Ava Sterling

Chapter 22:

(Ava's POV)

I can't believe....

Damien just gave me permission to home.. Finally..

A chance to go home. To breathe. To see my mother and brother.

And somehow—Damien actually let me go.

But of course, because my life is a joke, he didn't leave.

Instead, he followed me inside, like a shadow I couldn't escape.

__

The second I stepped through the door, I exhaled.

Everything was still the same.

The scent of fresh bread from the kitchen.

The sound of my mother humming as she folded clothes.

The framed pictures lining the old wooden shelves—memories of a life that felt so far away now.

I barely had time to take it all in before footsteps came running toward me.

"Ava!"

I laughed as my younger brother, Liam, threw himself into my arms.

I squeezed him tight, my chest aching with how much I missed him. "Hey, troublemaker."

He grinned up at me. "Mom said you might visit soon, but I didn't believe her!"

My mother appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening. "Ava?"

The moment I saw her, my throat tightened.

I rushed forward, wrapping my arms around her, burying my face in her shoulder.

"I missed you," I whispered.

She stroked my hair gently. "I missed you too, sweetheart."

For the first time in weeks, I felt safe.

Like maybe—just maybe—I could pretend that nothing had changed.

But then—

A deep voice cut through the moment.

"Are you all just going to ignore me?"

My entire body tensed.

Because of course, Damien had to ruin it.

---

Liam's eyes widened as he turned toward Damien.

His gaze flickered from Damien's expensive suit to his sharp features—to the way he was casually leaning against our doorframe like he belonged here.

"You brought him?" Liam asked, brows furrowing.

I sighed. "He brought himself."

Damien smirked. "You're welcome."

I shot him a glare before turning to my mom, who was watching him carefully.

She gave him a polite smile. "You must be Damien. It's nice to finally meet you."

Damien nodded. "Mrs. Sinclair."

She gestured toward the couch. "Please, have a seat."

I froze. "Mom."

She shot me a look. "It would be rude not to."

I gritted my teeth as Damien smirked again and took a seat.

Liam sat beside me, whispering, "He looks like a villain."

I nearly choked on my laughter.

Damien raised a brow. "I can hear you."

Liam didn't look guilty. "Good."

For the first time since this arrangement started, I actually felt somewhat victorious.

But it didn't last long.

Because the questions came next.

---

My mother, ever the kind and patient woman, sat beside me and took my hands.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" she asked softly.

I swallowed. "I'm fine, Mom."

She studied me carefully, like she could see through the lie. "And this… arrangement? Is it really what you want?"

I hesitated.

Before I could answer, Damien spoke.

"Ava is well taken care of."

I turned sharply. "Oh, so now you speak for me?"

Damien smirked. "Someone has to."

I glared. "I swear to God—"

Liam leaned forward. "Do you guys fight all the time?"

"Yes," I answered.

"She starts it," Damien added.

Liam grinned. "Cool."

I groaned, running a hand down my face. "This is a disaster."

My mother just watched us, eyes knowing.

And that?

That made me uneasy.

---

The day passed too quickly.

Too soon, I was back in the car, staring out the window, feeling like I was leaving my real life behind.

I wasn't ready.

I didn't want to go back.

But I didn't have a choice.

And when we pulled up to the estate, I already knew—

Something was wrong.

Because Richard Sterling was waiting for us.

---

The second I stepped inside, his voice cut through the air.

"Where the hell have you been?"

I stiffened.

Damien walked beside me, calm, unreadable.

Richard took a step forward, his gaze sharp. "I told you not to leave."

I clenched my fists. "It was just one day."

Richard's eyes darkened. "It was a day too many."

My stomach twisted.

He took another step forward. "I gave you everything, Ava. A contract that secures your family's future. And this is how you repay me?"

I opened my mouth—to argue, to fight—

But before I could, Damien stepped in front of me.

And for the first time, he spoke for me.

"She had every right to visit her family," Damien said smoothly.

Richard turned to him, narrowing his eyes. "You let her go?"

Damien didn't flinch. "She asked. I allowed it."

I stared at him, stunned.

Richard scoffed. "You're getting soft."

Damien exhaled slowly. "I'm following the contract. She's still here, isn't she?"

His voice was calm, composed.

Like he had already thought this through.

Richard studied him for a long moment before exhaling sharply.

"Be careful, Damien," he murmured. "You start letting her win, and you'll lose control."

Then—he turned and walked away.

The tension in the air remained thick.

Damien ran a hand down his face, muttering something under his breath.

I swallowed hard. "Why did you defend me?"

Damien didn't look at me. "Because you weren't wrong."

I opened my mouth, but—

I didn't know what to say.

Because for the first time—

Damien Sterling had chosen my side.

And that?

That changed everything.

---