---
Ava sat at her drafting table, a cup of coffee forgotten beside her as she sketched the blueprint for a new building design. She had always prided herself on her work, pouring hours into every detail, every curve, every line. But today, her thoughts were elsewhere, as they had been since Ethan's revelation the night before.
Ethan's parents had made it clear: they would never accept her. It wasn't just about their wealth, it was about the world they inhabited, one she didn't belong to, no matter how much she tried to fit in. Her heart ached thinking about what this could mean for their future. How long would Ethan be able to fight them? How long would he be willing to sacrifice his place in his family's world for her?
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen to see an incoming call from Mia.
"Mia," Ava answered, trying to sound cheerful despite the weight pressing on her chest.
"You still sound like you're about to cry, girl. What happened ?" Mia's voice was light but concerned. "You know I hate hearing you like this."
Ava sighed, rolling her shoulders back. "It's nothing… just Ethan's parents. They're not happy about us being together."
Mia's response was a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Of course they're not happy. Rich families are always like that. But that's their problem, not yours. You know Ethan's not going anywhere, right?"
"I hope so," Ava said softly. "But I don't want him to be torn between me and them. I don't want to be the cause of any more tension in his life."
Mia was silent for a while. "Ava, I get that you're worried, but don't let their opinion weigh you down. Ethan loves you, and his family will have to accept that. You deserve to be with someone who'll stand by you no matter what."
Ava smiled faintly at Mia's words. "I just wish it were that simple."
Mia laughed, though there was an edge of concern to it. "It will be. But you're going to have to be strong, too. You've got this."
Ava didn't answer right away, her eyes wandering back to the blueprint she had abandoned. She wasn't sure if she believed she had "got this," but she would try her best.
---
Later that afternoon, as Ava was packing up to head home, she received a text message that made her stomach drop. It was from an unknown number. The message was simple, yet the weight of it was palpable.
*It's Vivian Matthews. meet me tomorrow at downtown cafe. Don't mention this to Ethan.*
Ava stared at the message for a long moment, her mind racing. Why would Ethan's mother want to meet with her? And why did she want it to be kept a secret from Ethan?
She shook her head, unable to make sense of it. But she couldn't ignore it. Vivian Matthews, Ethan's mother, was not someone you ignored—especially when it came to matters concerning Ethan's future.
---
The following morning, Ava couldn't shake the unease that clung to her like a shadow. She dressed carefully, choosing a simple, professional outfit—something that would make her look calm and composed, but not out of place in a room full of high society. She wasn't sure what she was walking into, but she needed to be ready for anything.
As she arrived at the location Vivian had indicated in the message—an upscale café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city—Ava took a deep breath before stepping inside. The moment she did, she was greeted by a polite hostess who led her to a secluded booth in the back. There, sitting with perfect posture, was Vivian Matthews.
"Ms. Matthews," Ava said, her voice steady despite the tension coursing through her.
Vivian looked up, offering a smile that was both charming and calculating. "Ava, please. I'm so glad you could join me. Please, have a seat."
Ava sat down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the table. Vivian's gaze didn't leave her, sharp and assessing. The silence stretched for a moment before Vivian spoke again.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I wanted to meet with you," she began, her voice smooth and controlled. "And I suppose the timing couldn't be more convenient, could it? After all, with Ethan's… decision, things have become rather complicated."
Ava nodded carefully, keeping her expression neutral. "I'm listening."
Vivian's smile widened slightly, but there was something cold in it. "I've watched you for some time now, Ava. I've observed your work, your demeanor, how you carry yourself. And while I may not have always approved of Ethan's choices, I can admit you've caught my attention. You're a very talented woman."
"Thank you," Ava replied, though she wasn't sure where this was going.
Vivian leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I'm sure you're also aware of the… difficulties that come with being part of Ethan's world. It's not a world for someone like you, Ava. You may be an accomplished architect, but that doesn't make you suitable for my son. There's much more to consider than a good career."
Ava's pulse quickened, but she remained calm. "I'm not here to argue with you about my qualifications, Mrs. Matthews. Ethan and I are together because we care about each other. That's all that matters."
Vivian chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in it. "I'm sure Ethan has told you about Rose, hasn't he?"
Ava's stomach twisted. "I know about her."
"Good," Vivian said, her gaze narrowing. "I think it's time you understand something very important. Rose isn't just a childhood friend to Ethan. She's someone his family—*my* family—has always seen as a suitable match for him. She comes from the right background, the right family, the right connections. She's the one who can give Ethan everything he needs to succeed in his world."
Ava's breath caught, her grip tightening on the edge of the table. "I'm not asking for his family's approval. Ethan made his choice, and I'm part of that."
Vivian's smile faltered, but only for a second. "I'm not suggesting that you're the wrong choice, Ava. But I am suggesting that you might want to reconsider your place in Ethan's life. I'm certain that you don't want to ruin his future by forcing him to choose between his family and you. That's a heavy burden for anyone to bear."
Ava felt the words like a slap across her face, but she refused to let Vivian see how much they stung. "I won't walk away from him just because his family doesn't approve of me."
Vivian's expression turned colder, and her voice dropped to a near whisper. "Then I suppose you'll just have to deal with the consequences. Just know, Ava, that when it all falls apart, I won't say I didn't warn you."
Ava met her gaze, unflinching. "I'm not afraid of you, Mrs. Matthews. Or your threats."
Vivian's eyes narrowed, and she took a long, calculated sip of her coffee before standing up, her demeanor suddenly all business. "We'll see how long your resolve lasts, Ava."
Before Ava could respond, Vivian turned and walked out of the café, leaving Ava alone with the unsettling feeling that the battle she had feared was only just beginning.
---
As Ava stood up to leave, her phone buzzed once more. She checked it quickly. It was a message from Ethan.
*I hope your meeting went well. Let me know when you're free. I want to see you tonight.*
Ava's heart squeezed at the sight of his name, but before she could reply, her phone buzzed again.
It was a message from Vivian Matthews.
*Ethan doesn't need to know about our conversation. I'm certain you'll make the right decision.*
Ava's fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the screen, her mind racing with what she had just heard. She wasn't sure what game Vivian was playing, but Ava was determined to fight for her place in Ethan's life, no matter the cost.
---