The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 161

Ava’s POV

Repression.

I think that’s what it’s called. That unconscious process where the mind locks away memories too painful to face, burying them so deep in the subconscious that they become almost impossible to access unless triggered. It’s a defense mechanisin

a way for the brain to shield you from the emotional wreckag

Or, in my case, to hide my darkness.

I was molded to be perfect, taught to believe in the illusion of flawlessness. I stood firmly on that belief, convincing myself f was good, pure, untainted. But the truth was, I wasn’t. I had done things, horrible things, that I’d forced myself to forget. It was easier to pretend they never happened. It was easier to pretend I wasn’t a monster.

Maybe that’s why I was so willing to accept Grayson for what he had done. Who he was. Because in him, I saw a mirror of myself-the part I fought to bury, the part I couldn’t let others see. The part the other version of myself kept talking about.

It was like there is always a battle inside me, one side revolted by the blood on my hands, the other side accepting it with cold indifference.noveldrama

Ricardo tilted his head, studying me with that sly, knowing expression of his. Before he could speak, I cut him off, glaring at him with all the hatred I could muster. “Stay the hell away from me,” I hissed.

I tried to step back, but in my haste, I knocked over a bottle on the table. It hit the ground, shattering into pieces. The sound snapped Isabella and Rickon out of their trance, and they both turned toward us.

Rickon spoke first, his voice calm but firm as he addressed Ricardo. “Whatever you’re doing, knock it off. Grayson said to stay away from her.”

I blinked at Rickon. He seemed… different. More composed. There was a weight to his words that wasn’t there before, like he’d finally shed the carefree arrogance he used to wear so easily Then he turned to me and said softly, “I’m really glad you’re back, Ava.”

Ricardo laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that made my skin crawl. “I need to choose better company. You’re all getting so serious these days,” he sneered.

I opened my mouth to retort, but the sound of Grayson’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “I told you to stay away fro her.”

My heart jumped at the sound of his voice, low and deadly. I turned to see him striding toward us, each step deliberate and menacing. It took him less than five strides to cross the room. Before I could react, he was there, pulling me close, his arm wrapping protectively around me.

Grayson’s glare locked onto Ricardo, who simply smiled back, that glint of madness still flickering in his eyes.

“I was just saying hello,” Ricardo said lazily, shrugging as if he hadn’t just been moments away from pushing me to the edg of a breakdown. “Reminding Ava of our history.”

At his words, I froze. My heart raced, and I felt Grayson’s grip on me tighten. He glanced down at me, searching my face f answers before turning his attention back to Ricardo.

“You’re really pushing it,” Grayson said coldly, his voice low and full of restrained fury.

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Without waiting for a response, Grayson grabbed my hand, pulling me with him toward the door.

Isabella called after me, her voice light despite the tension in the room. “Bye, Lilian. I’ll come see you tomorrow-or later today.

I managed a weak whisper, “Bye, Bels❞

Grayson didn’t stop or slow down until we were outside. The cold morning air bit at my skin, but his hand was warm and firm, grounding me in the moment. Finally, he stopped and turned to me, his expression unreadable.

“What history could you possibly have with him?” he asked, his one measured but demanding.

I swallowed hard, willing my voice to stay steady. “He just told me he used to come here. To the county. He must have seen me at some events or something. I don’t know him.”

Liar.

The word echoed in my mind like a taunt, but I hoved it down, locking it away with the rest of the memories I couldn’t afford to confront. I forced myself to meet his gaze. “It’s nothing I said softly. “And I’m really tired. The drink was a bad idea. Can we ust go to bed?”

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