CHAPTER 10: LINES THAT SHOULDN’T BE CROSSED
369 Words
Ava stood in Rhys office, arms crossed.
“Why are you avoiding the truth?”
Rhys didn’t even look up from his paperwork. “Go to bed, Ava.”
Her hands clenched. “Not until you tell me why you married me.”
Finally, he set down his pen, leveling her with a cold gaze.
“You don’t want to know.”
Ava took a deep breath. “Yes, I do.”
Rhys stood, moving toward her with slow, deliberate steps. The air grew heavy.
“Stay out of things that don’t concern you.”
His voice was low, firm. A warning.
Ava refused to flinch.
“It does concern me. I’m your wife.”
Rhys lips curved into a smirk— but it wasn’t warm. It was sharp, almost cruel.
“In name only.”
Ava’s heart clenched.
But she lifted her chin, refusing to let him see it.
THE GETAWAY
The sudden trip to the luxury resort took Ava by surprise.
“Why are we here?” she asked as they arrived.
Rhys adjusted his watch, barely glancing at her.
“A business event. Try not to embarrass me.”
Ava rolled her eyes. “You really are impossible.”
Rhys lips twitched, as if he almost— almost— found her amusing.
THE BALCONY MOMENT
After the dinner, Ava stepped onto their hotel balcony, letting the cool night air calm her thoughts.
She sensed him before she saw him.
Rhys leaned against the railing, whiskey in hand, watching her.
Ava turned to him. “Tell me something real.”
Rhys exhaled, swirling his drink.
“You always ask for the much.”
Ava took a step closer.
“You said you had no choice but to marry me. Was it because of the deal? A debt?”
Rhys jaw clenched. For a second, she thought she saw something flicker in his eyes.
Then, in a quiet voice, he said—
“You’re asking the wrong questions.”
Ava stepped even closer, their bodies nearly touching.
“Then tell me the right ones.”
Rhys didn’t move away.
But he didn’t answer either.
And in that silence, Ava realized— she was getting closer to the truth.
- Writer
