Ava’s POVAndrew and I sat in the car, the tension between us palpable. I stared out the window, watching the buildings rush past, but my mind was elsewhere, back in that room, with Annabel’s hollow eyes and cryptic warnings. She had shaken me more than I wanted to admit, and the idea of seeing her again today filled me with a mix of dread and rage."You don't have to do this," Andrew said quietly, breaking the silence. His hand found mine, squeezing it gently. "She's not worth it."I knew he was right. Annabel had caused so much pain already, and seeing her again could only bring more harm. But I couldn’t ignore the anger boiling inside me. She had tried to destroy my family, and now she wanted to twist the knife further.“I need to,” I said, my voice steely with resolve. “I need to look her in the eye and show her that she doesn’t control me. That her games are over.”Andrew nodded, though I could see the hesitation in his eyes. He didn’t like the idea of me facing her again, but he
Ava’s POVLeaving Andrew was harder than I thought. I stood by the door, suitcase in hand, and watched as his face softened with concern. We had been inseparable since his proposal, and now, the idea of going across the ocean without him felt wrong. I hadn’t realized how attached I had become, how much I craved his presence beside me in every moment.“You’ll be fine, Ava,” Andrew said, stepping forward to kiss me on the forehead. His touch was warm, comforting. “It’s just a few days. You’ll handle everything perfectly, like you always do.”“I know, I know.” I forced a smile, trying to convince myself as much as him. “It’s just… I’m not used to being away from you. Not like this.”Andrew chuckled softly. “Ava, nervous? I didn’t think I’d ever see the day.”I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I appreciated the way he was lightening the mood. He always knew how to calm me down when I was overthinking things. Still, the knot in my stomach remained as I leaned in to kiss him one last time.“I
Ava’s povI sat by the window, my eyes fixed on the city below, my mind racing with thoughts of the mysterious woman. Who was she? Why was she watching me? The questions swirled in my head like a vortex.Andrew's promise to come get me brought some comfort, but the waiting felt unbearable. Every creak of the hotel door, every footstep outside, made me jump.Just as dusk began to fall, I heard a knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat. "Who is it?" I called out, trying to sound calm."Nikolai's men," a deep voice replied. "Mr. Harrison sent us to escort you."I hesitated, wondering if I should trust them. But Andrew's instructions echoed in my mind: "Don't open the door for anyone." These men were supposed to be Nikolai's, Andrew's trusted security team.Cautiously, I opened the door to find two imposing figures in suits, their eyes scanning the hallway."Ma'am," one said, nodding. "We're here to take you to a secure location."Without a word, I grabbed my bag and followed them. We
Ava’s POVLiam stood in the doorway, his expression professional but with a hint of urgency. He had the look of someone who had seen too much of the world’s darker side—grizzled yet alert, his sharp eyes flicking between me and Andrew.“May I come in?” Liam asked, his tone clipped but polite.I glanced over at Andrew, who nodded. “Of course, come in.” I stepped aside, allowing him to enter.The suite, luxurious and romantic just moments ago, now felt like it was brimming with tension. Andrew took a seat on the plush couch, pulling me onto his lap as Liam sat across from us in one of the armchairs, a folder clutched tightly in his hands.“So,” Liam began, opening the folder, “I’ve dug up some interesting things about the woman who’s been following you.”My pulse quickened as I leaned closer, my heart hammering against my ribs. “Who is she?”“She is a lady that get paid to do stuff and she was in disguise. Do you have anyone who wants you dead?” Liam asked and my mind immediately went to Anna
Ava’s povThe tension from Liam’s visit lingered long after he left. Andrew’s grip around me was firm, grounding me in a way that no words could. But my thoughts swirled, caught between fear and fury. Annabel had been a thorn in my side for so long, and now she was actively plotting against me. It was a nightmare come to life, but I couldn’t let her break me.I sat up from Andrew’s lap, needing space to think. His eyes followed me as I paced the room, my mind racing with a thousand what-ifs. What if Annabel’s plan worked? What if she found another way to get to me? Or worse, what if she went after Andrew?“Talk to me, Ava,” Andrew said softly. “You’re shutting down.”I stopped pacing, running a hand through my hair. “I just… I don’t know what to do. I feel like no matter how much I try to move forward, Annabel is always one step ahead, ready to knock me back down. I’ve spent so much time rebuilding my life, and now it feels like she could tear it all apart with a snap of her fingers.”
Ava’s povSince Ava went off the grid it has been me constantly looking over my shoulders and being observant. Andrew has me on 24-hour security. Aside from all that the mini vacation was relaxing and I needed it. I had been getting calls about work, different meetings that I left pending, and also the company I was trying to invest in. “Hey, what are you thinking about babe?” I felt his hands pulling me into his chest. I looked back at him with a smile, his face filled with questions “Oh nothing babe, but now that this is my last day in Paris and I need to get back to work.”“Hey, you don't have to work. I can send my assistance to the meetings, it's not much of a big deal.” Andrea said to me, I turned to him and hugged him.“It's not going to be necessary, I don't want Annabel thinking that I'm afraid of her. I don't want to show her she has won. So, I'm going back to London” I concluded.He hugged me tight, I inhaled his masculine scent and it made me addicted to him.I heard me
Ava’s povMy flight to London was very smooth without any problems. The plane landed by 10 am and my meeting was by 12. I had time to check into my hotel and drop my luggage.I walked down the plane, the car was waiting for me with a girl carrying an iPad.“Good morning, Miss Ava, my name is Kim, I'm your new personal assistant and I will be attending to your needs,” The girl said, bringing out her hands for a handshake.I exchanged the handshake confused about everything, “Hmm….Kim, right?” She nods “Yes ma” “Okay…..Kim, I don't remember hiring you.” I said to her, probably she had made a mistake.“You didn't but your fiance did…..congrats on your engagement ma'am,” She said with the brightest smile as I kept a confused look. “Shall we get going? The ride is about three minutes to the meeting place and we need to get you some food.” she opened the car door for me to get in.“I need to stop at the hotel, to drop my suitcase” I tried to let her know“No need to worry about that, it
Ava’s povGeorge Industries, the company I would be investing in, not just me but Andrew. He sent me here to see if we should invest or not. Kim and I walked into the company but we noticed how empty it was. There was little staff. I just realized that I did not know much about this company and due to unforeseen circumstances, I had not been asking the right question.“Where are the staff?” I asked out loud, waiting for an answer but none came. “Someone is meant to welcome us when we get here, how do we locate where the meeting is being held?” Kim brought out her phone to dial a number. I looked around the building, and almost every office was empty. I guess this is what Andrew meant by a charity project but if they are not going to take my time seriously I don't thinkthey need to be given this opportunity.“Let's go, Kim, no one is here!” I turned around to leave. We were already at the door when I heard a voice.“Miss Andrews” I turned to see a man, 6 feet tall, and blonde hair
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