Ava's POVThe church bells pealed a joyous symphony as we emerged from the chapel, hand in hand, the weight of our secret vows a comforting anchor in the whirlwind of emotions. The small gathering of loved ones – Sarah, William, and Chloe – showered us with congratulations and heartfelt wishes, their smiles a testament to the genuine happiness they shared with us.We piled into Liam's waiting car, William taking the wheel, Sarah settling into the passenger seat, and Liam and I claiming the backseat sanctuary. As we pulled away from the curb, a wave of bittersweet emotions washed over me.I glanced out the window, the familiar cityscape blurring past, a symbol of the life I was leaving behind, the life I had built with my own hands. A touch of sadness tugged at my heart, a longing for the simplicity of my old life, the anonymity that had shielded me from the complexities of Liam's world.But then, Liam's hand found mine, his fingers interlacing with mine, his touch a silent reassurance that calmed the storm within me. I turned to him, my gaze meeting his, the love and unwavering support in his eyes erasing any lingering doubts."We're in this together, Ava," he whispered, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me, a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty.I nodded, a smile curving my lips. "I know, Liam. And I'm not afraid."We reached Liam's penthouse, a temporary haven before the impending confrontation with his family. We changed out of our wedding attire, shedding the formality for more comfortable clothes. Liam, in jeans and a casual sweater, looked relaxed yet determined, his eyes holding a steely glint that hinted at the battle ahead.As we set off for Blackwood Manor, the imposing estate looming in the distance, a wave of apprehension washed over me. This was Liam's world, a world of wealth, privilege, and deeply ingrained traditions. I was an outsider, a girl from a modest background, daring to love the heir to the Blackwood empire.Liam, sensing my unease, squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Ava," he said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "We'll face them together. And we'll show them that our love is stronger than any prejudice, any tradition, any attempt to tear us apart."I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. I was ready to fight for our love, to stand beside Liam, to prove to his family that I was worthy of their acceptance, that I was the woman who had captured their son's heart, the woman who would stand by his side, through thick and thin, for better or for worse.As the car pulled up the grand driveway of Blackwood Manor, the imposing facade of the estate casting a long shadow over us, I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. This was it. The moment of truth. The battle for our love was about to begin.