Ava's POVMy heart pounded violently as I bolted upright, gasping for air. The scream that tore through me was still caught in my throat, and the memory of the shadowy figure lingered like a dark smudge in my mind. "Ava!" Rose’s voice jolted me further. I turned to find her gripping my shoulders, her face pale with worry. “You’re okay. Ava, breathe!” I blinked rapidly, my chest heaving. My surroundings started to come back into focus—the sterile hospital room, the faint sunlight streaming through the window, and Rose, staring at me like I’d just shattered. “It’s just a dream,” she whispered softly, brushing my hair back from my damp forehead. Just a dream. I exhaled sharply, my body still trembling. My eyes flickered to the clock on the wall—it was morning. How long had I been trapped in that nightmare? I drew my knees to my chest and hugged them tightly, the weight of reality settling on my shoulders. Memories of my kidnapping flashed through my mind like shards of glass—
Orion’s POVAva looked at me with wide-eyes, every shred of calm she had been clinging to shattered. I wanted to explain—wanted to tell her everything—but my throat locked. My answer was enough to strip us bare. “You sent me your location, remember?” She froze. Her eyes narrowed as confusion danced across her features. Why was she surprised? Why was she confused? The memory of last night burned vividly in my mind—haunting, relentless. It started that morning. I had barely slept. Chloe had been waiting for me, sprawled on the chaise lounge in her silk robe, a calculated look in her eyes. “Stay with me,” she whispered, her voice smooth as honey, her hands grazing my wrist. I pulled back sharply, the revulsion bubbling to the surface. “Not today, Chloe.” “But you promised,” she reminded me, standing and crossing the space between us. “You said you’d choose me over and over again.” I flinched at her words, at how empty they sounded. I owed her, didn’t I? She had saved me onc
Orion’s POVI stared at Ava, her words still echoing in my head like a cruel joke. A divorce? I couldn’t even wrap my mind around it. This wasn’t happening again. It couldn’t be happening. Ava was mine, and no piece of paper would change that.The fact that she wants to leave me so badly, fueled my unreasonable determination to keep her.She crossed her arms, her gaze steady and unforgiving. “I’ll have everything worked out by next week,” she said, her voice cold, devoid of any warmth. “The lawyers will draft the papers. All you have to do is sign them.”A bitter laugh escaped me, sharp and cutting. “You think I’m going to let you walk away? Just like that?”“Yes,” she said simply, her confidence like a slap to my face. “I expect you to cooperate, Orion. This is pointless. We weren’t meant to work in the first place—I just refused to see it.”I took a step closer, my chest heaving with the weight of my emotions that surprised me. “You are my wife,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.
Ava’s POV My mind couldn’t wrap around what had just happened. This is not the first time I mentioned divorce. But seeing Orion’s reaction... It was like a punch to the gut. The sly snake.Wasn’t that what he and Chloe, and his mother, wanted? To get me off their lives? I had never been under any illusion that our marriage was about love. It was a contract—nothing more. We both wanted the will, the inheritance, but now, I wanted out. I couldn’t wrap my head around why he was looking at me like I had just stabbed him in the heart. Why was he reacting as though I was betraying him, like everything I said was tearing him apart? The marriage had always been a cover. We both knew it. So why was he acting like he had something real to lose?Of course he does! He stands to lose the entire fortune if we divorce. But that’s not all that I plan to take from him. I own a major chunk of shares in his company and I’m prepared to make him bleed. He has to pay for putting me in this situation.I
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
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