AVA'S POV The question hit me like a punch to the stomach. I froze, my mind racing. How had he even suspected that? Jason and I had been so careful to keep up appearances of a happy couple in front of him. I glanced over to Jason and he had the same puzzled expression on his face and with Grandpa still recovering, I couldn't bring myself to tell him that we would be getting divorced soon. So I quickly shook my head. “No, Grandpa... why would you think that?” Grandpa’s sharp eyes bore into us, as though searching for cracks to see if we were lying. “Laura mentioned it to me at the company.” Laura? How did she know? She wasn’t with Jason when I threw the papers at him at Sally’s apartment. The only way she could have known was if Jason had told her. I looked over at Jason, my eyes shooting daggers. I noticed his brow furrowed, and his face darkened. He seemed upset that Laura had told Grandpa about the divorce. I found it funny, but the situation at hand prevented me from lau
AVA'S POVMy breath caught, and a chill ran down my spine as Richard’s eyes seemed to pierce my soul. I had always wondered why he disliked me but could never bring myself to ask. I wanted to protest, to suggest hiring extra help to care for Grandpa at his house instead, but the look in his eyes silenced me. He wanted me around, and who was I to deny him that? The drive back home or rather, Jason’s villa, since I no longer considered it my home was silent. Grandpa was taking a nap in the back seat while I sat in the passenger seat, with Jason driving. Soon, we arrived. What I didn’t expect was Jason stepping in to plead with me that Grandpa staying here meant I’d have to move back into the house. “It’ll look strange if you’re not here,” Jason said when Grandpa wasn’t within earshot. I swallowed hard, my mind scrambling for an excuse. I couldn’t bear it, I needed to be far away from Jason. Being close to him always softened me, and I was scared that the courage I had fo
AVA'S POV The next day, I checked on Grandpa, but he was still fast asleep. I hurried toward the guest room to bathe, dress for work, and leave before Jason woke up. You know those situations when you do something and later regret it? That’s exactly how I felt – regret. I must admit my flesh was weak when it came to Jason. Although we didn’t go further last night because as usual, I had to stop him, letting him touch and cuddle me was something that shouldn’t have happened. I was about to leave for work when Jason stopped me at the doorway startling me. He wore a tailored blue suit that highlighted his perfect looks and figure. It was like he was becoming more handsome every day, and I was lost staring at him until he spoke, bringing me back to reality. “Take some breakfast with you,” he said, handing me a lunchbox. My heart melted. 'What was he trying to do? Why was he making things difficult for me?' I screamed inwardly. I haven't gotten over last night and now this?
JASON'S POVThe moment Ava's lips touched mine, I felt my heart race. It wasn't that we hadn't kissed before but this was so unexpected, so out of character for the Ava I knew. She wasn't one who showed affection in public, so I was confused, at the same time full of joy. For a brief second, I let myself believe it meant something. That maybe, just maybe, she had thought about everything and decided to forgive me. But as soon as Laura stormed out, slamming the door behind her, Ava’s expression changed. The softness that had been there for a moment vanished, replaced by that guarded, cold look I was so familiar with now. “Don’t think I’ve forgiven you,” she said coldly, straightening up and creating a distance between us. Her words hit me like a punch to the face. The warmth I thought was building between us evaporated instantly, leaving behind a deep feeling of regret. "Ava, I know I’ve made mistakes,” I began, speaking with caution and choosing my words carefully. “But
AVA'S POV I got to my office but my thoughts spiraled. I still couldn’t believe that Jason had agreed. He had actually agreed. When the words left his mouth back at his office, I half-expected him to laugh or take them back, but he didn’t. "Was he playing some kind of trick on me?" I wondered. Jason wasn’t the kind of man who gave up control easily, especially not when it came to the company. And yet, he had just agreed to give me shares – something real, something significant. I must admit, I was moved – my heart softened. Why wouldn’t it? Just 1% of Campbell’s shares is worth hundreds of millions. 10% of the shares was something I could never earn in my entire life, even working as the director of the design department. I decided to put my thoughts aside and focus my attention on a new design I was working on. Not knowing how long had passed, later that afternoon, someone knocked on the door of my office. “Come in,” I said without raising my head. The door opened,
AVA'S POV My pulse tightened, my thoughts still swirling from my encounter with Laura. What now? I opened the message: "Let's have dinner with Grandpa tonight at his favorite restaurant. 7 pm. I'll meet you both there.♥️" I stared at the message, my chest tightening. Dinner at Grandpa’s favorite restaurant? Jason and I had visited the place before and he told me the story behind it. It is owned by a close friend of Grandpa's late wife, his Grandma had loved it so much. I left work early that day, and the events of everything that had happened still weighed on my mind. As I pulled into the driveway of Jason's villa, I tried to push the thoughts aside. Tonight wasn’t about me and Jason. It was about Grandpa. He deserved a peaceful evening, and I wasn’t going to ruin it with my chaos. Walking into the house, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Martha, Grandpa’s caregiver, stood in the kitchen, carefully slicing a loaf while humming an old tune
AVA'S POVThe ride home was quiet except for the soft sound of the car engine. Grandpa sat next to me, his lips pressed together, his face dark as he stared out the window. He looked upset, and I felt just as bad. Jason not showing up had ruined what should’ve been a special evening for Grandpa. Why did he make plans when he knew he wouldn't keep them? I wondered what could be so urgent that it kept him from coming. “Grandpa,” I said softly, glancing at him. “I’m sure Jason didn’t mean to miss dinner. He said something came up.” I shouldn't have defended him when I didn't even know the details of why he couldn't make it but I just didn't want to make Grandpa feel down. Grandpa turned to me, his eyes cold. “That boy has responsibilities, Ava. I’m not upset for myself, I’m upset for you. He asked you to set up this dinner, and then he doesn’t even have the decency to show up?” "Why did he make plans that he knew he couldn't keep?" Grandpa asked, lines creasing his forehead.
