Ava’s POVAndrew and I head out of the building, and the jet is already there, ready to pick us up. The engines soft hum fills the building, it makes a soothing white noise that made it easy for me to forget the distance that needed to be covered. I sit by the window, watching the clouds stretch beneath us, like a blanket of endless white and blue, Oh how I loved to admire nature. The world down below felt distant in every sense. Andrew sat across from me, flipping through a report on his tablet. His brow furrows lightly, as the project on his tablet caught his full attention.I studied Andrew for a moment, not caring if he catches me staring. His dark hair was falling over his forehead, his sharp jawline taut with concentration. There was something about the way that he could be so immersed in his work, so dedicated that I admired. I knew I liked him, but there was a part of me that had to stay cautious. I knew he cared about me, he always let me know that he did, his words and his
Ava’s POVThe sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow across my room. I woke to the familiar sound of Tristan’s excited footsteps padding down the hallway. It was Saturday, and while I was scheduled to go into the office, I knew Tristan loved mornings like this, time spent lounging around before the day really started.I rolled over in bed and grabbed my phone. 7:45 a.m. A little earlier than I’d hoped, but Tristan never really let us sleep in on weekends. I smiled to myself as I heard his voice echo from the kitchen. “Andrew! Can we make pancakes?”His voice was muffled, but I could still hear the excitement in it. I sighed and pulled myself out of bed, slipping on a robe before heading toward the kitchen. As I neared, I could hear Andrew’s deep, easy laugh, followed by the clatter of bowls and utensils.“Alright, alright. But you’re helping,” Andrew said, his voice laced with amusement.I stepped into the kitchen to find Andrew standing at the counter, a bo
Ava’s POVI couldn’t concentrate at work with the messages still popping into my phone, I decide to call it a day and head back home, after all Andrew didn’t want me going to work.The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky as I drove home, its warm light filtering through the car’s windows. But I barely noticed. My mind had been a whirlpool all day, pulled under by the weight of the text messages I’d received that morning. The words had played on a loop, making it impossible to focus on anything for more than a few minutes at a time."I still love you, Ava. I’ve never stopped."Whoever had sent them wasn’t just some random person. The messages had felt intimate, more personal. Too familiar. Derek? It had to be him. But if it was him, he would have brought up Annabel, wouldn’t he? But Who else would reach out like this, in such a creepy way? But why now? After all these years, why would he decide that he wanted back in my life? And why couldn’t he just say it directly, instead of hiding
Ava’s POVThe silence of the building was getting heavy, and it was in this moment I missed when the cooks and cleaners were around. I knew I would have to speak to Andrew, even if it’s concerning a different topic. I wanted to push the messages from Derek out of my mind, and I knew I couldn’t avoid Andrew forever.Just as I contemplated getting up and checking on him, I heard the creak of the door from his office. I turned my head, expecting him to walk in, but instead, he stood just outside the doorway, his body framed in the dim light of the hallway. His expression was carefully neutral, but I could see the concern in his features. It made my heart sink; I hated that I was the cause of that worry.“Ava?” he said softly, stepping into the living room. “Can we talk?”I took a deep breath, nodding even as my heart raced. “Yeah, of course.”He walked over to the couch and sat down across from me, his body angled slightly toward mine. There was an intensity in his gaze that made me bot
As I stood at the edge of Tristan’s bedroom door, watching him play with his collection of toy cars, a nervous flutter twisted in my stomach. How could I ask him this? It felt like such a big question for a boy so young, but I knew it was important. Tristan had always been at the center of my world, and any decision I made that affected him needed his voice, his blessing.Andrew and I had been dancing around this possibility for a while now, but ever since our late-night conversation where I admitted my feelings for him, the question of whether we could actually move forward had lingered. And now, here I was, about to ask my son for his opinion on the man who had become such a big part of our lives.I took a deep breath and knocked gently on the doorframe. Tristan looked up from his toys, his bright green eyes meeting mine with a curious expression. He grinned widely, waving one of his favorite cars in the air.“Mom! Look! I made a race track with my blocks!” he said, his excitement c
The house was quiet, wrapped in the kind of peaceful silence that comes when the world outside has gone to sleep. Tristan had been in bed for hours, and now, it was just Ava and I, sitting together on the couch, the low hum of the TV in the background. We weren’t watching it, though. Instead, we were both lost in thought, letting the quiet moments stretch between us, filled with all the things unsaid.I stole a glance at her, the way she leaned against the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, a soft, relaxed smile playing on her lips. Her hair, long and loose, fell in soft waves around her shoulders. She looked at peace, something I hadn’t seen in a long time. Not since the days when we were just friends, long before things had gotten complicated.I still couldn’t believe it sometimes; how we’d ended up here. Living together for seven years, raising her son like he was mine, all while keeping my feelings buried deep inside. Four years. Four long years since I’d realized I was in love w
