Chapter 12: The Price of Secrets

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Ava stirred awake, the remnants of a dream fading as reality settled in. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to linger in the warmth of Jaxon's embrace, her head resting on his chest, his steady heartbeat a comforting rhythm against her ear.

But as the events of the previous day began to replay in her mind, the weight of everything she had learned pressed down on her. Jaxon's revelations had opened a door to a part of his life that she hadn't fully understood a darkness that he had tried to keep hidden, even from himself. And while she had reassured him that they would face it together, the questions and doubts still lingered in the back of her mind.

She needed to know more. She needed to understand the full scope of what they were up against if she was going to protect herself, her company, and their budding relationship. But how could she ask Jaxon to reveal more when she knew how difficult it was for him to even share what he had?

Ava carefully extricated herself from Jaxon's arms, slipping out of bed and padding softly across the room to retrieve her phone. She didn't want to disturb him,he had carried enough of the burden the night before. This was something she needed to figure out on her own, at least for now.

As she scrolled through her messages, her gaze landed on an email from her private investigator, someone she had hired months ago to keep tabs on potential threats to her business. Ava had almost forgotten about the man, but now, with the new information about Jaxon's past, she knew she needed his expertise more than ever.

Her fingers hovered over the screen as she considered her options. Part of her felt guilty for even considering going behind Jaxon's back, but another part of her the part that had built a successful career in a male dominated industry knew that she couldn't afford to let her emotions cloud her judgment. She needed the facts, and if Jaxon wasn't ready to share them, she would have to find another way.

Making up her mind, Ava typed out a quick message to the investigator, requesting a discreet background check on Jaxon Reed. She emphasized the need for urgency, knowing that time was not on their side. As she hit send, a wave of unease washed over her, but she pushed it aside. She would deal with the consequences later, for now she needed answers.

By the time she returned to bed, Jaxon was beginning to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile spread across his lips as he reached for her, pulling her back into his arms. Ava nestled against him, her heart aching with the weight of what she had just done. She wanted to trust him completely, but trust was something that had to be earned, and there were still too many unknowns between them.

"Morning," Jaxon murmured, his voice husky with sleep as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You okay?"

Ava forced a smile, burying her doubts deep inside. "Yeah, just thinking about everything we need to do today."

Jaxon's arms tightened around her, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her back. "We'll figure it out," he assured her. "One step at a time."

Ava nodded, but the words felt hollow. She was beginning to realize that the more she uncovered about Jaxon's past, the more complicated things would become. And as much as she wanted to believe that they could face it all together, the uncertainty gnawed at her, a constant reminder that they were treading on dangerous ground.

After a quiet breakfast, they both dressed for the day ahead. Ava slipped into a sleek black dress that spoke of power and control, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. Jaxon, ever the picture of confidence, wore a tailored suit that only heightened his commanding presence. But beneath the polished exterior, Ava could sense the tension simmering just below the surface.

"We need to stay focused," Jaxon said as they headed to the elevator. "Richard won't be expecting us to make a move so soon. We have the element of surprise on our side."

Ava nodded, her mind already spinning with strategies and contingencies. "I've scheduled a meeting with the board for this afternoon. We'll need to present a united front make sure they know that Sinclair Capital is stronger than ever, despite any rumors they may have heard."

Jaxon's gaze flicked to hers, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You're a force to be reckoned with, Ava. Richard won't know what hit him."

Ava appreciated the compliment, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more at stake here than just her company. Jaxon's past was beginning to seep into their present, and she wasn't sure if they were prepared for what that would mean.

As they stepped into the elevator, Ava's phone buzzed with a new message. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw that it was from the private investigator.

I found something. Call me when you're alone.

Ava's stomach tightened with anxiety, but she quickly locked her phone, not wanting Jaxon to see the message. She would have to find a way to slip away later, to make the call without arousing his suspicion. But for now, she needed to focus on the task at hand.

