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When her husband falls into a coma after a ghastly accident, Ava is left drowning in debt and impossible medical bills. Her only hope comes from her cold, ruthless billionaire boss, a man who has made her life miserable for months. His offer is simple: become his wife for one year so he could get his inheritance, and he'll pay for the treatment that could save her husband's life. Desperate, she agrees. But living with a man who is determined to break her spirit is only the beginning. Behind the walls of Lockwood mansion, nothing seems as it is. An attempted murder, buried family secrets, anonymous threats and a web of lies pulls Ava into a dangerous game. As things get more heated, Ava must decide how far she's willing to go to save the man she loves before the secrets surrounding the Lockwood family destroy them all.
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Chapter 1: Mrs Lockwood
Ava's POV
“Congratulations Mrs Lockwood” The words echoed through the chapel, followed by an applause that made by stomach twist. Mrs Lockwood. That name doesn't belong to me, it never would. I forced a smile as cameras flashed in my face, but my eyes drifted to the wedding band on my finger. It wasn't the ring that hurt, it was the one hidden beneath my glove. “She doesn't look happy” a random lady seated across said “No she is, she's just nervous” the lady beside her told her “I think she's just tired but she looks really pretty though” came from the third lady Well, they are right about one thing, I'm not happy about any of this. But I don't have much of a choice do I? We were led by some guards to a small office inside “Sign here” the officiant said as he offered us both a pen Brandon signed without hesitation, why wouldn't he? I collected the pen with shaky hands, trying to fight back my tears Staring at the papers, ‘God what am I doing?’ I thought before signing Shortly after, we left the office back to the chapel Photographers crowded us “Closer please” “Look at your bride” “Smile” He places his hands on my waist, I flinch a little. Not dramatically, just enough for Brandon to notice He leans close enough for me to hear him “If you're going to hate me, at least wait until everyone is gone” I mentally roll my eyes I took a glance at him. His facial expression, very unreadable. I despise everything about this man He looked like the type of man I'd spend months trying to avoid But here I am, carrying his last name Everything about today makes my stomach churn. From a distance I could hear the some comments made by a few guests “They look perfect together” “They're the power couple of the year” The more these comments were made, the more I felt guilty and disgusted. Well, mostly guilty, sigh In the midst of the crowd, I sighted my mom wearing a neat tailored trousers and a blazer top with white gloves. A white fascinator that covered a part of her face, smiling satisfactory as she approached us ‘Great’ I thought She hugs me and whispers “You made the right choice” “Don’t you dare say that to me mom” I replied sternly and pulled away from her. She was the last person I wanted to see here Brandon took my hand and we were led outside by the guards. Remembering the comment my mom made a tear almost escape my eyes. But I had to shake the thought off, they were too much cameras and reporters. “Mr. Lockwood!” “How did you meet” “How long have you been dating?” Questions everywhere Brandon stops to reply a few, while I was led to the limousine “Is your wife okay Mr. Lockwood?” came from a reporter as Brandon entered behind me God these people really do not mind their business We kept our distance inside the car. The tension in the air could be cut by a knife No one said a word to each other, it was just silence. Awkward silence I slowly removed my glove, revealing the beautiful ring that captured my heart since day one Gently kissing it I whispered “I'm sorry” From the corner of my eye, I could see that Brandon looked over but then quickly looked towards the window Did he see it? Did he pretend not to? My heart raced with different thoughts Shortly after, the limousine came to a stop The towering wrought iron gates glided open without a sound, revealing a long driveway surrounded by rows of tall palm trees The Lockwood mansion was right at the end of the driveway. The size of this mansion was mind blowing This has to be the biggest house I have ever seen The mansion was built with cream coloured stone and large glass windows that reflected the evening sun. The warm lights that glowed from every corner made the place look expensive and in the middle of the compound sat a beautiful water fountain with blooming colourful flowers around it Luxury cars were parked in front of the entrance and several uniform guards stood by the gate A few housekeepers stood quietly at the front door like they had been waiting for us all day Brandon gets out of the car and walks over to open my door He looks directly in my eyes “Welcome home, Mrs Lockwood” I looked at the mansion Home? I scoff mentally This isn't a home It's just a price I'm payingLatest chapter
