1

One month after the wedding, their apartment still felt like a dream.

Alexander Reed, with his sleeves rolled up and collar loosened, stood in the open kitchen, pouring two cups of coffee. The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of their high-rise apartment, washing everything in gold. His phone buzzed on the counter, calls waiting from clients, contractors, and his assistant, but he didn’t care right now.

Ava walked in, adjusting the strap of her handbag and tucking a stray curl behind her ear. She wore her usual neat blouse and skirt, the kind that made her look like every fourth grader’s favorite teacher…warm, dependable, and full of life. She paused to grab a slice of toast, smiling at the sight of her husband already waiting with her coffee.

“You’re going in early?” Alexander asked, watching her take a bite.

“They’re rehearsing for the spring play,” she said, eyes lighting up. “Mrs. Raymond lost her voice yesterday, so I told her I’d help.”

He handed her the coffee and kissed her forehead. “Of course you did.”

Ava chuckled, then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “You love me for it.”

“I do.” Alexander’s gaze lingered on her face. “And for everything else.”

He watched her walk toward the door, the sound of her laughter floating back to him. No matter how chaotic his world got…clients yelling, deadlines pressing…Ava brought a sense of calmness. She didn’t just support him from the sidelines; she challenged him, inspired him. Sometimes she’d wander into his study late at night with a bowl of popcorn and end up sketching her own ideas on his tablet. Some of those ideas? Genius. One even landed in a magazine spread last week.

People said opposites attract. But with them, it wasn’t about being opposite…it was about fitting. She, with her big heart and stubborn work ethic. He, with his sharp eye and unstoppable drive. Together, they just worked.

He checked the time and grabbed his laptop bag. There was a meeting waiting, but part of him wanted to follow Ava to her school instead.

By the time he got downstairs, Ava had already pulled out of the driveway in her little car…refusing to let him hire her a driver, as always.

Alexander slid into his black coupe and smiled to himself.

His wife…a woman who could’ve lived in luxury, doing nothing if she wanted…chose chalkboards and math quizzes over brunches and boutiques. She came home with paint on her hands and stories about kids who lost their lunchboxes. And somehow, that made him love her more.

He didn’t care what anyone said. He hadn’t just married a woman. He’d married his person.

And she was worth everything.

…

That evening, the apartment was filled with the scent of roasted chicken and herbs. Soft jazz played in the background, and the clinking of plates sounded from the open-plan kitchen where Ava moved carefully, barefoot, hair tied in a lazy bun. She hummed as she plated the food, occasionally wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist.

Alexander leaned on the kitchen counter, watching her like she was the only thing worth looking at.

"You know," he said, his voice low and playful, "I married a goddess, not a five-star chef. And yet here I am, being spoiled."

Ava shot him a look over her shoulder, trying not to grin. “Eat your food, Mr. Reed.”

He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and nuzzled into her neck. “How am I supposed to eat when you’re standing there looking like that?”

She giggled, wriggling away with a soft laugh. “You’re impossible.”

“I’m in love,” he said matter-of-factly. “It does things to a man.”

Ava turned, holding a plate in her hands, and Alexander took it from her, setting it down before pulling her into his chest again. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then hovered over her lips just long enough to make her blush before kissing her properly.

“I don’t know how I got this lucky,” he whispered.

Before Ava could respond, the door burst open with a loud bang.

Deirdre stormed in like she owned the place…wearing a designer coat, heels clicking angrily against the hardwood floor, two bodyguards trailing behind her. Her perfectly done hair didn’t move an inch, but her face was tight with fury.

“What the hell is this?” she hissed, eyes locking on Ava.

Alexander stepped forward immediately, brows furrowed. “Mother…”

“I don’t want to hear it, Alexander!” Deirdre snapped. “Do you know what she’s done now?”

Ava blinked, stunned. “What... I haven’t done anything.”

“Don’t play innocent with me,” Deirdre spat, pointing an accusatory finger. “I heard from a very reliable source that you’ve been digging into my accounts. Trying to find something on me, aren’t you? Trying to tear this family apart.”

Alexander’s jaw tensed. “What are you talking about?”

Deirdre didn’t flinch. Her eyes, cold and calculating, burned into Ava like daggers. “I warned you,” she said through clenched teeth. “I told you, this marriage won’t last. You may have fooled him, but I see right through you.”

Ava stood frozen, her heart pounding. She hadn’t done anything…but Deirdre had come for her like a woman on a mission.

And Alexander… was watching both of them now.