Silver moonlight slipped through the curtains of Ava's guest room, illuminating the faint gold hues in her hair.
She lay awake, mind racing, the events of the night haunted her: Damian's confession, Mia's plea, and the ominous envelope at the door. She felt alive in a way she hadn't for years — yet a deep undercurrent of fear pulled at her heart.
Somewhere behind her, paces echoed in the hall — Damian, unable to sleep. The bed shifted as he slipped inside, drawing her into his arms. Heat seeped up her spine, pulse quickening.
"You weren't dreaming," he whispered into her hair.
Her breath hitched. His body warmed hers. "I heard you, saying—you know."
He kissed her temple. "I meant every word."
Ava exhaled shakily. "You love me."
He pulled back slightly, gaze solemn. "I do. More than anything. And I'll say it again and again until you believe it."
She blinked. "I believe you," she replied softly.
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Then let me protect you. Let me stand between you and everything that hurts."
Tears rose. She willed her voice steady. "I don't have to be strong. Because I'm not alone."
He held her tighter. "Never alone."
When dawn tinted the sky, Ava accompanied Damian to breakfast in the sunroom. The storm had passed; garden blossoms glistened with dew, and birds chirped uncertainly.
Over fruit and herbal tea, they spoke of logistics — the meeting Mario demanded at midnight, the envelope's contents, Mia's fragile presence.
Damian reached across the table and squeezed Ava's hand. "We'll face it together."
She nodded, feeling tremors of fear and anticipation. "Together."
At Day's End — Pledges and PlansIn Damian's oak-paneled office, the three of them gathered — Damian, Ava, and Conrad.
Burning logs lent the room a smoky warmth.
Conrad outlined security: bodyguards at every entrance, tail surveillance on his men, a discreet alarm network. Damian absorbed it all, hand sliding lightly over Ava's fingers.
"Do you trust me?"
Her eyes locked on his. "With my life."
Conrad nodded. "You two are locked in. No surprises."
Ava felt the power and comfort of unity — but shadowed by Mario's reach.
Damian personally chose Ava's evening attire: a sleek black sheath gown that whispered elegance and quiet authority. He clipped a small diamond brooch at her neckline.
"You'll need this," he murmured.
Ava caught breath. "To stand my ground?"
He nodded, brushing lips to her cheek. "To shine."
At 11:45 PM, the estate's intercom buzzed. Damian opened the secure gate, letting Mario's fixer enter. The man bowed, handing the envelope over. Damian's expression was unreadable; Ava's heart pounded.
The Envelope's Secret:Damian ripped it open. Inside: a folded letter and a USB drive. He scanned the letter's first lines — a plea for custody.
Mario was proposing private meetings, legal conciliation, offering to sign on condition the public spectacle ended. It was bait.
Damian handed the drive to Conrad. "Scan it." The security head nodded, slipping it into his jacket.
Ava leaned forward. "Are we supposed to agree?"
Damian met her eyes. "He's setting a trap."
Ava's breath caught. "A trap?"
Conrad returned. "The drive contains surveillance footage — photos of you and Damian with Mia, evidence he helped Mia publish her bridesmaid pics ahead of time."
His voice dipped: "He's planning to sue for parental negligence or worse — abduction."
Damian leaned in, voice low. "He's desperate."
Confrontation:At midnight, Mario drew near "private grounds." Damian opened the door, cool menace radiating from him.
Mario's face was tired, desperate. "I want a clean separation," he said. "No lawsuit. No scandal. Your men… let me talk to her."
Damian's eyes narrowed. "No."
Mario lifted his chin. "You have the evidence — but you're not invincible."
Damian stepped forward, voice cold. "I am, when protecting my wife." His chest filled with steel.
Mario inhaled, chest burning. "You're a fool."
Damian shook his head. "I'm in love."
Mario's face twisted. "This isn't over."
Damian closed the door smoothly. "Goodnight, Mario."
Damian rejoined Ava. "Are you well?"
Ava clutched his arm. "I am — because you are."
He pulled her close. "Let me take care of the rest." His hand brushed down her cheek.
Before dawn, they snapped together — quiet laughter, shared silk-propped pillows, soft kisses. For a moment, everything else fell away.
People drifted back to sleep — their respite fierce and fleeting.
Jusst before light leaked through curtains, Conrad interrupted, urgent.
"Sir — we got movement from Mario's tech. He's uploading something to the drive he left. Timestamp says… in the room you met him."
Damian's jaw set. "In my office?"
Conrad nodded.
Ava clutched his hand. "Let me see."
Damian took the drive. "We meet him here tomorrow. Full truth. No lies."
Thunder rolled outside. Dawn flickered — a promise and threat.