CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: WHEN THE STORM KNOCKED TWICE

AVA MONROE'S POV

Rain lashed against the windowpane like an angry lover

denied entry, wild and unapologetic.

The storm outside seemed to echo the one raging inside me.

I stood in the hallway of Kingsley Manor, frozen. Ethan had left for a sudden board meeting, or at least that's what his assistant had

said. Something told me it wasn't just business.

I clutched the silk robe around my waist and padded barefoot down the stairs.

The storm had knocked out half the estate's lights. Shadows swirled across the walls like ghosts.

And then I heard it.

A faint crash, like something glass hitting the floor.

I followed the sound. Past the drawing room. Past the study.

Into the unused east wing Ethan had told me never to wander into.

But curiosity was a louder voice than caution.

The hallway was dark, but the door at the end stood ajar, a soft light flickering inside.

I pushed it open.

And there she was.

Lena.

Wearing Ethan's shirt. Her lipstick smudged. Her eyes wide.

"Ava," she said, like my name tasted bitter on her tongue. "I didn't know you were home."

"You live here?," I asked, though the answer was standing

right in front of me.

She smirked. "Not exactly. But I have…, privileges."

My hands curled into fists. "Does Ethan know you're here?."

"He used to know every time I came," she said, stepping closer, her voice a purr. "But maybe you're the one keeping secrets now."

"What's that supposed to mean?."

She shrugged, circling me like a predator. "You really think he married you just for the board?. Just to win daddy's approval?. Ethan doesn't play games unless there's a deeper stake."

The air thickened.

I wanted to scream.

Instead, I turned and walked out, the storm swallowing her laughter behind me.

Back in my room, I sat on the edge of the bed, shaking.

I couldn't tell if I was furious at Ethan, or at myself for letting my guard down.

The knock came ten minutes later.

I didn't answer. But the door opened anyway.

Ethan.

Dripping wet. Rain-soaked. His tie undone. Hair wild. And looking far more like a man caught in a lie than a CEO returning from a

meeting.

"Where were you?" I asked without rising.

"Board meeting."

"Try again." I said angrily.

His eyes darkened. "You followed me?" he asked.

"No. But I met your houseguest."

He didn't react. Just stared at me. "It's not what you think."

"Then what is it?"

Silence stretched between us.

"I told you not to go into that wing," he said quietly.

"You don't get to control me, Ethan.

This isn't a kingdom and I'm not your prisoner."

He stepped closer. "No. But this is a contract. And if you want to keep playing queen, you follow the rules."

"Or what?."

"Or you'll find out what happens when Kingsleys are crossed."

I stood up slowly. Walked up to him until we were inches apart. "Then maybe it's time someone did."

And then I walked past him, out of the room, out of that moment, refusing to let him see that my heart was breaking.

Because if he saw it..., he'd know I still cared.

And that was a weakness I couldn't afford.