They arrived at Sinclair Capital to find the office buzzing with activity. The tension in the air was palpable everyone knew that the merger was at a critical stage, and any misstep could have catastrophic consequences. But Ava wasn't about to let that happen. She had worked too hard to build her empire, and she wasn't about to let Richard or anyone else tear it down.

As they made their way to her office, Ava could feel the eyes of her employees on her, their respect and admiration clear in their gazes. It was a reminder of the power she held, the influence she had earned through years of hard work and sacrifice. But it was also a reminder of the responsibility that came with that power a responsibility she wasn't about to shirk.

Jaxon stayed close by her side, his presence a steadying force as they navigated the day's meetings and negotiations. But even as they worked together seamlessly, a nagging doubt continued to tug at the edges of Ava's mind. She knew that the more she uncovered about Jaxon's past, the more complicated their relationship would become. And as much as she wanted to trust him, she couldn't ignore the growing sense of unease that accompanied every new revelation.

Finally, after what felt like an endless string of meetings, Ava found a moment to herself. She slipped into her office and locked the door, her heart pounding as she pulled out her phone and dialed the investigator's number. The call was answered on the first ring.

"Ms. Sinclair," the investigator's voice was brisk and professional. "I have the information you requested."

Ava's breath caught in her throat, her mind racing with possibilities. "What did you find?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before the investigator spoke again, his tone more cautious this time. "Jaxon Reed is not who he claims to be. His real name is Jaxon Grayson, and he has connections to several powerful criminal syndicates, both here and overseas. It appears that he's been using multiple identities to cover his tracks, likely to avoid detection by law enforcement."

Ava's world tilted on its axis, her mind struggling to process the information. Jaxon had been hiding more than just a troubled past, he had been hiding his true identity. The man she had let into her life, into her heart, was not who he claimed to be.

"I've also uncovered some information about his father," the investigator continued. "Grayson Sr. was involved in some very unsavory activities; money laundering, arms dealing, organized crime. It's possible that Jaxon has been trying to distance himself from his father's legacy, but there's no way to be certain."

Ava's pulse raced, her thoughts spinning out of control. She had known that Jaxon's past was complicated, but this… this was something else entirely. How could she have been so blind? How could she have let herself fall for someone who had been hiding so much from her?

"Thank you," she managed to say, her voice trembling with the effort to stay composed. "Please keep this between us for now."

"Of course, Ms. Sinclair," the investigator replied. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call."

Ava ended the call, her hand shaking as she set the phone down on her desk. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a precipice, one wrong move away from disaster. The man she had trusted, the man she had begun to build a future with, was not who she thought he was. And now, she had to decide what to do with that knowledge.

She didn't have long to dwell on it. A knock on the door jolted her back to reality, and she quickly composed herself before calling out, "Come in."

Jaxon entered the room, his expression immediately softening when he saw her. "Hey, you okay? You've been in here a while."

Ava forced a smile, though the effort nearly tore her apart. "I'm fine," she lied, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. "Just needed a moment to catch my breath."

Jaxon crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, his touch warm and reassuring. Ava wanted to melt into him, to forget everything she had just learned, but the truth hung between them like a shadow, tainting everything it touched.

"We should get going," Jaxon said, his voice gentle as he stroked her back. "The board meeting is in half an hour. Are you ready?"

Ava nodded, though her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She had spent years honing her ability to compartmentalize, to separate her personal life from her professional responsibilities. But now, with everything she had just learned about Jaxon, that line was becoming increasingly blurred.

"Yes, I'm ready," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "Let's do this."

Jaxon gave her a warm smile, one that would have melted her heart just hours earlier. But now, it only deepened the ache in her chest. She had no choice but to push the pain aside, to focus on the task at hand. There would be time later to process the enormity of what she had uncovered. For now, she needed to be the strong, decisive leader her company expected her to be.

Together, they made their way to the boardroom. The tension in the air was palpable as they entered, the senior members of Sinclair Capital already seated around the long table. Ava could see the questions in their eyes, the doubt that had crept in after the rumors of the merger leak. She knew this meeting was critical,she had to reassure them to reassert her authority and keep the company on course.