AVA'S POVThe photo on my screen was like a dagger to my chest. Laura's hands were draped over Jason's shoulder, her lips close to his cheek while Jason's hands were resting on her waist. The intimacy of it was undeniable, and it made me feel sick. My hand trembled as I locked my phone and placed it face down on the nightstand. I wanted to cry, to scream, to throw something. But instead, I sat there in silence, my emotions were a mess inside me. I took a deep breath, telling myself to calm down. What was the point of crying when nothing ever changed? The 10% shares he gave me made me think that maybe – just maybe he values me more than Laura but now I felt dejected again. Jason always seemed to find his way back to her, no matter how much it hurt me. He claims Laura wasn't his first choice yet he stood up both Grandpa and I because of her. I wasn't going to cry, and I didn't, but it still felt like a sharp knife kept piercing my heart all through the night, causing me unbeara
AVA'S POV I swallowed, unsure of how much to share. “Yeah… It’s been a lot.” His gaze never wavered. “I’m proud of you, Ava. For standing up for yourself. For building something of your own despite everything they threw at you.” Hearing those words – so simple, yet so genuine –hit me harder than I expected. I looked down at my hands resting in my lap, blinking back the sting behind my eyes. “I don’t know if I feel proud,” I confessed quietly. “It all just feels… exhausting.” “Survival usually does,” he said with a small smile. “But you built Avaris Luxe from nothing, Ava. You fought for yourself when no one else did. That’s something worth recognizing, even if you can’t see it yet.” I let out a slow breath, nodding. There was a lump in my throat I couldn’t swallow down, and a part of me hated how emotional I still got about everything. But maybe that was okay. Maybe I didn’t have to be so strong all the time. “And you?” I asked, shifting the conversation away from me bec
AVA’S POVThe next morning felt quieter than usual. It was the weekend. For once, my phone wasn’t blowing up with work emails or news alerts – just a single reminder flashing across my screen. “Visit Grandpa Campbell – 10 AM.” I stared at it for a moment longer than I should have, the guilt creeping in before I could even try to stop it. I’d promised him I’d visit a week ago when he had called me, but everything had spiraled so fast after the civil hearing that I’d lost track of time… and myself. No more excuses today. I needed to see him. I pulled myself together – simple jeans, a soft cardigan, and my hair loosely tied back. No polished version of me needed today, just… me. The Ava who used to spend hours in those gardens, who always felt at home in that house. And maybe the Ava who needed Grandpa more than she’d realized. The Campbell mansion looked exactly the same, standing tall and familiar, like time hadn’t dared touch it. But I felt different walking up to it, like
AVA’S POV His arms wrapped around me like he was anchoring me to the ground, like he knew I’d been holding too much for too long. I didn’t care that we were standing in the middle of the airport, people moving around us with rolling suitcases and curious glances. My face rested against his shoulder, and for a second… just one second… the weight I’d been carrying finally let go. It felt like peace, even in the middle of all the noise. “I missed you,” I said softly, the words catching in my throat. “I missed you more,” he murmured back. Neither of us moved. We just stayed like that, still and quiet. After everything that had happened, the familiarity of that moment was a kind of relief. Not dramatic. Not complicated. Just two people who’d been through hell and somehow found their way back to something steady. Eventually, he pulled back to look at me. His eyes scanned my face like he was making sure I was really okay. “You look good,” he said gently. “Tired, but good.” I ga
AVA’S POV Alex had texted me last night saying he was flying back today. I told him I’d pick him up from the airport and drop him home. His flight was landing in two hours, so I still had time. I went downstairs in my pajamas, hair pulled up in a messy bun. The smell of toast and eggs hit me before I even reached the kitchen. I could hear Mason and Emma chatting, their little voices echoing through the hall. “I said I’m Iron Man!” Mason shouted proudly. Emma giggled. “You’re not Iron Man. You’re Mason.” “Nope. I’m Iron Man today,” he insisted. I smiled to myself. That boy has always made the morning brighter since he started staying here. When I walked into the kitchen, they were already at the table. Rose was flipping pancakes at the stove. She looked over her shoulder and gave me a quick nod. “Good morning, ma’am,” she said. “Morning,” I replied, stretching a little. “Smells amazing in here.” Emma looked up, waving her fork. “Auntie Ava, Mason says he’s Iron Man.
