Ava's POVThe café was bustling with the usual lunchtime crowd, but I managed to find a table for two near the window. Melody arrived a few minutes later, her arms laden with shopping bags."Oh I see that you've been busy," I said with a laugh, as she set her bags down and took a seat."You have no idea," she said, shaking her head, "But enough about me, I didn't come here to talk about me.""Mel relax, you just got here and you …," "How's everything going with Tom?" she interrupted, a curious gleam in her eye.I paused for a moment, wondering how much to share. And finally, I decided to tell her the truth, but not the whole truth, "We're doing great," I began, and then I made up a story about how we met and why we had decided to keep our relationship a secret. I knew it was a little bit of a stretch, but Melody seemed to buy it – thank goodness!!"Wow, what a romantic story!" Mel said, her eyes shining. "I'm so happy for you, best friend.""Well thank you," I replied with a smile, "
Ethan's POVAs Tom's driver drove me home, I pulled out my phone and dialed my mom's number. She picked up on the second ring."Ethan!" she said, her voice bright and cheery, "How are you doing?"I took a deep breath, "I'm doing okay, Mom," I said as I gazed outside the car window, "You won't believe what happened today."A pause followed, and I could practically feel her curiosity piquing on the other end of the line.I took a deep breath, my fingers tapping against the car window, "I went to see Tom in his office today and to my surprise, he agreed to see me," I continued, excitedly."That's amazing," Maggie exclaimed, "But I hope you told him about all we talked about?"A chuckle escaped my lips as I recalled the conservation with Tom about Ava, "Well, I did and he said he was going to deal with Ava. Promised to teach her a lesson she won't forget."Maggie's gasp was audible, and I could picture her wide eyes and raised eyebrows, "Ethan! I'm so happy and proud of you, our revenge p
Ethan's POVAs I drove Maggie home, my anger was palpable. How could Tom betray me like that?!The tension in the car was almost suffocating, and I could feel my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles were white. I couldn't stay silent any longer, I had to say something. I had to voice out my feelings before my heart burst with rage."We need to do something about Ava," I blurted, my voice trembling with rage, "She needs to be taken down a peg or two."Maggie was quiet for a moment before she spoke. "I know just what to do," she responded, anger evident in her voice, "Let's spread a vicious rumour about her.""What rumour?" I asked and took my eyes off the road for a split second to look at her."We'll post it on social media," Maggie continued, her voice suddenly full of excitement, "Something that will really ruin her reputation. Something that will make everyone see her for the horrible person she really is."I was somewhat skeptical about her suggestion, "A
Ava's POV"Time to face the day," I muttered to myself as soon as my call with Melody ended.I didn't want to go anywhere seeing how the rumours were spreading but I had work to do. So with my racing heart, I made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day.In haste, I had my bath and after that, I rummaged through my closet, searching for an outfit that would look elegant but simple.And after about thirty minutes of rummaging, I settled for a simple yet elegant dress – a navy blue dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. Then I slipped on a pair of nude heels, completing the look.No matter what I was going through, I had to look good, to hell with the crazy rumours!!I forced myself to take a deep breath as I stared at my reflection in the mirror – I looked tired.Although my mind was still racing with thoughts of the blog posts and the damage they had done, I had to face the day with grace and composure, even though I was feeling anything but that.Nervously I gra
Tom's POV"A gala?" Ava asked and from her tone, I could tell that she wasn't happy with my question."I know this isn't the best time to bring it up but …" I started to say."I'm not going anywhere," Ava interrupted as she stood up, glaring at me.I sighed, "Listen Ava," I began but she was already shaking her head in disapproval, "Ava," I called out softly and she raised her eyes to look at me."You can see what's going on Tom, the rumours, the press, everything," she explained, "Going to a gala isn't what I need to do right now.""You're getting it all wrong Ava," I corrected and she glared at me, "Listen, going to this gala with me will prove to everyone that we are still together and that the rumours are all lies," I explained and Ava seemed to think of what I just said."Think about it," I continued, I was about convincing her so I had to keep going, "If I were to go to the gala without you everyone would conclude that the rumours are indeed true.""Hmmm …you do have a point," s
Ava's POV"Excuse me for a moment," Tom leaned in and whispered to me as he noticed a tall-looking man in front beckoning unto him, "I'll be back before you know it.""Yeah, sure," I muttered, looking around the hall, "Take your time," but I didn't want him to take his time. I wanted him by my side till we got out of here. The reporters still had their eyes on me. It was like they were waiting for the perfect time to pounce on me."Assholes," I grumbled and rolled my eyes.Slowly, I walked towards the bar to get myself a drink. But as I approached the bar, I sighted a group of ladies just in front of me, and I noticed that they all had their eyes on me.They were all staring at me with disgust, but I didn't mind them. Instead, I turned my gaze the other way. I wasn't in the mood for drama.I took a seat by the bar and requested a shot of tequila. I wasn't trying to get drunk; I was just feeling tense, and I needed something to ease up the tension a bit.After a while, I was served, an
