Ayva's POVI knew where Justin worked, and I knew that the company he headed wasn't the same as the one I was at.What was he doing there? And why did it seem like he was an important figure there?He walked past me without a glance, and I felt a tug at my chest. I watched him stroll down the corridor, eventually disappearing behind a door labeled "For authorized personnel only."Disappointment coursed through me as it dawned on me that perhaps I hadn't gotten the job solely based on my abilities. Perhaps someone I knew, someone like Justin, had a hand in my acceptance that day. And although I couldn't tell exactly how he was involved, I had a feeling he played a role.As I left 'Fred Camera Inc', my mind was consumed with thoughts of Justin ignoring me. The memories replayed over and over again, dampening my mood. However, I shook my head, determined to rid myself of those thoughts."It's understandable that he didn't acknowledge me. There were too many eyes watching," I murmured to m
Justin’s POVAround 10 am, Bella unexpectedly showed up at my house on that Saturday morning. I wasn't anticipating her visit, but I didn't let her know that as she approached for a hug."Hey," she murmured, slowly pulling away with a bright smile on her face, looking up at me."Hey," I greeted back, discreetly checking the corridor to see if Ayva was coming out of her room yet."You look good. It's refreshing to see you in something other than suits and ties," she commented, placing a hand on my arm. I couldn't help but notice that she had become more touchy and bolder lately, especially with our wedding approaching. When she moved into my house six months ago, she used to ask for permission for everything. She couldn't even stand close to me without stuttering, even though we had known each other since high school."You've seen me in other clothes that aren't formal," I replied, taking a bite of an apple I grabbed from the basket. I mean, we'd been living together for months."I kno
Justin’s POV"Wait, you're really gonna give me the silent treatment now?" Bella scoffed, her voice dripping with disbelief.We pulled up to the confectionery house, and I hopped out of the car as soon as I parked it in the garage. Ignoring Bella's question, I stormed ahead, not in the mood to deal with her drama. She slammed the car door so hard you’d think she had a personal vendetta against it. She hurried after me as she tried to catch up with my long strides, and just as I reached for the door, she grabbed my arm and forcefully pulled me back."You seriously plan on ignoring me all day?" she demanded, looking up at me with an incredulous expression as if my anger wasn't justified. My jaw clenched in frustration, and I glared down at her, my words laced with irritation."I'm not having this conversation with you here," I growled, making another attempt to open the door. But Bella swiftly positioned herself in my way, crossing her arms defiantly."No. We're having this conversation
Justin’s POVI could feel the weight of my misery hanging over me like a dark cloud. It was supposed to be my bachelor party, a night of celebration and revelry. But instead, I found myself unable to enjoy the company of the ladies like the other guys. The mere thought of their touch made me cringe.If it weren't for the fact that Ayva was at Bella's bachelorette party, I wouldn't have even bothered showing up. It had been six days since Ayva had left my house, and in that time, I had purposely avoided any contact with her. I was furious with her for agreeing to be Bella's bridesmaid, despite my heartfelt pleas for her not to. She had called me after making that decision, but I had stubbornly ignored every one of her calls. And now, every fiber of my being ached for her presence.I tilted my head back, downing the last of my drink in a desperate attempt to drown out the thoughts of Ayva. The alcohol burned my throat, but it offered no solace.Suddenly, a scantily dressed woman approach
Justin’s POVApples, that was what she tasted like. While apples weren’t particularly a fruit I disliked, I didn’t like them either. But in that moment, they quickly became my new favorite fruit. I'd been dreaming of the day I’d finally get to kiss Ayva since I was eighteen, but nothing could have prepared me for how soft her lips were. It was like velvet against mine, like clouds, and my chest tightened as I remembered the day I caught Jace and her kissing. Suddenly, I wanted to storm over to my so-called best friend and rearrange his face.But when our tongues danced together and she let out a little whimper, all those thoughts melted away. I breathed her in, her scent intoxicating every sense of my body. I couldn't help but wonder why it took me so damn long to kiss her. My chest swelled with intense emotion like it was about to burst."I love you." I wanted to say those words, but pulling my lips away from hers was out of the question. I couldn't waste a single second away from he
Ayva’s POVI stood frozen amidst the chaos, my mind spinning with confusion and disbelief. The once joyous atmosphere of the wedding had transformed into a scene of turmoil and despair. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, creating a clamor of uncertainty.My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to make sense of what was happening. Zion was dead? How could Justin have killed Zion? And for what reason? Why did the police believe he was responsible?No matter how I thought about it, it just didn't add up. It made no sense that Justin would commit such a crime. So many questions swirled in my mind all at once.I watched as the police officers moved with swift precision, their eyes focused and determined. They surrounded Justin, their gazes filled with suspicion and accusation. My eyes locked with Justin's, searching for any sign of innocence or guilt. But his expression remained blank, his eyes unreadable.Then, Justin's dad, Frederick, stepped forward, shielding him. "Hold on," his voic
Justin's POV"Can I have a minute alone with my son, detectives?" Frederick's voice held an eerie calmness, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. The detectives nodded and, accompanied by Carter, my attorney, they exited the room. As soon as the door slammed shut, I felt a violent force yank me up by the front of my shirt, crashing me against the wall. My father's grip was so tight around my neck that it felt like my breath was being squeezed out of me. He pulled me back, only to slam me against the wall again."Listen to me, boy! Cut the crap and start talking now!" His words spat out with anger, his eyes glaring at me fiercely. My face turned red from the lack of oxygen, and just when I thought I couldn't bear it any longer, he released his grip, causing me to cough and gasp for air. "The officers will be back soon, and if you don't start speaking, if you don't tell them you didn't do it... trust me, you won't want to find out what I'll do." With those final words
Justin’s POV"Well, well, if it ain't the pretty boy of the Mount's household," Jake Montana sneered, a sly smirk playing on the corner of his lips. Despite the anger brewing inside me, I managed to keep my composure. It was just Jake, after all, and his disdainful comments had become a familiar part of my life. Jake Montana had always harbored a deep hatred for me, for as long as I could remember. I believed his animosity stemmed from the stark contrast between our backgrounds. While I came from a prominent family, he had only his hardworking single mother, who dedicated her life to Mounts Hotels, the very company I used to lead. I think his hatred intensified the day my father, had the police arrest Jake during our high school days. I was just a freshman at the time, and he was a junior. He had relentlessly bullied me, even orchestrating attacks with his friends that left me with swollen eyes. One would think that after being apprehended by my father, he would have left me alone.