The atmosphere was electric as Orion and Ava gathered around the guard’s phone. What they saw left them speechless.

The first video featured one of their top clients, Mr Connor, addressing the camera directly. “Ava Miller is one of the most ethical and hardworking people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She doesn’t deserve this baseless slander.”

The next clip was from a woman who ran a tech startup. “I’ve worked with Ava for years, and she’s never mixed business with personal matters. She’s an incredible leader and an even better person.”

Client after client echoed the same sentiment.

Ava’s throat tightened with emotion. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

Her phone buzzed in her hand, and she answered it quickly. “Connor?”

Connor’s warm chuckle came through the line. “Hello, Ava.”

“You had something to do with this, didn’t you?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief.

“I may have given them a little push,” Connor admitted. “You don’t deserve any of this, Ava. I’m just trying to support you however I can.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, her eyes glistening with tears.

Ava stood motionless after the call ended, staring at her phone with an uneasy mix of emotions.

She hadn’t thought of Connor in months, and the realization struck her like a lightning bolt. He had been one of the best clients she had ever had to deal with, and she was grateful that after all these times, he would do this for her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft chime of her phone. She glanced at the screen: Mason Calling.

Ava hesitated, her thumb hovering over the accept button.

Before she could move away to answer, Orion leaned in, his sharp features softened by a knowing smile. His presence filled the room, commanding yet comforting.

“Who’s calling?” he asked, tilting his head.

“It’s Mason,” Ava replied, starting to rise. “I should take this somewhere private.”

Orion’s hand shot out, wrapping gently around her wrist. “No secrets, Ava,” he said firmly, his voice low and resolute. “This is a fresh start for us. Answer it here—with me.”

Her heart skipped a beat. There was no escaping it now. She swiped to answer, her voice faltering slightly. “Mason.”

“Hey, Ava,” Mason said, his tone warm but tinged with concern. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine,” Ava replied, her voice steadying as she glanced at Orion. “I’m sorry I haven’t called. Things have been… complicated.”

“I figured,” Mason said gently. “I just wanted to check in. Are you safe? Do you need anything?”

Ava’s throat tightened. She felt as though she was betraying Mason after making promises that she would never go back to Orion.

Mason’s unwavering support tugged at her, reminding her of several promises she’d made to herself. “I’m safe, Mason. And… Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Good. That’s what matters,” Mason said. Then, after a pause, he added, “I saw the news. The press conference tomorrow—are you ready?”

“We’re as ready as we can be,” Ava replied, forcing a smile. “It’s going to be… interesting. But I’ll get through it.”

“I’ll be there,” Mason said, his voice steady. “You won’t have to face it alone.”

“Thank you,” Ava whispered. “That means a lot.”

They exchanged goodbyes, and the call ended. Ava set her phone down, avoiding Orion’s gaze.

“Supportive,” Orion said, his tone mocking.

Ava felt her cheeks flush. “He’s been a good friend. Maybe more,” she said quietly. “That’s all.”

Orion stepped closer, tipping her chin up to meet his eyes. “I trust you, Ava. But no more holding back. We’re in this together.”

Later That Night

Ava lingered near the bed, her nerves tingling. The day’s events had drained her, but the intimacy of the moment ahead felt even more daunting. She glanced at the massive bed, its crisp white sheets and plush pillows inviting yet intimidating.

“Are we… sharing the bed tonight?” she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Orion’s lips curled into a slow, seductive smile. “Ava, this is literally our wedding night. It’s supposed to be wild.”

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Snap out of it, Orion. We need to focus on what we’re going to say at the press conference tomorrow.”

Orion chuckled, shaking his head. “Fine. Work before play, Mrs. Miller.”

They settled onto the bed, papers and notes spread between them as they strategized.

“The affair rumors are easy to tackle,” Ava said. “We will state the facts and challenge whoever is behind the scandal publicly, we will dare them to mention the names of the so-called clients involved.”

“And the hotel scandal?” Orion asked, raising an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

Ava hesitated. “We tell the truth, again. That it was you and I. There’s nothing salacious about it. We can even add that they request footage from the hotel to confirm.”

Orion smirked. “Salacious? Maybe we should lean into that narrative.”

Ava shot him a warning look, and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

Then came the hardest part.

“Orion,” Ava began carefully, “what about your mother’s claims about me?”

Orion’s jaw tightened, his humor evaporating. “We’ll address it head-on. She’s unwell, Ava. We will say that Chloe used her condition to twist the truth. I’ll make sure the world believes that.”

The weight of his words pressed against her chest, but she nodded, a shiver running down her spine.

Orion’s eyes darkened as he noticed her trembling and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her tightly. “We’ll deal with everything before you know it. Let’s get through tomorrow first.”

---

The next morning, the press conference was held in a grand hall, its opulent chandeliers casting a golden glow over the space. The Miller family’s insignia adorned the backdrop, a symbol of strength and resilience.

Ava and Orion arrived hand in hand, their outfits carefully chosen to convey both elegance and unity. Ava wore a striking red dress, its tailored design hugging her figure and exuding confidence. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was understated yet flawless.

Orion, in a deep navy suit with a crimson tie, looked every bit the powerful CEO. His hand never left Ava’s as they walked to the podium, their connection unshakable.

The room was packed with reporters, their cameras flashing as the couple took their places. Orion stepped forward first, his voice calm but firm.

“Good morning,” he began. “We’re here to address the recent allegations and the scandal that has caused so much turmoil—not just for my wife and me, but for our company and everyone associated with it.”

He glanced at Ava, who nodded encouragingly.

“This entire situation, I must say, is my fault,” he continued, his tone filled with remorse.

Ava’s eyes widened, and she leaned closer, whispering urgently, “This wasn’t what we discussed. Don’t say that.”

But Orion pressed on. “It’s my fault that my wife is being humiliated and dragged through the mud. I had an affair, and my former mistress has since attempted to destroy our marriage and my wife’s reputation.”

The room erupted in murmurs and camera clicks.

“As for the so-called hotel scandal,” Orion said with a wry smile, “that was me. My wife and I had a romantic evening, and if you need proof, I encourage you to check the hotel footage.”

One reporter stood up. “What about the legality of your marriage?”

Orion reached into his jacket and pulled out the marriage certificate, holding it up for all to see. “I am married to Ava Miller,” he declared proudly.

Ava stood beside him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. ‘He’s really proving himself to me,’ she thought, her heart swelling with admiration.

Another reporter rose. “What about the interview with your mother claiming Ava is a homewrecker and a murderer?”

Orion paused, his expression somber. “My mother suffers from a medical condition that affects her memory and judgment. We’ve kept it a secret for the longest time because we wanted to protect her privacy at all cost. Chloe took advantage of her vulnerability to spread lies. My mother is unwell, and she’s now receiving the care she needs.”

The room seemed to hold its breath. Then a voice rang out from the back.

“But Mrs. Ava Miller here did marry your father… how do you explain that?”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Ava and Orion as the weight of the question hung in the air.