Ava’s POVAndrew pulled me to the side, the document still in my hands, the title “Shared Custody” burned into my mind. He hadn’t spoken since Derek handed me the papers, but his grip on my arm was firm, his expression unreadable."Ava," he began, his voice lower than usual, as if he was trying to keep his emotions in check. I couldn’t form words with the weight of the document in my hand and the look in Andrew’s eyes.He exhaled sharply, his grip loosening but still holding onto me like he was afraid I’d slip away. "This... Derek... I knew this was going to happen at some point, but I didn’t expect it now. I didn’t expect him to push for this."I blinked, still trying to catch up with what was happening. "You mean... the custody?"He nodded. "Yes, the custody. Ava, I can’t sit back and watch him try to stake a claim over Tristan, not after everything he’s done to you, to us. I’ve stayed quiet for as long as I could, but Derek’s not just going to back down. He’s trying to insert hims
Ava’s POVThe morning sun streamed through the windows, casting soft, golden light over the house. I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside and the familiar weight of Andrew beside me. Today was the day Tristan had been waiting for: his first day back at school. After everything that had happened, it felt like a small but important step forward for our family.I slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake Andrew. The house was still, and the only sound was the faint murmur of Tristan’s voice coming from his room. He had a habit of talking to himself when he was excited, and I smiled to myself as I walked down the hall to his room.Pushing the door open gently, I found him standing in front of his mirror, half-dressed in his school uniform, with his shoes on the wrong feet. His face lit up when he saw me.“Mom!” he shouted, his voice high with excitement. “I can’t believe it’s finally here! I’m going back to school!”I smiled and walked over, kneeling in front of him to fix hi
Ava’s POVThe envelope felt cold and unfamiliar in my hands as I slowly peeled back its edges. Andrew stood beside me, his eyes flickering with concern. I slid out a stack of photos, each one meticulously taken. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, but then it hit me, hard; Tristan. He was in all of them. Playing on the playground, eating lunch, sitting in class. A heavy feeling of dread settled in my stomach."Who sent these?" I whispered, flipping through the photos, my heart thudding in my chest.Andrew’s eyes narrowed as he took the pictures from my hands, studying them closely. "There's no note, nothing written. Just pictures," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.It was clear someone had been watching him. A deep wave of nausea crashed over me. Our son was being monitored, and we had no idea who was behind it or why. I instinctively wrapped my arms around myself, trying to fend off the shiver creeping up my spine."This has to stop. Now," Andrew growled, his fists
Ava’s POVWeeks had passed, and the sense of unease that had settled over our lives was beginning to lift. Andrew had insisted that the security team remain, and Tristan’s two bodyguards never left his side, even though the threats seemed to have stopped. Their presence was a reminder of the dangers that may be lurking around. No more cryptic mail or strange photographs, but still, something lingered in the air. Maybe it was just me. Maybe it was my anxiety over today; the day of the custody hearing.I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me, but I hardly recognized myself. My hands gripped the edge of the sink tightly as I took a deep breath. Today was it. The court would decide whether Tristan’s life would change forever or if we could continue to protect him, give him the stability he deserved.A light knock interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up to see Andrew standing in the doorway. He was already dressed in his suit, looking calm and collected as always.
Ava’s POVThe court case was finally behind us, a weight lifted off our shoulders. Tristan was safe, and I could feel the relief washing over both Andrew and me. But just as one chapter closed, another one seemed to open unexpectedly.It started a week after the court ruling. Nikolai, my assistant, had come into my office with a look of confusion mixed with curiosity on his face. He held a stack of papers in his hand, which he placed neatly on my desk.“What is it, Nikolai?” I asked, looking up from my laptop.“These,” he said, tapping the top of the papers, “are inquiries from several investors who want to invest in F&J Company.”I froze for a moment, my hands hovering over the keyboard. “Derek’s company?”“Yes,” he confirmed. “It seems like word is spreading about some potential for growth over there. The company’s been in bad shape, but now, suddenly, people want to invest. These are serious investors, Ava.”I leaned back in my chair, processing the information. F&J had been circli
Ava’s POVThe buzz surrounding F&J’s sudden rise was almost overwhelming. What once had been a sinking ship was now the talk of the town. Investors couldn’t stop singing praises, and business analysts were busy publishing articles on how one strategic move turned the company around. It felt strange, knowing I was at the heart of it. Derek’s company, the one that had almost gone under, was thriving, and it was largely thanks to me and my team.Nikolai walked into my office, his expression neutral as always, but there was something in his eyes that told me there was news. I glanced up from my computer, sensing that this wasn’t just another daily report.“Derek requested a meeting,” Nikolai began, placing a document on my desk. “He wants to discuss taking full control of F&J again.”I exhaled slowly, leaning back in my chair. “Full control? After everything?”Nikolai nodded. “That’s what it seems like. He didn’t specify too much in his message, but from the tone, it’s clear that he think
Ava’s POVThe sun filtered through the office blinds, casting gentle rays over my desk as I tried to focus on the spreadsheets in front of me. I had a call in thirty minutes, and my mind was racing with everything I had to prepare. Andrew had left for his own meeting earlier, and I figured we’d grab lunch together once we were both free. It had been a long morning already, and my thoughts kept drifting to Tristan, lately, we haven’t spent much time with him.I picked up my phone, tempted to check in on him, but then decided against it. Everything seemed normal. The bodyguards were with him, and it wasn’t the first time we had gone through this routine. I tried to remind myself of that, but there was always this nagging feeling in the back of my mind. I had learned to live with it, as most mothers do, but that didn’t mean it ever fully went away.Just as I was about to dial into the meeting, the door to my office burst open. Andrew, pale-faced and with wild eyes, stormed in, his phone
Ava’s POVMy hands trembled as I stood outside the school, feeling my entire body tense up. The air was thick, and every breath felt like an effort. Andrew was pacing beside me, his phone clutched tightly in his hand as he coordinated with the security agents he had hired, men who specialized in kidnappings. But even their arrival brought no relief to my heart. They moved swiftly, all business, scanning the area, talking to the school’s security staff, and reviewing any footage they could get their hands on. But nothing they did seemed to make this nightmare any less real.I felt like I was drowning, unable to breathe as panic and helplessness washed over me in waves. I couldn’t stand still any longer. Standing there, waiting for someone else to find answers, was suffocating. My legs moved on their own, pushing me toward the school building, toward the people who were supposed to be responsible for my son’s safety.“Ava,” Andrew called out, but I ignored him.The moment I walked into
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