Ava's POVChris had abducted Melody, there was no other way to put it, but I still clung to Tom because he was at his most vulnerable at that moment and wasn't ready to deal with anything else.As his tears continued to fall, I felt conflicted.I was afraid for Melody's safety in the hands of the reckless Chris, and afraid that if I interrupted this moment with Tom, I might never experience anything like it again.I held him closer, and for a moment he remained still. He rested in my embrace, perhaps reflecting on the painful memories he had been made to endure.We were there for about half an hour, and the entire time was filled with a sick feeling of worry for me.Finally, he pulled away from me and stood up."Wine for us? I believe we have no secrets now," he remarked, and I nodded with a faint smile. "Is something bothering you?" He asked, sitting down again."Are you feeling better now?" I asked, gently touching his tear-streaked face."I never thought I could cry, but you seem t
Tom's POVAva and I exchanged a fearful glance as terror gripped us.Had Chris heard or seen us approaching, or was he angry because I hadn't shown any fear when he talked about detaining Melody?Ava swallowed and took the first step. After three more steps, she broke into a run and smashed through the window. It was quite impressive how forceful she was. How on earth could a woman break through a window?I followed in her footsteps and saw a trail of blood coming from the hall.My eyes widened and immediately I tried to stop Ava from running headfirst into whatever was waiting for us, but she was too fast.As soon as she reached the end of the hall, she let out a scream and instinctively placed her hand on her chest before bolting into the living room.I followed her and found Chris on the floor, blood pouring from his leg.Melody still had her gun pointed at him, but Ava hugged her tightly as if she had been raised from the dead.Tears streamed down Melody's cheeks, but her grip on
Tom's POVThe idea of getting married had always been daunting to me because it represented a lifelong commitment.It was not something I could easily walk away from, but the way she asked me about it gave me a sense of excitement. It made me feel like there was a lot to expect from her. After all, ever since our relationship began, we had been able to overcome many obstacles and challenges, which had only brought us closer than contract marriage partners typically would be."Alright, that's it. Well, since you guys need to come to a better and more sincere decision, I'll be on my way," Melody announced. She gave Ava a deep hug and left the restaurant.After staring at Melody for a long while, Ava's gaze returned to meet mine."I don't know about you, but I want to spend a lifetime with you. I can't imagine being with anyone else now. I don't want us to see where this goes, I want us to take us where it goes. And Chris won't have power over us anymore, because this time, we'll go thr
Ava's POV"YOU ARE THE BOSS OF YOUR WORLD." A quote from Jack Theodore said.I had always used this quote as my motivational tool in whatever I did, treating everything like I was the boss. And no day went by without me saying my words of affirmation."I am the boss of my world. Rules would be made by me.""I am the boss of my world. Everything goes the way I want.""I am the boss of my world. Every plan is my strategy."On this particular day, as I stepped out in my red Handkerchief Hem Dress and black heels, ready for work, I repeated the quote in my head.As I entered into the horrific traffic of New York City, the quote stayed glued.As I got out of my car and stepped into the parking lot of my tech company I made my way into the building with the quote still hanging.And even as I looked up at the beautiful giant design that had the name of my company ‘Vance Tech’ atop the tall building, the quote stuck.As I got past the lobby, responding to every bow from my workers and got on
Ava's POVThe sweet fragrance of coffee beans filled the air in the cozy cafe I was seated in as I waited for my best friend, Melody, to finish ordering for both of us at the counter.Due to her event planning company and my job as the CEO of my company, we have both been too busy to see and spend time with each other recently.Melody finished ordering in a few minutes, came back to our booth, and placed two trays on the table. She ordered hamburgers, fries and cola for the both of us."Ava, can you believe these people don't have salad? I couldn't believe my ears. What kind of cafe doesn't have salad? I don't even know why you come here, my goodness!" Melody was exasperated and I chuckled humorously at her exaggerated reaction.I immediately dug into the fries and threw some in my mouth."But we have to admit they do make insane fries. It has this peculiar taste and it's so crispy." I replied to her little outburst.Melody shrugged, "Still doesn't justify their unprofessionalism.""M
Ava's POVI was still taken aback by the encounter with my stepmother, earlier. I thought this was hell but it was actually the deepest bottom pit of hell.Yeah, my birth did cause scandal for the family but I was still their child. Their freaking blood was running in my veins. A little bit of humanity should be in them!I thought it was only my step-brothers and sisters. I thought it was only my stepmother that hated me with such passion. But, my dad had unlocked a higher level of hatred for me, recently.I saw the contempt in his gaze. The regret in his looks. He didn't even try to hide it and he even dared to tell it to my face.Should I be surprised? No. It was now clear that no one in my family wanted my success. They wanted to see my defeat. They craved to see my defeat.And that, they won't see. I promise. I am going to give them the opposite of what they wanted to see. Why did I even consider Maggie’s offer? Was I crazy?Vance Tech would never go down like they wanted. I woul
Ava's POV"We shall get married," I heard Tom blurt out in a toneless voice and I couldn't believe my ears. For a moment I couldn't move or even blink and I held my breath as though something bad would happen if I let it out.Maybe, just maybe I was beginning to hear things because there was no way Tom said what I think I just heard."Err..mmm Mr Tom, I think I heard wrong," I said, slowly taking my gaze off his and shifting uncomfortably in my seat, "Please kindly repeat what you just said cause I think ...""Ava Brooks, we shall get married," he repeated himself, not letting me finish my sentence and smirked, "And it has to be soon."I abruptly stood up and started laughing. I know I shouldn't be laughing but at this moment that was what I felt like doing."Ava? Are you okay?" Tom asked as he walked closer to me."Ah yes! Of course, I'm okay," I stopped laughing and replied. Wearing a big smile on my face, I turned to look at him and asked, "You must be playing a prank on me right?"
Ava's POV"Crazy asshole!" I said to no one in particular as I stepped out of my car and made my way towards the office very early the next day. Ever since I stepped out of Crystal Hotel, I had been cursing and swearing.I got to my house very late last night because the traffic was heavy. And immediately I walked into my apartment, I just freshened up and slept off – I was too tired to do or think of anything.I had woken up to Camilla's call. She sounded very excited on the phone as she asked me about how the meeting with Tom went and well because I didn't want to ruin her excitement, I had told her that I would tell her all about it when I came to work.My heart was pounding as I walked towards my office, I wasn't mentally ready to face Camilla. How was I going to tell her and everyone else that the deal with Tom had failed? Or should I just marry the douchebag if that was the only thing he wanted?Goodness! I had no idea what to do. Someone send help! Please! I was gradually losin