CHAPTER 016
AVA’S POV
The dinner with Alex Grey lingered in my thoughts the next day, but it wasn’t the food that stayed with me.
It was the moment–the silence between Alex and Laura.
Something was strange and suspicious about the way they interacted, it was as if an unspoken secret hung between them.
The thought nagged at me, leaving a knot in my stomach. wanted to question Alex again, to get to the truth, but I couldn’t let myself get distracted–not right now.
Work had to come first, and besides, Alex was just a business partner, I didn’t have the right to ask him about his personal life.
As I entered the office, I pushed the thoughts aside and decided to focus on the designs for Alex’s upcoming jewelry slow.
Models would be showcasing my work alongside Alex’s soon, and this was my shot to leave a lasting impression.
Still, Laura’s pale face and guarded expression intruded on my thoughts, like a weight I couldn’t shake.
I tried to push it away, but the questions remained, pressing harder with every moment of silence.
The buzz of my phone on the desk broke through my concentration.
I glanced at the screen, and anger flared–it was Laura.
“Hello?” I answered, keeping my voice neutral.
Ava, come to my office. Now,” she demanded, her tone as sharp as ever.
I felt a flash of annoyance. I hated being called like this, but what choice did I have? She was the boss now, even if) t didn’t think she deserved to be.
As I walked down the hallway, each step seemed to weigh more than the last. My hands were sweaty, and my heart was pounding.
The air felt thick like everyone knew I was about to face the woman who was ruining both my life and my marriage.
When I entered her office, she wasn’t sitting at her desk. She was standing by the window, looking out at the city.
I couldn’t tell if she was deep in thought or just pretending
I cleared my throat. “You called me?“?
She turned slowly, her cold gaze meeting mine. “I need you to take care of something for me.”
I frowned. “What is it?”
Her heels clicked as she crossed the room to her desk. “I have a dinner meeting with Marcus Hale, the head of Blueberry Entertainment tonight. You’re going in my place
I blinked, clearly caught off guard. “What? Why me? I thought you were handling this.”
T
pregnant,” she replied bluntly, avoiding my eyes. “I can’t be running around for meetings right now.
1/2
CHAPTER DIS
+76 BONUS
Her words hit like a slap. “So, you want me to go instead?
She shrugged, her lips curving into a smug simile that made my fists clench. “It’s not a big deal. You’re in charge of the designs anyway. Marcus will be expecting you.
I could feel a knot in my stomach. Something about this felt wrong.
“Your baby bump is barely showing, which only means you’re not that far along. So how can that be a reason you can’t go?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “Besides you’re the one who knows him, not me.”
Her expression remained unreadable. “I just can’t, Ava. Do you have a problem with that?”
I didn’t answer right away. A sense of unease tightened around me..
Marcus Hale had a reputation for being a sleazy old man. I couldn’t imagine having a meeting with someone like him.
Laura, on the other hand, knew him–she was better suited for this meeting.
But what could I do? She was my boss. I didn’t have much of a choice.
Then she dropped the bomb. “Jason said it’s better if you go. He doesn’t want me stressed because of the baby.”
I froze. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my heart pounding.
“Jason?” My voice trembled. “Jason told you to send me?”
Her smile widened, dripping with satisfaction. “He thinks I need to take it easy. Since I’m pregnant, it makes sense for you to handle it.”
The words cut deep, leaving me reeling. The audacity of both her and Jason was staggering.
I couldn’t believe Jason had allowed her to send me to meet a man like Marcus Hale.
She might be carrying a child, but I was his wife. I should have mattered. I should have been the one protected from stress, not cast aside.
The betrayal hit like a tidal wave, but I held my ground. My hails dug into my palms as I fought to remain calm.
I wanted to walk out, to tell her exactly what I thought of her, and refuse to meet with Marcus.
But I stayed professional, letting the weight of the situation settle over me.
I wasn’t just a pawn in their game–1 was the game.
I just had to finish this project and leave their lives behind.
Still, I couldn’t decide what hurt more: her arrogance or the realization that Jason had, once again, chosen Laura
over me.
