Orion’s POV

The morning sun filtered into the room in a soft golden haze, its warmth teasing me awake. For a moment, I forgot where I was—until I felt her. Ava. Her small hand was draped across my chest, as though in sleep, she sought the same comfort I did.

I froze, barely breathing, afraid of disturbing her. My gaze drifted to her face—serene, delicate, so painfully beautiful it made my chest ache. A stray strand of her auburn hair brushed against her cheek, and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.

Everything about her ignited something raw inside me.

Last night… God help me. What started as a need to keep her here—to stop her from slipping through my fingers again—had turned into something much darker. I’d lost control. My need for her, my hunger, had overtaken my reasoning.

What if I scared her away? What if she looked at me now and saw nothing but a monster?

The thought clawed at me, sharp and relentless. I’d gone too far, and yet, the feel of her against me—her body moving with mine, giving in despite the fight—was burned into me.

I let my eyes roam back to her face, her lips slightly parted as she slept. It hit me like a punch to the gut. I love her. I love Ava.

When did it happen? How did it happen? I have no idea. But I knew, with every fiber of my being, that I couldn’t live without her. Not anymore. I wanted her to claim me—openly, wholly—as hers.

But she wouldn’t. She hated me. Loathed me, even.

She stirred then, mumbling something incoherent before shifting away slightly. A sudden panic gripped me. Every inch of distance between us sucked the air out of my lungs, and I instinctively pulled her back, holding her close.

Ava’s eyes fluttered open, hazel and wary, the serenity of sleep quickly vanishing. And then, just like that, she jolted upright, dragging me with her because of the cuffs. She winced, her free hand gripping her wrist.

I hated seeing her in pain. Hated it. But I couldn’t—wouldn’t—let her go. Not now. Not ever.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, the words spilling from me like a prayer. “I’m sorry.”

Her gaze was cold, detached, as she clutched her wrists protectively. “If you’re sorry, then let me go,” she said flatly, each word like a dagger to my chest.

I shook my head, my voice soft but resolute. “I can’t do that, Ava. You’ll leave.”

Ava sighed, pushing her hair away as though my words were exhausting her. “I have a meeting today, Orion. How do you expect me to function when I’m shackled to you?”

I shrugged, a soft smile playing on my lips despite myself. “Guess what God has joined together, let no man put asunder?”

She glared, unamused. “Get this thing off of me, Orion,” she said coldly.

I met her glare with a firm shake of my head. “Nah. Not risking it, Mrs. Miller.”

Something flickered in her expression then. Softness. Just for a moment, as though the name stirred something in her. Did she… like that? Mrs. Miller. I tucked that knowledge away like a prize.

“How do we shower?” she asked finally, resignation lacing her tone.

My eyes darkened instinctively as I let them roam over her. I remembered the feel of her body against mine, the way she’d melted in my arms. My dick ached at the memory, heat swirling low in my gut.

She followed my gaze and smacked my arm, pulling me back to reality. Somehow, we managed the impossible—showering. Every moment of it was a lesson in restraint, but Ava was furious by the time we were done.

---

Downstairs, the house buzzed with quiet energy as we emerged from the wing. Breakfast had been tense, Ava silent and seething, while I couldn’t help but feel victorious in her presence. The maids cast subtle glances our way, their whispers just loud enough to reach my ears.

“They’re cuffed together…?” “Never thought I’d see Mr. Miller act like this.”

I ignored them, focusing on Ava’s stiff posture as she adjusted the shawl around her wrist, subtly hiding the cuffs. She was embarrassed. Ashamed. And that stung.

We made it to the entrance, and that’s when we ran into Chloe.

Chloe’s eyes widened, her confusion quickly giving way to anger as she took us in—the cuffs, Ava’s curt expression, and my all-too-casual demeanor.

“What is going on, Orion?” Chloe demanded, her voice tight. “Why are you two leaving for work… together… like this? What did she do to you?”

Ava shifted uncomfortably, clutching the shawl tighter, but I stood tall. Proud, even. Chloe’s eyes darted between us, searching for answers I couldn’t give her.

“It’s complicated,” I said finally, my voice calm but edged with guilt. “But, this is exactly what it looks like, Chloe.”

Her gaze hardened, hurt flashing in her eyes. Chloe had saved me twice—years ago when I was almost killed. I owed her more than I could ever repay. And yet, here I was, betraying her.

But I couldn’t regret it. Not when Ava was beside me.

“Come on,” I murmured to Ava, ignoring Chloe’s piercing glare. I guided her toward the car, opening the door for her.

“Orion,” Chloe called after me, her voice trembling. “What do you think you’re doing?”

I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t. Instead, I climbed into the car beside Ava and the driver started the engine without another word.

---

The ride to work was heavy with silence. Ava stared out the window, her expression unreadable, while I kept my hands on her thighs possessively, stealing glances at her every chance I got.

She was close. Too close. The faint scent of her perfume filled the car, driving me insane.

“I’ll get the cuffs removed once you promise me that you won’t mention divorce ever again,” I said finally, breaking the silence.

Ava turned to me, her brow arching skeptically. “Sure. I believe you.”

I sighed, gripping her thighs tighter. She winced and looked up at me, desire flashing in her eyes. I love that she couldn’t resist me. At least, I can work something out of that.

“Don’t,” she whispered, taking a deep breath.

The rest of the ride passed in tense quiet, and as we pulled into the parking lot, my stomach twisted. I didn’t know how to fix this—how to make her see that she was mine. That I was hers.

But whatever I planned to say evaporated the moment we stepped out of the car.

Mason stood there, waiting. A bundle of bright yellow daffodils in his arms.

His smile faltered as his eyes fell on Ava. On me. On the chain linking us together.

The world stilled.

Ava froze beside me, her face paling as she took in the flowers, Mason’s expression turning to stone.

And just like that, the weight of the moment came crashing down on all of us.