Ethan's POVAn hour had passed, and still, Tom hadn't done anything to humiliate Ava. Instead, they were both holding each other's hands and laughing at each other's jokes like newlyweds.It was so annoying to watch, I must confess.After doing some thinking, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I was going to humiliate Ava my way.I adjusted my tie as I approached a group of reporters whispering and pointing at Ava. I could see the glint in her eyes as she laughed at Tom's joke, which fueled me to do what I had in mind. As I reached the group of reporters, I cleared my throat and shouted, "Did you know that Ava used to be a ….?"The words hung in the air, and the room went silent. I was loud enough so practically everyone heard me, and they all turned to look at Ava, who stood frozen in shock.I felt a surge of satisfaction as I saw the panic on her face; the laughter on her face had immediately disappeared.Ava opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She looked a
Ethan's POV"Assholes! I will sue you!!" I yelled, "Let me go! Let me go!" I shouted continuously as I was being dragged out of the hall by the security. I didn't deserve to be dragged out like that, like some common criminal.I was beyond furious; the whole thing was shocking. I couldn't believe that Tom dared to humiliate me like that, in front of everyone, in front of the press. My pride was in tatters.As I got into my car, I was seething with anger. I didn't start the engine immediately; instead, I sat behind the wheel, my fists clenching around the steering wheel as I replayed the humiliating scene in my head over and over again. Shit! I felt humiliated!!Suddenly, my phone started to ring in my pocket. I ignored it at first, still fuming with anger, but after a moment, I gave in and checked the screen. When I saw the name on the screen, my blood ran cold; it was one of my investors.I answered the call, my jaw clenched."Ethan, we're sorry to say this, but we are pulling out o
Tom's POVThe idea of getting married had always been daunting to me because it represented a lifelong commitment.It was not something I could easily walk away from, but the way she asked me about it gave me a sense of excitement. It made me feel like there was a lot to expect from her. After all, ever since our relationship began, we had been able to overcome many obstacles and challenges, which had only brought us closer than contract marriage partners typically would be."Alright, that's it. Well, since you guys need to come to a better and more sincere decision, I'll be on my way," Melody announced. She gave Ava a deep hug and left the restaurant.After staring at Melody for a long while, Ava's gaze returned to meet mine."I don't know about you, but I want to spend a lifetime with you. I can't imagine being with anyone else now. I don't want us to see where this goes, I want us to take us where it goes. And Chris won't have power over us anymore, because this time, we'll go thr
Tom's POVAva and I exchanged a fearful glance as terror gripped us.Had Chris heard or seen us approaching, or was he angry because I hadn't shown any fear when he talked about detaining Melody?Ava swallowed and took the first step. After three more steps, she broke into a run and smashed through the window. It was quite impressive how forceful she was. How on earth could a woman break through a window?I followed in her footsteps and saw a trail of blood coming from the hall.My eyes widened and immediately I tried to stop Ava from running headfirst into whatever was waiting for us, but she was too fast.As soon as she reached the end of the hall, she let out a scream and instinctively placed her hand on her chest before bolting into the living room.I followed her and found Chris on the floor, blood pouring from his leg.Melody still had her gun pointed at him, but Ava hugged her tightly as if she had been raised from the dead.Tears streamed down Melody's cheeks, but her grip on
Ava's POVChris had abducted Melody, there was no other way to put it, but I still clung to Tom because he was at his most vulnerable at that moment and wasn't ready to deal with anything else.As his tears continued to fall, I felt conflicted.I was afraid for Melody's safety in the hands of the reckless Chris, and afraid that if I interrupted this moment with Tom, I might never experience anything like it again.I held him closer, and for a moment he remained still. He rested in my embrace, perhaps reflecting on the painful memories he had been made to endure.We were there for about half an hour, and the entire time was filled with a sick feeling of worry for me.Finally, he pulled away from me and stood up."Wine for us? I believe we have no secrets now," he remarked, and I nodded with a faint smile. "Is something bothering you?" He asked, sitting down again."Are you feeling better now?" I asked, gently touching his tear-streaked face."I never thought I could cry, but you seem t
