Justin’s POVApples, that was what she tasted like. While apples weren’t particularly a fruit I disliked, I didn’t like them either. But in that moment, they quickly became my new favorite fruit. I'd been dreaming of the day I’d finally get to kiss Ayva since I was eighteen, but nothing could have prepared me for how soft her lips were. It was like velvet against mine, like clouds, and my chest tightened as I remembered the day I caught Jace and her kissing. Suddenly, I wanted to storm over to my so-called best friend and rearrange his face.But when our tongues danced together and she let out a little whimper, all those thoughts melted away. I breathed her in, her scent intoxicating every sense of my body. I couldn't help but wonder why it took me so damn long to kiss her. My chest swelled with intense emotion like it was about to burst."I love you." I wanted to say those words, but pulling my lips away from hers was out of the question. I couldn't waste a single second away from he
Ayva’s POVI stood frozen amidst the chaos, my mind spinning with confusion and disbelief. The once joyous atmosphere of the wedding had transformed into a scene of turmoil and despair. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, creating a clamor of uncertainty.My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to make sense of what was happening. Zion was dead? How could Justin have killed Zion? And for what reason? Why did the police believe he was responsible?No matter how I thought about it, it just didn't add up. It made no sense that Justin would commit such a crime. So many questions swirled in my mind all at once.I watched as the police officers moved with swift precision, their eyes focused and determined. They surrounded Justin, their gazes filled with suspicion and accusation. My eyes locked with Justin's, searching for any sign of innocence or guilt. But his expression remained blank, his eyes unreadable.Then, Justin's dad, Frederick, stepped forward, shielding him. "Hold on," his voic
Justin's POV"Can I have a minute alone with my son, detectives?" Frederick's voice held an eerie calmness, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. The detectives nodded and, accompanied by Carter, my attorney, they exited the room. As soon as the door slammed shut, I felt a violent force yank me up by the front of my shirt, crashing me against the wall. My father's grip was so tight around my neck that it felt like my breath was being squeezed out of me. He pulled me back, only to slam me against the wall again."Listen to me, boy! Cut the crap and start talking now!" His words spat out with anger, his eyes glaring at me fiercely. My face turned red from the lack of oxygen, and just when I thought I couldn't bear it any longer, he released his grip, causing me to cough and gasp for air. "The officers will be back soon, and if you don't start speaking, if you don't tell them you didn't do it... trust me, you won't want to find out what I'll do." With those final words
Justin’s POV"Well, well, if it ain't the pretty boy of the Mount's household," Jake Montana sneered, a sly smirk playing on the corner of his lips. Despite the anger brewing inside me, I managed to keep my composure. It was just Jake, after all, and his disdainful comments had become a familiar part of my life. Jake Montana had always harbored a deep hatred for me, for as long as I could remember. I believed his animosity stemmed from the stark contrast between our backgrounds. While I came from a prominent family, he had only his hardworking single mother, who dedicated her life to Mounts Hotels, the very company I used to lead. I think his hatred intensified the day my father, had the police arrest Jake during our high school days. I was just a freshman at the time, and he was a junior. He had relentlessly bullied me, even orchestrating attacks with his friends that left me with swollen eyes. One would think that after being apprehended by my father, he would have left me alone.
Ayva’s POV“What are you doing?” I asked Justin in a hushed whisper, glancing over my shoulder to make sure we weren't being watched.“Don't worry, everyone's gone for lunch. I sent them away using my card," he explained, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. I had been on the way to lunch myself when out of nowhere, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into a secluded corner.“What’s funny?” I frowned, giving him a skeptical look.He shrugged, nonchalantly tucking his hands into his pockets.“Your desperate attempts to make sure no one sees us together.” Ever since Justin started working at Fred Camera Inc. a week ago, I had been avoiding him like the plague. I didn't want anyone to think that I got the job because of his influence. People were already getting suspicious, especially since he had fired three individuals who had crossed paths with me in some way, no matter how small the issue. And it didn't stop there. He would often call me over to his office, but I never answered, leaving my
Ayva’s POVI woke up to find myself bound to a chair on the rooftop of a building. The cold night air was biting at my skin, and panic surged through my veins as I struggled against the tight ropes restraining me. I was scared and confused, wondering who was responsible and why I was there.Frantically, I glanced around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Although the place didn't seem familiar, I could tell I was still in New York. Long shadows moved across the rooftop, adding to the eerie atmosphere. But there was no sign of my captor, no indication of where exactly I was. I also realized that my purse and phone were missing."Is anyone there?" I yelled, my voice filled with fear. "Someone, please help!" My sense of dread heightened with each passing moment.I wriggled in the chair, desperately trying to escape the tight ropes that were digging into my skin. I needed to free myself before my captor returned and carried out whatever twisted plans they had in store for me.As I
Ayva’s POVMy heart pounded in my chest as I cautiously approached the edge of the rooftop. With trembling hands, I gripped the railing tightly, my knuckles turning white with fear. I peered over the edge, my eyes scanning the scene below, desperately searching for any signs of life.But my worst fears were realized. Clarkson's body lay motionless on the ground, his limbs twisted at unnatural angles, and a pool of blood spreading beneath him. The sight was horrifying, and a wave of nausea washed over me, my stomach churning with disbelief and horror."No," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding in my ears. "This can't be happening."Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy before me. My mind was in a state of shock, unable to process the reality of what had just occurred.For a moment, I stood frozen, unable to tear my gaze away from the gruesome scene below.Then, Jake's words cut through the silence, sending a shiver down m
Justin’s POV“Hello,” Jace's voice broke through the phone, sounding a bit groggy as if he had just woken up. I could feel the panic building up inside me as I asked, “Jace, is Ayva with you? I can't find her anywhere!” My breath was heavy, and my heart raced with worry.I had been halfway home when I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to give Ayva the painting I had bought for her. Without wasting a second, I made a U-turn and headed back to her house, dialing her number the moment I parked outside her apartment complex. But there was no answer. She didn't pick up.As I stepped out of the car, my eyes fell upon her purse lying on the ground, with the faint glow of her phone peeking through. My heart sank. She wasn't in her apartment, and I had already checked. I even entered her passcode to make sure. I frantically searched the area, scouring the nearest convenience store and every possible place she could be, but she was nowhere to be found.My last hope was Jace, the only per