AVA'S POV
when I found myself standing by the tall windows of our bedroom, arms crossed loosely, staring at nothing in particular.
My thoughts were loud, swirling with everything Ethan had told me the night before.
His confrontation with Aaron, the weight he carried on his shoulders, and the way his eyes lingered on mine after the truth had been laid bare.
It all felt… heavy. And yet, we weren't drowning. Not yet.
Zariah stirred softly in her crib near the window. I padded over and gently rubbed her belly, whispering a soft good morning.
Her tiny fingers curled around my thumb, and a fragile calm settled over me.
I didn't know what the day would bring. But I did know that I wasn't going to wait around while the world tried to tear us apart.
Melanie's message came in just after breakfast.
"We've confirmed the anonymous donor for the anti-smear campaign. There's a private meeting today. Noon. Location already secured. Should I prep the board?"
I texted back instantly.
