Boundaries and Defiance

The tension in the air was thick, suffocating. Ava stood in the center of Damien's massive bedroom, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she faced him. The golden glow of the chandelier cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the cold glint in his eyes.

"How dare you bring someone to stay in my house without my permission?" Damien's voice was sharp, laced with irritation. He stood near the window, his broad frame rigid with restrained fury. "You know I hate to be caught off guard, Ava. I don't relate to nonsense."

Ava clenched her fists at her sides, swallowing back the anger bubbling in her chest. She had known this conversation was coming the moment Kiara had stepped foot in the estate. But still, hearing the possessiveness in his voice—hearing him act as if she had violated some sacred rule—made her blood boil.

"She's my best friend, Damien," she said evenly. "She's just staying for a little while. Why does that even bother you?"

"Because this is my house," he shot back, his dark eyes narrowing. "And you live under my rules, Ava. You don't have the right to bring anyone here without informing me first."

Ava let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, but Caroline can walk in whenever she pleases, right? She can stay as long as she wants, insult me, and act like she owns the place, but I can't have my own friend visit?" She stepped closer, her frustration spilling over. "Damien, I'm bored! You won't even let me open a shop or do something to keep myself busy. You just keep me here, locked away like a trophy wife."

Damien's gaze darkened. "It's like you're forgetting, Ava," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. "This is a contract marriage. You don't get to demand things as if this is real. You signed up for this, so don't start expecting privileges that weren't in the agreement."

Ava's chest tightened. His words were a sharp reminder of the reality she tried so hard to ignore.

She lifted her chin, refusing to let him see how much his words stung. "Fine," she said coolly. "Then at least tell your sister to watch how she talks to me and my guest. Contract or not, I am still your wife, Damien. And I deserve at least a shred of respect in this house."

Damien stared at her, his jaw ticking, but he didn't argue. That, at least, was a small victory.

But it wasn't enough.

A Taste of Freedom

Later that evening, Ava and Kiara decided to step out of the suffocating mansion for some fresh air. With a convoy of bodyguards trailing behind them, they arrived at an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city—a place so exclusive that only the wealthiest elite even knew of its existence.

The ambiance was nothing short of breathtaking. A soft golden glow illuminated the space, and the scent of exotic cuisine filled the air. Waiters moved with polished grace, serving only the finest dishes.

As Ava and Kiara settled into their private booth, a waiter approached with an elegant menu. But before they could even begin ordering, someone joined them.

A tall, confident man slid into the seat beside Ava. His sharp features and perfectly tailored suit screamed wealth and status. He exuded power, but there was an easy charm in his smile.

For a moment, Ava thought he was here for Kiara. But then his gaze settled on her, warm and interested.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," he said smoothly.

Kiara raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah, you kind of are."

The man chuckled but kept his eyes on Ava. "I saw you from across the room, and I just had to come over. You're stunning."

Ava blinked in surprise. Compliments weren't uncommon, but the directness of his approach caught her off guard. "Um… thank you?"

"What's your name?" he asked, leaning in slightly.

Before Ava could respond, Kiara scoffed. "Hold up. Do you not know who she is?"

The man frowned slightly. "Should I?"

Kiara smirked. "She's married. To Damien Cole."

The man's expression faltered for a brief second before recovering with a chuckle. "Oh? I didn't know." He turned back to Ava, eyes twinkling with interest. "Well, that doesn't mean we can't get to know each other… does it?"

Ava hesitated. There was something thrilling about being noticed, about someone seeing her as more than just 'Damien Cole's wife.'

Before she could answer, Kiara leaned forward. "Listen, buddy, unless you enjoy breathing through a tube, I'd advise you to back off. Her husband isn't exactly the 'forgiving' type."

The man smiled but didn't press further. "Fair enough," he said, slipping a sleek business card onto the table before standing. "But if you ever feel like talking… call me."

With that, he walked away, leaving Ava staring at the card.

Kiara sighed dramatically. "Girl, what the hell? That man was about to dig you an early grave."

Ava swallowed, a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling in her chest.

Because for the first time in a long time… someone had looked at her and seen her.

And Damien Cole was not going to like that.

The Watchful Eyes

As they left the restaurant, a pair of dark eyes watched from the shadows.

Michael, Damien's personal bodyguard, observed everything from a distance, his jaw set in a firm line.

When Ava and Kiara's convoy drove away, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"She met someone," he reported coolly.

There was a pause before Damien's deep voice responded. "Find out who."

Michael's eyes followed the fading taillights.

"Already on it."