The door to the bar was just within reach when Ava’s phone rang, jolting her from her scattered thoughts. Her hand hesitated on the door handle as she stepped aside, glancing at the screen—Holly.A sharp pang of guilt hit her… ‘I haven’t spoken to her all day. She’s in a new country, alone, and I’ve been so caught up in this mess... What kind of sister am I?’ she thought to herself. Without a second thought, she hurriedly picked up, already apologizing before Holly could speak. “I’m so sorry for not calling, Hols—” But something was off. Holly didn’t greet her with her usual excited scream. Instead, there was silence, followed by faint static. “Hello? Hols? Are you there?” Ava’s heart tightened with unease. A few seconds later, a voice—cold, unfamiliar—cut through the silence. “Is this Mrs. Ava Miller?” Ava’s pulse quickened. “Yes. Who is this? Where’s my sister? Why do you have her phone?” “This is Nurse Fatima Ashville from Ashton Valley Medical Center, California.” The
Mason froze mid-step when he heard Ava's voice. Her call was faint, almost lost in the noise of the crowded airport, but it reached him, stopping him in his tracks. He turned slowly, his eyes locking onto hers as she hurried toward him.She didn't love him. He knew this more than anyone but he can't—no—he doesn't want to give up on making her see him.That is the only way.Ava didn’t care about the stares from strangers or the tension radiating from Orion behind her. She reached Mason, throwing her arms around his neck in an embrace that caught him off guard.“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to push you away, Mason. I don’t want you to be upset, and I hate that you’re worried. Please don’t be.”Mason hesitated, his hands hovering uncertainly before they rested lightly on her back. His voice was soft, almost gentle. “Ava, it’s not about me. It’s about you and Holly. You don’t need to apologize.”Ava pulled back slightly, her eyes glistening. She smiled fai
Orion’s POVRose’s call was still fresh in my mind as we made our way through the bustling streets toward Ashton Valley Medical Center. Her voice had been sharp, almost biting, as she filled me in on the situation. “You shouldn't mess this up again, Mr Miller,” Rose had said. “And before you even ask, no—this isn’t just about Holly. Ava’s had enough people letting her down. I know you're a good person, so I'm giving you the opportunity to make things right with her.” I was busy beating myself up on how things played out with Ava when Rose called me about the trip to California. I have to make things right no matter what it takes. I will never divorce Ava. Never.“I get it, Rose. And thank you,” I had replied, keeping my tone calm even as frustration bubbled beneath the surface. Rose never liked me so I was surprised to hear that she was willing to help. She always had a way of making everything seem like it was entirely my fault. But she was right this time at least.“And anothe
Orion’s POVThe message on Ava’s phone was short but chilling, each word sharp like a dagger to my chest: “You thought you could escape me? You’ll learn soon enough. Watch your back, Mrs Miller. Accidents happen when you least expect them.”The number was unknown, no name attached, just a string of digits that looked ordinary but carried a sinister weight. My grip on the phone tightened, heart pounding as I re-read the message, each line feeding the growing rage inside me. Who the hell dared to threaten her? I quickly copied the number onto my own phone and deleted the message from Ava’s before placing it back gently where it had been. She stirred slightly, and I froze, my breath caught in my throat. After a moment, she settled, still deep in sleep. A wave of guilt crashed over me, almost drowning the fury simmering beneath my skin. Is this what she’s been dealing with? How long has this been happening while I was too blind to see? I clenched my jaw tightly, cursing myself. I
Orion's POV The more I thought about the mastermind behind this, the more Chloe's face kept popping up in my head.I glared at the man as he hesitated to answer me. I could see the fear in his expression as his lips quivered. Whoever was behind this had him scared out of his mind. Maybe it wasn't Chloe after all but I can't rule her out entirely. “I—I can’t say. They’ll kill me,” he replied.I leaned in closer, my voice low and dangerous. “You should be more worried about what I’ll do to you right now if you don’t talk.”He swallowed hard, his resolve crumbling under my glare. “I don’t know their names. They contacted me through a third party. But—” He hesitated, his eyes darting nervously around the room.“But what?” I snapped.“They said to keep an eye on her. That she’s—she’s important for some reason. And to make sure she stays scared throughout her stay here. I haven't done anything else aside from the text message, I swear on my life.” His words were rushed, like he was trying
Ashley’s hands clenched tightly around the steering wheel as she drove back to her apartment, her mind racing with rage and betrayal. Mason thought he could walk away from her, leave her in the dust like she was nothing. He was wrong. Dead wrong. If she couldn’t have him, no one else would. The thought simmered in her head like a dangerous promise.Her mind drifted back to the bossy-looking woman she had seen with Mason at the bar that day—Chloe. Ashley recalled how, just before the woman had disappeared into a sleek black car, she had slipped a card into her hand, her red-painted lips curling into a knowing smile. ‘Call me if you ever need a little help,’ Chloe had said.Ashley hadn’t thought much of it then. But now? Now she was desperate enough to take Chloe up on her offer. She yanked her phone out of her purse and dialed the number. After three rings, a breathy voice answered.“Chloe speaking,” the woman purred, her tone thick with amusement, as though she’d been expecting the ca
