Ava’s POV

My mind couldn’t wrap around what had just happened. This is not the first time I mentioned divorce. But seeing Orion’s reaction... It was like a punch to the gut.

The sly snake.

Wasn’t that what he and Chloe, and his mother, wanted? To get me off their lives? I had never been under any illusion that our marriage was about love. It was a contract—nothing more. We both wanted the will, the inheritance, but now, I wanted out.

I couldn’t wrap my head around why he was looking at me like I had just stabbed him in the heart. Why was he reacting as though I was betraying him, like everything I said was tearing him apart? The marriage had always been a cover. We both knew it. So why was he acting like he had something real to lose?

Of course he does! He stands to lose the entire fortune if we divorce. But that’s not all that I plan to take from him. I own a major chunk of shares in his company and I’m prepared to make him bleed. He has to pay for putting me in this situation.

I looked at Mason, standing behind me, his presence soothing. He was a steadying force in a way I hadn’t expected. His hand on my shoulder was comforting, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like someone actually cared about me. Not like Orion, who made it clear years ago that he never did.

“Did I really send him my live location?” The question lingered in my mind, Orion’s words still ringing in my ears. I couldn’t remember doing it, but I wouldn’t put it past him to be manipulating me in some way.

Maybe he had set it all up. He probably found out when the kidnappers discovered I’d reached out to someone. Could it be that they told him and he rushed to the scene to avoid being suspicious? It was the only explanation that made sense.

I clenched my fists, fury bubbling up inside me. The bastard had made everything seem real—pretending to care when all he ever wanted was to cover up his crimes. His sincerity had been a lie.

The only reason he didn’t want the divorce was because he knew it would cost him everything—his claim to the will and his father’s property.

Let him lose it all, I thought, my resolve hardening. Let him bleed for what he’d put me through. I wasn’t just going to walk away. I was going to make him feel the consequences of abandoning me, of faking his death, of flaunting Chloe in my face, of disrespecting me for all those years.

“What are you thinking about?” Mason’s voice broke through my thoughts, his concern clear in his eyes.

I took a deep breath and looked up at him. “I’m thinking about the divorce. I need to get it done, and fast. Can you help me?”

He didn’t hesitate for a second. “I know a great divorce lawyer. We’ll get it drafted, no problem.”

I wasn’t sure why I asked Mason for help. It wasn’t like we were close, but something about his presence felt... right. He seemed like someone I could rely on—someone who actually showed up when it mattered. Someone who cared. Unlike Orion.

“So you will help me?” I whispered.

Mason’s smile was soft, but there was a warmth in it that I wasn’t used to receiving from anyone. I’ll take care of it. You just focus on getting better.”

I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry,” I murmured, looking down at my hands. “I know since we met, you’ve been playing the knight in shining armor. And I haven’t been able to repay you for that.”

Mason let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Get better first, and then you’ll figure out how I want you to pay me back. I’ve got the perfect idea.”

I raised an eyebrow, confused. “What do you mean?”

He smirked, the expression sly and teasing. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

The next few days in the hospital were a blur. Time seemed to pass in a haze of sterile sheets and quiet nurses’ voices. I never saw Orion again, but I could almost feel his presence in the room—like he was there, lurking in the corner, watching me at night.

But that didn’t make sense. He’s probably back at the mansion, fucking Chloe every night.

Three days later, I was discharged. Rose showed up with a warm smile, holding a bag of clothes for me to change into. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I looked better and healthier than I felt.

“I want to go see Holly,” I said to Rose, pulling on my jacket.

“Yes, she’s been asking about you. I told her you were out of town for a meeting,” Rose replied, her voice soft.

Together, we went to Holly’s room, and as soon as the door opened, she rushed into my arms, holding me tightly. I couldn’t help but feel my heart swell with love for my sister. She had been through so much. We both had.

Holly smiled up at me excitedly. “The doctor said my final treatment is scheduled for next week. After that, I’ll be free, Ava.”

I felt a tear slip down my cheek as my chest tightened. “I’m so happy for you, Hols,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “You deserve it. You’ll get to go to college, make new friends, meet boys. I can’t wait to see it.”

Holly flushed a deep red, her smile bright. “Stop it, Ava. I’m not ready for boys yet.”

I smiled softly. “Yes, you are. I’m so proud of you.”

After a while, we said our goodbyes, and Rose and I left the room. When we reached the elevator, Joe was waiting to take me home.

I gave Rose some instructions and to schedule meetings for tomorrow before hopping into the car.

On the ride home, I rolled down the window, letting the cool evening air wash over me. For a brief moment, I almost felt free. But then something hit me. I turned to Joe, my mind racing.

“Did you change the location of the CCTV cameras?” I asked, my voice sharp.

Joe nodded. “Yeah, I did it while Mr. Miller was gone. Made sure everything was secure. There was a man who came around. I don’t know who he was, but he shows up whenever Mr. Miller’s out. I think he’s been coming to see Ms. Chloe.”

An unknown man coming to see Chloe? What is she plotting now? Was Orion involved in it too? If he hadn’t been home, had he been sneaking into my hospital room? The thought made my skin crawl.

We arrived at the mansion, and I could feel my pulse quicken. The house felt emptier than ever. I climbed the stairs to my room, but before I could even take a breath, Maria passed me carrying my things.

“Where are you going?” I asked, my voice colder than I intended.

Maria faltered, clearly uncomfortable. “To your room... Mr. Miller took your things to the west wing.”

The west wing. My fists clenched in anger. I didn’t say another word as I stormed down towards my room. When I threw open the door, I froze.

What was I expecting anyway?