Orion's POV
Chloe scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Stop acting tough sweetheart. I will definitely see to it that you regret this decision.” “I will say this for the last time. I did not marry Richard for his money,” Ava replied, meeting Chloe's gaze. Chloe scoffed again, “Please, like you didn’t see the dollar signs the moment you signed that marriage license.” I watched Ava closely, expecting her to break under Chloe’s words. But she didn’t. Instead, she lifted her chin, defiant. “You don’t know anything about me,” she repeated, her voice firmer this time. “I didn’t marry for money. I’m not interested in your wealth or your pity.” Chloe laughed mockingly. “Sure, sweetheart. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” I watched as Ava’s eyes burned with anger, but she didn’t bother lashing out. She just stood there, taking it. And for some reason, that irritated me even more. “You’re nothing but a pawn in my father’s game,” I said, stepping closer to her. “And once I figure out how to get out of this mess, you’ll be nothing but a memory.” Her eyes locked onto mine, her expression unreadable, and for a split second, I thought I saw something flash in them—anger, maybe even defiance. But it was gone as quickly as it came. “Then you have my good wishes,” she said quietly with a smirk. For some reason, her calm acceptance annoyed me. I wanted her to fight back, to show some sort of weakness. But she didn’t. She just turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with Chloe. “Well, that was fun,” Chloe said with a smirk, linking her arm through mine. “Let’s see how long the little gold digger can last.” I didn’t respond, my eyes still following Ava as she disappeared down the hallway. Something about her composure, her restraint—it bothered me more than it should. As we turned to walk away, my mind was already spinning with plans of how I'd make her suffer. I listened as Chloe chatted about her latest fashion obsession, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't shake the image of Ava’s calm demeanor, her unwavering defiance in the face of Chloe's insults. She definitely has cobwebs under those calm facades and I desire nothing more at this point but to strip her bare. As we reached the end of the hallway, I turned to Chloe. “I'm going to take a walk,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Babe, we just arrived. Let's go in and I'll make you feel good,” she purred, trying to pull me into the room but I wouldn't budge. I just needed some alone time to process things and figure out how to deal with the ever-scheming Ava. “No baby. I really need to clear my head,” I replied. Chloe raised an eyebrow. “Alone?” “Yes, alone,” I replied, my tone firm. I watched as she pouted, but she didn't argue. She knew better than to cross me when I was in this mood and that's one of the things that makes her desirable. With that, I turned and walked away, my mind racing with thoughts of how to deal with Ava. I knew that this was going to be difficult but I was determined to put her in her place. As I walked down the hallway, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ava. Her composure gnawed at me, more than it should have. She was supposed to be just another pawn, someone I could easily control. Yet there she was, standing firm in the face of Chloe's viciousness. No one took Chloe's insults lightly, yet Ava hadn't even flinched. What kind of woman is she? I needed to figure her out, peel away those layers she hid behind. There had to be something—some weakness, some vulnerability I could exploit. Ava was too calm, too collected, and it unnerved me. What was she hiding? And why did it feel like she was playing her own game, even while on the losing end? As I made my way down to the courtyard, the cool night air did little to ease the tension building inside me. I leaned against the cool wall, running a hand through my hair. Why did her defiance bother me so Much? Was it because on one had ever dared to stand their ground against me? Or was it something else? Chloe was easy to handle—predictable, even. I knew exactly what buttons to push to get what I wanted. But Ava? She seemed like a very hard puzzle and I couldn't quite figure out how to solve her, and that made me want to break her all the more. The challenge she presented was both infuriating and intriguing. I smirked at the thought. Ava may have won today, with her cool indifference, but I wasn't done with her yet. Not by a long shot. If she thought she could continue this charade of strength, she was mistaken. I would find her breaking point, and when I do, I'd make sure she