I woke up to a soft, warm sensation on my forehead; gentle kisses, each one sending a ripple of warmth through me. It took me a moment to remember where I was, the haze of sleep slowly lifting as the realization sank in. Andrew. His presence was unmistakable, his touch familiar yet somehow new all at once. My heart fluttered at the memory of last night, the comfort of having him next to me as we drifted off to sleep together.This wasn’t just waking up. It felt like I was waking up to something bigger. Something I’d been too scared to face for years.“Good morning,” he murmured, his lips still grazing my skin.I smiled, my eyes fluttering open to meet his. “Morning.”He pulled back slightly, just enough so I could see the warmth in his eyes. “You looked too peaceful to disturb... but I couldn’t resist.”I laughed softly. “I’m glad you didn’t. This is the best way to wake up in years.”He smiled back at me, a look of contentment in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. It was strange, th
I walked down the hallway, trying to shake off the heaviness left behind from my confrontation with Derek. My pulse was still racing, a mix of anger and frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. I hated how easily he could pull those emotions out of me, even after all this time. But I wouldn’t let him win. Not today.As I approached my office, I noticed something unsettling, people were staring at me. It wasn’t the direct kind of stare, but more the subtle glances exchanged between coworkers as I passed. A few of them pretended to be working, tapping away at their keyboards or pretending to organize files, but their eyes would shift to me the moment they thought I wasn’t looking. It wasn’t the kind of stare that meant I had done something wrong, but it was a stare.“Good morning Ma’am” Nikolai greeted me smiling“Hey!” I say, not realizing how distracting my thoughts were.“Congratulations” he smiles“Well, that’s new, why? And why am I getting so many stares?” I ask him“I think
Writer’s POV. The months flew by in a blur of board meetings, late nights, and stolen moments of laughter with Tristan and Andrew. Ava’s life had transformed into something unrecognizable—she had gone from a struggling single mother to one of the most powerful business leaders in the world. Yet, despite her newfound success, Ava remained grounded. Each accomplishment, every milestone, was tethered to a deeper purpose: creating a stable, loving environment for her growing family and proving to herself—and the world—that she could rise above her circumstances.What surprised her most wasn’t the success or the wealth but the unyielding love she had found along the way. Andrew’s unwavering belief in her had been her anchor, a constant reminder that even amidst chaos, she was never alone.---Ava and Andrew’s WeddingThe day dawned bright and warm, sunlight streaming through the tall oak trees that lined the estate’s gardens. A soft breeze carried the scent of roses and lilies, mingling w
Ava's POV.Mrs. Pierce smiled through her tears, her gaze fixed on Tristan with a tenderness that tugged at something deep inside me.As the evening wore on, we sat around the dining table, the air still heavy with unspoken emotions. After dinner, Mrs. Pierce folded her hands on the table, her expression serious.“There’s something else I need to tell you, Ava,” she began, her voice calm but resolute.I raised an eyebrow, bracing myself for yet another revelation. “What is it now?”She glanced at Andrew and Tristan, then back at me. “I’ve kept my distance for years because I didn’t think I had the right to disrupt your life. But I’ve been following your journey, and I’ve wanted to come back sooner than this.”“Following my journey?” I repeated, narrowing my eyes.“Yes,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Ava, I wasn’t just trying to rebuild my life after I left you. I…well, I married someone. A man who believed in me and my dreams. Together, we built a life—a very successful one.”I fr
Ava’s POVThe weeks that followed Annabel's arrest were a whirlwind of emotions—relief, anger, and a lingering sense of unease. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t entirely gone from our lives, even as the police assured me she would be locked away for a long time.But life had a way of throwing curveballs.One morning, as I sat by the window sipping tea, the nausea that had plagued me for days returned with a vengeance. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. Tristan, ever the observant little boy, knocked on the door.“Mommy, are you okay?” he asked, his voice tinged with worry.“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I replied, forcing a smile when I emerged. “Just a little stomach bug.”But it wasn’t a bug. Deep down, I knew. The signs were unmistakable, and a test later that evening confirmed it.I was pregnant.I stared at the test in my trembling hand, the reality sinking in. Another child. A sibling for Tristan. A symbol of everything I’d fought so hard to protect.As the news settled in,
