Chloe’s POV I hate Ava Miller with every part of my being.I’ve always been the kind of woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. My life is a carefully orchestrated dance, where every step, every move, is designed to lead me to what I desire. And for as long as I can remember, all I’ve wanted is him. Orion Miller. The man who was supposed to be mine. It all started the night I laid eyes on him at Club Nine-O. The music was loud, bodies moving in sync with the pulsing bass, but none of that mattered the moment I saw him. Tall, broad-shouldered, with an air of quiet confidence that demanded attention. He didn’t belong in a place like that, but that’s what made him irresistible—he was too good for the chaos, too good for everyone in that club. Except me. By the end of the night, after hours of flirtation and a haze of drinks, we ended up tangled in each other’s arms. One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. But I didn’t see it that way. No, I decided right then
Chloe's POV Minutes pass, and he’s still not here. I hated waiting. I hated uncertainty. The wine has lost its appeal, and so has the wait. I set the glass down, its base clicking against the marble table, and head to the bathroom. Time to clear my head. As the warm water cascades over my skin, I close my eyes and let the steam wrap around me like a cocoon. I stood there in the bath, the water cascading down my body, soothing my mind as I replayed my plan over and over again. Every detail was perfect—or so I hoped.But my moment of solitude is shattered when a hand grips my neck from behind, firm and unyielding. A gasp escapes my lips as I’m pulled against a hard chest. “You’re late,” I managed to say between shallow breaths.“Had to make sure I was ready to give you exactly what you deserve,” he growled, his voice deep and rough, sending a shiver down my spine.My breath hitches. My bare back presses into his heated skin. I could feel his arousal pressing against me—hard and re
Chloe’s POVThe city buzzed with activity as the afternoon sun bore down, casting long shadows across the pavement. I slipped on my sunglasses the moment I stepped out of the car, scanning the sleek glass structure of The Miller's Empire. It was almost noon, and despite the heat, the air carried a crisp tension. I had overheard Orion on a call earlier this morning—something about a breach in their system. A smirk tugged at my lips. If the board had any sense, they’d blame Ava and toss her out for good. But knowing Ava, she’d weasel her way out of trouble, as she always did. Wishful thinking, Chloe, I told myself. I was about to head to the nearby café, waiting for the perfect moment to cross paths with Mason when I spotted him storming out of the building.His face was a pool of fury and frustration—jaw clenched, eyes blazing, fists tight by his sides. A man scorned by love? Or maybe, just maybe, Orion had finally pushed him too far. Either way, this was my moment. This could be
Chloe's POV Before I could gather my senses and figure out who had yanked me so violently, someone dragged me across the floor by my hair. The grip was tight and unrelenting, making my scalp burn. My vision blurred as I tried to get a good look at my attacker. "You think you can steal him from me? Who do you think you are?" The woman’s voice rang out, shrill and full of venom. Before I could respond, Mason rushed forward, prying her hands away from my hair. "Ashley, stop it!" he hissed, dragging her back. She kicked and screamed, her wild eyes glaring at me with pure hatred. By now, a few patrons at the bar had turned their attention toward us, whispering among themselves. I was still on the floor, momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of the situation. I rubbed my head, wincing at the pain, then slowly looked up. Ashley, huh? She looked about twenty-six, with deep blue eyes that sparkled with fury and short blonde hair that barely grazed her chin. Her chest rose and fell r
Ava's POVCould he really stoop that low? Mason’s accusation still rang in my ears as I paced outside my office, each step filled with uncertainty. The thought of Orion being responsible for the security breach gnawed at me. I wanted to believe he wouldn’t go to such extremes—jeopardizing not just the company but everything his father had worked tirelessly to build. Yet, a small part of me couldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely. This was Orion Miller after all. He was capable of many things, most of which involved manipulation and getting his way. But Mason… Mason had always been by my side. Could he truly be the one behind this? I felt restless, anxiety tightening my chest. I glanced at the office door, my fingers itching to push it open, but I hesitated. Eavesdropping would seem unprofessional—what would my employees think if they caught me hunched over like a spy? Then again, I was their boss. Too bad I wasn’t above curiosity. With that excuse firmly in mind, I leaned against
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
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