never forgets her place as a gold digger and a whore. I took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs. One thing was certain. I wasn't walking away from this fight. Not until I break her to my satisfaction. After spending more time outside, I decided to go in and join Chloe, the thoughts of drowning myself in-between her legs caused my dick to throb in a pleasurable way. I sprinted back into the mansion and almost kicked the door open, already pulling off my shirt from the hallway. I stepped into the dimly lit room, already half-undressed and eager for the familiar warmth of Chloe. The room was quiet, and I could just make out the silhouette of someone sitting by the bed. The air felt different, heavier, but I was too caught up in my thoughts to care. “I'm here now, baby,” I murmured, my voice low and raspy. But instead of Chloe's sultry reply, I was met with silence. I blinked, my vision adjusting to the faint light. And then I saw her–Ava, sitting calmly on the bed, her eyes fixed on me with that same unshakable composure. My heart dropped and a wave of confusion washed over me. What the hell was she doing here? I froze, unable to mask the surprise that flickered across my face. “What are you doing here?” I growled, quickly zipping my pants and trying to regain control of the situation. She stood slowly, her movements deliberate, and for a brief moment, I could've sworn I saw the faintest smile tug at her lips. “This is my room, Orion.” She paused and walked slowly towards me, her hands carefully landing on my bare chest, “our room,” she added with a little smile. And I froze.Ava’s POV I watched him freeze, unable to control the anger that creeped into his face. That made me smile more than I intended to.If there was something Richard taught me, it's to be strong and confident. I'm not about to allow Orion and his little mistress bully me in my own house. I couldn't care less about either of them. If he's not happy with the arrangement, he can get the fuck out of my life. But the pain of the rejection lingered still. Why did Richard have to put me through this? And for what? To meet the same fate that his son ran away from years ago?He cursed under his breath, feeling stupid for rushing in without thinking. He slapped my hands away from his chest like I had a fatal plague and I flinched at his reaction.Ever since I became the CEO at our company, I receive flowers endlessly and clients asking me out for dates. I've only known this sort of rejection once. And that was when he ditched me and faked his own death.He was about to turn and leave when I stop
Ava's POVI looked up at him, my pulse racing with a mix of defiance and dread as he towered over me, eyes blazing with a dangerous determination. For a fleeting second, I saw something raw and untamed in his gaze—a glimpse of the man he was before all this bitterness, before his father’s twisted will forced us back into each other’s lives.The room grew impossibly quiet, like the silence just before a storm breaks, amplifying every breath, every heartbeat. He pinned me with his stare, his expression twisted with fury and something else, something darker. A slow smirk crept onto my lips, a rebellion rising from somewhere deep within.“What’s the matter, Orion?” I taunted, my voice a challenge wrapped in silk. “Afraid to fuck me?”The reaction was instant. His face hardened, a flash of anger and wounded pride flickering behind those intense eyes. Before I could process it, he grabbed my wrists, pressing me down firmly, his grip both punishing and possessive. “Fuck you?” he spat, his t
As dawn broke, Ava made her way downstairs, her heels softly clicking against the marble floor. She ate breakfast alone, her movements deliberate and composed, even as her mind churned with tension. Her delicate hands moved gracefully over the silverware, yet she barely tasted the food. The silence of the dining hall was both a balm and a reminder of the night before, as sleep had eluded her due to the unsettling sounds from Orion and Chloe’s room, their laughter and loud moans seeping through the walls, coiling tight knots of resentment in her stomach.After a while, Ava pushed her plate aside, setting her napkin down with a calm precision that masked her fatigue. She wore a sleek, dark green dress that hugged her form with understated elegance, the color bringing out the depths of her hazel eyes. The fabric draped gracefully over her shoulders, and a thin belt emphasized her slender waist. A subtle sparkle glinted from her diamond earrings, completing the look of a woman who was no
