( Ava's POV )
The weekend had started like any other, but the tension in the house was already thick enough to cut with a knife.
Ava tried to ignore it, moving quietly through the kitchen as she made coffee, keeping her eyes down. She’d learned the art of subtlety over the past weeks, careful touches, stolen glances, moments that left her pulse racing but kept Lily oblivious.
Brian, however, had made no attempt to hide his growing protectiveness.
He leaned against the counter, arms crossed, eyes dark, tracking her every movement. The quiet, controlled air he usually carried was now laced with a sharp, subtle tension, his patience thinning.
“You’ve got visitors today,” he said softly, voice low, almost a growl. “Lily’s bringing someone over.”
Ava stiffened, nearly spilling the coffee
