Her Charm

Ava's POV

The afternoon sunlight spilled over the compound as I stepped outside, my heels clicking against the pavement. I felt the weight of exhaustion from the night before. I had cried myself to sleep, my swollen eyes a reminder of my vulnerability.

‘Why does it hurt so much? Why do I feel this way?’

But last night and this moment will be the last time I will ever show any vulnerability. No more tears. “They will never see my weakness again,” I muttered to my ears alone.

With renewed resolve, I stepped further outside, my heels striking a confident rhythm against the pavement as I neared the garage.

Today felt different—I had come armed with a new resolve. And to my surprise, Joe, the driver Richard had assigned to me, was back, fresh from visiting his sick mother.

“Good morning, Miss Ava,” he greeted me with a nod and a warm smile. “It’s good to be back.”

I returned the smile, genuinely glad to see a familiar face. “Joe! Just in time. I hope your mother’s doing better?”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you. She’s on the mend,” he replied. He held the car door open for me with a sense of loyalty I had come to appreciate. As I settled in, I let myself relax, knowing today would require all my composure and wit.

At the office, the day started out typically enough—emails, meetings, the hum of keyboards. But as I moved through my tasks, I sensed the eyes on me. The stares, the whispers, none of it mattered. Let them look, I thought. Orion had definitely given them something to talk about.

Mid-morning, after my brief meeting with Rose, I was about to head out for a business lunch with a potential partner, when I nearly collided with Orion in the hallway. His intense gaze made my pulse race, but I forced myself  to appear calm.

What does he want this time? Another office drama? Is his mistress lurking around a corner?

“Going somewhere?” His question was casual, but his eyes said something else. I could almost feel him assessing me.

“Yes,” I replied coolly, meeting his stare without flinching. “A business lunch. I’m sure you have your own meetings to attend to.”

Orion’s mouth curved into a slight smirk. “Considering the company belongs to both of us, don’t you think I should tag along?”

I bristled. Of course, he’d pull that card. “Fine,” I said, feigning indifference. “Let’s get going then.”

The car ride was tense but silent. Joe, perceptive as ever, drove smoothly, his eyes fixed on the road, likely sensing the friction between his passengers. My thoughts were already drifting to the meeting, and to my plan to use every ounce of charm I had to sway my client.

When we arrived at the restaurant, my business client—a striking man named Connor with a chiseled jawline and an easy confidence—stood to greet me.

His handshake was firm, his gaze appreciative. Orion sat across from us, his expression a mask of polite interest, but I didn’t miss the way his jaw tightened as I leaned in slightly, engaging Connor with my most radiant smile.

Throughout the meal, I played my cards perfectly. I laughed, leaned closer when Connor spoke, and even brushed his arm lightly, making sure my touch lingered just a second too long. I could feel Orion’s gaze on me, but I refused to meet it, instead focusing on Connor’s amused, flirtatious responses.

“Ms. Ava,” Connor said, his voice smooth, “you have quite the vision. I’d love to work more closely with someone as, let’s say… captivating as you.”

My eyes sparkled as I took a sip of my wine. “I’d be delighted to explore that potential,” I replied, letting my gaze linger on him.

Orion, who had been silent up until now, suddenly leaned forward. “Mr. Connor,” he interjected smoothly, “it’s good to see you’re as charmed by my…by Ava’s charisma as much as her business moves. But, just to clarify—are we talking about a business venture here, or something else entirely?”

I turned, an eyebrow raised, my expression deliberately indifferent, yet I could see the heat in Orion’s eyes. Oh, he hated this. I fought a smile, thrilled by his barely concealed jealousy.

Connor chuckled, his eyes darting between us. “Business…for now,” he said with a playful glint. Then, his tone softened, and he turned back to me. “Though, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping to see you outside the boardroom sometime.”

I felt Orion’s eyes burn into me. I didn’t hesitate. “I’d like that, Connor. Let’s make it happen.”

Orion’s voice cut in sharply. “Is that really appropriate?”

I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “I don’t see why not. We’re all adults here, right?”

Connor seemed to sense the tension but smiled warmly, oblivious to the silent duel between his hosts. “Then, it’s a date,” he said, his hand lightly covering mine.

Just as quickly, Orion reached over, taking a possessive grip on my shoulder. “Ava, we have another meeting after this,” he said, his voice tight. “Don’t want to keep anyone waiting.”

I shrugged off his hand, coolly maintaining my composure. “Of course,” I replied, standing and offering Connor a warm smile. “It’s been a pleasure, Mr Connor.”

As we exited the restaurant, Orion’s hand found my elbow, guiding me toward the car. Once inside, he let the silence linger for a beat before turning to me, his gaze fierce. “Was that really necessary?”

“Necessary?” I echoed, my voice sweetly mocking. “I thought you wanted to join us for lunch. You got what you asked for.”

His eyes flashed with frustration. “This wasn’t business, Ava. You were blatantly flirting. Is that all you can do? Sell yourself out for cheap gains?”

I turned to him, a smirk curving my lips. “Why do you care? You seem to have everything you need. Or did I misread that?”

Let him think the worst of me. That would only make me stronger.

Orion clenched his jaw, his gaze dark and unreadable. For a moment, I thought he might actually say something that mattered, but instead, he looked away, a quiet tension lingering between us.

I straightened my back, savoring my small victory. Let him seethe. I had just reminded him that I wasn’t his, and I will see to it that I would never be.