The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the penthouse’s dining room. Ava sat at the table, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup, the steam rising in delicate curls. The painting Liam had won for her the night before dominated the far wall, its vibrant colors a stark contrast to the cold elegance of the room. She had spent the last hour staring at it, lost in the brushstrokes, the emotions they evoked—freedom, passion, defiance.
Liam entered the room, his presence filling the space with an electric tension. He was dressed in a crisp suit, his tie already knotted, his expression unreadable. He didn’t look at her as he poured himself a cup of coffee, his movements precise, controlled.
Ava set down her cup, her voice careful. “You’re leaving e
