Orion's POV

The sun cast a thin line of light across the edge of the drapes, marking the boundary between night’s chaos and morning’s quiet.

Last night was beyond hellish. My head still throbbed from her screams and the countless times she pulled my hair.

I wasted no time. As soon as Ava’s breathing evened out and her grip loosened enough, I slipped from her grasp, barely catching my own breath.

It took every ounce of strength not to bolt from the room. I moved silently, with measured steps, ensuring each creak of the floorboards was muffled beneath my weight.

She stirred while I was half-way out of the room and I froze. Who knows the drama that will come next if she sees me sneaking out? I steadied my breath and continued moving towards the door, every fiber of my body screaming at me to leave the room.

The hall felt like a sanctuary. The weight pressing on my chest lessened with each step. By the time I reached my own room, a wave of relief crashed over me. Chloe lay sprawled on the bed, her hair a tangled mess around her serene face.

She looked peaceful—untainted by the darkness and nightmare I’d just escaped.

Sliding beneath the sheets after pulling my trouser, I curled around her warmth, desperate for the comfort she provided. She stirred, groggy, and turned toward me, her hand instinctively reaching for mine.

"Rough night?" she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

"That’s an understatement." I exhaled, closing my eyes. "She’s spiraling faster than I imagined. It’s... unsettling."

Chloe propped herself up on one elbow, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What happened?"

I told her everything—every twisted moment, every chilling whisper, every desperate grasp from Ava that left marks both visible and invisible. I shivered at the memory. It felt as though I was reliving last night by just talking about it.

Chloe’s eyes darkened with something I couldn’t place. Satisfaction, perhaps? Or was it excitement? Either way, she listened intently, her grip on my hand tightening with each revelation.

"This is better than we expected! Who knew it could only take one week to break her? We would have started a long time ago if we thought this through. Your mother will be so pleased,” she whispered, her voice smooth.

I nodded, feeling the weight of it all settling over me again. "I know. Right now... she’s exactly where we want her and in no time, she will be gone for good.”

“And then I get to be by your side, where I truly belong, right?” She whispered.

“Right.”

Together, we showered, scrubbing away the remnants of the night like it could be washed down the drain.

The hot water stung against the marks Ava’s nails left, but I relished the pain—it was a reminder that I would soon be free of her.

The smell of fresh coffee drifted up the staircase as we made our way downstairs, hand in hand. I felt almost normal, like I’d left last night’s madness behind.

But when we reached the dining room, the illusion shattered.

There, sitting at the head of the table with an air of grace and poise, was Ava.

She was radiant, dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her figure, her makeup flawless, her hair a cascade of perfect curls. She didn’t look broken. She didn’t look like the woman I’d just left crumbling in a dark room.

She looked... powerful.

Chloe and I exchanged a glance. I felt the tension in her grip, and I knew she was thinking the same thing: ‘What the hell was going on?’

Ava lifted her gaze to us, a smile playing on her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Good morning," she said, her voice as smooth as silk.

"Ava," I said, fighting to keep my voice even. "You’re... up early."

She tilted her head slightly, as though considering my words. "Why wouldn’t I be? It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?"

Chloe stepped forward, her voice sharp. "You seem... well."

"Do I?" Ava's smile widened, revealing a hint of teeth. "Funny. I feel... exquisite."

The air crackled with tension. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with a casual elegance that belied the madness I’d seen mere hours ago. "You two seem surprised," she continued, her gaze flicking between us. "Did you think I’d fall apart? That I’d lost my mind?" Her voice dropped, a dangerous edge creeping in. "You underestimate me."

I swallowed, forcing myself to hold her gaze. "Ava, last night—"

"Last night is none of your concern," she cut in, her eyes flashing. "I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I’ve never been better."

Chloe stepped forward, her composure cracking. "What are you playing at?"

Ava leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. "You know," she said softly, "it’s funny how people reveal themselves when they think you’re weak. But here’s the thing—I’m not weak. And I’m done playing games."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken threats. My heart pounded in my chest. She was supposed to be broken. She was supposed to be spiraling out of control. Instead, she was here, staring us down with a confidence that made my blood run cold.

“I actually made up my mind to play along though, but on second thought…nah. It's too childish,” she said with a mock laugh.

“What are you yapping about,” I growled, trying to steady my composure. She couldn't have found out, right?

“I'll say this once, Orion. I already spoke to my lawyer. If anything were to happen to me, the entire fortune should be given to charity,” she declared with a smirk playing on her lips.

I let out a confident chuckle and moved closer to her. “You don't have the right to do that.”

She smiled sweetly, ignoring my outburst. "Enjoy your breakfast," Ava said, standing with an elegance that made it impossible to look away. "It’s a beautiful day, after all."

With that, she walked past us, leaving the scent of her perfume lingering in the air. I could feel Chloe trembling beside me. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The game had just changed.