Bound by Billionaire's Ring

Chapter 6 Shadows of Doubt

Ava stood in the kitchen the next morning, staring at the coffee machine as if it held all the answers. The penthouse was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt heavy after last night.

Alexander had left early—some urgent board meeting, he’d said. A quick kiss on her forehead before he disappeared into the elevator, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She poured coffee, hands steady but mind racing.

Victoria’s visit yesterday had been a slap. The way she’d looked at Alexander—like he still belonged to her—had twisted something deep inside Ava. And his defense, the way he’d shut Victoria down without hesitation… it had felt real. Too real.

But doubts crept in like smoke.

What if Victoria was right? What if this was just a convenient distraction for him? A way to keep the board happy while he waited out the clock?

She sipped her coffee, burning her tongue. The pain was almost welcome.

Her phone buzzed on the counter.

Elena.

**Elena:** Girl, I saw the photos from the gala. You’re MARRIED to ALEXANDER BLACKWOOD?? Spill. NOW.

Ava smiled despite herself. She typed back quickly.

**Ava:** Long story. Call you later?

**Elena:** You better. And bring wine. This is huge.

Ava set the phone down.

Huge. Yes. Terrifyingly huge.

She wandered to the living room, pulling a throw blanket around her shoulders. The city sprawled below like a glittering promise. Or a trap.

She sank onto the couch, tucking her knees to her chest.

Last night had changed everything.

The way he’d touched her—gentle at first, then desperate, like he’d been starving for her. The way he’d whispered her name like it was a secret only he knew. The way she’d let go completely, no walls, no rules.

And now?

Now she was terrified.

Because if this was real—if he meant what he said about wanting more—then she was in danger. Real danger. Of falling. Of breaking when the year ended.

She closed her eyes.

The elevator dinged.

She sat up.

Alexander stepped out, suit jacket slung over one arm, tie loosened. He looked tired, shadows under his eyes.

“Hey,” he said softly.

“Hey.”

He walked over, dropped the jacket on a chair, and sat beside her. Not too close. Giving her space.

“Board meeting went long,” he said. “They’re pushing harder. Want proof the marriage is stable.”

Ava’s stomach knotted. “Proof.”

“Photos. Events. The usual.”

She nodded slowly.

He studied her face. “You okay?”

She met his eyes. “I don’t know.”

He didn’t push. Just waited.

She took a breath. “Victoria… she got in my head. Said you used her. Threw her away.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “She cheated on me, Ava. With my best friend. I didn’t throw her away. I let her go.”

“I know,” Ava said quietly. “You told me. But… what if I’m just the next convenience?”

He leaned forward, elbows on knees, hands clasped. “You’re not.”

“How do I know that?”

He looked at her—really looked. “Because I’ve never let anyone see me like this. Not since… not since everything fell apart.”

Ava’s throat tightened.

He reached for her hand. She let him take it.

“I chose you because you challenge me,” he said. “Because you don’t look at me like I’m a prize. You look at me like I’m a problem. And I like that. I need that.”

Ava’s eyes stung. “And when the year is up?”

He squeezed her hand. “I don’t want it to be up.”

The words hung between them.

She searched his face. Saw the truth there—the vulnerability he hid from everyone else.

She leaned in slowly.

He met her halfway.

The kiss was soft. Careful. Like they were testing the ground beneath them.

When they pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“Me too.”

They sat like that for a long time, hands linked, hearts beating in sync.

Then his phone buzzed again.

He glanced at it. Frowned.

A text from Marcus.

**Marcus:** Board member just called. They want to meet your wife. Dinner tomorrow night. All of them.

Alexander looked at Ava.

“The test begins.”

She swallowed. “We’ll pass it.”

He kissed her again—deeper this time.

“We’ll do more than pass,” he murmured against her lips. “We’ll make them believe.”

Ava smiled against his mouth.

But deep down, a small voice whispered.

What if she started believing too?