Chapter 4 A Cold Warning

Ava looked down at her phone beneath the dining table, her fingers holding it so tightly.

"We need to talk. Don't trust him."

The message from Mr. Gray made her blood run cold. She didn't dare look up. Damien was seated right beside her, his hand resting on the table, every movement deliberate and commanding. He was the kind of man who noticed everything. If he saw her panic, he'd ask for answers she couldn't give.

"Are you going to eat that, Ava?" Eleanor Thorne's voice cut through her thoughts like a blade.

Ava blinked and realized she'd been staring at her untouched plate of food for far too long. "Oh... yes. I-"

Damien's hand found her thigh under the table, his grip firm and cold. He leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. "Smile. You look like you're at a funeral."

Ava's lips curved into a polite smile, but inside, her chest ached with humiliation and fears. She wasn't a person to him but a display piece, a decorative item for his family to mock and for him to control.

When dinner finally ended, Ava excused herself and stepped outside into the night air. The garden was quiet, lit only by strings of warm lights. For the first time that evening, she could breathe well.

She pulled out her phone. The message from Mr Gray glowed like a warning bell. She didn't know why he cared or what he meant. But something about his gaze at the table, calm but sharp, made her believe he wasn't playing games.

"You're a terrible liar, Mrs. Thorne," a voice said from the shadows.

Ava jumped, clutching her chest. Mr. Gray emerged, holding a half-empty glass of whiskey, his silver hair catching the light.

"You-" she started, but he held up a hand.

"Relax. I'm not here to hurt you. But you need to listen carefully, Ava. You've married into a storm you don't understand."

Ava frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He tilted his head, studying her like he could see the fear she tried to hide. "Damien Thorne isn't just ruthless. He's dangerous person. Ask yourself this-why does a man like him marry a secretary? Do you think it's for love?"

She flinched at the word secretary, but said nothing.

Mr Gray continued, voice lower now. "You think he's helping your brother out of kindness? No, Ava. Men like Damien never give without taking something bigger in return. I've known him for years. I know what he's capable of."

Her pulse quickened. "What do you mean? What is he capable of?"

He smirked faintly, as though he wanted to tell her everything but couldn't yet. "We'll talk soon. But not here. He's watching you."

"Why are you warning me?" she whispered.

Mr Gray's eyes softened for a second. "Because I've seen too many women suffer trying to survive in his world. I don't want you to be the next one."

Before she could respond, the garden door opened. Damien stepped out. His gaze landed on them instantly.

"Ava," he said coolly, "what are you doing out here?"

She froze. "I- I just needed some air."

His eyes shifted to Mr. Gray, his jaw tightening. "And you? Do you enjoy cornering married women in the dark?"

Mr. Gray chuckled, raising his glass. "Relax, Damien. I was just congratulating your wife. You have quite the... charming bride."

Damien stepped closer, his hand sliding to Ava's lower back in a possessive grip. "She doesn't need your congratulations."

Ava felt the tension ripple between the two men like electricity. It was clear - Damien didn't trust Mr. Gray. And maybe he shouldn't.

The car ride home was suffocating. Damien didn't speak, but his silence was more dangerous than shouting. He kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other tapping the leather seat. Ava stared out the window, trying to ignore the weight of his anger.

When they reached the penthouse, Damien finally spoke. His tone was sharp, cutting through the silence.

"Make sure you stay away from him."

Ava turned. "From who?"

"Don't play stupid with me," he snapped. "Gray. I saw the way he looked at you. Whatever he told you, forget it."

"I didn't ask him to talk to me," she said softly, but her voice trembled.

Damien's eyes darkened. "You think I don't know his games? He wants to use you to get to me. But let me be clear, Ava that you're mine. And no one touches what's mine."

She wanted to scream at him. You don't own me. But the words died on her lips. She couldn't risk Levi's life.

Instead, she whispered, "I understand."

"Good."

Later that night, Ava stood by her window, staring at the glowing city skyline. She felt trapped, like a bird in a glass cage. Every day with Damien felt heavier, like her spirit was being crushed one cruel word at a time.But something about Mr. Gray's warning wouldn't leave her mind. You've married into a storm you don't understand.

She needed answers and also needed a plan.

The next morning, Damien woke her early. He tossed a sleek black dress onto her bed.

"Get ready. We have a business event at noon," he said without looking at her."

She frowned. "Another event?"

He turned, his cold gaze locking with hers. "If you're going to play the role of my wife, Ava, you're going to do it properly. No mistakes. No hesitation. If you embarrass me in front of my investors, I'll cut your brother's treatment today."

Her heart stopped. "Damien-"

"Don't test me."

She clutched the dress. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to break free. But every time she thought of Levi, she knew she had no choice.

By the time they reached the event, Ava's nerves were stretched thin. The ballroom was filled with powerful and influential men and women, all dressed like they ruled the world. Damien introduced her as his wife, smiling for the cameras, pretending to be the perfect couple.But halfway through, Ava noticed something chilling.

Across the room, Mr Gray was watching her again.But this time, he mouthed a single word.

"Run."

Damien suddenly tightened his grip on Ava's waist and leaned down, his breath cold against her ear.

"Don't even think about leaving my side. If you take one step away, I'll ruin you and everything you love.