im and Chloe, smiling for a camera. They were on a yacht, the sun setting behind them. Her head was

was discussing a marketing strategy. "We have to control the story, Ava. They're positionin

arrative? Liam, we are engaged. Or were you 'control

away. "It clarifies that we had a professional relationship that ended a

fresh wave of pain. He was

ce dripping with sarcasm. "The venue we booked? The invitatio

he new AI project... they're very conservative. Family values guys. They were unsettle

, steeling himself. "

ped typing. Jax took a half-step for

I whispered, sure

get the photos out, and secure the funding. It will stabilize the stock and placate the investors. In a year, maybe two,

He believed he could discard me, marry another woman,

't a happy sound. It was broken and raw,

like this. It's the only way. I'm

t between ragged laughs.

ising in defense. "She was terrified! She'

at? A dispo

h my shoulder, but Jax moved betw

ch her," J

d." He looked at me, his eyes pleading. "Ava, you're strong. You've always bee

ntire demeanor softened. "I have to go. It's Chloe. S

tay with you tonight, okay? After I ha

t of his expensive cologne and the

n't. Chloe's panic attack was more important. I w

placed by a cold, hard resolve. I look

r and steady. "And find me the best physical ther

ad reclaimed everything he had taken from me, and more. The pain in my body was immense, but I pushed it down. I focused on the cold ange