Married To My Ex's Powerful Brother

Ava Mitchell's POV The Hart Group anniversary gala was supposed to be the most unforgettable night of my life. I just never imagined it would be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. The grand ballroom of the Hart Grand Hotel sparkled beneath thousands of crystal lights, each chandelier reflecting against the polished marble floors like falling stars. Everywhere I looked, there were powerful businessmen, famous celebrities, and influential families dressed in expensive gowns and perfectly tailored suits. This was the world Jason Hart belonged to. A world of wealth, power, and privilege. And tonight, I thought I was finally going to become a permanent part of it. I stood in front of the floor-length mirror inside the private dressing room, staring at my reflection. The woman looking back at me wore a deep emerald gown that hugged my figure elegantly, with delicate silver details shining under the warm lights. My dark hair was styled in soft waves that fell over my shoulders, and the diamond necklace resting against my collarbone was the same one Jason had given me on our third anniversary. I touched it gently. Five years. Five years of memories. Five years of believing that Jason Hart was my forever. A small smile appeared on my lips as I remembered the beginning. Jason wasn't always the arrogant man everyone saw today. When we first met, he was different. He was charming, caring, and he made me feel like I was the only person in the world who mattered. He would call me every morning just to hear my voice. He would drive across the city in the middle of the night because I mentioned craving coffee. He promised me that one day, despite our different backgrounds, we would build a life together. I believed him. Maybe that was my biggest mistake. My fingers brushed over the small velvet box inside my purse. I had been carrying it all evening. Not because I planned to propose. I wasn't that desperate. But because inside that box was a small letter I had written to Jason. A letter telling him how grateful I was for the years we shared. A letter I planned to give him after he finally asked the question I had been waiting for. The question every woman dreams of hearing. Will you marry me? I glanced at the clock. Almost midnight. My heart fluttered. Tonight was the night. At least, that's what I thought. A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. "Miss Mitchell?" I turned toward the door. One of the hotel staff members stood there with a polite smile. "Mr. Hart requested your presence in the ballroom." My smile widened. This was it. I took one final look at myself before picking up my purse. "Thank you." As I walked through the hallway toward the ballroom, I could feel my excitement growing with every step. I imagined Jason standing in front of everyone, holding my hand, telling the world that I was the woman he loved. I imagined the shock on everyone's faces. Especially his family's. Because everyone knew Jason Hart was not the easiest man to understand. But I knew him. Or at least, I thought I did. The ballroom doors opened, and I stepped inside. The music was soft. Guests were gathered around the center of the room, their conversations filling the air. Then I saw him. Jason. Standing beneath the golden lights. My heart skipped. He looked handsome in his black tuxedo, his dark hair perfectly styled, his confident smile exactly the one I had fallen for years ago. But something felt different. Wrong. I couldn't explain it. Then I noticed the woman standing beside him. My smile slowly disappeared. Chloe Bennett. My cousin. My own cousin. She was wearing a breathtaking white gown, her hand resting comfortably on Jason's arm as if she belonged there. I stared at them. Confusion replaced my excitement. "Jason?" My voice was barely above a whisper. His eyes found mine. For a second, something flashed across his face. Guilt. Then it disappeared. The room became strangely quiet. Everyone was looking at me. I felt my stomach tighten. "What is this?" I asked, forcing a small laugh. "Jason, what's going on?" He didn't answer immediately. That silence hurt more than any words could have. Then Jason stepped forward. "Ava, we need to talk." My heart sank. Not because of the words. Because of the way he said them. Like he was preparing to destroy something. "Talk about what?" I asked. Chloe lowered her eyes, pretending to be uncomfortable. That small action told me everything. But my mind refused to accept it. Jason reached for the microphone. My breath caught. No. Something inside me screamed. No. This wasn't happening. "Everyone," Jason began, his voice echoing through the ballroom. "Thank you for coming tonight." The guests turned their attention toward him. "I have an important announcement." My hands became cold. I looked around the room. The people watching me. The whispers. The pity in their eyes. Then Jason looked at Chloe. And smiled. A smile that used to belong to me. "Tonight, I want to announce my engagement." The world stopped. I couldn't breathe. Chloe smiled. And Jason took her hand. "Chloe Bennett is the woman I will marry." The applause started. But I didn't hear it. I couldn't. Because every sound disappeared beneath the crack of my heart breaking. Five years. Five years meant nothing. I stared at Jason, waiting. Waiting for him to laugh. Waiting for him to say it was some cruel joke. But he didn't. He just looked at me. And in his eyes, I saw the truth. He had chosen her. My cousin. The woman I trusted. The woman who knew every secret about my relationship. The woman who knew exactly how much I loved him. I slowly stepped backward. Nobody stopped me. Nobody called my name. Not even Jason. I turned around and walked away from the man who had promised me forever. But as I reached the hallway, I collided with someone. A strong hand caught my arm before I fell. "Careful." The deep voice sent a chill through me. I looked up. And for the first time that night, I forgot how to breathe. Because standing in front of me was the one man everyone feared. Damien Hart. Jason's older brother. The most powerful man in the Hart family. The billionaire CEO who never showed emotions. His cold eyes studied my tear-filled face. And somehow, in the middle of my greatest humiliation... I felt like he saw everything. "Why are you crying, Ava Mitchell?" he asked quietly. I opened my mouth to answer. But before I could say a word, Damien glanced toward the ballroom where Jason and Chloe stood. His expression changed. And the next words he spoke would change my entire life. "Tell me one thing..." His gaze returned to mine. "Do you want revenge?"