Annabel’s POVThey all thought they’d won. Ava, Derick, even Andrew—they all got to walk away happy. But what about me? Where was my happy ending? Where was the life I’d envisioned? Derick wasn’t supposed to go back to Ava. He wasn’t supposed to turn his attention to some child. Tristan. That boy had ruined everything.I stared at the grainy photo I’d taken of Tristan at the park last week. His laugh still echoed in my mind, grating against my nerves. Derick doted on him, Ava clung to him, and even Andrew looked at him like he was some precious treasure.It wasn’t fair.If Tristan were gone, maybe things could go back to the way they were supposed to be. Derick would grieve, of course, but I could help him heal. I’d be the one he turned to. The one he leaned on.The plan had been forming in my mind for weeks. It wasn’t impulsive—I wasn’t stupid. I’d spent hours studying their routines, noting every detail. Ava’s work schedule, Derick’s visitation days, and Tristan’s after-school activ
Ava’s POVThe judge’s voice echoed through the courtroom, cutting through the tense silence like a blade.“In the best interest of the child, the court has decided on joint custody. Both parents will share equal responsibility in raising Tristan.”I sat motionless, my fingers gripping the edge of the table. I had prepared myself for this outcome, but hearing the words spoken aloud still sent a chill down my spine. Sharing Tristan with Derick wasn’t what I wanted—but the court had decided, and I had no choice but to accept it.Tristan was my whole world. The idea of someone else, even his biological father, having a say in his life felt like an intrusion. But the judge was right. Tristan deserved both parents in his life. No matter how much I resented the situation, I had to focus on what was best for my son.As the courtroom emptied, Derick approached me. He walked hesitantly, as if unsure of how close he should get. I glanced at Diane, who nodded and took Tristan by the hand, guiding
Derick’s POVThe small park bench felt impossibly narrow as I sat there, nervously gripping the edge. Tristan was perched beside me, his little legs swinging back and forth, not quite reaching the ground. His curious gaze was fixed on me, a mix of innocence and wisdom far beyond his five years.I took a deep breath, unsure how to begin. The truth was, I had no idea how to talk to a child—especially one who looked so much like me, yet felt like a stranger.“Do you like the swings?” I asked, trying to break the ice.He shrugged, clutching the juice box I’d handed him earlier. “They’re okay.”Silence fell between us again, heavy and awkward. Finally, Tristan spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “Why weren’t you there when I was born?”The question hit me like a punch to the gut. I looked at him, my throat tightening. How could I explain something I didn’t even fully understand myself?“I didn’t know about you,” I admitted. “Your mom didn’t tell me until…until she needed help.”His small brow
Annabel's POVThe glow of the city lights spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my apartment, casting shadows across the sleek marble floor. I sank into the plush sofa, glass of wine in hand, as my phone buzzed with yet another update.Tristan seemed fine today. No incidents.Ava’s watcher confronted someone near the school, but they got away.Andrew stopped by Diane’s office this afternoon. He’s definitely keeping her in the loop.I smirked, setting the wine down and scrolling through the messages. It was almost laughable how predictable they all were—Ava, so desperate to appear the perfect mother; Andrew, playing knight in shining armor. And Derick, as always, trying to manage things while keeping me in the dark.Poor, naive Derick. Did he really think I didn’t know everything already? The updates he shared during our hushed conversations were a watered-down version of the truth—carefully curated to make him look like the doting father fighting for his son. But I had my ow
Ava's POV“Did you report it to the school?”“Not yet,” he admitted. “I wasn’t sure if it was anything serious or just a parent lingering, but now…”“Report it,” I said firmly. “And keep an eye out. I want to know if you see him again.”After hanging up, I texted Diane, filling her in on the new development.We need to discuss this tomorrow. I’m doubling Tristan’s security and contacting the school.Her reply came almost immediately. Agreed. This will only work in our favor if we act quickly.I stared at the phone for a moment, my chest tightening with frustration. Diane was right—this could show the court how vigilant I was and how far I’d go to protect Tristan. But deep down, I hated that I even had to do this. I hated that someone was using my son as a pawn.I called the number again my hand clenching the phone tighter. “Did you get anything? A description? A photo?”The watcher hesitated. “Not really. He wore a baseball cap, pulled low, and kept his head down. It was deliberate—li
Ava's POV.The courtroom loomed over me as I stepped out of the car with Diane at my side. Her calm demeanor was reassuring, but my nerves refused to settle. Tristan’s laughter echoed in my mind, a reminder of why I was doing this.“Ready?” Diane asked, her sharp eyes scanning my face.I nodded, clutching the folder of evidence she’d helped me prepare. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”The court had given us a month to prepare for this, and every single day had been a battle. Between balancing Tristan’s needs, meetings with Diane, and keeping myself together, I felt stretched thin. Andrew and Kim had been my rocks during this time. Andrew’s unwavering support and Kim’s relentless encouragement kept me going when I wanted to break.“You’re a good mother, Ava,” Andrew had said the night before, his voice steady. “The court will see that. No one could love Tristan the way you do.”Kim had chimed in during one of our late-night calls, her voice fierce. “You’ve got this. You’re smart, you’re str