Ava woke to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand. She rolled over, her fingers fumbling for the device as she squinted at the bright screen. A text from Mira glared back at her:
Mira: Today’s the day. You sure you’re ready for this?
Ava’s stomach twisted. She sat up, the silk sheets pooling around her waist, and typed back:
Ava: No. But I don’t have a choice.
Three dots appeared, disappeared. Then:
Mira: You always have a choice, Ava. Remember that.
Ava set her phone down, her gaze landing on the ivory dress hanging on the door. The wedding was in six hours. Six hours until she became Mrs. Liam Carter. Six hours until her life changed forever.
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush rug. The penthouse was silent, the city outside