Jaxon took his place beside her at the head of the table, his presence commanding respect from the room. Ava could feel his confidence radiating through the space, and it was a comfort, even as her mind raced with doubts. She had to compartmentalize, had to keep her emotions locked away until she could deal with them later.

"Thank you all for being here," Ava began, her voice clear and authoritative. "I know there have been some concerns about the status of the merger, but I want to assure you that Sinclair Capital remains strong and committed to this deal. We have a strategic plan in place, and with your support, we will see this through to completion."

She paused, letting her words sink in. The board members exchanged glances, their skepticism evident, but Ava pressed on, determined to regain their trust.

"I'm aware that there have been rumors," she continued, "but I want to be clear,these are nothing more than attempts to destabilize our position. We are taking every precaution to ensure the integrity of this merger, and we will not be swayed by outside interference."

Jaxon chimed in, his voice steady and persuasive. "We've identified the source of the leak and are addressing it as we speak. Ava and I are fully committed to protecting this company and ensuring its continued success."

His words had the desired effect Ava could see the tension in the room easing, the board members beginning to relax. But even as she watched their confidence in her return, a nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her that Jaxon's true identity, his connection to a criminal past, was still a ticking time bomb.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur of discussions and strategy. Ava maintained her composure, her mind laser focused on the details of the merger and the steps they needed to take to move forward. But beneath the surface, her emotions churned, a storm of confusion and betrayal that she could barely contain.

When the meeting finally adjourned, the board members filed out, leaving Ava and Jaxon alone in the room. As the door closed behind the last of them, Ava let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her shoulders sagging with the weight of the day.

"You were incredible in there," Jaxon said, his voice filled with admiration as he reached out to touch her arm. "They trust you, Ava. They believe in you."

Ava forced a smile, but inside, her heart was breaking. How could she tell him that everything had changed? How could she confront him with the truth when the future of her company and perhaps even her life hung in the balance?

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice strained. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Jaxon's expression softened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. Ava closed her eyes, leaning into his warmth, even as the reality of their situation threatened to suffocate her. She wanted to hold onto this moment, to pretend that everything was okay, but the truth was a bitter pill that she could no longer ignore.

"I need to go over a few things in my office," she said, gently pulling away from him. "I'll meet you later?"

Jaxon searched her eyes, his brow furrowing with concern. "Ava, are you sure you're okay? You've seemed… distant today."

Ava's heart clenched at the worry in his voice, but she forced herself to remain composed. "I'm just tired," she lied. "It's been a long week. I'll be fine."

Jaxon hesitated, clearly sensing that something was off, but he nodded, respecting her need for space. "Okay. I'll see you later."

Ava watched him leave, her heart aching with the knowledge of what she had to do. She couldn't keep this secret to herself any longer. She had to confront him, had to get answers to the questions that were tearing her apart.

Returning to her office, Ava locked the door behind her and sat down at her desk, her mind racing. She needed a plan,needed to find a way to approach Jaxon without pushing him away completely. But no matter how she tried to frame it, the truth remained their relationship was built on a foundation of lies, and she wasn't sure it could survive the truth.

After a few deep breaths, she picked up her phone and dial

his eyes filled with a mixture of resignation and determination. He knew there was no turning back now. Ava deserved the truth, and if there was any chance of salvaging what they had, he had to be completely honest with her.

"Ava," Jaxon began, his voice low and filled with emotion. "There are things I've kept from you, not because I wanted to deceive you, but because I was trying to protect you from the darkness in my past, from the people who would use it against us. But I see now that keeping these secrets has only driven a wedge between us."

Ava's heart pounded in her chest as she braced herself for what was to come. She could see the pain in his eyes, the weight of the burden he had been carrying, and it only made her more determined to understand the full scope of what they were dealing with.

"Tell me everything," she urged him, her voice trembling. "I need to know."

Jaxon took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. "My real name is Jaxon Grayson," he confessed, his voice steady despite the gravity of the admission. "I changed it to Reed when I left my father's world behind. My father, Richard Grayson Sr., was a powerful man in the criminal underworld. He was involved in everything from money laundering to arms dealing, and as his son, I was expected to follow in his footsteps."

