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Chapter 26

Author: Xena Vale
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-04 20:05:08

Ava’s POV

Leo’s reaction is pure sunshine.

No hesitation, no confusion, just an explosion of joy that fills the entire apartment.

“Wait—Mr. Damon?” His little voice is high and breathless, like he’s just uncovered buried treasure. “The guy with the car that goes whoosh and smells like peppermint?”

I blink, half-laughing. “Yeah, that one.”

He gasps, clutching his small hands to his chest. “He’s my dad? For real?”

“For real,” I say softly.

A smile spreads across his face so wide it nearly swallows him whole. “That’s so cool! He’s so tall! And he said my drawing was awesome, remember? I knew he liked me.”

He’s practically glowing, and I just nod, because honestly, what else can I do?

Maya leans against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Are you sure that man isn’t made of money and manipulation? Because the kid’s already obsessed.”

“Maya,” I mutter.

She raises her hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m happy for Leo. I’m just saying, billionaires are like glitter—once they show up,
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  • When Vows Break    Chapter 27

    Ava’s POVMaya’s jaw is still dangling like she’s seen the face of God.Her hand trembles around the velvet box. “Ava Hayes, this—this looks like a ring.”I arch a brow. “Then put it down before you propose to yourself.”She gawks at me. “Are you seriously calm right now? Damon Ashford just sent you Tiffany-level trouble and you’re what? Doing sarcasm drills?”“I’m doing denial,” I say, snatching the box from her. “It’s a coping mechanism.”She trails me to the kitchen, voice rising with delight. “Open it! I want to scream properly!”“No.” I drop the entire designer bag on the counter and cross my arms. “The last thing I need is to open some billionaire mystery box and discover it’s bugged.”Maya smirks. “Or discover he’s officially lost his mind and bought you a diamond.”I point a warning finger. “One more word and you’re on dish duty for a week.”She grins wider. “Its worth it.”I roll my eyes, grab a glass of water, and ignore the bag sitting there like it knows it’s winning.---

  • When Vows Break    Chapter 26

    Ava’s POVLeo’s reaction is pure sunshine.No hesitation, no confusion, just an explosion of joy that fills the entire apartment.“Wait—Mr. Damon?” His little voice is high and breathless, like he’s just uncovered buried treasure. “The guy with the car that goes whoosh and smells like peppermint?”I blink, half-laughing. “Yeah, that one.”He gasps, clutching his small hands to his chest. “He’s my dad? For real?”“For real,” I say softly.A smile spreads across his face so wide it nearly swallows him whole. “That’s so cool! He’s so tall! And he said my drawing was awesome, remember? I knew he liked me.”He’s practically glowing, and I just nod, because honestly, what else can I do?Maya leans against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Are you sure that man isn’t made of money and manipulation? Because the kid’s already obsessed.”“Maya,” I mutter.She raises her hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m happy for Leo. I’m just saying, billionaires are like glitter—once they show up,

  • When Vows Break    Chapter 25

    Ava’s POVThe morning light spills across the kitchen table, catching on the rim of my coffee cup. Maya’s already there, hair tied up, phone in one hand, spoon in the other, looking like she’s been waiting all night for me to wake up so she can pry.She doesn’t bother with hello.“So,” she says, voice syrupy and smug, “have we decided whether you’re marrying the billionaire or launching him into orbit?”I sink into the chair opposite her, wrapping my hands around the mug as if caffeine can make decisions for me. “Neither. I’m done giving him space in my head. I’ll do what needs to be done for Leo, sign what needs signing, and that’s it. No more getting angry, no more losing sleep, no more hoping he’ll suddenly become an actual person and grow a brain.”Maya leans forward, eyes narrowing with the kind of affection that always precedes an argument. “So, the plan is to marry the man without letting him touch your emotions? Babe, that’s not cold… that’s Olympic-level composure.”“I’

  • When Vows Break    Chapter 24

    Ava’s POVThe morning after Damon’s mansion feels like a bad hangover. I keep replaying the sound of that high-pitched “Dami!” in my head until I want to throw something at the wall. Every time I picture the red hair, the bright smile, the kiss on his cheek, my brain whispers: You don’t care.And it’s right. I don’t.I shouldn't.Maya, however, refuses to let it die. She leans against the counter, phone in hand, eyes full of wicked amusement.“So,” she says, drawing out the word like taffy, “was she prettier than me?”I glare at her. “You’re enjoying this a little too much.”“I live for drama. Especially yours.” She grins. “You, Damon, and his Aussie mistress. Honestly, I should start charging admission.”I groan, rubbing my temples. “She’s not his mistress. She’s… whatever.”“Oh, that sounds convincing,” she says, pouring herself coffee. “Anyway, are you sure you don’t want to talk to him? He might be crying into his imported pillow by now.”“Yeah, I’m sure.”I turn back to the stove

  • When Vows Break    Chapter 23

    Ava’s POVThe voice hits like a glass of cold water down my spine.“Dami!”For a moment, I think I imagined it. But then the sound comes again — higher, brighter, coated with a kind of warmth that doesn’t belong here. My head turns before I can stop it, eyes locking on the grand staircase where a woman stands, framed by light and the faintest scent of roses and jet lag.She’s beautiful in the kind of effortless way that makes you instinctively fix your posture — long red hair spilling over her shoulder, skin like porcelain, suitcase still in hand. Her smile is wide, familiar, and her heels click against the marble like she owns it.“Dami,” she repeats, practically singing it, and it’s like watching someone throw glitter on a crime scene.Damon’s expression shifts so fast I almost miss it. Surprise, then something careful — too careful. His jaw tightens for half a breath before he smooths it away and turns toward her with that practiced composure of his.“Amelia,” he says, voice low bu

  • When Vows Break    Chapter 22

    Ava’s POVI don’t believe a word of his last message.I tried to pretend I hadn’t read it, but the sentence has been carved into my brain since last night:> Arrogant bitch: If I didn't know better, I'd think you're a virgin. It's not as bad as you make it look.Who even texts something like that? I stared at the screen until I wanted to throw the phone out the window. He thinks he’s clever… no, he knows he’s clever and that’s what drives me insane.Now the morning sun is spilling through our tiny kitchen window, and Maya’s grin is so smug I want to erase it with a spoon.“You’re checking your phone every five minutes,” she says. “Should I make popcorn, or are you going to admit you’re waiting for him?”“I’m not waiting for anyone,” I mutter, stirring coffee I don’t even want. “Some people actually work for a living.”“You work in a bar,” she says sweetly. “And right now, you’re stalling.”My jaw tightens. “Do you ever mind your own business?”“No,” she replies without hesitation. “Al

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