Ava’s POV

Three days to go.

I whisper the words to myself as I walk down Fifth Avenue, snow dusting my coat. My mind’s stuck on the pregnancy test waiting at the end of this week, but right now, I’m steeling myself for something else, begging Liam Carver to save Sophie’s job. It’s terrifying, but the thought of maybe holding my baby soon keeps me grounded, like a lifeline.

Liam’s bodyguards spot me first, their eyes narrowing as I approach his sleek condo tower. I can see them murmuring into earpieces, probably warning him about the random woman heading his way. My stomach twists. Who am I to ask a favor from a billionaire like Liam Carver? But this is for Sophie. I might chicken out for myself, but for her, I’ll face anything.

“Mr. Carver?” My voice shakes as I stop a few feet behind him.

He turns, and those piercing blue eyes hit me like a jolt. He’s taller than I remember, his dark coat tailored to perfection, his presence filling the sidewalk. “Yes?”

“I’m Ava Bennett,” I start, chewing my lip. “I am a nanny for Elliot and Mia Chen.”

His eyes darted to my lips, and for a moment, I sensed I’m a mouse confronting a lion. “I recognize you, Ava.” My name on his lips sends a shiver through me, like he’s claiming it somehow.

“Oh… right.” I swallow hard. “I apologize for interrupting, but I’m acquainted with Dr. Sophie Reed. She works at the fertility clinic you… support.”

The moment I say Sophie’s name, his face hardens, a flash of something, anger? betrayal? in his eyes. I rush on. “She told me she’s in trouble at work. I'm not aware of the specifics, but Sophie is the most committed person I know. She would never take any actions that could endanger her career.”

Liam’s jaw becomes tense. “And what do you expect me to do regarding it?” His voice is deep, menacing, and I sense the atmosphere around us spark with his anger.

“I just… I thought perhaps you could support her, if you wield any influence.” My cheeks burn. I sound pathetic, tiptoeing around the truth, but I can’t risk making things worse for Sophie.

He studies me, and I swear he sees right through my flimsy story. “From what I’ve heard, your friend made a serious error. The consequences are fair. She should own her mistakes, not send you to plead her case.”

“She didn’t send me!” I blurt, desperate. “She isn't aware of my presence here, I swear it.”

“That's enough of what I need to say.” Liam turns, striding toward his building. The glass doors shut behind him with a thud, leaving me with his bodyguards.

“Time to go, miss,” one says, his tone sharp.

“Please,” I plead, my voice trembling. "She is not guilty. If I could just—”

“Move,” the second guard snaps, stepping closer.

I plant my feet, my dignity crumbling. Sophie’s future is worth this. “I just need to talk to him!”

“You’ve talked enough,” Before I could protest, they seized my arms, directing me toward the road. I resist, but they're so powerful, and soon I find myself falling onto the sidewalk, my knees contacting the frigid ground. Tears burn my eyes as the doors bang closed.

I pick myself up, brushing snow off my coat, and slink away, humiliation burning in my chest. I tried, Sophie. I tried.

The next morning, I’m at the Chens’ brownstone, fumbling with my keys at the front door. They don’t work. My heart sinks as I knock, and Mrs. Chen appears, her face like stone.

“My keys…” I start, confused.

“They’re not supposed to work,” she says icily. “As of yesterday, you’re fired.”

“Fired?” My voice cracks. “Why?”

“The neighbors called,” she snaps. “You let Elliot run into traffic, nearly got him killed. And then you made a scene at Liam Carver’s building. His security had to drag you off like some delinquent.”

“That’s not what happened!” I plead. “Elliot’s toy rolled into the street, and I couldn’t stop him in time. And at Liam’s, I was just trying to help a friend. It was a misunderstanding.”

“I’m not interested,” she hisses. “Leave now or I’ll contact the authorities.”

“Please, can I at least say goodbye to Elliot and Mia?” My voice breaks, thinking of their little faces.

She pulls out her phone. “I’m calling.”

“Okay, I’m going!” I backed away, hands raised, tears spilling down my cheeks.

Walking away, my heart aches worse than the job loss. I didn’t get to hug Elliot and Mia, to explain. I’ve been their nanny for two years, practically raising them, and now their mom will poison them against me. I know Liam’s behind this. Not neighbors, him. He’s punishing me, just like he’s punishing Sophie. Anger flares, hot and sharp. I’m not a vengeful person, but right now, I want him to feel a fraction of this pain.

Without a job, I’m screwed. I sank all my savings into the insemination, and Mrs. Chen won’t give me a reference. How am I supposed to afford a baby now? To make matters worse, when I get back to my apartment, a stack of bills waits in the mailbox. I rip them open, my jaw dropping. Thousands in charges, sneaker stores, sports bars, places Jake loves. He’s been racking up debt in my name, hiding it for who knows how long. Confronting him’s pointless; he’ll lie, like always.

I have one option left. I grab my phone and dial Lila. She betrayed me with Jake, but if anyone knows what he’s been up to, it’s her. My hands shake as the line rings, dreading what comes next.