+25 BONUS
CHAPTER 017
©AVA’S POV
I knew what I had to do, but that didn’t make it easier. Every part of the screamed to leave, to stand up for myself, to stop being Jason’s second choice.
But I couldn’t. Not with everything at stake the designs, e show, everything I’d worked hard for.
I had to keep going. For the work I’d put in, even though I still didn’t know where I stood with Jason.
I promised myself that after this project, after Grey’s jewelry launch, I’d file for a divorce.
I would walk away and let Jason be with Laura. I’d stop pretending this marriage was anything but a lie.
But for now, I had to play along. I had to finish the job.
So, I agreed to meet Marcus.
When I walked into the restaurant, my stomach twisted. The last place I wanted to be was here with Marcus Hale, but I couldn’t back out.
Marcus was known for not respecting women, but since we were meeting in a public place, I didn’t think anything would happen.
The waiter led me through the dining room, down a hallway, and into a private area.
I spotted Marcus right away. He was already sitting at the table, his eyes on the papers in front of him. When he looked up, his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Something was unsettling about his gaze, but I pushed the thought away. This was business.
“Ms. Taylor,” he said smoothly, standing as I approached. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.
I forced a smile. “The pleasure’s mine, Mr. Hale.” I sat down, trying to focus on the conversation, ignoring the uneasy feeling in my chest.
He introduced the person next to him as a representative from Grey Empire.
We dove into the details of the show–the models who would wear my designs, their schedules, the tweaks that still needed to be made.
Marcus was short, bald, and overweight. Something about him made my skin crawl, and I just couldn’t trust him.
Every time I spoke, his eyes lingered on me too long, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t listening.
“Your designs are incredible,” he said at one point, leaning forward, his gaze never leaving me. “You’ve really outdone yourself. The models will look stunning in them.”
I nodded, forcing a smile, “Thank you,” I said, though something about the way he looked at me felt anything but professional.
I told myself I was overthinking it. I had bigger problems than a man’s uncomfortable stares.
After a while, the representative excused himself to take a call, leaving Marcus and me alone.
Soon, the waiter brought over a variety of appetizers.
Marcus smiled and pointed to the shrimp cocktail. “Let’s start with this, then we can continue our discussion.”
+25 BONUS
CHAPTER 01?
I forced a smile and nodded, picking up my fork. As I ate, 1 eminded myself to stay focused. This was business. Nothing more.
But then Marcus poured two glasses of wine, sliding one across to me, I wasn’t much of a drinker, but I took a sip.
It was smooth, easy to drink… almost too easy.
Minutes passed, but the representative hadn’t returned. The dizziness started to creep in.
At first, I thought it was just the stress, the exhaustion, or maybe even the baby in my belly acting up.
But it didn’t stop. It got worse.
My head spun, and I blinked hard, trying to focus. I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn’t hold me up. My body was refusing to cooperate, I was losing control.
“What’s happening?” I whispered, clutching the edge of the table for support. But before I could process what was going on, the room seemed to tilt, and I collapsed onto the floor,
A cold hand gripped my arm, yanking me up. My vision blurred, and I couldn’t focus on anything
All I could see was Marcus’s ugly face–too close, too eager.
Panic surged through me as I gasped for air.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he growled, his breath hot on my neck. I tried to push him away, but my body felt like jelly, and I had no strength to fight.
I reached for my phone, praying it would save me, but it felt like a lifetime before I could even grip it.
I hit the speed dial for Jason, hoping he would pick up.
The phone just kept ringing. My heart pounded. Why wasn’t he answering?
Marcus’s breath was heavy in my ear, his hands on me, forcing me back.
I couldn’t scream. I couldn’t move. My head was spinning, and my consciousness felt like it was slipping.
Just as Marcus leaned in closer, the door slammed open, and I froze. My heart skipped.
A tall figure stormed into the room, moving fast. In one smooth motion, the man punched Marcus square in the
Jaw.
Marcus staggered back, falling to the floor. I could barely see, but I knew who it was.
Jason. 1
He scooped me up gently, pulling me into his arms.
“It’s okay. You’re safe now,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Without a word, he lifted me and rushed toward the door.
I tried to hold onto consciousness, but everything around me blurred, and the world went silent.
CHAPTER 018
