Ethan hadn’t returned since he left the house this morning. Ava didn’t know why, but it bothered her more than it should. She found herself wondering where he could be. As she sat on the couch, flipping through channels without really watching, Noah appeared at the top of the stairs. "You're still awake, cupcake?" Noah asked, coming down. "It's already 11 p.m. Aren't you feeling sleepy?" "I... I just want to finish this TV show," Ava lied, glancing at the screen. Why was she lying to Noah? She couldn’t tell him she was waiting for Ethan to come back. Not like I have any right to care where he is, she thought to herself. "Oh, okay," Noah replied, heading into the kitchen. He came back with a glass of juice. "Is Ethan back yet?" he asked casually. "No!" Ava said a little too quickly. Then, in a softer tone, she added, "Do you know where he went? He left this morning and hasn't been back all day." She tried to sound indifferent, but there was curiosity in her voice that Noah could
Ethan walked in, his face unreadable as always. He was composed, "there was a hint of turmoil in his eyes, like a storm was raging just beneath the surface."Noah, sensing the tension in the air, gently took Ava’s arm and pulled her out of the kitchen. “Come on, let’s give them some space,” Noah whispered to her, though curiosity was eating her alive.As they sat in the living room, Ava couldn’t help but glance back toward the kitchen. Something felt off between Ethan and Victoria. Goosebumps rose on Ava’s arms when she heard Ethan’s cold, sharp voice.“What are you still doing here?” His words sliced through the air, low and sharp.Victoria, unbothered by the chill in his tone, smiled sweetly and moved closer to him. “I missed you, baby. I thought we could catch up. I even made you breakfast, your favorite,” she said, her voice dripping with an unsettling softness. “I don’t need your breakfast. I have a cook.” Ethan’s voice was ice-cold, sending a shiver down Ava’s spine. She had ne
Ava's POV I haven't seen Ethan since the mess with Victoria. It shouldn’t bother me, right? I mean, we don’t have that kind of relationship, but it does. I don’t know why, but it bothers me a lot.It had been over a week since I'd last seen him. I figured he hadn't been home. But then, out of nowhere, Ethan walked out of his room all dressed up and looking fine.I couldn't help but stare. He still had that something special about him. When he smiled at me, my heart did a little flip. Damn those butterflies! He came down the stairs and gave me this warm smile that made me realize how much I'd missed him."Good morning, princess," he said with that smirk of his. I felt my face turn red hot. Then, to make things worse, I started hiccuping. Talk about embarrassing!He handed me a piece of paper. Between hiccups, I took it and looked inside. It was a meal plan. I looked at him, totally surprised."You need to eat healthy. That's your meal plan," he said, walking towards the door without l
Exercising without Ethan has been tough. I hate to admit it, but I really miss him. It's been over a week since he left on that mysterious trip. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I can't stop thinking about him.“Come in,” I said, my voice slightly tired. The door creaked open, and there was Noah, as cheerful as ever.“Good morning, cupcake!” he greeted with his usual energy. “Get dressed, it’s time for your workout.”Noah’s been like this every day since Ethan left. I can’t thank him enough for keeping me on track, even when my motivation dips. He always finds a way to get me moving.“I’m ready,” I said, forcing a smile. I didn’t feel ready, but I knew I needed to keep going.“Oh, then let’s go burn that fat, cupcake!” Noah grinned as he stepped out of my room, his enthusiasm contagious.Exercising with Noah isn’t bad, actually. He doesn’t coach me but he’s always there to make me laugh. Even when I’m struggling, he finds a way to lighten the mood. But he never stays long—only
Ava's POV I made a decision a month ago—not to let Ethan see me on video calls anymore. Every week's call had been fun, crazy even, but I wanted to keep my transformation a secret until I could surprise him in person. Every time he called, I switched to normal calls or made sure to show him only the gym or surroundings, avoiding any chance for my reflection to slip through. I wanted the big reveal to be perfect, not ruined by the pixelated image of a video call.This has been going on for over six months now. Ethan hadn’t seen me once, and in that time, I had transformed beyond recognition. I was down to 150 pounds, muscles forming in all the right places, and my body… Well, it felt like everything had shifted perfectly. My curves were more defined, and for the first time, I actually loved what I saw in the mirror. I’d never been slim before—always the chubby girl who adored junk food—but now, seeing this version of myself? It felt like I’d stepped into someone else’s life.Noah was
My mom flung open the door, a parade of chefs bustled in, their arms laden with steaming dishes. The rich aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air.“Mom, not again,” I sighed. This was her routine every time I stayed too long at the hospital.“You need to eat well,” she insisted, her voice firm but loving as she waved the cooks toward the dining table. They laid out the trays one by one, filling every inch of the table with food. I couldn’t help but smile. Her food was delicious, no doubt about it. I missed it, but this? This was overkill. I wasn’t hosting a party, and I certainly didn’t need half the city’s chefs showing up at my doorstep.She kept holding my hand like she was afraid I’d disappear if she let go. I tried to pull it free, but she just tightened her grip, dragging me over to the dining table and practically shoving me into a chair. “You need to eat a lot. That’s why I made all this,” she said, already piling food onto my plate. “Ava, darling!” she called out, snappi