Orion’s POVI held my silence, letting the tension settle as the boardroom emptied. Ava didn’t move from her new spot across the table, her gaze locked on me, challenging me without a single word. The perfect act of composure—no one but me could see the steel just beneath her calm exterior. It was something I respected, in my own way. She wasn’t afraid to wield her power, but she’d soon learn that I wasn’t a man to be controlled.Once we were alone, I leaned back in my chair, watching her, the amused smirk barely hidden on my face. “Quite the performance, Ava,” I said, letting the silence grow thick between us. “You didn’t seem so concerned with impressing anyone until today. Trouble sleeping?”Her face didn’t flinch, but her eyes gave the faintest flicker. “Not at all,” she replied smoothly, her tone as cold as the frost in her gaze. “If you think this company runs on charm and cheap moves, Orion, you’re mistaken. I’m making sure it’s built to last, even if that means doing things my
Ava’s POVI swallowed back my frustration, pulling away as Orion’s smug smirk stayed firmly in place. The infuriating arrogance, the way he looked at me like he could see right through every carefully built wall I’d put up—I hated it. And the worst part? He was right.The door clicked shut, and I felt a rush of relief, glad the junior associate hadn’t lingered long enough to see the weakness on my face. I was already berating myself, feeling the hot shame creep up my cheeks. I’d let him get too close. I’d let him pull me into his gravity, again, and just like that, I’d lost the upper hand.Orion’s words lingered in the air, taunting me. “It was for you.” They rang in my ears, irritatingly close, too intimate, too assured. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I shouldn’t have let him get that close. I shouldn’t have let myself feel anything.As I turned sharply to leave the boardroom, my mind flickered back to last night, to the sound that had seeped through the walls o
Ava’s POVAs if on cue, Chloe’s lips curved in a smug smile as she sauntered forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor with calculated grace. She slipped her arms around Orion’s shoulders, her gaze never leaving mine as she leaned in, pressing her mouth to his in a long, languid kiss. My stomach twisted, a sick feeling crawling up my throat as their bodies melded in front of me, shameless and bold. The whole scene felt like a slap, as if they knew exactly what they were doing and wanted me to watch.Orion’s gaze, however, didn’t leave my face, not for a single second. His eyes held mine, taunting, as he deepened the kiss, pulling Chloe closer. The blatant challenge in his stare made my skin prickle with fury. It was as if he was daring me to react, daring me to feel something.The air thickened, almost vibrating with an electric tension, and I gripped the edge of the table, forcing myself to stay rooted, unwilling to let him see any weakness.I could barely keep the disgust out
Orion’s POVAs if on cue, Chloe’s lips curved into a smug smile, and she sauntered forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor with calculated grace. I watched her approach, a predatory glint in my eyes. She slipped her arms around my shoulders, and without hesitation, I leaned in, capturing her mouth in a long, passionate kiss. A mix of satisfaction and mischief bubbled inside me as I felt Ava’s fury simmering just behind me. Ava’s face twisted in disgust, the sickening knot in my stomach tightening as I reveled in the scene unfolding before her. I leaned deeper into Chloe, pulling her closer, daring Ava to react, daring her to show even a hint of weakness. The electric tension in the air was palpable; I could almost taste it.“Are you two going to carry on your mindless pleasure here, or do you plan to do this at home?” Ava’s voice cut through the air, icy and sharp. I could see her fists clenched at her sides, and it only spurred me on further.Chloe detached herself from me,
Ava's POVThe realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I wasn’t just being paranoid; I was being hunted. My heart raced as I fumbled with my phone, my fingers slick with sweat. I could feel the weight of that stranger’s gaze boring into me, a cold chill sweeping through the air.“Mrs Miller?” my driver’s voice broke through my frantic thoughts. I had almost forgotten he was waiting just outside. I shot a glance at him, grateful for his calm presence amidst my chaos. I nodded quickly, hoping to regain some composure.He held the door open for me, and I stepped into the backseat, my heart pounding in rhythm with the thudding of the car engine. “To the hospital, please,” I instructed, my voice steadier than I felt.As we pulled away, I replayed the phone call in my mind, the urgency in the nurse’s voice haunting me. “We need you to come to the hospital right away.” What could be wrong? Was my sister in danger? I needed answers, and I needed them fast.The city blurred past outside the
