sneer on his lips was dripping with disdain. This was the same man who had nearly broken Luke’s hand earlier, and now he loomed in front of Logan like a wall of muscle and menace.“Turn around,” the bodyguard growled, his voice low and menacing. “You’re not welcome here.”Logan didn’t flinch. In fact, he didn’t even break stride. He kept walking, his expression calm and collected, as though he hadn’t just been threatened by a man who could probably snap him in two.I held my breath, my heart hammering in my chest. “Logan, don’t,” I whispered under my breath, though I knew he coul
Ava’s POVThe room grew louder as more and more people gravitated toward Logan, each person eager to exchange pleasantries or curry favor. He handled it all effortlessly, seamlessly moving from one conversation to the next, his calm demeanor never faltering. Watching him from the edge of the room, I couldn’t help but marvel at how easily he commanded attention, even in a crowd.Luke, my boss, had finally managed to extricate himself from Logan’s sphere, looking relieved as he stepped aside. He caught my eye briefly, but I quickly turned away, not wanting to draw his attention.My phone buzzed in my purse, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen: Daniel.I slipped out of the crowded room, weaving through clusters of guests until I found a quiet corner near the hallway. I hit accept and whispered, “Hey.”“Ava,” Daniel’s voice came through, a mix of worry and relief. “Are you okay? You’ve been gone for hours. I was starting to think something happened.”“I’m fine,” I said qu
Ava’s POVThe moment I told Logan my home address, he barely glanced at me before pressing a few buttons on the sleek console beside his seat. A soft hum filled the quiet space, and then—like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—a hidden compartment smoothly slid open.A small platform rose, revealing an assortment of snacks, neatly arranged with almost too much precision. Cookies, dark chocolate truffles, imported nuts, and a few familiar gourmet energy bars I’d only ever seen in high-end stores.I blinked, momentarily thrown off."Help yourself," Logan said casually, eyes still on the road as the car moved through the city streets.I hesitated, but my stomach betrayed me with a low growl. Embarrassed, I reached for a cookie, unwrapping it slowly. Still, as I took a bite, an unsettling thought crept in.Did he prepare this for Cassie?It made sense. A billionaire CEO like Logan wouldn't just stock his car with random snacks. Everything about him was calculated, precise—never with
Ava’s POVThe warmth of the car, mixed with the gentle sway of the drive, had me fully dozing off without even realizing it. But then, the sharp sound of my phone ringing pierced through the haze of sleep, jerking me awake.I blinked, disoriented at first, and then immediately reached for my phone. But something was odd. My body felt warmer than usual, and as I shifted in my seat to grab the phone, I realized that Logan’s jacket, which I hadn’t noticed before, was draped over my shoulders. I glanced over at him in confusion, only to see him staring ahead, focused on the road."You were sleeping," he said, his voice gentle but firm as he caught my eye. "I didn’t want to wake you up."I blinked at him, my face flushed with a sudden wave of embarrassment. "I—um, thanks," I stammered, my voice still thick with the remnants of sleep. I glanced at my phone screen again, and it was flooded with missed calls from Daniel. Logan didn’t say anything else, but I felt the tension shift in the air
Logan’s POVThe salon was a sanctuary of power, dressed in dark wood, soft leather, and hushed voices. It reeked of exclusivity—the kind of place where the rich and influential spoke in careful riddles, where deals were sealed with a knowing glance rather than a contract. The scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air, blending with the sharp notes of aged whiskey as servers moved soundlessly between the high-backed chairs, refilling glasses that never stayed empty for long.I leaned back, fingers resting lightly around the rim of my glass as I studied the woman sitting across from me.Emily. The mayor’s daughter.She was as polished as the setting around her, her blonde hair swept back in a perfect chignon, her manicured fingers gliding absentmindedly over the rim of her wine glass. But behind that poised exterior was a mind sharpened by politics, raised among men who dealt in power like currency. She wasn’t just here for casual conversation. She was here to assess me."I have to
Ava’s POVI wasn’t expecting to see Logan today.The coffee shop was crowded with the usual after-work rush, professionals grabbing their evening caffeine fix before heading home. I had found a seat by the window, waiting for Daniel to finish work, when I heard a familiar voice order a black coffee—no sugar, no cream.I turned my head, and there he was. Logan.Dressed in his usual crisp suit, he looked effortlessly polished, like he had just stepped out of a high-end magazine. He hadn’t noticed me yet, focused on his phone as he waited for his order. For a brief second, I debated pretending I hadn’t seen him, but fate had other plans.He glanced up and caught my gaze. A flicker of surprise crossed his features before it was quickly masked by his usual unreadable expression.“Ava.” His deep voice carried over the hum of conversations and the whirring of the espresso machine.I forced a polite smile. “Logan. What brings you here?”He walked over, coffee in hand, and gestured to the empt
Ava’s POVSitting in Logan’s office, I struggled to keep up with the whirlwind of the web conference. Logan, on the other hand, was in his element—switching between languages effortlessly, negotiating terms, and handling vendors like it was second nature.I could barely follow along. My brain was already drained from the long night, and Logan's ability to control the conversation with such precision only made it more obvious how out of my league I felt.I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples, letting his deep voice blend into the background. My eyes flicked to my phone on the table. The screen was dark. No notifications.I frowned.Daniel should have called me by now.Picking up my phone, I realized it was on silent. My stomach twisted as I quickly checked my call log. One missed call.I hit redial immediately, pressing the phone to my ear.Ring.Then—nothing.The call disconnected before it even connected.My chest tightened. Was Daniel mad? Had he given up on our plans entire
Ava’s POVAndrew raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair, glancing between Logan and me. “So let me get this straight—Logan dragged you into a last-minute meeting and ruined your date?”I opened my mouth to downplay it, but before I could speak, Andrew shook his head in exaggerated disappointment. “Man, that’s brutal. I didn’t realize Logan’s company had a policy of stealing employees away from their personal lives.”Logan shot him a sharp look, the kind that spoke volumes without a single word. Shut up.Andrew, of course, ignored it.“Then again,” he continued, gesturing to the lavish surroundings, “this place is probably better than wherever you were supposed to go, right? You upgraded.” His tone was teasing, but the implication was clear—being here, with Logan, was somehow a step above whatever plans I had with Daniel.I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “That’s not how it works.”Andrew looked at me curiously. “No?”“No,” I said simply. “Daniel and I are together beca
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