Ava never thought that she would be wearing black again so soon. She stood at the grave side, grief-stricken and confused, a bouquet of lilies clutched tightly in her hands.
The marble stone was cold beneath her touch as she traced the engraved letters of his name. Richard Miller. It had been just a week since he'd passed, but the pain of his loss still felt as raw to her like it just happened. Their marriage was not even up to a year before he passed. She knelt, placing the lilies on the damp grass. Ava closed her eyes, trying to conjure a memory of him, a smile, a shared laugh. But all that came to her mind was the expression on his face before he passed. The memories of that day still seemed very fresh like it just happened yesterday. They were going over some papers in their shared study when he clamped his chest, screaming in pain. Ava ran to get help but he didn't make it. He breathed his last on their way to the hospital. She became a young widow again, mourning the death of a man that meant so much to her. Ava shivered as the memories came clashing in and a warm hand grasped hers. Ava looked down at her sister, Holly and remembered the day she disappeared. A pang of guilt shot through her as she recalled blaming Richard for it and saying all manner of hurtful things to him. Her father had kidnapped Holly and threatened to kill her if they contacted the police. What he wanted in exchange? Money. Richard had been the one to take charge, to calm her down and reassure her that everything would be alright. He paid the money to rescue Holly from their father. He was her companion even at home when she faced the angry Mrs Miller. Now, as she stood at his grave, she realized that she had never truly thanked him for his unwavering support. He had been her protector, and she didn't appreciate him enough. Ava loved Richard and he loved her too. But not in any way romantic. It was the pure love of a father and daughter. A sob escaped her lips as her sister pulled her into an embrace. What will they do now? She's sure Mrs Miller will throw her out of the house soon. How does she move on? Where are they going to start from? “Let's go Ava,” her sister said, tugging at her hand, “It's about to rain.” Ava didn't care. Her life is flooded once again. What can a little shower do to her? Holly pulled her away from the graveside and into their car. The driver was already waiting, his expression sad. “Where do you want to go next, Mrs Miller?” he asked calmly. Richard specially employed Joe to be her personal driver and he has never left her side since. Ava smiled up at him and got into the car, her sister following behind. “Let's go back to the mansion,” she whispered in a voice that was barely audible. The car pulled up to the Miller mansion, its luxurious appearance seeming more desolate to Ava. As she stepped out, the familiar weight of loneliness settled upon her. She still battled with denial. Hoping Richard will come out and say it was a prank. But she knew better. Death was no prank. Holly linked her fingers into her sister's own and squeezed it gently. “We'll get through this, Ava. We always have,” she promised, her voice filled with a quiet determination. “He left me all alone,” Ava cried silently. “Don't say that Ava, you have me. We have each other and I'll always be here,” Holly whispered. Ava nodded, her gaze lost in the sprawling mansion. She quickly remembered her early days in the mansion and how Mrs Miller had always made it unbearable for her. She remembered Richard and how he always stood up for her. A cold dread crept into her heart. The realization of his death, a bitter pill to swallow. Ava turned to face her sister as they stood in front of the mansion, her eyes filled with a question that hung heavy in the air. How do they face the looming threat of Mrs Miller? Her heart ached when she remembered how Mrs Miller accused her of killing Richard. How could she have killed him? Hand in hand, they entered the mansion and were greeted by a sight they both expected. Mrs Miller stood by the entrance, their luggages at her feet. “What is going on here?” Ava asked tearfully, “why are my things out here?” Mrs Miller smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice. “You killed my husband and you want to remain here? I want you and your stupid sister out of my house,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “You can't do this, Mrs Miller. Where do you want me to go?” Ava said, her voice trembling slightly. “Oh! I'm not heartless like you, murderer. I won't have you on the street so people will tag me an evil woman.” She paused and signaled to one of the maids, “She'll show you to your new room in the servants lodge. That's where you truly belong.” Ava felt a surge of anger, but she forced herself to remain calm. “You can't do that, Mrs Miller. I'm also Richard’s wife and this is my home too,” she protested, her voice barely a whisper. Mrs Miller laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “This house belongs to me now, Ava, and I can do whatever I want with it. Now go to your quarters.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ava and Holly standing there, their hearts heavy with despair. “This is not fair,” Ava whispered as she watched Mrs Miller disappear down the hallways while humming a tune. Holly turned to her sister, her eyes filled with concern. “Don't worry, sis. We'll figure something out. We always do.” Ava nodded, trying to muster up some courage and be strong for her sister. Holly needs her and she would do whatever to protect the only family she has now. The reality of her situation was sinking in as she walked out of the mansion and towards the servants quarters. They were now at the mercy of Mrs Miller. Thankfully, the new space was sufficient although it was small, they had their own bathroom and kitchen. Someone Ava felt at peace. She would not have any need to go into the mansion, so she wouldn't be running into Mrs Miller often. She had everything here and she was determined to make it livable. Just as they placed their bags into the room, a notification popped up on her phone. Ava stared down at the message, frozen in a spot, her heart beating louder than ever.Ava’s POV I have always been a simple girl, content with whatever little thing I had. But now, I've become the envy of many and the most heartless girl on earth to Mrs Miller. I thought back to the will and a shiver ran down my spine. It's been two months since it was read. Why did Richard make me his sole heir? The peculiar condition of the will still shocked me to this day and made my blood boil. The condition was that I had to marry his son, who I thought died a year ago. Why did Richard lie to me? And was the so-called Orion not present on our wedding day? There was only one reason I could think of. One that made me realize how miserable I felt. The idea of marrying a poor girl must have made him fake his own death. Mr. Miller left this mansion for me and my supposed new husband, his son. It was a bit isolated, far from the busy city life and noise. Somehow, the dense forest that surrounded the mansion made me calm. I had my sister admitted into the hospital for her t
Orion’s POVI couldn't believe I was back here, trapped in this absurd arrangement. The mansion loomed ahead, its darkened windows like eyes, watching me return to a place I never wanted to step foot in again. My father's will had been a death sentence to my freedom. And for what?To marry a girl like her.Ava. The so-called heiress who seemed to have latched onto my father's fortune the moment he passed. I was right by forging my own death to escape marrying her.A shiver of disgust ran through me. She was nothing more than a good digger, probably counting her days to my father's fortune. I clenched the steering wheel tighter, the leather creaking under my grip. How has my life come to this?“Don't let her get to you, babe,” Chloe said softly from the passenger seat. Her perfectly manicured hand reached over to stroke my arm soothingly. “We'll deal with her together.”Chloe. My girlfriend, my actual choice. The woman who had been there for me since I met her. We've just flown in from
Orion's POVChloe 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
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 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