Chapter 2

• Ava playfully chastised Adrian, "You said you'd be done in half an hour, but it's been over one." She lay in bed, her hair cascading over the pillow, a soft smile playing on her lips as she watched him emerge from the en suite.
• "You're so beautiful I lose track of time," Adrian replied with a mischievous smile, extending his hand towards her. Laying down next to her again, they were both still entangled in the warmth of their bed, the blanket barely covering their naked bodies.
• With a gentle kiss, Adrian pulled Ava closer to him, his arms wrapping around her waist as he whispered sweet nothings into her ear. Ava giggled, feeling his warm breath on her neck. She knew he meant every word, but the clock was ticking, and Riley's birthday was waiting.
• "Alright, love," Ava said, peeling herself from Adrian's embrace. "Let's get ready now." She swung her legs out of bed and padded towards the bathroom. Ava had always had a way of making even the most mundane of tasks feel like a dance, and her grace didn't falter as she stepped into the shower.
• Adrian's eyes followed her, taking in her form as the water cascaded over her, highlighting her curves. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing she was his wife. After a moment, he tore his gaze away and began to get dressed.
• As Ava stepped out of the shower, Adrian was already dressed, his eyes lingering on her wet body. "You're breathtaking," he murmured, unable to resist.
• With a knowing smile, Ava wrapped a towel around herself and walked to the cupboard. She spotted the hidden file, and her smile faded for a moment before she pushed it aside. This wasn't the time to bring it up. She turned to face him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Let's go, your brother is waiting for us," she said, trying to keep her voice light.
• Adrian nodded, his expression filled with warmth and love. "You're the best wife a man could ask for," he said, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
• Ava's heart squeezed at his words. She hoped the day ahead would be as beautiful as the moment they had just shared. Little did she know, their perfect world was about to be shattered by a single, brutal act that would change everything.
• ****
• They entered the apartment, and Riley came running downstairs, tears streaming down her face. Luke followed closely behind, his expression defensive. Riley's top was torn, and her hair was disheveled. Ava and Adrian exchanged shocked glances.
• Ava rushed to Riley's side, concern etched on her face. "Baby, calm down, tell me what happened," she said, wrapping her arms around Riley.
• Luke intervened, his voice laced with accusation. "Don't believe her, bro. It's all her plan."
• Ava's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice firm.
• Luke continued, his tone venomous. "She proposed to me, I refused, and then she tore her own clothes and threatened to file an assault case against me."
• Riley's sobs intensified. "That's not true! He tried to assault me!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking.
• Luke sneered. "See, Bro? She's lying. This girl is a gold digger, and she did all this to trap me."
• Ava's anger boiled over, and she slapped Luke across the face. The sound echoed through the room.
• Adrian's eyes flashed with anger. "Ava!!!" he exclaimed, his voice stern.
• Ava's voice was firm. "Enough! I won't listen anymore. My sister can't lie," she said, her eyes blazing with determination.
• Adrian's face darkened. "What do you mean, Ava? My brother is a liar?" he asked, his voice rising.
• Ava stood tall. "Why don't we let the court decide who's guilty and who's innocent?" she suggested, her voice calm and collected.
• Adrian's expression turned cold. "You will file a case against my brother?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
• Ava nodded resolutely. "It's necessary because my sister isn't what your brother is saying. I know my sister very well," she said, her voice firm.
• Adrian's voice dropped to a menacing tone. "Ava, I also have faith in my brother. And if you file a case, you'll have to be prepared for the consequences," he warned.
• Ava's eyes locked onto Adrian's. "What consequences?" she asked, her voice unwavering.
• Adrian's words cut deep. "Get ready for divorce," he said, his voice cold and detached.
• Ava's world crashed around her. She couldn't believe Adrian's ultimatum. "Adrian, think again about what you're saying," she pleaded, her voice shaking.
• Adrian's jaw clenched. "My decision won't change. You have to choose, Ava – me or your gold-digging sister," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
• Ava's voice trembled with emotion, her words laced with a fierce determination. "My sister. I'm ready for divorce if you want this, but remember, if divorce happens, I'll never come back to you again. We'll fight the case, and I'll make sure the truth comes out," she declared, her eyes blazing with a resolute fire.
• Adrian's expression remained unyielding, his face a mask of cold calculation. "I'm willing to take that risk," he said, his voice dripping with an icy detachment. "But remember, if my brother is innocent, and you come crawling back to me on your hands and knees, begging for forgiveness... I'll shut the door in your face. You'll be nothing but a distant memory to me."
• Ava's heart shattered into a million pieces, the shards cutting deep into her soul. She couldn't believe the man she loved could be so cruel, so heartless. "Fine," she whispered, her voice barely audible, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
• Adrian turned and walked away, leaving Ava shattered and heartbroken, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the silence like a death knell. Riley clung to Ava, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Ava," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.
• Ava's arms wrapped around Riley, holding her close as she tried to absorb the pain. "You're not to blame, baby," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "We'll get through this together. We'll fight for the truth, and we'll come out stronger on the other side." Ava's words were a promise, a vow to herself and to Riley that she would not let Adrian's cruelty break her.