chapter 9

Chapter 9: “Who’s Laughing Now”

Ava's POV…

I watched as Linda stood there, looking at me like I’d just slapped her into next week. Her face twisted between shock and straight-up rage, and around us, the other workers were whispering like little bugs, but none of them had the guts to actually say anything out loud.

I was brushing my hands off, trying to act chill even though inside I was still heated, when the door opened. I didn’t even have to guess. Lydia. And right behind her, Richard, like some unwanted shadow.

They stormed toward us, and Richard barked, “What happened here?”

Linda didn’t even hesitate. She pointed dead at me like I was some criminal and said, “She hit me. A cleaner like her hit me.”

I almost laughed out loud. Like, seriously? That’s the story we’re going with? This place was honestly a circus and everyone here were clowns.

Richard’s face turned this weird shade of red as he spun to me. “Are you crazy? What is wrong with you?” he snapped.

I crossed my arms, keeping my voice calm. “I’m not crazy, Richard. I just don’t stand around smiling when people talk crap about me for no reason.”

Lydia came stomping over like she was about to be the big hero. She raised her hand, ready to slap me. But nah. I caught her wrist mid-air without even blinking, twisted it a little, and shoved her back. She stumbled and hit the floor on her butt, looking up at me like I was a monster.

“Just because you’re the manager doesn’t mean you’re untouchable,” I said, staring down at her. “One phone call, Lydia. One. That’s all it takes to have you packing your stuff.”

A few people in the back snorted with laughter, trying to cover it up, but it was obvious. Even Lora—the only girl who had helped me earlier—gave a little cough that sounded suspiciously like a giggle.

Lydia’s face burned bright red. She scrambled to her feet, brushing herself off like she didn’t just eat the floor.

Richard marched up to me, all puffed-up-chest like he was gonna scare me or something. “Look at you,” he sneered. “Even as a cleaner, you act like you’re better than everyone.”

I shrugged. “Maybe it’s because I am.”

He reached out and grabbed my arm just as I started to walk away. “I didn’t give you permission to leave.”

I stared at his hand on my sleeve like it was something disgusting, then looked back up at him. “Sorry, forgot you think you’re king of the world,” I said, yanking my arm free. “But unlike you, I have actual work to do. Some of us have jobs we earned, not jobs we slept our way into.”

I barely got the last word out before Richard cut me off, laughing loudly like he’d just heard the best joke ever.

“Another cleaning job?” he mocked. “Wow, Ava. Really moving up in the world.”

I just smiled. “Keep laughing. It’s cute.”

Lydia stormed up to me again, Linda standing behind her like her backup dancer. “I’m not done yet!” Lydia snapped. “You slapped my cousin. You’re gonna get yours.”

Linda tried to step forward like she was about to slap me too, but I caught her wrist just like I did with Lydia. I gave her a small, almost bored shove back.

"You guys are seriously exhausting," I muttered.

I tossed the mop back into the bucket with a loud clank and looked at the bunch of them. "I’m leaving. Next time I come back, you better not be here."

They all started laughing, even some of the workers who had stayed quiet before. Lora leaned toward me and whispered, "I think It Best you stop, you're making a fool out of yourself."

I smiled at her. “You’re a nice person. Don’t let them ruin you.”

I turned to walk away, finally done with the circus for today. But right as I reached the door, it swung open—and in walked four guys in black suits. Real security, the kind you only saw in movies. They marched right up to me without hesitation.

"Mrs. Ava Jason," one of them said, giving a little nod. "Your husband sent us. He’s asking for you."

I blinked. My husband? Oh. Right. Kieran.

Richard burst out clapping like he was watching a comedy show. "No wonder you’re acting all high and mighty," he snorted. "What, Ava? Seduced some rich dude? You should be ashamed."

I didn’t even look at him. Didn’t have to. I could feel the bitterness dripping off him like sweat.

I turned toward the door, but before I left, I glanced back over my shoulder. "Soon, we’re gonna see who’s really laughing," I said, giving him a slow smile. "Hope you’re ready."

…

The drive to Kieran’s house was kinda long. I spent the ride scrolling through my phone, pretending not to think too hard. But my mind kept replaying Richard’s face. The shock, the rage. And Lydia, falling on her butt. That part honestly made me smile.

When the car finally pulled up, I stepped out and just stared for a second. His house—no, his mansion—was insane. All stone and glass, looking like it came straight out of some fancy magazine. No wonder my dad respected this guy. This wasn’t just money. It was power.

One of the guards opened the door for me, and I walked in.

The place was even more ridiculous inside. Huge open space, high ceilings, expensive furniture that looked like no one was even allowed to sit on it.

And there he was. Kieran. Sitting casually on one of the couches, holding a drink in his hand like he had all the time in the world.

The security dudes left without saying a word, closing the door behind them.

I stood there awkwardly, not knowing if I was supposed to say something first. My hands were sweating like crazy, so I shoved them in my jacket pockets.

Kieran’s eyes found mine. He didn’t say anything at first. He just watched me. Like he was... waiting for something.

Slowly, he stood up. Every step he took made my heart beat faster, and I hated it. I hated that he could make me feel anything at all.

He didn’t stop until he was right in front of me. His hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer like it was nothing. Like he had every right.

I looked up at him, swallowing hard. He was so close now, I could see the little specks in his green eyes.

He tilted his head down toward me, a tiny smirk playing on his lips.

"Are you scared of me, wife?" he whispered.