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 POVI opened my eyes to the soft rays of the morning sun streaming through the window. I stretched, feeling my muscles loosen after a deep and restful sleep.As I sat up, I caught myself grinning like a fool, a love-sick fool.I had a dream last night, and my dream had been filled with images of Ava – her laugh, her smile, her warmth. It felt like I had spent the night with her, just basking in her presence. "What dah hell man! Get it together," I smacked myself in the head as I yelled. I shook my head, reminding myself that this was all a contract.I stumbled out of bed and made my way outside the room, still wearing my pyjamas.My nostrils twitched as the aroma of burnt food assaulted my senses as soon as I stepped out of the room. Quickly, I ran towards the kitchen, and when I got there, I saw Ava surrounded by a haze of smoke, trying desperately to salvage whatever was left of the poor meal.My heart lurched as I took in the sight, "Ava?" I called out, my voice filled with
Ava's POV"...What did …you do th..at for?" I stuttered, still feeling a bit shaky from the kiss.But Tom leaned in, "I'll pick you up after work, okay?" He whispered and walked away, but not without giving me a peck.Jesus!! I was shocked beyond words. What was that for?!The room behind me was silent, and I could feel the stares of the board members burning into my back.My face was hot, and I was trying to think of something, anything, to say. But my mind was blank.I just stood there, my mouth hanging open like a gaping fish.It was Camilla who finally broke the silence. "Umm... Ava?" she said, her voice quiet but urgent, "You good?"I blinked, my brain finally switching back on, "I... I don't know," I stammered, still reeling from the shock of what had just happened."Shall we?" Camilla asked, gesturing that we go inside."Yeah sure," I said. I cleared my throat and adjusted my blazer jacket before walking in with my head held high.As I walked into the board room, I could feel
Ava's POVThe moment I stepped through my front door, my phone began to ring, lighting up with a familiar caller ID.My heart gave a little leap as I recognized the name; it was Melody.A wide grin spread across my face, and I happily answered the call, eager to hear the voice of my best friend on the other end, "Hey, Mel!" I greeted, my voice bubbling with excitement, "I have missed you so much.""Oh please, if you had missed me at all, all you had to do was call," Melody grumbled, and I heard the disappointment in her tone.I swear I was going to call her, but Jesus, it's been a roller coaster of events on my end."I'm sorry, it's been crazy around here. Haven't you been watching the news?" I asked, my brows furrowed."You know I don't do news," she said, and I smiled, "Anyways, I called you 'cause your fiance invited me on a trip, and I said yes, so pack your bags, baby. We are going to have some fun!!'"What?" I exclaimed in shock. I really wasn't expecting Melody to accept Tom's
Ava's POVThe last day of our cruise trip flew by in a blur of excitement, and it was a blast! Melody had forced Tom and I to spend some time alone together. And since we couldn't say no to her, we went out and did all sorts of activities together. We even went shopping to pick out some things for our upcoming wedding.As we went around the mall, picking out souvenirs, Tom was being funny; he kept trying on silly hats and pretending to be a pirate, and I couldn't help but burst into fits of laughter."Hey, Ava! Check out this hat! I could totally rock it at our wedding!" Tom exclaimed, his eyes twinkling mischievously.I playfully rolled my eyes, pretending to be unimpressed, "Oh, definitely, Tom. You will be the most dashing groom ever with that hat. All eyes on you, for sure."Throughout the whole afternoon, we were practically inseparable, like two peas in a pod, and somehow I liked it.As soon as we returned to our cabin, Melody was on me like a dog on a bone, pulling me into the
Ava's POVI stood frozen, my eyes wide with shock as I took in the breathtaking sight before me.The room was filled with a row of talented designers, each holding a hanger that showcased beautiful gowns."Oh my goodness!! Tom, this is …," My mind struggled to find the right words to capture the beauty that surrounded me, but they eluded me, leaving me speechless.My expression must have mirrored my disbelief because my mouth hung open slightly, and my brows furrowed in awe.It looked like a fashion wonderland! The gowns were beautiful.I blinked, trying to gather my thoughts, and finally, I found my voice, "Wow, Tom," I managed to utter, my words escaping in a hushed breath, "I... I don't even know where to begin. These gowns are... they are beyond words," I noticed how the designers exchanged glances, smirking at each other.One of them, a tall woman with striking red hair, stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "That's the reaction we were hoping for, darling," she said
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