AVA’S POV A FEW DAYS LATER It had been days since the criminal hearing. Days since Laura sat in court, raised her chin like a queen, and said “not guilty” like she really believed she hadn’t done anything wrong. I watched her from the second row. My hands gripped the edge of the wooden bench so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I was trying not to shake, trying not to cry, trying to keep breathing. The judge saw through her lies, though. Laura got two months. Just sixty days. Sixty days for everything she did to me and my company. It didn’t feel like enough, but at least it was something. Her past record helped. That, and all the evidence showing she planned every bit of it. But today wasn’t about jail time. Today was the civil hearing. This time, it wasn’t about guilty or not guilty. It was about what she owed me. What she took. The damage she caused. The lies she spread. The contracts we lost. The people who left me. The company I almost lost. Sally came with me again. S
AVA'S POV After I finished the toast and tea Rose brought me, I pushed the tray aside and tried to focus on work. I sat at my desk, opened my laptop, and stared at the screen for what felt like forever. I couldn’t stop thinking about Grandpa’s call. But I forced myself to type a few responses, go over one client proposal, and check in on the team chat. I was halfway through reading a file when it hit me – I hadn’t called Alex’s assistant again. I reached for my phone and dialed her number. This time, she picked up on the second ring. “Hello?” she said politely, but I could already tell from her tone – she knew it was me. “Hi, this is Ava,” I said softly. “Is Alex there? I need to speak with him.” There was a pause. I could hear voices in the background, muffled but tense. “Uh… he’s here,” she said, sounding unsure. Then I heard it – his voice, clear and low. “Who is it?” She hesitated, then answered, “It’s Miss. Ava.” A moment later, the phone changed hands. “
AVA'S POV I sat there frozen, the phone still pressed to my ear even after the call ended. Harold Campbell. I hadn’t heard that voice in years. Almost four now, I think. My heart was still pounding in my chest, like it didn’t know whether to be afraid or comforted. That deep voice brought back a wave of memories. Good ones. Soft ones. The kind that wraps around your heart like a warm scarf when the world feels cold. He used to call me “Sunshine,” and the moment I heard it again just minutes ago, I nearly cried. “Sunshine, is that really you?” he had said. And just like that, I replied, “Grandpa…” It slipped out so naturally. I didn’t even think. For a second, I was no longer the woman who’d been through hell and back – I was just Ava. The Ava who used to sit beside him in the garden, drinking sweet tea while he told me stories about the early days of Campbell Group. The Ava who always felt safe around him. “How are you, dear? I thought you’d forgotten all about me,” he
AVA'S POV The lights suddenly came on. I gasped, my heart jumping into my throat. My eyes squinted from the brightness, and for a second, everything blurred. Then I heard a voice. “Ma’am?” I blinked quickly and looked toward the hallway. A figure stepped into view – it was Rose. I let out a long, shaky breath and leaned harder against the wall, pressing a hand to my chest. “God, Rose… you scared me.” Her face was tight with concern. “I’m sorry. I thought I heard something downstairs, then I noticed your car in the driveway. I didn’t realize you were just getting home.” “Yeah,” I mumbled, still trying to calm down. “Just walked in.” Her eyes scanned my face. “You okay? You look like you’ve been through something.” “I’m fine,” I said quickly, brushing hair out of my face. “Just tired.” She studied me a second longer, not buying it. “Are you sure, ma'am?" “Yeah. I promise,” I said, forcing a small, fake smile. My voice was still shaky, but I hoped she wouldn’t push more. And
AVA'S POV And my breath caught in my throat. “Officer Mike?” His face was serious, but his eyes softened when he saw mine. “Hey,” he said, breathing hard. “You okay?” I nodded slowly, but my hands were still shaking. I couldn’t stop them, no matter how tightly I curled my fingers. He knelt beside me. “You’re bleeding. Let me see.” I held out my hands. He winced. “They pushed you hard, didn’t they?” I didn’t answer. My voice still hadn’t come back. My throat felt dry like I’d swallowed dust. My knees were throbbing, and I could feel the sting of open skin. “I chased them into the alley,” he said, opening my bag and handing me my phone. “Caught one. The other got away. But I got your stuff.” I looked down at my phone like it was a gift from heaven. My whole life was in there – messages, photos, important numbers I hadn’t written down anywhere else. “Thank you,” I whispered. He gave a small smile. “Don’t thank me yet. You still look like you’re about to pass out