All Chapters of Chasing Red Flags: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Chapter 11: Behind Closed DoorsI leaned back against the bathroom door, chest heaving, clutching the wedding dress tight to my chest as if it were the only thing keeping me safe. My heart hammered so hard I could hear its frantic rhythm in my ears.He had seen me. Touched me. Known every inch of me. And yet… the way he looked at me just now felt different—as if he were seeing something far deeper than just my body.I forced myself to breathe, fingers trembling as I tried to reach the zipper myself. But my hands were still weak, still shaking from everything that had happened.Then his voice came through the wood—low, quiet, and impossible to ignore.“Avar… come out.”I bit my lip, my pride flaring even in my exhaustion. “It’s Ava to you!” I corrected sharply.“It makes no difference!” he shot back, dry and unyielding. “Open the door. Now.”“Go away,” I snapped, irritation warring with something far softer.“I’m not going anywhere,” he said, his tone steady and calm. “You can’t stay i

Chapter 13: Secrets in the QuietThe moment we finished breakfast, I stood and reached for the dishes. “Let me wash these.”Leon looked up, clearly stunned. “You know how to wash dishes?”I lifted an eyebrow. Only moments ago he’d been holding back such heavy, careful silence—and now his mood had shifted, light and teasing. “And what makes you think I don’t?”He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re a princess, Ava. Your hands were never made for scrubbing and hard work.” His gaze dropped to my hands resting on the table—soft, unblemished, everything people expected of me.It stung a little, even if he meant it gently. That was all anyone ever saw. Wealth. Privilege. A girl who existed only to be polished and presented. Since I was small, every moment had been shaped and monitored—how to walk, sit, speak, stand, smile, when to smile. A gilded cage, and everyone called it a princess’s life.So I couldn’t blame him for being surprised. Especially when I had volunteered. But sitting here,

Chapter 15: Thunder and WhispersThe whole village gathered to celebrate the baby’s arrival. Long tables were laid along the shore, laden with food, and people helped themselves freely, laughing and talking as they ate. I watched them—so simple, so content, so unburdened by pretense. It was nothing like the stiff, formal banquets I had known all my life.Mr. Veron pulled out a chair for me at the head of the table, but I shook my head politely. “I’ll sit here, on the sand, if I may,” I told him, settling down beside Venus. I didn’t want my presence to make anyone uncomfortable or keep them from enjoying their meal freely.Venus smiled warmly at me, breaking off a piece of fish with her fingers. They offered me silverware, but I shook my head again. I wanted to be like them. I mimicked her, eating with my hands, and the moment the flavors touched my tongue—fresh fish, sweet crab, lobster pulled straight from the sea—I was stunned. It tasted better than any feast our chef had ever prepa

Chapter 17: The Dress and the DareI drew a long, trembling breath as I stood alone on the shore. In my hand, I held a lighter. Before me lay the wedding dress—exquisite, hand-stitched, every thread chosen with obsessive care by my mother. She had poured weeks into it, certain this gown would secure my future. But as the flame caught the hem and crept upward, eating away at silk and lace, I felt nothing but relief.It was magnificent. It had cost a fortune, perhaps millions. But it came chained to a life I did not want. A loveless marriage. A gilded cage.I watched the fire rise, turning white lace to ash. Burn it all, I thought. Burn the dress, burn the destiny they wove for me. I was not property to be traded. I was not a prize to be displayed. I was empty, yes—but I was free.I knew my parents would not rest. They would scour every island, bribe every official, tear the world apart to find me. Sooner or later, they would come. And when they did, this stolen breath of freedom would

Chapter 19: Morning, Cookies, and TidesWaking up beside Leon felt more right than anything ever had—as if this space, this quiet warmth, was always meant to be mine. I lay still, just watching him sleep. How could a man who carried such weight and darkness hold so much softness beneath it? He looked peaceful, unguarded, every hard edge smoothed away. I had never imagined he could look this way—gentle, safe, entirely mine.My gaze drifted to his lips. Full, firm… and I knew exactly how they felt against mine. I remembered every kiss, every whisper, every way he had claimed me. Before I could stop myself, I leaned in, drawn like a tide—until his eyes fluttered open.I froze. My breath caught. Heat rushed up my neck and burned my cheeks. I scrambled to sit up, suddenly flustered beyond words.“Were you about to kiss me?” he asked, a slow, playful smile curving his lips.I rolled my eyes, trying to regain my composure, and swung my legs over the bed. “I was saving it for later,” I said c