After freshening up, I decided to head downstairs and spend some time with the boys. They didn’t seem like they were in any rush to get back to work, which was a good sign. I was starting to enjoy having everyone around, especially after months of mostly being by myself. The moment Liam saw me, his jaw practically hit the floor. "Ava, I barely recognize you," he said, looking like he’d just seen a ghost. " I've been gone for a few months, and now... look at you!" I smiled, feeling a bit shy. "Thanks, Liam." "Your body transformation is insane. I honestly thought Ethan brought back a new girl." He laughed. Why did everyone think Ethan would bring a girl back? Is he some sort of playboy? I wondered to myself but shook the thought away quickly. Before I could sit down, Noah’s voice rang out. "Hey, Ava, I booked that hair appointment you wanted." I perked up. I’d been wanting to do a little makeover. Since everyone thought I was dead, I figured a new look wouldn’t hurt. Maybe,
Ava’s POV Do you have a problem with me?" I asked, my frustration spilling over. "Is it my hair? Is that why you’re acting like this?” “For a second, I wasn’t sure if he was going to respond. But then, a sly smile crept across his face as he stood up, his eyes never leaving mine. He gently brushed my hair behind my ear, his touch sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. “You look hot, princess,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth. “I love the hair.” His breath was warm against my cheek, and suddenly, I felt my face flush. My heart raced, and before I knew it, I was hiccuping. Embarrassed, I grabbed the water bottle from his desk and gulped down a huge drink while he chuckled softly. Regaining my composure, I cleared my throat and stepped back. “Anyway,” I said, trying to sound more serious, “I went through my father’s files and found something interesting. You’re one of the major investors in his company.” He didn’t say a word, just watched me, his expression unreadable o
“Let me do the work. Just relax, and I’ll serve you, my lady,” he said, winking at me. I leaned back, letting him take care of everything. The snacks were delicious, and the wine was rich and smooth, but the best part was the way Ethan kept making me laugh and smile. When we finished, I lay back on the blanket, staring up at the stars while Ethan stepped away for a moment. “Here,” Ethan said, returning with a bundle of clothes in his hands. “Change into this. We’re spending the night here.” He winked at me, his mischievous grin making my heart skip a beat. I took the clothes from him, feeling a sudden rush of nervousness. I didn’t know why the idea of spending the night with Ethan here felt so… intense. After all, I lived with him, but tonight felt different. He didn’t leave, though. He stood there, watching me, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Can you go so I can change?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s not like I haven’t seen everything before,” he t
Ava's POV We walked to the door, and Ethan couldn't stop rubbing my lower back. His hands were driving me crazy. Every touch sent a rush of heat through me, and I could feel my skin tingling beneath his fingers. When we got to his car, he turned me around, pulling me close. His lips captured mine in a kiss I thought would be simple—until he deepened it, slipping his tongue into my mouth. I didn’t hesitate to kiss him back. I’d been dying for those lips, and now that I had them, I didn’t want to let go. When he finally broke free from the kiss, he didn’t stop. His lips trailed over my face, leaving soft, lingering kisses that sent shivers down my spine. “Get inside the car. I have somewhere to take you,” he murmured against my skin, his voice low and commanding. He opened the car door for me, gesturing for me to get in. I was about to slide inside when his hand smacked my ass. The sound echoed in the quiet night, and I gasped, turning to glare at him. Ethan just grinned, h
Ethan's POV She walked into the restaurant, standing there looking absolutely stunning. I had arranged for the driver to drive her to the hotel where we’d have our date night, a night I had meticulously planned down to the last detail. She was breathtaking. Every part of her, from her carefully styled hair to the way her dress hugged her figure, seemed designed to drive me wild. All I could think of was pulling her into my arms and holding her close. As she moved toward me, her perfume filled my senses—a mix of sweetness and temptation that made her utterly irresistible. It was intoxicating, the kind of scent that lingered and made you want more. When she finally reached me, I leaned in to give her a light kiss on the cheek. "You smell so good," I murmured, my lips brushing her ear as I leaned closer, taking in her scent. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and her eyes sparkled under the dim lighting. "You smell so... edible right now," she murmured. Then her eyes widened, and
