Ava's POVAs Andrew carried me upstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. He kissed me gently as we moved into his room. I was lost in my world, feeling relief wash over me through his kisses. He laid me down gently on the bed, his eyes roaming over my body “You are so beautiful my love——I miss you so much” I blushed at the compliment, “I miss you too baby.”He bent down to my neck and kissed it softly and slowly. It shot pleasure down my spine, I wanted this and I have dreamt about this for the past two days.He began to undress me slowly, pulling my top, then my trousers. In a minute, I was left with just my underwear. His fingers trace the cup of my boobs, down my stomach. He wasn't doing anything yet but I could feel myself getting turned on at each stroke of his fingers.“Babe….” I called out, my voice grasped as he placed kisses on my body. “What do you want, babe?” Andrew asked, feigning ignorance but I could feel him smirking.“Stop….teasing me, plea
Ava’s POV The morning sun shines in my eyes, making me groan. I lifted my left hand to cover my eyes before turning my body to the right side. I heard a soft chuckle and slowly opened my eyes to see Andrew staring at me with a sweet smile. “Good morning, sleeping beauty; how was your night, or should I say your lower back?” He asked in a teasing tone.I blushed in embarrassment, remembering what happened last night, and hid myself in the pillows. “It hurts a bit," I mumbled in between the pillows.Andrew burst out laughing and pulled me over to his side, making me lay on his lap; he placed his right hand under my chin, forcing me to look up at him and meet his soft gaze. He was wearing a cream top, and the gray sweatpants were peeking out from under the blanket. “I'm sorry, my love, I just couldn't help it; I missed you a lot while you were gone on your business trip." I giggled like a toddler and wrapped my hand around his waist. Oh, have I missed this feeling while I was away? I
Andrew's POVI glanced up from my conversation with Tristan to see Ava standing at the doorway, watching us with that soft smile I loved so much. The way her eyes lingered on us, the warmth that radiated from her—it was everything I wanted to protect. She deserved this happiness, this peace, after everything she’s been through.“Mom!” Tristan called, waving her over with his pancake-covered fork, nearly flinging syrup everywhere. “Come sit with us!”She walked over, and I noticed her wince just a bit. Trying to hide it, of course, but I knew her too well to miss even a slight change. I reached over and pulled out the chair next to me, gesturing for her to sit."All refreshed and ready to join the land of the living?” I teased as she slid into the seat beside me, shooting me a look.“Very funny,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “But yes, thanks for the... well, everything.” She paused, her hand resting on mine as her gaze softened. “I missed this. That business trip was so exhausting and th
Annabel’s POV. I looked into my phone for the fifth time, my head running with thoughts of “What ifs and How much does he know?" Lime couldn't be trusted, I obviously knew he worked for Andrew, and that fact never really bothered me until last night. I was biting into my nails, sitting in the kitchen, when Derick walked up to me, a frown visible on his face upon seeing my worried and lost expression.“So you finally feel bad for what you did to Ava the other day? Is the guilt finally eating you? Because I know you did it." He asked, casually but there was a hint of coldness that wasn't trying to hide in his voice and a smirk on his lips.I chuckled and that alone made me feel a bit better and proud of myself for the little stunt I pulled on Ava before she left London. I straightened my position and relaxed my back on the chair comfortably, crossed my legs, folded my ten fingers together, and placed them on my knee.“No. I don't feel bad at all. Thank you for reminding me, as a matte
Ava's POV. I sighed as I ended the call and dropped my phone on the table, relaxed on the chair, lifted my head, and pinched the top part of my nose tiredly. Today was stressful, and trying to get someone trustworthy and loyal to work for me and watch Annabel's every move seemed impossible. I let out another sigh, rubbing my temples. Annabel had always been unpredictable, but lately, something about her felt different—more calculated, more dangerous. I could feel her intentions lurking just beneath the surface like a storm waiting to break.My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone vibrating on the table. I picked it up and saw a message from Liam: “I might have someone for you. They’re discreet, reliable, and know how to handle situations like this. Want me to set up a meeting?”Relief washed over me, though I still felt a pang of uncertainty. After everything that happened, it was hard to trust anyone. But Liam had always been one of the few people Andrew could count
Ava's POV. The morning started like any other. Tristan had been his usual cheerful self, bouncing into the kitchen with a big grin on his face, eager for his favorite breakfast. I loved mornings like this—watching him chat endlessly, his enthusiasm filling every corner of the house. I was planning on meeting up with the person Liam had told me about this morning before heading to the company. I was humming to a song, but halfway through, I noticed Tristan had grown quiet. His usual brightness faded, replaced by a strange pallor.“Mommy, I feel funny,” he said, clutching his stomach. He looked confused as if he couldn’t understand what was happening. His hand trembled as he reached for me, and I could feel his tiny fingers trembling in mine.“Sweetheart, are you okay?” I asked, my heart beginning to race. He nodded, though his face was pale, and dark circles seemed to have formed under his eyes almost overnight.How come I didn't notice the dark circles under his eyes this morning? It
Ava's POV.His words crashed over me like a wave, leaving me reeling. “There must be a mistake,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “He’s my son. How can I not be a match?”The doctor’s face was etched with understanding. “It happens sometimes, Mrs. Genetics are complex, and sometimes parents don’t match their children in the way we hope. But we’ll keep looking. The bone marrow registry is extensive, and we have hope.”I nodded numbly, the weight of his words pressing down on me. I had so badly wanted to be the one who could save him, to feel that connection by giving him the gift of life all over again. But this betrayal of biology left me feeling helpless as if fate itself was turning against us.The rest of the day blurred into a haze. I went through the motions, spoke with the doctors, and made arrangements, but everything felt distant as if I were watching someone else live this nightmare. I couldn’t help but think of how Tristan’s illness had brought everything into sharp foc
Derick’s POV. I was in my office scrolling through some files when my phone started to ring, and the familiar name I'd been yearning to call me for a while showed up on it, but yet, It felt strange and absent. Hesitant, I picked up the call."Ava?" I said, sounding surprised but cautious."Derick," she said, her voice sounding steady, distant, and urgent all at once. " We need to talk, It’s important.”I hesitated and took a deep breath. "Is everything okay? What’s going on?""This isn’t something I can explain over the phone," she replied, her voice still distant and cold, but there was a hint of unsteadiness in it. "Can we meet up somewhere private? It’s… it’s about something you need to know.”"Of course," I immediately said, my voice softening. "Where and when?”We agreed to meet at a quiet restaurant the next day. I immediately bought a plane ticket smiling but a bit worried at the same time. What could be so important that she wants to see me in person? I thought she never want
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