---
Ava's pen tapped against her desk, her focus split between the unfinished designs on her screen and the whirlwind of thoughts spinning through her mind. Her meeting with Vivian still haunted her, a constant reminder of the challenges she and Ethan faced.
The sharp knock at her office door startled her. Without waiting for a response, the door opened, and Ava's stomach dropped. Rose stepped in, her pristine heels clicking against the hardwood floor.
"What are you doing here?" Ava asked, her tone cool but laced with irritation.
Rose offered a saccharine smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, I was just in the area and thought we should talk. It's long overdue, don't you think?"
"I don't see what we have to discuss," Ava replied, folding her arms.
Rose closed the door behind her, the smile vanishing as quickly as it appeared. "Cut the polite act, Ava. We both know why I'm here."
Ava raised an eyebrow, refusing to rise to the bait. "Enlighten me."
Rose's expression hardened, her voice dropping. "You're a temporary distraction for Ethan, a passing phase he'll grow out of once he realizes what's best for him. And that's me."
Ava's stomach churned, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Ethan's already made his choice, Rose. You don't get a say in it."
Rose laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "You really think this is over? Ethan's family will never accept you. They're just waiting for the right moment to get rid of you, and when they do, I'll be right there to pick up the pieces."
"Funny," Ava shot back, her voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath her skin. "I don't recall Ethan mentioning he wanted to be 'picked up.'"
Rose's jaw tightened, her mask slipping further. "You don't belong in his world, Ava. You're an outsider pretending to fit in, but everyone can see it. Ethan deserves someone who understands his life, his responsibilities—someone who's not dragging him down."
Ava stepped closer, her eyes blazing. "I may not come from wealth or privilege, but I love Ethan. And he loves me. That's all that matters."
Rose sneered, leaning in as if to deliver the final blow. "Love won't be enough to save you when his family decides they've had enough. You'll be nothing but a bad memory."
Ava refused to flinch, meeting Rose's gaze with unwavering resolve. "If you're so confident in your place in Ethan's life, why are you here trying to intimidate me? Face it, Rose—you're not the one he wants. And you never will be."
Rose's expression darkened, but before she could respond, Ava stepped past her and opened the door. "We're done here."
Rose hesitated, her eyes narrowing before she stormed out, leaving Ava standing in the doorway, her heart pounding.
---
That evening, Ethan noticed the tension in Ava's demeanor the moment she stepped into his penthouse.
"What happened?" he asked, his concern evident as he pulled her into his arms.
"Your mother isn't the only one playing games," Ava said, her voice tight. "Rose came to my office today."
Ethan's hold on her tightened, his jaw clenching. "What did she say?"
"She thinks I'm a temporary distraction," Ava replied, her frustration spilling over. "She made it very clear that she's waiting for your family to push me out of the picture so she can swoop in."
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger. "She had no right to—"
"It doesn't matter," Ava interrupted, stepping back to look at him. "I can handle Rose. And your mother. But Ethan… I need to know you're with me. That nothing they say or do will change how you feel."
Ethan cupped her face, his gaze steady and filled with emotion. "Ava, listen to me. No one I repeat no one can come between us. Not my family, not Rose, not anyone. You're it for me. I'll fight for us, no matter what it takes."
His words wrapped around her like a lifeline, pulling her out of the storm raging in her mind. She leaned into him, her lips finding his in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened.
Ethan's hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss grew hungrier, more desperate. Ava's fingers tangled in his hair, her worries melting away with every touch, every caress.
"Let me show you how much you mean to me," Ethan murmured against her lips, his voice thick with emotion.
Ava nodded, her heart pounding as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.
The room was dimly lit, the city lights streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows casting a soft glow over the space. Ethan set her down gently, his eyes never leaving hers as he slowly unbuttoned her blouse, his fingers grazing her skin and leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
Ava's breath hitched as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her neck, her collarbone, her shoulder. She tugged at his shirt, eager to feel his skin against hers, to lose herself in him completely.
Their movements were unhurried, each touch and kiss filled with the unspoken promise that they were in this together, no matter what. Ethan's hands traced every curve of her body, his touch both tender and possessive, as if he was memorizing every inch of her.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "More than anything."
"I love you too," Ava replied, her voice trembling with the intensity of her feelings.
As they came together, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, Ava felt the weight of her worries lift. In Ethan's arms, she found solace, strength, and the certainty that their love was worth fighting for.
---
Much later, as they lay tangled together under the sheets, Ethan pressed a kiss to Ava's forehead. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. I promise."
Ava smiled, her heart full despite the challenges ahead. "Together," she echoed, holding onto that promise as she drifted off to sleep.
But as the night deepened, her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her back to reality. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking when she saw the message.
It was from Vivian Matthews.
*Meet me tomorrow at the address below. Come alone. Do not tell Ethan.*
Ava stared at the message, her unease returning in full force.
---