Ava's POVThe café was bustling with the usual lunchtime crowd, but I managed to find a table for two near the window. Melody arrived a few minutes later, her arms laden with shopping bags."Oh I see that you've been busy," I said with a laugh, as she set her bags down and took a seat."You have no idea," she said, shaking her head, "But enough about me, I didn't come here to talk about me.""Mel relax, you just got here and you …," "How's everything going with Tom?" she interrupted, a curious gleam in her eye.I paused for a moment, wondering how much to share. And finally, I decided to tell her the truth, but not the whole truth, "We're doing great," I began, and then I made up a story about how we met and why we had decided to keep our relationship a secret. I knew it was a little bit of a stretch, but Melody seemed to buy it – thank goodness!!"Wow, what a romantic story!" Mel said, her eyes shining. "I'm so happy for you, best friend.""Well thank you," I replied with a smile, "
Ethan's POVAs Tom's driver drove me home, I pulled out my phone and dialed my mom's number. She picked up on the second ring."Ethan!" she said, her voice bright and cheery, "How are you doing?"I took a deep breath, "I'm doing okay, Mom," I said as I gazed outside the car window, "You won't believe what happened today."A pause followed, and I could practically feel her curiosity piquing on the other end of the line.I took a deep breath, my fingers tapping against the car window, "I went to see Tom in his office today and to my surprise, he agreed to see me," I continued, excitedly."That's amazing," Maggie exclaimed, "But I hope you told him about all we talked about?"A chuckle escaped my lips as I recalled the conservation with Tom about Ava, "Well, I did and he said he was going to deal with Ava. Promised to teach her a lesson she won't forget."Maggie's gasp was audible, and I could picture her wide eyes and raised eyebrows, "Ethan! I'm so happy and proud of you, our revenge p
Ethan's POVAs I drove Maggie home, my anger was palpable. How could Tom betray me like that?!The tension in the car was almost suffocating, and I could feel my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles were white. I couldn't stay silent any longer, I had to say something. I had to voice out my feelings before my heart burst with rage."We need to do something about Ava," I blurted, my voice trembling with rage, "She needs to be taken down a peg or two."Maggie was quiet for a moment before she spoke. "I know just what to do," she responded, anger evident in her voice, "Let's spread a vicious rumour about her.""What rumour?" I asked and took my eyes off the road for a split second to look at her."We'll post it on social media," Maggie continued, her voice suddenly full of excitement, "Something that will really ruin her reputation. Something that will make everyone see her for the horrible person she really is."I was somewhat skeptical about her suggestion, "A
Ava's POV"Time to face the day," I muttered to myself as soon as my call with Melody ended.I didn't want to go anywhere seeing how the rumours were spreading but I had work to do. So with my racing heart, I made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day.In haste, I had my bath and after that, I rummaged through my closet, searching for an outfit that would look elegant but simple.And after about thirty minutes of rummaging, I settled for a simple yet elegant dress – a navy blue dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. Then I slipped on a pair of nude heels, completing the look.No matter what I was going through, I had to look good, to hell with the crazy rumours!!I forced myself to take a deep breath as I stared at my reflection in the mirror – I looked tired.Although my mind was still racing with thoughts of the blog posts and the damage they had done, I had to face the day with grace and composure, even though I was feeling anything but that.Nervously I gra
Tom's POV"A gala?" Ava asked and from her tone, I could tell that she wasn't happy with my question."I know this isn't the best time to bring it up but …" I started to say."I'm not going anywhere," Ava interrupted as she stood up, glaring at me.I sighed, "Listen Ava," I began but she was already shaking her head in disapproval, "Ava," I called out softly and she raised her eyes to look at me."You can see what's going on Tom, the rumours, the press, everything," she explained, "Going to a gala isn't what I need to do right now.""You're getting it all wrong Ava," I corrected and she glared at me, "Listen, going to this gala with me will prove to everyone that we are still together and that the rumours are all lies," I explained and Ava seemed to think of what I just said."Think about it," I continued, I was about convincing her so I had to keep going, "If I were to go to the gala without you everyone would conclude that the rumours are indeed true.""Hmmm …you do have a point," s
Ava's POV"Excuse me for a moment," Tom leaned in and whispered to me as he noticed a tall-looking man in front beckoning unto him, "I'll be back before you know it.""Yeah, sure," I muttered, looking around the hall, "Take your time," but I didn't want him to take his time. I wanted him by my side till we got out of here. The reporters still had their eyes on me. It was like they were waiting for the perfect time to pounce on me."Assholes," I grumbled and rolled my eyes.Slowly, I walked towards the bar to get myself a drink. But as I approached the bar, I sighted a group of ladies just in front of me, and I noticed that they all had their eyes on me.They were all staring at me with disgust, but I didn't mind them. Instead, I turned my gaze the other way. I wasn't in the mood for drama.I took a seat by the bar and requested a shot of tequila. I wasn't trying to get drunk; I was just feeling tense, and I needed something to ease up the tension a bit.After a while, I was served, an
Ethan's POVAn hour had passed, and still, Tom hadn't done anything to humiliate Ava. Instead, they were both holding each other's hands and laughing at each other's jokes like newlyweds.It was so annoying to watch, I must confess.After doing some thinking, I decided to take matters into my own hands; I was going to humiliate Ava my way.I adjusted my tie as I approached a group of reporters whispering and pointing at Ava. I could see the glint in her eyes as she laughed at Tom's joke, which fueled me to do what I had in mind. As I reached the group of reporters, I cleared my throat and shouted, "Did you know that Ava used to be a ….?"The words hung in the air, and the room went silent. I was loud enough so practically everyone heard me, and they all turned to look at Ava, who stood frozen in shock.I felt a surge of satisfaction as I saw the panic on her face; the laughter on her face had immediately disappeared.Ava opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She looked a
Ethan's POV"Assholes! I will sue you!!" I yelled, "Let me go! Let me go!" I shouted continuously as I was being dragged out of the hall by the security. I didn't deserve to be dragged out like that, like some common criminal.I was beyond furious; the whole thing was shocking. I couldn't believe that Tom dared to humiliate me like that, in front of everyone, in front of the press. My pride was in tatters.As I got into my car, I was seething with anger. I didn't start the engine immediately; instead, I sat behind the wheel, my fists clenching around the steering wheel as I replayed the humiliating scene in my head over and over again. Shit! I felt humiliated!!Suddenly, my phone started to ring in my pocket. I ignored it at first, still fuming with anger, but after a moment, I gave in and checked the screen. When I saw the name on the screen, my blood ran cold; it was one of my investors.I answered the call, my jaw clenched."Ethan, we're sorry to say this, but we are pulling out o