Chapter 14: The Apology
864 Words
Victoria came to the penthouse three days after the press conference.
Ava opened the door. Her heart raced.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize."
Ava stared at her. "You leaked the contract."
"Yes."
"You tried to destroy my marriage."
"Yes."
"And now you want to apologize?"
Victoria's eyes were red. She had been crying.
"Yes."
---
Ava stepped aside. "Come in."
Victoria walked inside. She looked smaller than before. Less confident.
Alexander walked into the room. His face went dark.
"Get out."
"Alexander—"
"I said get out."
"Let her speak," Ava said.
Alexander's jaw tightened. But he didn't argue.
---
Victoria sat on the couch. Her hands were shaking.
"I was jealous. Angry. Hurt."
"You hurt us," Ava said.
"I know. And I'm sorry."
"Sorry isn't enough."
Victoria looked up. "I know. But it's all I have."
---
Alexander stood by the window. His back was turned.
"Why now?" he asked.
"Because I saw the press conference. I saw the way you looked at her."
"How did I look?"
"Like she was your whole world."
Alexander turned. "She is."
Victoria nodded. "I never had that. Not with you. Not with anyone."
"So you tried to destroy it."
"Yes. I was wrong."
---
Ava sat across from her.
"What do you want from us?"
"Nothing. I just wanted you to know. I'm sorry. I won't bother you again."
"You said that before."
"This time I mean it."
Ava studied her face. "I believe you."
Victoria stood. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Thank Alexander. He's the one who wanted to throw you out."
---
Victoria looked at Alexander.
"I'm sorry. For everything."
He nodded. "Goodbye, Victoria."
"Goodbye, Alexander."
She left.
Ava exhaled.
---
"That was unexpected," she said.
"She's lying."
"How do you know?"
"Because I know her."
Ava sat beside him. "Maybe she's telling the truth."
"Maybe. But I don't trust her."
"You don't trust anyone."
"I trust you."
She kissed his cheek. "That's a start."
---
The next morning, Claire brought news.
"Victoria Kensington has left the country."
Alexander nodded. "Good."
"Where did she go?" Ava asked.
"Europe. She has family there."
"Will she come back?"
"Not if she knows what's good for her."
Ava looked at him. "You threatened her?"
"I protected my family."
---
Ava's father called.
"I heard about Victoria."
"News travels fast."
"Are you okay?"
"We're fine. She apologized."
"Do you believe her?"
Ava thought about it. "I want to."
"Wanting and believing are different."
"I know, Papa."
---
That night, Alexander held Ava on the couch.
"Victoria is gone. The press has moved on. We can breathe."
"For now."
"Enjoy the peace. It won't last."
She leaned against him. "You're pessimistic."
"I'm realistic. There's a difference."
"Same thing."
He almost smiled. "You're quoting me."
"You're quotable."
---
The next few weeks were quiet.
No scandals. No threats. No Victoria.
Ava visited her father. He was stronger. Healthier.
"You look happy," he said.
"I am happy."
"It's because of him?"
"It's because of me. He just helped."
Her father smiled. "That's my girl."
---
Alexander surprised her with a trip.
A small island. Private. Secluded.
"No phones," he said. "No press. No drama."
"Just us?"
"Just us."
She kissed him. "I love it."
"I love you."
---
They spent a week in paradise.
Swimming. Hiking. Doing nothing.
Ava felt lighter than she had in months.
"Alexander?"
"Yes."
"Is this what forever feels like?"
He pulled her close. "I hope so."
---
On the last night, they walked on the beach.
The moon was full. The stars were bright.
"I never thought I would have this," she said.
"Have what?"
"Peace. Love. You."
"You deserve it."
"So do you."
He stopped walking. Turned to face her.
"Ava."
"Yes."
"I want to renew our vows."
Her heart stopped. "What?"
"When we get home. I want to renew our vows. In front of everyone. To show the world that this is real."
"You want to marry me again?"
"I want to marry you for real. Not because of a contract. Because of love."
She cried. "Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes."
He kissed her.
---
They flew home the next day.
Ava called her father. "Papa, we're renewing our vows."
"I heard. Alexander called me."
"He did?"
"He asked for my blessing."
"What did you say?"
"I said you're both crazy. But I love you."
She laughed. "Thank you, Papa."
---
The ceremony was small.
Just family. Close friends.
Ava wore a white dress. Simple. Elegant.
Alexander wore a black suit. His eyes were soft.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"You look handsome."
"Shall we?"
"We shall."
---
They stood at the altar.
No contract. No terms. No end date.
"I love you, Ava."
"I love you, Alexander."
They kissed.
Her father cried. Claire cried. Even Alexander's eyes were wet.
Ava held his hand.
This was real.
This was forever.
---
That night, they danced in the garden.
The roses were blooming. The stars were bright.
"No more contracts," she said.
"No more secrets."
"No more running."
He pulled her close. "Just us."
"Just us."
She kissed him.
The past was behind them. The future was ahead.
And they were ready.
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