Ava’s POVI sat in the corner of the school principal’s office, staring blankly at the walls, unable to process what was happening. Everything felt surreal, like a twisted nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. Andrew stood in front of the desk, pacing furiously, while the principal and other members of the school management fumbled with their words, trying to offer hollow apologies.But Andrew wasn’t having any of it.“This isn’t just a mistake,” Andrew snapped, slamming his hand down on the desk, making everyone jump. His voice was low and dangerous, his entire body vibrating with barely controlled anger. “Someone tampered with the security footage. Someone inside this school had a hand in my son’s kidnapping.”The principal swallowed hard, his face pale. “Mr. Andrews, I-I assure you we are doing everything we can to cooperate with the authorities. We had no idea—”Andrew cut him off. “That’s not good enough. You’re responsible for these children’s safety, and you failed.” He turned to
Ava’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling as I racked my brain, trying to make sense of it all. The voice on the phone, it haunted me. Why couldn’t I place it immediately? I kept replaying it over and over, dissecting every syllable, every chilling word. And then, like a slap across the face, it hit me.Annabel.How did I not recognize it immediately? We hadn’t spoken in years, not since the day she betrayed me so deeply. We had been close once, like sisters, but after what she did, after she tore my life apart, I had made it a point never to think of her again. I had pushed every memory of her into the deepest corners of my mind, hoping to forget.But why now? Why was she back? And why would she want to hurt Tristan, to hurt me?I couldn’t sit still any longer. My legs felt weak as I stood up, pacing the room, trying to put the pieces together. Annabel. Of course, it was her. But why? Why now, after all these years?Andrew came into the room, his face tense, the weig
Ava’s POVI barely registered how I drifted off to sleep. The tension and exhaustion had finally caught up with me, and my mind had momentarily surrendered to the haze of fatigue. But the sudden blare of my ringtone jolted me awake, the sound sharp and piercing, dragging me from the fog of restless slumber. My heart pounded against my chest as I sat up rapidly, disoriented for a moment, before I grabbed my phone.It was Andrew.I didn't even take a second to breathe before answering, "Andrew?" I practically shouted, my voice laced with panic.“Ava...” His voice was low, filled with disappointment. “She’s not here. Neither is Tristan.”My stomach dropped, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. “What do you mean? Did you find anything?”“It’s obvious someone’s been here. The place has been wiped clean. But we found no trace of them, Ava.” Andrew’s frustration was palpable. I could hear it in every clipped word, in the tightness of his tone.I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composu
Ava’s POVThe car ride back from that nightmare felt surreal, like the world was moving in slow motion. The tension in the air had lessened slightly after the call to Andrew, letting him know we were safe. But the dread, the ache that had taken root in my chest, lingered.I glanced over at Tristan, who was slumped in the back seat, his small frame leaning against me, his eyes half-closed. His body seemed fragile, too fragile, and his face was pale and drawn. Every few seconds, his eyelids fluttered as if he were fighting to stay awake, but I wished he wouldn’t. I wished he’d sleep, just so he wouldn’t have to carry the weight of what had happened.“Hey, baby,” I said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. “How about we stop and get you your favorite burger? Would you like that?”Tristan blinked slowly, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something, but all he managed was a small nod. My heart tightened in my chest. The bright, talkative boy who always h
Andrew’s POVWeeks had passed since the terrifying ordeal with Annabel, and our lives had finally started to settle back into something resembling normalcy. Tristan was healing, both emotionally and physically, though it would take time for all the scars to fade. His laughter, though, was more frequent now, and seeing him smile brought a sense of peace to me and Ava.After shutting down Tristan’s school permanently, something I made sure happened swiftly and decisively. They had been negligent, and I wanted to make sure it was understood that they would never operate again in the nearest future. My lawyers made sure of that. Ava had agreed without hesitation, though I could tell she was still processing everything in her own way.Ava and I had focused all our attention on Tristan. We had been working from home, making sure he knew we were there for him. The trauma of the kidnapping had left its mark, but Tristan was resilient. He had taken some time to process everything, and now, he s
Ava’s POVLife was finally starting to feel normal again, and for that, I was incredibly grateful. The nightmares had stopped, Tristan was settling into his new school, and the weight of the past few months felt like it was slowly lifting off our shoulders. Andrew and I were able to spend more time together now, something we hadn’t had the luxury of doing in what felt like ages.We planned on going for vacation, but Tristan insisted on just staying at home.After Andrew had made sure Tristan’s previous school was shut down indefinitely after the security breach, I couldn’t imagine sending him back there, so we found a new school, one with much stricter security and protocols. Tristan seemed to be adjusting well, and that alone made me breathe easier.Tonight was one of those rare peaceful nights. Andrew and I sat on the couch, my legs draped across his lap as we watched some mindless reality show on TV. I wasn’t really paying attention, though. I had been feeling... off lately. The na
Andrew’s POVThe days after the doctor’s appointment were filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Andrew and I had decided to keep the news of the baby to ourselves for a little while, allowing the shock to settle in before we told Tristan. But now, after some days of pure bliss and secret smiles shared between us, it was time.Tristan had just come back from spending the day with Derek, and as we all sat down for dinner that evening, I could feel the nerves bubbling up in my chest. Andrew caught my eye from across the table and smiled, that secret smile that made my heart skip a beat."Tristan," Andrew said, setting down his fork and looking at our son with a soft smile. “Your mom and I have something really important to tell you.”Tristan’s eyes lit up with curiosity as he paused mid-chew. “What is it?”I glanced at Andrew, who gave me a nod. I took a deep breath, smiling at Tristan, my heart pounding in my chest. “You’re going to be a big brother, sweetheart.”Tristan bli
Ava’s POVBack from our weekend getaway, life quickly shifted back to its familiar rhythm. While Andrew and I were still riding the wave of our engagement bliss, work loomed over us, demanding our attention. More meetings, more investments, and more decisions to make. There were deals to finalize, and Derek’s company was still thriving, thanks to the investments and, of course, the strategic decisions made by Nikolai and me.But now that Derek was no longer a foe, it seemed only fair that we revisit the conversation about his role in the company. Over the past few months, Derek had proven himself to be focused on his son and had taken every opportunity to make amends. The rift between him and Andrew had healed, and the once frosty atmosphere between us had thawed. Still, Derek managing the company again was a big decision.“Are you sure about this?” Andrew asked one evening as we sat in my home office, going over the details of our upcoming meeting with Derek.I nodded, setting down m
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