Ava’s POVThe day had been exhausting, emotionally and physically. I’d spent every moment with Holly, trying to distract both of us from the whirlwind of chaos surrounding our lives. Orion had been nowhere in sight, which was both a relief and a burden. After ensuring Holly was sound asleep, I left for the hotel, hoping for some semblance of peace. Why am I worried about Orion? He could be doing whatever he wants for all I care. That’s what I keep telling myself. But the memory of that night during our supposed honeymoon clawed its way back into my mind—the moment I walked in on him and Chloe tangled in the sheets. A massive wave of disgust crept up my spine. I hated how that moment still had a hold on me. I’ve told myself over and over not to feel this way, not to be hurt by him. And yet, here I am, falling into the same pit of emotions every time I think of him. I decided to take my time before heading up to my room. I didn’t want to walk into anything bizarre, and honestly, I w
Ava’s POV The door shut behind us with a loud thud followed by the sound of the door being locked.I wanted to scream. To ask him what he was doing in my room, but my body craved a different scene.My back hit the door as the strangers lips covered mine once more, I couldn't think—wasn’t thinking. I felt like my body had been set on fire and I needed the fire to quench immediately.I felt myself floating as the stranger lifted me off my feet and I wrapped my legs around him like a moron.I felt so hot, I wanted the dress off me. My back hit something soft, the bed? Or perhaps the cloud, I didn't know. I didn’t care.The pressure between my legs was unbearable and the fabric of my dress against my skin felt like a chain stopping me from breathing. I wanted it off.“Take it off," I whispered to the stranger, my back arching at the tremor that went through my body. The stranger grunted in response but instead of taking off my dress I heard the tearing of fabric before his lips covered
Ava’s POVThe crisp autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves as I stood before Richard’s tomb, dressed in a flowing white dress that billowed around my ankles. It had been over two years since the chaos, since the battles that tested our strength, our love, and our resilience. Two years since we lost the man who gave me—gave all of us—a new chance at life. A chance at love, at family, at something real. I felt a gentle press against my hand and turned slightly, meeting the warm gaze of my mother-in-law. Without words, I passed her a knowing smile and squeezed her hand back. We had arranged this ceremony not to mourn, but as a reunion. A day to celebrate Richard’s life rather than grieve his absence. Laughter and quiet conversations floated through the cemetery as familiar faces gathered. Holly stood a few feet away, her phone in hand, a small, amused smile playing on her lips as she typed away. I narrowed my eyes, curiosity sparking in my chest. Was she texting… a boy? I
Epilogue Orion stood alone on the balcony of the penthouse, the cool morning air brushing against his skin as his thoughts drifted to the past. He had sold the mansion—the one he and Ava once called home. The memories that filled those walls had become too painful to bear. The haunting image of that particular morning played in his mind, unbidden and relentless. Ava in his arms, blood staining her dress as she struggled to breathe, coughing up blood. “Don’t talk, Ava. Please… just stay with me. Somebody get the ambulance!” His frantic cries echoed in his ears as the paramedics wheeled her away, her weak hand reaching out, telling him with her eyes to let her go. Despite the terror in his chest, he listened to her wish and watched her leave, helpless to follow. Uncle Theo had dragged him away, his voice hollow, urging him to pull himself together. “Ava, your wife, will want you here,” Theo had said. Those words, heavy with unspoken meaning, drove him to storm into the conference ha
Ava’s POVThe incessant ringing of our phones jolted us awake. I stirred, unwilling to leave the warmth of Orion's arms. He hesitated for a moment before reaching for his phone on the headboard. His body stiffened as he listened to whoever was on the other end. Suddenly, he shot upright. “What do you mean by that?” he barked into the phone, his tone sharp and commanding. My curiosity piqued, I sat up and watched him intently. “Schedule a meeting for today,” he ordered before tossing the phone aside and raking his hand through his disheveled hair. “What happened?” I asked, my voice cautious. He turned to look at me, his expression softening. “It’s nothing for you to worry about, just some… minor concern at my company,” he replied, placing a reassuring kiss on my hand. His lips then trailed from my hand to my arm, my shoulder, my neck, and finally to my ear. “Stop,” I said, smiling as I half-heartedly pushed him away. But before things could go further, my own phone rang. Orion