Bound by Desperation Chapter 19: Playing the Part
Ava's POV My entire body literally went stiff. I slowly turned around and there he was, standing several feet behind me. His suit jacket was on, his hair perfectly pressed, and his expression was calm. Far too calm. I looked at the office, then at him.“I wasn't going inside.”“I can see that,” his eyebrow lifted.“I was just looking.”“From inside the doorway?”“Well…” I swallowed, then continued. “I'm sorry I was curious.”His gaze shifted toward the door and back at me. “You should be careful with your curiosity, Ava.”“Okay,” I replied, nodding slowly.He glanced at his watch, “I have a meeting in an hour.” Then he continued. “I'd be gone for most of the day, the rules still stand.” Then walked closer to me till there was almost no space between us and said, “you do not want to get on my last nerve, Ava Maxwell.” I swallowed hard then he turned to leave. As he turned, I remembered something so I stopped him.“Wait.” He stopped and turned to me. “What am I supposed to do today?”
Last Updated : 2026-09-15Bound by Desperation Chapter 18: The morning after
Ava's POV The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the silence. Not the peaceful kind, the kind that made me wonder where I was. I stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds, my mind still foggy from sleep. The room was bright, sunlight slipping through the curtains and spreading across the floor. Then I remembered everything. The wedding, the mansion, Brandon and the strange shadow down the hallway last night. I slowly sat up, pulling the blanket closer to my body as the memories from yesterday came rushing back. Rubbing my forehead, I let out a quiet breath. "This is insane.” I pushed the blanket aside, and placed my feet on the cold floor. Standing across the room, I glanced at myself through the mirror. My hair was a mess, and there were faint traces of yesterday's makeup still around my eyes. I looked tired. More than tired. I looked like someone who had just escaped an asylum. “Mrs Lockwood?” a voice called out after a soft knock on the door,
Last Updated : 2026-09-14Bound by Desperation The Vows
Ava's POV By the time I got home, I was exhausted. Not the kind of exhaustion that came from a long day at work. This was different. My mind had simply just had enough. I dropped my handbag on the couch and kicked off my shoes before walking into my bedroom with the shopping bag that was on my front porch. Inside it was the dress covered in a protective garment bag, it had been delivered while I was at the hospital. I carefully opened the bag after getting to the room and took it out to hang against the wall. I stared at it from across the room, my chest felt heavier. I walked closer and slowly pulled the garment down. The dress appeared underneath; white, beautiful, expensive. A wedding dress.. my wedding dress. I reached out and touched the fabric, it was soft beneath my fingers. I couldn't help but imagine how different this moment would have felt it things happened differently. If Ethan were standing beside me, if this were a normal wedding, if I had spent months pla
Last Updated : 2026-09-09Bound by Desperation Chapter 16: “This just got real”
Ava's POV “Mrs. Maxwell, this was delivered for you,” she beamed with joy and she said that. I stared at the box and back at her. “Delivered?” “Yes Mr. Lockwood sent it” My eyes narrowed slightly, of course he did. I took the box from her, turning it over in my hands. There was nothing written on it. No note. No explanation. Just a small, plain black box that somehow managed to make my heart beat a little faster. I looked at Lily who raised an eyebrow and told me to open it. “Why do I feel like I'm about to see something I wouldn't like?.” I gave her a look before slowly lifting the lid. My breath caught. A ring sat neatly inside. For a moment, neither of us said anything. It wasn't the kind of ring I'd imagined someone like Brandon would choose. It wasn't enormous or covered in diamonds. It was simple and elegant, with a small stone set in the middle that caught
Last Updated : 2026-09-07
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