Ava

Chapter 6: Rules of War

(Ava's POV )

The Sterling estate was a damn palace.

Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, ceilings so high they probably had their own weather system.

And I hated it.

Because every inch of this place screamed control. Power. A world I didn't belong to.

And Damien Sterling?

He stood in the middle of it all, seething.

"You are impossible," he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair.

"Aw," I cooed, crossing my arms. "Did I hurt the billionaire's feelings?"

His gray eyes flashed. "Don't test me, Sinclair."

I arched a brow. "You tested me first when you dragged me here like a damn hostage."

He exhaled sharply, stepping closer. "I dragged you here because I wanted to make one thing clear—"

I smirked. "That you have anger issues? Message received."

Damien's jaw clenched so tight I thought he might crack a tooth.

I was enjoying this way too much.

But then—a new voice broke through the tension.

"Damien."

I turned, my smirk faltering slightly.

A woman stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, soft warmth in her eyes, a gentle smile on her lips.

Damien sighed, rubbing his temple. "Mom."

I blinked. Mom?

Wait.

This was Eleanor Sterling?

I had expected cold. Harsh. Cruel.

Instead, she looked… kind.

Her gaze flicked between us before settling on me. "You must be Ava."

For some reason, I hesitated. "Uh… yeah."

Her smile widened. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you, dear."

I blinked. Dear?

Damien scoffed. "Mom, don't be fooled. She's a menace."

Eleanor turned to him, eyebrows lifting. "And you're a saint?"

I snorted.

Damien shot me a glare. "Don't encourage her."

Eleanor sighed. "Honestly, Damien, I knew you'd make this difficult, but dragging the poor girl here? That's no way to treat your fiancée."

I choked. "Oh, we're using that word now?"

She gave me a knowing look. "Well, aren't you?"

I glanced at Damien. His expression was murderous.

And for once, we agreed on something.

But before I could say anything, Eleanor took my hands in hers, squeezing gently. "I know this isn't easy for you, sweetheart."

Something in my chest twisted.

Because she sounded… genuine.

Like she actually cared.

But I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

So I pulled back slightly, forcing a smirk. "I'm just here for the paycheck, Mrs. Sterling."

Damien let out a sharp laugh. "See? Menace."

Eleanor ignored him. "Please, call me Eleanor."

I hesitated. "Okay…Eleanor."

She smiled, completely unbothered by my attitude. "Let's sit and talk, hmm? There's no need for all this hostility."

I huffed but followed her into a lavish sitting room, sinking into the softest couch I'd ever touched.

Damien dropped into the chair across from me, watching me like I was a bomb about to go off.

Eleanor poured tea, her movements graceful. "Now, I imagine you two have a lot of… unresolved issues."

I scoffed. "Understatement of the year."

Damien muttered, "At least we agree on something."

Eleanor gave him a warning look before turning back to me. "Ava, I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I understand how overwhelming it must be."

I swallowed hard. Damn her.

She was too nice.

And I didn't know how to handle nice.

So I cleared my throat, setting my shoulders. "Then let's set some ground rules."

Damien arched a brow. "Rules?"

I met his gaze. "If I'm stuck in this marriage for a year, we do it on my terms."

He leaned back, amusement flickering in his stormy eyes. "Alright, Sinclair. Let's hear them."

I held up a finger. "One: No sharing a bedroom."

His lips twitched. "Afraid you won't be able to resist me?"

I snorted. "More like afraid I'll smother you in your sleep."

Eleanor choked on her tea.

Damien let out a slow, dark chuckle. "Fine. Separate rooms."

I held up another finger. "Two: No falling in love."

His smirk vanished.

The air in the room shifted.

His eyes locked onto mine, something unreadable flickering behind them. "Don't worry, sweetheart. That won't be a problem."

Something in my chest tightened.

I ignored it.

"Three," I said, "No kisses. No physical contact. None of that 'we have to make it look real' crap."

Damien tilted his head, lips twitching. "And if I break the rules?"

I smirked. "Then I'll break your nose."

Eleanor hid a smile behind her teacup.

Damien sighed dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "You wound me, Sinclair."

"Not yet, but give me time."

His smirk widened. "I think I'm gonna enjoy this."

I rolled my eyes. "Glad one of us will."

Eleanor clapped her hands lightly. "Well, now that we have the rules set… I believe there's one more thing left to do."

I raised a brow. "What?"

Damien reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.

My heart stumbled.

He flipped it open.

Inside sat a diamond ring.

Elegant. Expensive. Unreal.

I stared at it. "You have got to be kidding me."

Damien smirked. "We're engaged, sweetheart. Time to make it official."

My stomach twisted.

This wasn't a joke anymore.

This was real.

I clenched my fists. "Fine."

Damien took my hand, slipping the ring onto my finger.

His touch was warm. Steady.

I hated that it made my skin tingle.

"Perfect fit," he murmured.

I swallowed hard, meeting his gaze.

This is it.

The start of the worst mistake of my life.

And Damien Sterling?

He was going to make damn sure I regretted every second of it.

---