Maximus Blackwell's POV
The soft tread of my shoes were hitting softly on the marble floors of my mansion as I paced to and fro. Every now and then, I turned toward the old clock standing tall in the corner, chiding me with its ticking sound that told me time was not waiting for anyone. Ava should be here by now.
I clenched my fists together, hoping this would ease he tempest brewing inside my chest. My life was tearing apart, a life I had carefully built. I warned her, warned her against media, against going outside to the public. Yet, Ava Sinclair had done things her way, and here those consequences were staring me in the face.
"Maximus," a lilting voice called from the hallway, jerking me out of my musing.
I whirled to find Sophia-my stepmother coming into the room with grace as always. Her champagne-colored dress offset her skin tone, while her hair was swept back into an orderly bun. Her face was glowing with joy.
"There you are," she greeted; her face lit with a wide smile. "I have looked all over for you. Where's our beautiful wife?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "How did you...? Nevermind , this is not a social visit, Sophia-I have things to handle."
"Oh, don't be in that voice with me," she returned. "Oh, this is great news, Maximus! At last, a marriage for my poor step-son. Then to such a kind of beauty, such as Ava Sinclair, You really did well here."
"I was just thinking about your wedding day," she said, almost dancing across the room, as if in memory. "What a beautiful service it was, and Ava looking absolutely gorgeous, poor thing-I mean, you should have heard all my friends go on about how dashing you looked in that tux of yours, Maximus. Your father would be so proud of-"
I let out a tired sigh and ran a hand through my hair. "Sophia, I don't even know what you're talking about, which wedding day? You know what just leave me please, I'm not in the mood for—"
"Nonsense!" she cut in, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're just nervous. Newlyweds always are. It's adorable, really. But don't you worry, I'm here to help."
"Sophia!" I exclaimed, my tone short. "This isn't about nerves. I don't need your help. As far as I know, I'm not married so get over it."
Instead, she shrugged. She plunked herself in the nearest armchair, crossing her legs prettily. "Oh, Maximus. Well, I'm not surprised, you weren't always so proud of your relationship but I think this is worth it."
I stared at her, frozen. "What do you mean, this is worth it?
At which point Sophia gave one of her knowing smiles. "Oh, come on-you've been going on and on about her ever since the wedding. I might not be full time here anymore, but even I heard how 'capable' and 'strong willed' she is. It's sweet, really."
My face was hot with frustration, or at least frustration was mixed in somewhere with something I couldn't rightly place. "Sophia-stop. Please."
"Fine, fine," she said, throwing up her hands up. "But don't even think for a second I don't see what's going on here-you're smitten, Maximus. Honestly, I think Ava is great for you."
I opened my mouth to immediately retaliate when the crunching of tyres on gravel outside made my heartbeat skip a little. She was here.
A minute later, the door opened, and Ava stepped inside, framed by the golden glow at the entrance. Ava did look absolutely beautiful.
Smiling brightly Sophia rose to greet her: "Ava, sweetheart, welcome home!"
Ava appeared taken aback; her gaze darting from Sophia, back to me, and once more at Sophia.
"It is nice finally getting a chance to get to know you properly. Maximus has told me so much about you.".
"Seriously, Sophia," I tried again this time a little firmer, and again she waved me off.
"I must say, I knew he wouldn't make a mistake in marrying you," Sophia said, continuing to go on and on, as if I had never attempted to interrupt her, the tone of her voice very conspiratorial. "He has always been so particular, you know, but you-oh, you are just perfect for him."
Ava straightened, her wide-eyed gaze.
"Sophia," I said this time louder, "that is enough."
"Oh, hush," she said.
"Sophia, stop!" This time my anger was heard.
The room was silent suddenly. The sudden stillness brought Sophia back to me, her smile all gone. "Maximus…"
"Please," I said quieter. "Just go. I need to handle this."
For a moment, it seemed like she might protest, then her shoulders slumped in defeat and she shook her head. "All right. But don't say I didn't try to help you."
Turning now to Ava, the smile again on her lips, "I'll see you soon my dear, enjoy your honeymoon." And with that, she walked out of the room. Her shoes echoing on the Mable.
The instant she was out of earshot, Ava spun on me. "So this was all your plan, huh?"
I scrunched my brow up in a frown. "What plan?"
"Marrying me, and showing me off like some kind of trophy, and then have your family fawn all over about how perfect I am while you just sit there acting like you're doing me a favor, she spat.
"That is not what is happening," I said firmly.
"Oh, isn't it?" she returned. "Because that sure as hell is how it feels.
I took another step closer,"Ava, I'm trying to rectify this. But for that, I need you to trust me."
She shook her head, and tears threaten to fall. "I don't know anymore what to believe, Maximus."
She went backwards and reeled on her feet, without my having even time to reply to her.
"Ava?" I called out.
"I-I can't feel anything," she stammered out, buckling her legs.
Luckily, I was in time to catch her before she hit the floor.
"Ava!" I screamed in panic, "Ava, wake up!"
Her eyes closed, and her breathing was shallow. I was sure my was heart pounding in my chest as I yelled out for help. Elsie was already dailing for the ambulance.