Orion’s POVAs I stood in the oppressive silence that followed my reluctant agreement with Chloe, a sickening feeling churned in my stomach. The weight of my decision hung over me like a storm cloud, dark and threatening. I couldn’t shake the image of Ava’s hurt expression from my mind, nor the thought that I was about to plunge deeper into a treacherous game where I’d be forced to choose sides.Chloe's grin widened, a predator savoring her victory. “You won’t regret this, Orion. We’ll move quickly and decisively. The longer we let Ava think she’s safe, the more dangerous she becomes.”I nodded, though the motion felt hollow. My agreement stemmed not from weakness but from an instinct for survival. I had no desire to see Ava harmed, but the alternative—to let her gain strength and turn the tide against us—was too daunting to consider.“Just remember,” I said, my voice low and firm, “I won’t let any harm come to her. If you can’t guarantee that, I’m out.”Chloe raised an eyebrow, her
Orion’s POV I stood there, replaying Ava's accusations in my head. She thought I'd ordered a hit on her? Despite my resentment, the idea was absurd. But someone had tried to take her, and if she believed I was behind it… Before I could process it, Chloe broke the silence, an unsettling smile curling on her lips.“Well, that was unexpected,” she said, almost amused. “But don’t act so surprised, Orion. You think she’d suspect you were behind it if she hadn’t seen the man who tried to take her?” My gaze snapped to hers, confusion morphing into dread. “What are you talking about?”She leaned in, her voice a dark whisper. “Ava's too clever for her own good, isn’t she? She saw the man who tried to grab her. And she’ll remember him... because he's your hired security."A chill ran down my spine. I felt my pulse race, each beat hammering against the walls of my chest.“Wait—what do you mean? Are you saying—”Chloe’s smile widened, eyes glinting with something twisted, almost playful. “Oops
Orion's POVI barely glanced in Ava’s direction as my mother tore into her, her sharp voice filling the room with pointed insults. Ava stood there, taking it, her face set in a rigid mask, but I didn’t care. She’d chosen this. She’d married my father, knowing what it would mean. When things hadn’t worked out between us, she’d gone for the next best thing—the man with the wealth and power to keep her comfortably in our family. To think she’d wormed her way into this life by wedding him…A sick feeling settled in my stomach. Ava had seen how vulnerable Rmy father was, how his health was failing. Was it possible she’d even had a hand in his death? The idea crossed my mind, but I shook it off. Ava was a lot of things—opportunistic, manipulative—but a killer? No, that seemed a stretch. Still, the bitterness lingered, an icy thorn in my side.Once Ava stormed out, I turned to my mother, keeping my expression neutral. “So, what is this ‘glitch’ you mentioned?”A triumphant glint flashed in
Ava's POVThe moment I stepped into the car, the weight of everything crashed down on me, pressing against my chest like an iron vice. The mansion, that dreadful family, the accusations… I felt trapped, cornered in a game I hadn’t asked to play. As the driver pulled away from the estate, the silence settled in, thick and stifling.I barely noticed when Rose reached over, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “Ava… are you alright?”That was all it took. The tears I’d been holding back spilled over, hot and heavy. I buried my face in my hands, feeling the rage, frustration, and exhaustion pour out of me in choked sobs. “I… I can’t do this anymore, Rose,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I feel like they’re all just circling, waiting for me to fall apart so they can pick up the pieces.”“They’re just vultures,” Rose said softly, rubbing my shoulder. “They want to wear you down, but you can’t let them. You’re stronger than they think.”I leaned back, wiping my face with a shaking hand, t