Ethan walked to Ava's door and gave it a light knock before gently opening it. “Are you sleeping?” he asked in a low tone. “No,” Ava answered, sitting up from her bed. “I… I just wanted to check up on you before I sleep,” Ethan said, moving closer to her. “I’m fine,” Ava said, smiling. “I think I should head to my room now,” Ethan said, pointing at the door. He walked toward Ava and gave her a light kiss. “Good night, princess,” he whispered softly before walking out of her room. Ava’s heart raced as she watched him go, her lips still tingling from his kiss. She was about to lie back down when the door creaked open again. Ethan stepped back in, his expression serious but warm. Ava looked up, surprised to see him back. “And Ava, I really meant what I said earlier in the kitchen.” “I know,” Ava said, unable to hold back her smile anymore. “So, we have a date tomorrow?” she asked, unable to hide her excitement. “Yes, princess,” Ethan said, smirking at her before
Ethan's POV She stepped closer, her eyes fixed on me before she spread her hands and wrapped them around my waist, hugging me, her head resting against my chest. I hugged her back tightly, inhaling her intoxicating scent—a mix of vanilla and something uniquely hers. She smells so good, making me relax. This was what I’ve been longing for since today. “You smell so good,” I murmured. She giggled and wrapped her hands very tightly, making me smile. “You can hug me whenever you want to,” she said as she raised her head to look at me, her hands still wrapped around my waist. “Yes, my queen,” I said in a more teasing tone. Her blush deepened, but she didn’t pull away. “I know you’re not playing with my feelings,” she said softly. “You care about me, and I trust you.” God really brought an angel to my doorstep this time because tell me how someone can be this beautiful, calm, understanding, and loving. “Will you go out on a date with me?” I asked. I can’t hold it back anymor
Ethan's POV I got home and went straight to the kitchen. I know she was going to be there; I know how much she loves her food despite the weight loss journey, but she now eats in a more healthy way unlike before. I walked inside and saw her; she was munching on her salad. She was looking effortlessly beautiful. After the incident with Victoria, I never feel so interested in a woman other than taking them to a hotel to satisfy myself at the moment. Relationships seemed pointless, and I’d limited my interactions to meaningless flings. I felt like women are not worth trusting because of how betrayed I felt. But Ava… she was different. Without trying, she shattered my walls just by being herself. Those contagious smiles, her calm spirit, in fact, everything about her just feels so attractive. Every bad day, I just need to see her face alone to feel relaxed. I know how stubborn I can be, but she's actually that safe haven I was longing for. “Are you just going to stand there and
Noah grinned as they walked out of the meeting room. "I bet Uncle will be thrilled you got the deal," he said, his voice full of excitement. Ethan turned and shot him a glare, saying nothing as he walked toward his office. "Relax, man. This isn’t the time to act all grumpy," Noah teased, jogging to catch up. "I knew you’d get the deal for us," Noah continued, throwing an arm around Ethan’s shoulder and playfully ruffling his hair. "I’m so proud of you, bro." They had just secured a major deal that would strengthen the company’s position even further. "Don’t you think we should go to your mom’s restaurant to celebrate?" Noah suggested, still clinging to Ethan like a kid. "Let go of me, man. We’re at work, and people are watching," Ethan muttered, attempting to shake him off. Noah turned his head and noticed several employees glancing their way, some even giggling"Back to work!" Noah barked, quickly releasing Ethan and patting his back awkwardly. Noah gave the staff
Sophie stormed into Gabe’s office, her face was full of anger. She shoved the door open with so much force that it banged against the wall, causing Gabe to flinch. “Sophie?” Gabe said, his voice tinged with both surprise and nervousness. “I… I wasn’t expecting you, darling,” he stammered, quickly setting down the papers he has been working on. She didn’t respond. Instead, she walked straight to the window and pulled down the blinds with a sharp tug, blocking any view from the outside. Her heels clicked against the floor as she approached Gabe, who was sitting at his desk with some paperwork in his hands.“Wh…what are you doing?” Gabe began, but before he could finish, Sophie snatched the papers from his hands and leaned in, planting a forceful, rough kiss on his lips.The kiss caught him off guard, and when she finally pulled back, she wiped the smear of lipstick from the corner of his mouth."You’re mine, Gabe. she whispered firmly. “Always mine.” Gabe straightened in his cha
Ava’s POV I opened the door to my office and froze. Sophie. She was lounging comfortably in my chair, her legs casually crossed on my desk like she owned the place. "Sophie?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I felt a rush of confusion and surprise wash over me.She tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. “Well, well, well… look who just walked in,” she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. Her sharp gaze raked over me, scanning from head to toe as if I were a specimen under her microscope. I shut the door behind me, my unease growing. “New contact lenses?” she asked, her smile deepening. “I suppose that’s why he can’t take his eyes off you.” My stomach dropped. Damn it! I had forgotten to put on my usual lenses, leaving my natural gray eyes exposed. Her smirk turned into a frown, her voice now tinged with venom. “Those gray eyes remind me of my dead best friend. They look just like hers. Maybe that’s why I can never be cool with you.” I swallowed t