Ava's POV"Are you telling the truth? Will you really tell me everything, no matter what happens?" I asked.He was silent for a while but eventually spoke. "I will tell you everything, no matter what happens. I promise you, Ava.""Is that Tommy?" Dora suddenly asked, bursting into a high cackle."Oh, um, Tom. She's here. Dora is here," I said uncomfortably as she began to approach me."What?! Dora?? Where? Where are you, Ava?""We are in the parking lot," I replied immediately. "She told me she wants coffee, cigarettes, and her brother.""Take her to the closest coffee shop and get her whatever she wants. I'll be there soon," he told me before I ended the call."You want coffee right?" I asked her, my voice a bit shaky."I thought you weren't going to give me any," she raised a brow at me."I've changed my mind. Tom said to give you whatever you want.""Oh, my sweet Tommy. I always knew he still had feelings for me.""But what exactly happened between you two?" I quipped."He tried to
Tom's POVThe nurse explained to me how they had gone to Dora's room to offer her treatment, but found out that she wasn't there.They had tried calling Chris, but he was wanted so his phone was turned off. Then they had called me, but I had also been unreachable.When I had gone to visit her some days ago, I was asked to provide all of my contact numbers, so I included my office number as well and it turned out to be the only way for them to reach me now."Are there any CCTV cameras?" I inquired, and the nurse let out a sigh."The last time she was seen, she walked into the staff toilet and never came out. When it was checked again, it was discovered that she had stolen the clothes of a nurse and left her unconscious. At the time, no one suspected her, so she was able to run out," she explained, her voice trembling slightly."So?" I asked."We think she might go to visit any of her relatives. Maybe you or her brother," she finished, and I licked my lips."It's fine. If she comes to s
Ava's POVI was about to open my room door, but then I remembered that Chris had made me lock it from the inside. I realized that I would probably have to find another room to sleep in. I quickly went into the room next to mine and slammed the door in anger. Then I flopped down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.It was so frustrating that he didn't feel ready to tell me anything about Dora. He wasn't prepared to narrate the whole thing to me, leaving me in the dark.The fact that I had trusted and loved him blindly brought tears to my eyes.How could you tell someone you loved them and still refuse to let them know all there was to you?I hated secrets. I hated liars, and I hated deceivers!!With that thought, I found myself drifting off to sleep.The night I had had indeed been an eventful one, full of fear and anxiety.*************The next morning, I woke up at dawn, took a shower, looked through the wardrobe for clothes set aside for unexpected guests, and chose an outfit.
Ava's POVI was dumbstruck; I mean completely speechless."Wait, isn't that Tom's wife? The new girl he loves?" She started to shout. "Ha, she's not as pretty as we thought." She then paused and looked around. "Hey guys, why were we scared? Obviously, it's because we didn't expect a stranger. I can't believe he ended up saving her after all. If it weren't for us, she would have lost her fingers. Why did you even tell him the location? You should have just let her hands rot. She doesn't need them."The way she spoke to herself was unnerving. Suddenly, she began to laugh like a maniac, and I found myself breathing faster out of fear of what she might do."Does Tom think he'll lead a good life after ending mine? No!! I'll make him miserable too. I'll make him share my hospital room and laugh with me, too!" she promised as she ran her hands over her bed.I stumbled back a few steps.."He… he made you like this?" I asked in a shaky voice.In a fit of bubbling rage, she angrily demanded, "A
Ava's POVI gasped, and my phone slipped from my grasp."Raise them. Those hands," he said slowly, and my hands shot up to the ceiling immediately. "Good. Now, any little, stupid sound that I don't approve of, and I'll blast your head," he threatened softly, causing my eyes to close tightly.He was dressed entirely in black, with a black cap covering his head.He then moved closer to me; even with my eyes closed, I could feel his presence growing stronger.My limbs trembled, and it seemed like I would collapse any moment. "You need to lock the door," he whispered into my ear, his voice dangerously close, as he pressed the gun against the back of my neck.My legs sprang into action instantly, a little too fast."I'm not trying to run away. I'm not," I assured him in a wavering voice as I proceeded to lock my door.With the tip of the gun in his hands, he forcefully pushed me to the bed while he leaned against the nightstand, carefully observing me."You must think you've won. Everythi
Tom's POVMr. Roger looked nervous as he had finally confessed their greed, and as he met my expressionless eyes, it seemed he understood the gravity of what he had done."That's why they were so adamant," he explained, his eyes darting from Henry to me. "I actually wanted to pull out, but I had already used the money for my wife's surgery, and there wasn't really any way of getting it back." He moistened his lips nervously as he spoke."So are you saying that he successfully bribed the entire board too?" Henry asked.Mr. Roger shook his head. "No. A few persons rejected the money because they wanted to stick with Mrs. Lockwood. And I really wanted to, but I …""I can imagine the others saying exactly what you're saying - making excuses. But excuses don't cover up what you've done. Mrs. Lockwood will be the one to decide whether or not to expose you," I announced, noticing fear crossing his eyes."I… I know what I did was wrong…," he stuttered, avoiding my gaze.**************Ava wen