Chapter 4

• Ava's POV
• I picked up my glass, ready to escape.
• But Lucas's sudden grip around my wrist made my pulse jump.
• “Ava, you’re getting married? To who? Who’s Arthur Morgan?” Lucas snapped.
• “How long have you known him? What does he have that I don’t?”
• He let out a harsh, trembling breath.
• “You chased me for years. You swore you loved only me. And now you’re marrying someone else?”
• His voice grew sharper, almost desperate, as his eyes rimmed with angry red.
• “Ava, is this payback? Your way of getting me to go public?” Lucas accused me.
• “Fine, I’ll do it. I’ll post on social media now—tell everyone you’re my girlfriend. Happy?”
• I stared back at him.
• At his flushed, agitated face.
• At the watch on his wrist—the Christmas present I gave him.
• At the cufflinks on his shirt—the ones I picked out.
• At the tiny smudge on his tie—lipstick—Emma’s shade.
• “Lucas.”
• I eased my hand out of his grip.
• “Five years ago, yeah, I said all that.”
• I shook my head, slow and firm. “But that was five years ago."
• "Now, I only want to marry Arthur."
• "As for you and me…"
• I met his gaze.
• "There’s nothing between us anymore,” I said firmly.
• Without a glance, I turned and walked away.
• ...
• At seven sharp on Saturday morning, a black sedan pulled up out front of my place.
• The driver opened the door for me, respectfully. “Ms. Brook, Mr. Morgan’s plane is already waiting at the airport.”
• I got in. As the car settled on the road, my phone buzzed with a text from Lucas.
• I have an emergency meeting today. Let’s reschedule the trip.
• I glanced at it and didn’t reply.
• Soon, the car reached the airport, bypassed the terminal, and drove straight onto a private tarmac.
• Waiting there on the runway was a private jet.
• The cabin door opened, and a man in a suit came down, leaning on a cane.
• He was tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features and a cool, distant vibe.
• But when he saw me, his eyes softened.
• “Traffic?”
• Arthur walked up to me and took my bag as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
• “No,” I replied.
• “Good.”
• “What happened to your foot?”
• He smiled sheepishly. “Got a bit too excited a few days ago, twisted it. I’ll be fine.”
• He took my hand. “My mom’s been getting the house ready all day. She can’t wait to meet you.”
• I followed him onto the plane.
• The cabin was simpler than I’d pictured, but every detail screamed expensive.
• A flight attendant brought over a hot drink. “Ms. Brook, this is the hazelnut milk you mentioned last time. Mr. Morgan asked us to prepare it for you.”
• I froze for a second.
• Last time?
• I’d only thrown that out at a gala, hardly expecting anyone to remember.
• Yet he had.
• A short time later, the plane took off. Arthur was beside me, working through files.
• I watched his profile and drifted a little.
• Truth was, I hardly knew him.
• Our engagement was arranged by our parents.
• Back then, I had eyes only for Lucas and turned it down.
• Until half a month ago, when I finally got my head straight and said yes without hesitating.
• We actually met fewer than ten times.
• But every time, he’d been thoughtful.
• He remembered every word I said.
• He had what I needed ready before I even asked.
• He never asked why I suddenly agreed to this marriage.
• And he never mentioned Lucas.
• It was like…
• He saw straight through me.
• “What are you thinking about?”
• Arthur’s voice sounded right in my ear.
• I blinked back. “Nothing.”
• Arthur glanced at me but didn’t ask.
• Instead, with gentle care, he reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
• “We’re here,” he announced.