Chapter Five: Lost in the Moment

Ava's eyes flashed with anger. "I won't do it, Father. I won't be treated like some kind of commodity to be traded off to the highest bidder." I have the right to my personal inheritance, why will it be given to Sophia?

Her father's voice was icy. "Fine, Ava. If you won't do as I say, then maybe you should just leave. Yes,I knew I will always be sent out every argument.

Ava's heart was racing with anger and hurt. She knew that she had to get out of there before things escalated further.

She slammed down her hand on the table and stormed out of the house , not knowing where she was going or what she was going to do. All she knew was that she needed to get away from her father and his manipulative games.

As she walked through the city streets, Ava's anger and frustration slowly gave way to a sense of sadness and despair. She felt lost and alone, unsure of what the future held or where she was going to end up.

Eventually, she found herself at a small bar on the outskirts of town. She had never been there before, but something about the dim lighting and the quiet atmosphere drew her in.

Ava sat down at the bar and ordered a drink, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as the bartender handed her a cold glass of beer.

As she sipped her drink, Ava couldn't help but notice the guy sitting next to her. He was tall and handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile.

They struck up a conversation, and Ava found herself feeling drawn to him. He was easy to talk to, and he seemed to understand her in a way that few people ever had.

As the night wore on, Ava found herself getting more and more drunk. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so carefree and alive.

And then, somehow, she ended up back at the guy's apartment, lying in his bed and feeling his warm body next to hers.

As Ava lay in the stranger's bed, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside her since her conversation with her father. She had always known that her father was a controlling and manipulative person, but she had never thought that he would stoop so low as to threaten her inheritance.

"You'll do as I say, Ava," her father had said, his voice cold and menacing. "You'll meet Harrison Lee and you'll marry him, or else you'll never see a penny of what your mother left you."

Ava's eyes had widened in shock as she realized what her father was saying. Her mother had left her a significant inheritance, including a large sum of money and a valuable piece of property. It was something that Ava had always known was hers, something that she had been counting on to secure her future.

But now, it seemed that her father was willing to take that away from her, all because she refused to comply with his wishes.

"I won't do it, Father," Ava had said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I won't marry someone I don't love, no matter what you say."

Her father's face had turned red with anger, and he had slammed his fist on the table. "You'll do as I say, Ava," he had repeated. "Or else you'll lose everything. I'll give it all to Sophia instead."

Ava's heart had sunk at the mention of her step-sister's name. Sophia was a spoiled and selfish girl who had always resented Ava for being the favored child. Ava knew that if her father gave Sophia her inheritance, it would be a disaster.

But Ava had refused to back down, even in the face of her father's threats. She had stormed out of the house, determined to make her own way in life, no matter what her father said.

And now, as she lay in the stranger's bed, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had never been one to sleep around, and she didn't know what had come over her the night before. All she knew was that she had to get out of there, and fast.

Ava quickly got dressed and made her way out of the apartment, not even bothering to say goodbye to the stranger. She didn't know his name, and she didn't care. All she knew was that she had to get away from him, and from the mistakes she had made the night before.

As Ava walked out of the apartment, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She had never been one to engage in one-night stands, and she didn't know what had come over her the night before. She quickened her pace, eager to get back to her apartment and try to forget the previous night's events.

As she walked, Ava's mind began to wander back to her conversation with her father. She was determined to take back what was rightfully hers, and she was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.

After a few minutes of walking, Ava arrived at her apartment building. She took the elevator up to her floor and stepped out into the familiar hallway. She walked to her apartment door, unlocked it, and stepped inside.

As she entered her apartment, Ava was greeted by the familiar sight of her living room. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe now, and she could finally start to think about her next move.

Ava walked over to her couch and sat down, running her hands through her hair. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She had been through so much in the past 24 hours, and she wasn't sure how much more she could take.

As she sat there, Ava's mind began to wander back to the stranger from the night before. She didn't know his name, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just made a huge mistake.