Orion’s POV“Holly?” I called out, my voice laced with shock. Ava’s head snapped toward the door, and in an instant, she was on her feet, rushing to her sister. Pulling Holly into a tight embrace, Ava clung to her as if letting go would make her disappear. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. “What happened? Why are you crying?” Holly asked, her voice filled with confusion. “I just missed you,” Ava whispered, her voice soft but thick with emotion. Rose stepped forward, her brow furrowed. “Holly, why are you here so suddenly? Your bodyguard didn’t notify me about this visit.” Holly’s next words landed like a thunderclap. “That’s because he’s dead.” “What?” Ava gasped, pulling back from her sister. Her posture straightened as the words sank in. “What do you mean? What happened? When did this happen?” she asked, her voice rising with urgency. Holly’s gaze dropped, her hands trembling as she whispered, “It’s Dad.” She looked directly at Ava, fear etched
Orion’s POVCradling Ava's limp form against me, her body cold and still, the past week came crashing into my mind like a relentless tide, dragging me back to the darkest moments. Chloe’s voice, as clear as if she were standing right here, played over and over in my head.I closed my eyes, fighting the flood of memories, but they came anyway. The first time she’d called after the scandal had faded—her calm, unnervingly calculated tone—it had felt like the beginning of something dangerous. Something insidious.“I want you there at six,” she'd threatened, her voice oozing venom masked as sweetness. “Or I’ll make sure this goes public. Think I’m bluffing? I’ve got a video that’ll destroy you, Orion. Imagine how she’ll react when she sees it. All those nights... How do you think she’ll feel watching our sex video?”The poison in her words sank into my skin, the memory of that call still fresh. “Remember Chicago?” Chloe had murmured, her breath deliberate, every word a careful caress. “I
Ava’s POV Mason.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice curious as soon as the door clicked shut behind him. He didn’t respond, but only walked further into the room.“I was just about to call you, but…” My words trailed off as I took in his appearance. He was still wearing the same turtleneck and coat I’d seen him in yesterday. In the middle of summer. I frowned. "Mason, it’s sweltering outside. Why are you still dressed like this? You could at least lose the coat. I know this is a corporate setting, but I would never question you even if you didn’t dress so formally.”Mason smirked faintly, brushing off my comment, but before he could respond, Orion spoke, his voice laced with suspicion and accusation. “Why are you wearing so many layers in this weather?” He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. “Orion,” I warned, my tone firm. “That’s enough.” Mason’s smirk twisted into a sneer as he locked eyes with Orion. “You don’t
Ava's POV The morning sunlight streamed through my office window, illuminating the stack of damning documents on my desk. Photos, doctored emails, and fabricated accusations stared back at me, each one a calculated attempt to tarnish my name and shake the foundations of Miller Enterprise. Rose hovered nearby, her face pale with worry. "Ava," she began, her voice trembling. "This... this is catastrophic. It's worse than anything we've ever faced." I remained seated, my face calm and unreadable. “They’re emptying their rifles,” I said, my voice steady, almost amused. Orion paced behind me, his tension radiating like a storm waiting to break. “Ava, this isn’t just about you,” he said sharply. “This is bigger. They’re coming for the company. They’re coming for us.” I raised a hand, silencing him. “Orion, stop.” He froze mid-step, turning to face me. “How can you be so calm? Do you even realize what’s at stake?” “I do,” I replied, standing and brushing off my blazer. “And I k
The city skyline shimmered like a chessboard under the moonlight, each glowing tower representing a player in this corporate war. While Chloe plotted her revenge, the Jamesons were orchestrating their own calculated strike, a move that would send shockwaves through Miller Enterprise before the Millers even knew what hit them. The Jameson estate exuded an aura of unrelenting power. The sprawling grounds, with their pristine gardens and wrought-iron gates, were more fortress than home, a testament to the family’s wealth and ruthless ambition. Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was no warmer. The study, with its dark oak paneling and looming bookshelves, felt like the nerve center of a war room. Mr. Jameson sat behind the massive desk, his piercing eyes scanning a confidential file. The dim light from the desk lamp cast long, jagged shadows on the walls, amplifying the tension in the room. A glass of bourbon sat untouched beside him, condensation pooling on its surface. Mrs. Jameso
Ava’s POVThe moment I saw the figure step into view, cloaked in black with their face obscured by a mask, my blood ran cold. A scream ripped from my throat, piercing through the suffocating silence of the house. I didn’t wait to see what they would do next. My instincts screamed at me to run.I turned and bolted back up the stairs, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. I made it halfway to my room when I felt a rough hand wrap around my wrist, yanking me back with such force that I almost lost my balance.“Let me go!” I screamed, twisting and struggling, my free hand clawing at the iron grip that held me. The figure said nothing, their strength overwhelming as they began dragging me toward the stairs.“No! Let me go, you son of a gun!” I kicked and squirmed, planting my feet against the floor and grabbing the railing, anything to slow them down. My nails dug into the wood, and I screamed again, hoping against hope that someone—anyone—would hear me.And I ask again, wh