The morning sun spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the master bedroom, painting golden streaks across the sheets.
Ava stirred slowly, her body heavy with warmth, and the lingering feel of… him. The pillow beside her was indented. His scent was still there—cologne, mint, and something inherently Jace. She blinked the sleep away and sat up, wrapping the silky robe around her as she padded to the balcony.
Down below, Jace was already on a call, standing near the pool with his phone pressed to his ear, dressed in tailored slacks and a half-buttoned white shirt.
Ava leaned on the railing and watched him silently.
She should hate him. This marriage was supposed to be about business, not moments like last night. Not kisses that made her legs tremble. Not touches that haunted her skin hours later.
And yet…
He looked up and caught her watching. A smile flickered across his face.
He waved her down.
She hesitated, then turned and headed inside to get dressed.
---
Fifteen minutes later, she joined him at the outdoor breakfast table.
"You sleep okay?" he asked, placing his phone down.
"I did. Surprisingly."
Jace sipped his coffee, then passed her a glass of fresh juice. "I made a call to the board. They've officially approved your seat as my wife."
Ava blinked. "Wait… I'm part of the company now?"
He shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "Symbolically. It strengthens the image of the Carter brand. Besides… you're already stronger than most of them."
She stared at him. "You keep saying things like that. Like I matter."
"You do."
His voice was quiet, but the way he looked at her… it felt different. Not possessive. Not out of obligation.
Real.
"I don't know how to respond when you're being… nice," she muttered.
He smirked. "Then get used to it."
---
Later that afternoon, Ava joined Jace at a business brunch in the city.
The venue was high-end, all glass and marble, tucked into one of the tallest skyscrapers in downtown. Jace held her hand as they walked in, his thumb brushing lightly over hers.
It felt natural. Too natural.
The table was filled with investors and executives. Ava remained quiet at first, only offering polite smiles and soft responses. But halfway through the meeting, a conversation about the company's image took a sharp turn.
"I have to say," one of the older board members leaned forward, eyes on Ava, "you've certainly brought a… softer touch to Jace's reputation. He's been more tolerable lately."
Jace narrowed his eyes. "You mean less of an a**hole?"
The man chuckled, but Ava leaned forward with a polite smile. "What he means is… he listens now. Not because I tell him to, but because he's finally realizing he doesn't always have to be right."
The table went silent. Then laughter broke out.
Even Jace let out a quiet chuckle.
"Well said, Mrs. Carter."
---
After the meeting, Jace pulled her aside near the elevators.
"That was… impressive," he said.
She shrugged. "I've spent years in rooms like that. Just never had a seat at the table."
"You do now."
A beat passed.
"Are we still pretending this marriage is fake?" she asked softly.
Jace didn't respond immediately. He looked at her like he was trying to figure out how not to ruin the moment.
"We're not pretending anymore, Ava."
Her heart thudded.
He leaned closer—his lips a breath away—but before he could kiss her again, someone cleared their throat behind them.
Ava turned—and her stomach dropped.
Lena.
Dressed in a cream pantsuit, sunglasses perched on her head like a crown.
"Well," she said smoothly, "I didn't expect to run into you both again. What a coincidence."
Jace's expression hardened. "It's not a coincidence, is it?"
Lena smiled innocently. "I was invited by one of the partners. Imagine my surprise when I saw your names on the guest list."
Ava stepped forward. "Do you always show up where you're not wanted?"
"I go where I'm needed," Lena replied. "And clearly, he still needs closure."
"I think he already got it," Ava said.
Lena tilted her head. "You know, it's adorable how confident you are. But you've only known him for—what? A few months? I was there for years."
"And you still didn't know how to stay."
Jace's hand slipped into Ava's. "Let's go."
But Lena wasn't done.
"Before you walk away," she said, "you should know… I've been offered a consulting role at Carter Enterprises. One of your investors requested it."
Jace froze.
"What?"
"I didn't take it. Yet. But it's on the table."
Ava felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs.
"She's bluffing," she said quickly.
Jace's jaw ticked. "We'll see about that."
They left the building, tension wrapped around them like smoke.
---
Back at the mansion, the silence was unbearable.
Ava paced the living room. "Are you going to let her back into your company?"
"No," Jace said. "I'd shut it down first."
"Then why didn't you say that there?"
"Because I don't make threats in front of snakes."
She stopped. "Do you still have feelings for her?"
He looked genuinely hurt. "No. Not even a little."
"She clearly still wants you."
"She wants the power. The spotlight. She always did."
Ava exhaled and sat down, rubbing her temples.
Jace sat beside her, quiet for a moment.
"You're not just a contract to me anymore," he said.
She turned to him slowly.
"Then what am I?"
He took her hand. "You're the only person who ever made me want to be better. Not for business. For you."
She searched his face for any sign of insincerity—and found none.
Then he leaned in, brushing her lips with his.
It wasn't desperate or rushed.
It was real.
His fingers cradled her jaw as the kiss deepened, slower, warmer. His other hand settled on her waist as he pulled her onto his lap, lips trailing down her neck.
"I need you to believe me," he whispered against her skin.
"I want to," she breathed.
"Then let me show you."
And she let him.
---
Later that night, as she lay in his arms, Ava stared at the ceiling.
This wasn't what she expected.
This wasn't the plan.
But for the first time, she wasn't afraid of where this was going.
She was afraid of how much she wanted it to last.