Ava’s POVThe door opened with a soft creak, and my heart froze in my chest. I had expected to find my room empty. I even thought I would feel the cold emptiness of the room that I turned into my sanctuary, and maybe ask Maria to move my things back, but not this.The room was empty. Yes. Except for the sight that had anger and pain coursing through me.Orion was there, pressed against Chloe, his lips on hers, their bodies molded together like they couldn’t get close enough.I couldn’t breathe.The world around me seemed to tilt, my vision narrowing on the two of them. My heart slammed against my ribs, and my stomach churned violently. The man who had looked at me three days ago with eyes that pleaded, who had acted as though the thought of divorce would destroy him, was here—kissing Chloe like I hadn’t just been ripped apart by him.Chloe’s eyes flicked open, landing on me. The smirk that spread across her face made my blood boil. She leaned into him further, tilting her head to dee
Ava’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window as my thoughts spiraled into different directions. My hands were clenched in my lap, my nails digging into my palms hard enough to draw blood.I wouldn’t cry. I refuse to cry. Why should I? He meant nothing to me.Orion didn’t deserve my tears.I would get my divorce. And I would make him regret ever thinking he could break me.I looked around the room, it had my things and his, perfectly arranged. I noticed the subtle renovation on my way up and how lovely the decorations were.It should have made me happy. Excited even. But knowing Orion, I could only wonder what the heck is going on in his goddamn mind this time. Why did he move our things here? Why are we still sharing the same bed?Could it be that they had changed their tactics? Maybe he intends to strangle me while I sleep and pass it off like I died in my sleep. Who knows?To hell with him anyway, I won’t be spending the night here. I looked outside and it was gett
Ava’s POVThe silence that followed was suffocating. Orion’s breathing was heavy, his body still pressed against mine. Every part of me tingled—my wrists ached where the restraints bit into my skin, and yet my body buzzed with an unfamiliar satisfaction. What the hell just happened? I turned my head away, refusing to look at him. My throat felt tight, the tears I had fought so hard to suppress now threatening to spill. I should feel victorious, shouldn’t I? I’d stood my ground, swore he wouldn’t break me, and yet… I let him have me. Worse, I’d wanted it. Craved it even.Why am I not regretting this? Maybe, this will be my last gift to him.“Let me go,” I whispered, my voice hoarse and small, barely audible over the sound of our shared breaths. He didn't argue or hesitate.Orion shifted above me. His hands, still warm, untied the fabric around my wrists and ankles with unexpected gentleness. I pulled my arms close to my chest, wincing at the raw skin. I didn’t move, didn’t try to
Orion’s POVThe morning sun filtered into the room in a soft golden haze, its warmth teasing me awake. For a moment, I forgot where I was—until I felt her. Ava. Her small hand was draped across my chest, as though in sleep, she sought the same comfort I did. I froze, barely breathing, afraid of disturbing her. My gaze drifted to her face—serene, delicate, so painfully beautiful it made my chest ache. A stray strand of her auburn hair brushed against her cheek, and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to reach out and tuck it behind her ear. Everything about her ignited something raw inside me. Last night… God help me. What started as a need to keep her here—to stop her from slipping through my fingers again—had turned into something much darker. I’d lost control. My need for her, my hunger, had overtaken my reasoning. What if I scared her away? What if she looked at me now and saw nothing but a monster? The thought clawed at me, sharp and relentless. I’d gone too far, and ye
Orion’s POV Mason’s gaze darted between Ava and I, lingering on the handcuffs. His expression shifted—confusion melting into disbelief, then hardening into something sharp and unforgiving. “What the hell is this?” Mason’s voice was cold, clipped. The flowers, bright and cheerful in his hands, seemed out of place now. Ava stiffened beside me, her body taut like a wire pulled too tight. I could feel her pulse quicken through the chain connecting us, but I didn’t look at her. My attention was fixed on Mason. “Did you lose something?” I said smoothly, my tone casual even as tension crackled in the air. I hooked a finger under the chain, letting the metal clink for emphasis. “Orion,” Ava hissed, her voice laced with warning. Mason ignored me, his eyes locked on Ava as though searching for answers. “Ava? What is this?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost pleading. She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she shifted her weight uncomfortably, her fingers curling around the ed
Ava’s POV The car ride back to the estate was tense, but definitely not for Orion. I sat back in the leather seat, my head tilted slightly as I gazed out the window. Orion sat rigid beside me, his jaw clenched as if he were waiting for me to explode, his hand resting tentatively on my thighs. The handcuffs still bound us, and when the chain tugged with his slightest movement, he smirked. He expected me to fume, to lash out, but I wasn’t giving him that satisfaction.I had agreed, even signed the damn papers just to get out of this absurd situation. But my dear husband left the keys at home. How convenient!I needed to put a distance between us. The closer I am to him, the more I crave him, and the more I fall into a reality I swore never to be in with him.How did I forget so easily that he poisoned Holly? That he arranged for me to be kidnapped? And what about Peter? How could my body betray me with these needs that I couldn’t refuse him?Just thinking about how good his hand felt
Ava sat alone in the vast bedroom, her back sinking into the plush chair as silence stretched around her. Dinner had been served, or so the maid had announced when she knocked earlier to summon her. She’d been left to herself—abandoned after that intense confrontation with Orion, which had nearly ended with him under her dress again. This time, however, she’d resisted. She wouldn’t let herself fall into his trap. When Ava asked where the food was, the maid had answered nervously: “Mr. Orion asked to have the plates prepared downstairs... with the others.”The others? Ava’s brow had furrowed in confusion. “Which others?” she’d demanded, her tone sharper than she intended.“Mr. Orion’s mother and Miss Chloe,” the maid had replied timidly.Ava had sighed at the inevitable chaos those words carried. “How long is Mrs. Miller staying?”The maid’s expression had mirrored her confusion. Ava clarified, her voice dry. “The older Mrs. Miller.”“Oh,” the maid said, visibly relieved. “I don’t kn
The car pulled up to the club’s entrance, its neon lights glowing vibrantly against the dark night. Ava exhaled slowly as she stepped out of the vehicle. The sound of music pulsed faintly through the building’s thick walls, like a heartbeat drawing her into the escape she sought. Before she could even take a step, Mason was at her side, moving as though he’d been waiting for this moment. His hand snaked gently around her waist, pulling her closer with a casual confidence that felt too familiar. For a brief moment, Ava’s body tensed. It wasn’t Orion’s hand. The realization struck her like a whisper against her mind—unwelcome but undeniable. Mason’s touch was comforting, sure, but it lacked the possessiveness, the fire that Orion always carried. The one that got her all wet and crazy. She shook the thought off almost instantly. Why can’t I have fun too? she reminded herself. Orion certainly is.“You look stunning,” Mason said, leaning in close enough that his voice was audible ove
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