Ava’s POV As I stood in Holly’s hospital room, still rattled from the confrontation with my father and stepmother, a strange chill clung to my skin. Something wasn’t adding up. I glanced at Holly, her face filled with concern, and tried to shake off the feeling, focusing instead on her. But just as I was about to sit, Holly’s hesitant voice broke the silence.“Ava… there’s something I need to tell you,” she whispered, eyes darting to the door as if expecting someone to overhear.“What is it, Olly?” I asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.She took a shaky breath. “I overheard something… something our father's wife said. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or if it was real, but I think—she said something like, ‘If he didn't do what he did, their mother would still be alive and I wouldn’t be married to him.’ I—” Holly shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. “I can’t be sure it’s exactly what she said, but… it sounded like that.”A rush of anger surged through me, but I kept my
Ava's POVThe realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I wasn’t just being paranoid; I was being hunted. My heart raced as I fumbled with my phone, my fingers slick with sweat. I could feel the weight of that stranger’s gaze boring into me, a cold chill sweeping through the air.“Mrs Miller?” my driver’s voice broke through my frantic thoughts. I had almost forgotten he was waiting just outside. I shot a glance at him, grateful for his calm presence amidst my chaos. I nodded quickly, hoping to regain some composure.He held the door open for me, and I stepped into the backseat, my heart pounding in rhythm with the thudding of the car engine. “To the hospital, please,” I instructed, my voice steadier than I felt.As we pulled away, I replayed the phone call in my mind, the urgency in the nurse’s voice haunting me. “We need you to come to the hospital right away.” What could be wrong? Was my sister in danger? I needed answers, and I needed them fast.The city blurred past outside the
Orion’s POVAs if on cue, Chloe’s lips curved into a smug smile, and she sauntered forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor with calculated grace. I watched her approach, a predatory glint in my eyes. She slipped her arms around my shoulders, and without hesitation, I leaned in, capturing her mouth in a long, passionate kiss. A mix of satisfaction and mischief bubbled inside me as I felt Ava’s fury simmering just behind me. Ava’s face twisted in disgust, the sickening knot in my stomach tightening as I reveled in the scene unfolding before her. I leaned deeper into Chloe, pulling her closer, daring Ava to react, daring her to show even a hint of weakness. The electric tension in the air was palpable; I could almost taste it.“Are you two going to carry on your mindless pleasure here, or do you plan to do this at home?” Ava’s voice cut through the air, icy and sharp. I could see her fists clenched at her sides, and it only spurred me on further.Chloe detached herself from me,
Ava’s POVAs if on cue, Chloe’s lips curved in a smug smile as she sauntered forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor with calculated grace. She slipped her arms around Orion’s shoulders, her gaze never leaving mine as she leaned in, pressing her mouth to his in a long, languid kiss. My stomach twisted, a sick feeling crawling up my throat as their bodies melded in front of me, shameless and bold. The whole scene felt like a slap, as if they knew exactly what they were doing and wanted me to watch.Orion’s gaze, however, didn’t leave my face, not for a single second. His eyes held mine, taunting, as he deepened the kiss, pulling Chloe closer. The blatant challenge in his stare made my skin prickle with fury. It was as if he was daring me to react, daring me to feel something.The air thickened, almost vibrating with an electric tension, and I gripped the edge of the table, forcing myself to stay rooted, unwilling to let him see any weakness.I could barely keep the disgust out
Ava’s POVI swallowed back my frustration, pulling away as Orion’s smug smirk stayed firmly in place. The infuriating arrogance, the way he looked at me like he could see right through every carefully built wall I’d put up—I hated it. And the worst part? He was right.The door clicked shut, and I felt a rush of relief, glad the junior associate hadn’t lingered long enough to see the weakness on my face. I was already berating myself, feeling the hot shame creep up my cheeks. I’d let him get too close. I’d let him pull me into his gravity, again, and just like that, I’d lost the upper hand.Orion’s words lingered in the air, taunting me. “It was for you.” They rang in my ears, irritatingly close, too intimate, too assured. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I shouldn’t have let him get that close. I shouldn’t have let myself feel anything.As I turned sharply to leave the boardroom, my mind flickered back to last night, to the sound that had seeped through the walls o