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
Derick's POV. I grabbed my phone and dialed Ava’s number, my heart pounding as I waited for her to pick up. A part of me didn’t want to involve her in this mess, but the thought of Annabel doing something reckless decided for me.After a few rings, she picked up. “Derick?”“Ava, I need to warn you about something,” I said, my voice steady but urgent. “Annabel found out about my trip to London. She’s… she might try something.”There was a pause at her side as if she was trying to figure out something or she was thinking about what to do or say. “Hello, are you still there? If you want to cancel our meeting that's fine, I totally understand.”“Yes, sorry about that. Thank you for telling me; the meeting is still up; whatever Annabel is planning isn't as important as what I want to talk to you about, so I'll be expecting you here tomorrow at the scheduled time and place,” she said, her voice still cold as it was earlier.Relief washed over me as she confirmed our meeting. “Thank you, A
Ava's POV. I felt a wave of anger and hurt rise in my chest as I looked at him across the table. Even now, with everything on the line, the audacity he had to question me about Andrew as if he hadn't shattered everything we had, was infuriating. But I reminded myself to keep calm—this wasn’t about us. This was about Tristan and only Tristan.I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment to steady myself. When I opened them, I looked straight at him, trying to push back all the emotions I’d buried for years. “This isn’t about you, Derick,” I said, my voice quieter but firm. “It’s about Tristan. I did what I thought was best for him. And in the last five years, Andrew has been a father to him—a good one. I’m not asking for you to understand or agree with my choices, but you need to respect them. You gave me no choice.”I saw the remorse in his eyes, but I wasn’t here for apologies or reconciliation. He could regret his actions all he wanted, but that wouldn’t change the past or wh
Andrew's POV As I stood there watching Ava with Tristan, a wave of admiration washed over me. She was strong—stronger than she gave herself credit for—and everything she did, every difficult choice, was for him. Tristan was her world, and I was grateful to be a part of that, to support her in the ways she’d let me.When she looked up at me and nodded, I caught the message—things had gone as expected with Derick, though I knew from the tension still lingering in her gaze that it hadn’t been easy. For her, facing him again must have felt like reopening old wounds, but she’d done it for Tristan.I took a seat beside them, ruffling Tristan’s hair again, and he giggled. “Are you going to be my super-sidekick, Dad?” he asked, grinning up at me with his gap-toothed smile.“Always,” I said, smiling back at him. “I’m just waiting for you to give me the superpower. I hear sidekicks don’t get them until they pass the hero’s test.”Tristan’s eyes widened. “Oh! I’ll give you my superpower once I’
Derick’s POVThe city lights blurred through the tinted windows of the car as it took me back to my hotel. London’s energy usually filled me with focus, but tonight, I couldn’t shake the weight pressing on my chest. My mind drifted back to Ava—her words, her strength, her undeniable commitment to Tristan. Seeing her again, feeling her anger and hurt so clearly, was more difficult than I’d anticipated.My meetings had been a haze; I struggled to concentrate on the usual negotiations and business deals that typically consumed me. Everything seemed to fade into the background. I could still hear her voice echoing in my mind, reminding me that this wasn’t about us—it was about Tristan. She was right, of course, but it didn’t make it any easier to bear.Once back in the quiet of my hotel room, I sank into the armchair by the window, allowing the silence to envelop me. Five years ago, I’d made a choice that tore apart everything I’d held close. That night with Annabel was a mistake I could
Annabel's POV. I paced through my living room, my gaze flickering to the clock on the wall. It had just been a day since Derick left for London but for some odd reasons, I was feeling restless, and I could feel my patience wearing thin. I’d called, texted, and tried every excuse to check in on him, but he’d been distant, giving me little more than brief answers. It was like him—but something was going on, and I am determined to find out what.I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found the number I needed. After a few rings, a familiar voice answered. “Hello?”“It's Anabel. I need you to do something for me,” I said, lowering my voice. “I want you to find out what Derick is doing in London. Keep an eye on him, and let me know if he meets with anyone... especially Ava.”The person on the other end agreed, and I gave him instructions before ending the call. My son came running into the room just as I hung up, his small backpack slung over one shoulder. “Ready fo
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