Ava sat at the edge of the plush bed in the penthouse, her phone pressed tightly to her ear. Her sister Holly’s voice, warm but teasing, crackled on the other end of the line.

“They’re letting me out today,” Holly said, a tinge of relief softening her words.

“Finally!” Ava exclaimed, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. “Are you sure you're okay? Are they rushing this? Should I send Rose to come bring you back home?”

“Ava, I’m fine,” Holly assured her. “I promise. Don’t you have something a little more important to focus on today? Like, I don’t know... your vows?”

Ava groaned, leaning back against the headboard. “Don’t remind me. The words just feel... insufficient. How do I even begin to promise forever again when forever feels—”

“Unreal? Complicated? A hot mess?” Holly teased, cutting her off. “Sis, this isn’t your first rodeo. What is it now, the third time saying ‘I do’? Or is it fourth?”

“Third,” Ava said, rolling her eyes despite herself. “And technically, it’s the same guy this time.”

“Oh, so you’re recycling husbands now?” Holly laughed. “Sustainable and efficient. I respect it.”

Ava couldn’t help but laugh, her nerves loosening just a little. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re overthinking it,” Holly replied. “Look, Ava, you’ve been through hell and back with Orion. If anyone deserves to stand there with you and start fresh, it’s him. You have to give him a fresh chance, Ava. Just say what’s in your heart and stop worrying about everything else. You’re not writing a press release—you’re vowing your life to the man you’re already married to.”

Ava bit her lip, her gaze drifting to the simple white dress hanging by the window. “Thanks, Hol. I needed to hear that.”

“Of course you did. I’m your wiser, cooler sister, remember?”

“Call me if anything comes up,” Ava said softly. “And you better rest when you get home.”

“Deal. Now go get married—for the third time!”

Few minutes later, Ava stood by the window of the penthouse, her hands trembling as she ran her fingers over the smooth fabric of her dress.

It was a simple white dress, chosen for its elegance rather than its grandeur, and yet she had never felt more nervous. Orion walked into the room, his dark suit tailored to perfection, every inch of him radiating confidence.

“You look beautiful,” he said softly, his deep voice wrapping around her like a warm embrace.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” she replied, her lips curving into a small smile. But her voice betrayed her nerves.

Orion stepped closer, taking her hands in his. “Ava, this is just a formality. But I’m grateful for it. Now I have a new opportunity to make this right from the start.”

“I know,” she whispered, her gaze meeting his. “But it still feels… surreal.”

“It’s going to be perfect from now on,” he promised.

---

The garden was bathed in golden sunlight as they stood side by side before the priest. Security had ensured absolute privacy, and only a few close staff members were present to bear witness. The setting was intimate but breathtaking—a secluded oasis of blooming flowers and cascading vines.

Ava’s hands were steady now, clasped tightly in Orion’s as the priest began to speak. Her vows came from the heart, each word spoken with clarity and emotion. Orion’s response was no less moving, his deep voice carrying a promise that seemed to echo through the space around them.

“I, Orion Miller, take you, Ava Miller, as my wife—again,” he said, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Not because I have to, but because I want to. Because I love you more than words can ever express.”

Ava felt her heart felting into the clouds. This felt like the dream vow she has always dreamed of. She didn’t care anymore if it was just for the certificate or to prove a point. The truth is, she loves Orion, always had, and she feels it’s time to embrace that.

When the ceremony ended, the priest handed them the new marriage certificate. Orion held it up like a trophy, his grin wide and boyish.

“It’s official,” he said, turning to Ava.

She laughed, her joy uncontainable as she wrapped her arms around him. “It’s more than official,” she said softly. “Nice to meet you on the altar again, Mr Miller.”

Orion kissed her then, his lips capturing hers in a way that made the world around them fade. Ava hesitated at first, but soon enough, she let her feelings out of the cage and kissed him back with the same longing.

---

Later that evening, the penthouse transformed into a tense battlefield as the board members arrived. They were escorted in by Orion’s security, their expressions as stormy as the situation that had brought them there.

Orion and Ava sat side by side on the expansive couch, their hands clasped tightly together. Ava wore a sleek black dress, her hair pulled back into an elegant chignon. Orion, in a charcoal-gray suit, exuded authority and control.

The meeting began with little preamble.

“Mr. Orion,” one of the members, an older man with a grim expression, wasted no time diving into the issues at hand. “The company is in free fall. Stocks have plummeted, public trust is eroding, and worst of all, the Jamesons have capitalized on our vulnerability. They’ve taken almost every major deal we had in the pipeline. They’re thriving off our losses.”

The mention of the Jamesons made Ava’s jaw tighten.

Another member, a woman with sharp features, leaned forward. “We’ve discussed it, and the general consensus is that Ava should step down as CEO. It’s the only way to salvage what’s left of our reputation.”

Orion’s jaw tightened, and he shot to his feet. “Absolutely not.”

The room went silent as his voice rang out, cold and commanding.

“With all due respect, Mr. Orion,” another member ventured cautiously, “this is a business decision. It’s not personal—”

“It’s very personal,” Orion snapped. “Ava is my wife and the most capable CEO this company has ever had. She will not step down because of baseless accusations and a media circus orchestrated by someone with a vendetta.”

“Mr. Orion, we understand your loyalty to your wife, but this is about the company’s survival—”

“And I will handle it,” Orion interrupted. “In a matter of hours, this entire situation will be resolved. I promise you that.”

The tension was suffocating as Ava finally spoke, her voice measured but firm. “If it’s about the Jamesons, you don’t need to worry,” she said, her gaze cutting through the room. “I have a card to play against them. A strong one.”

The room buzzed with curiosity, but Ava didn’t elaborate. She stood from her seat, her confidence unshakable. “Focus on stabilizing our operations. Leave the rest to my husband and I.”

The members exchanged uncertain glances but didn’t press further. As the meeting continued, Orion turned to Ava, his eyes searching hers. “You sure about this?” he asked.

She nodded, her resolve unwavering. “The Jamesons won’t know what hit them.”

The board members exchanged uneasy glances as they began to murmur within themselves.

Before anyone could oppose or say something else, the door opened, and the head of security entered, his face grave.

“Mr. Miller,” he said, holding up his phone. “You need to see this.”