Ava's breath caught in her throat. She had suspected Jaxon's past was dark, but hearing the full extent of it was still a shock. The man she had fallen for, the man she had begun to trust, had ties to a world she could barely comprehend.

"When I was younger, I was part of it," Jaxon continued, his gaze dropping to the floor as if ashamed to meet her eyes. "I did things… things I'm not proud of. But I was raised in that environment. I didn't know any other way. It wasn't until I was older, until I saw the destruction my father was causing, that I realized I couldn't be a part of it anymore."

He looked up at her then, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I left everything behind changed my name, built my own life, my own company, far away from his influence. But the past has a way of catching up with you. There are people who still see me as my father's son, who want to use me, or take me down because of who I used to be."

Ava's heart ached for him, for the pain he had endured and the choices he had been forced to make. But the reality of the situation was overwhelming. Jaxon wasn't just a man with a troubled past, he was a man with dangerous enemies, enemies who could destroy everything she had worked for if they saw her as a weakness.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jaxon's shoulders slumped, and he shook his head. "I was trying to protect you, Ava. I didn't want to drag you into the mess of my past. I thought I could keep it separate, that I could leave it all behind and build something real with you. But I see now that I was wrong. By keeping it from you, I've only made things worse."

Ava felt a tear slip down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. She wanted to be strong, wanted to stay in control, but the depth of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. "Jaxon, I don't know what to do with this," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I care about you,I really do. But this is… it's too much."

Jaxon's expression crumpled, and he reached out, taking her hands in his. "I understand if you want to walk away," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But please know that I'm committed to leaving that life behind. I want to be with you, Ava. I want us to build something real, something lasting. But I can't do that if you don't trust me."

Ava looked into his eyes, searching for the truth. She could see the sincerity in his gaze, the desperation for her to believe him. But she also knew that trust wasn't something that could be rebuilt overnight. It would take time, and it would take effort on both their parts.

"I need time," she finally said, her voice shaky but resolute. "I need time to process all of this, to figure out what it means for us. I'm not saying I'm walking away, but I can't just pretend that everything is okay."

Jaxon nodded, his grip on her hands tightening as if he feared letting go would mean losing her forever. "Take all the time you need," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'll be here, Ava. I'm not going anywhere."

Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her one filled with difficult choices and even more difficult conversations. But for now, she needed space. She needed to clear her head and figure out what her next steps would be.

"I think I should go," she said softly, pulling her hands free from his.

Jaxon's eyes flashed with pain, but he didn't argue. He simply nodded, his expression filled with an aching sadness that made Ava's heart break all over again.

"Okay," he said quietly. "But please, Ava… don't shut me out completely. We can get through this together."

Ava forced a small, sad smile, but she couldn't bring herself to make any promises. Not yet. She turned and walked to the door, feeling Jaxon's gaze on her back the entire time. With every step, her heart felt heavier, the weight of their conversation pressing down on her like a physical burden.

As she stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind her, Ava leaned against the wall, struggling to catch her breath. Her mind was spinning, her emotions a tangled mess of confusion, fear, and a deep, overwhelming sadness. She had come to care for Jaxon more than she ever expected, but now that she knew the full truth, she wasn't sure if she could handle the reality of his past.

Taking a deep breath, Ava pushed off the wall and began walking down the corridor. She needed time to think, to process everything she had just learned. But one thing was clear her life had just been irrevocably changed, and there was no going back to the way things were before.

As she stepped out into the cool evening air, Ava couldn't help but wonder what the future held. She had always prided herself on her ability to control her destiny, to shape her own path. But now, with Jaxon's secrets laid bare, she felt like she was standing on the edge of an abyss, unsure of where her next step would take her.

And as the night closed in around her, Ava realized that she was more alone than ever before. But despite the fear, despite the uncertainty, she knew one thing for certain she would face whatever came next with the same determination and strength that had brought her this far. And whether Jaxon would be by her side at the end of it all… only time would tell.