Millionaire Marriage

The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 14

The days passed in a tense rhythm. Ava and Ethan established a routine at the cabin, but the shadow of danger loomed over them. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle outside, made Ava's heart race. They couldn't let their guard down, not even for a moment.

Ethan had spent the last few days fortifying their defenses. He installed a basic alarm system and set up cameras around the property, ensuring they would have a heads-up if anyone approached. Despite his efforts, Ava felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach.

One evening, they sat together on the porch, the sun setting behind the mountains, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Ethan had made dinner—grilled chicken and roasted vegetables—and the scent wafted through the air, momentarily distracting Ava from her worries.

"Dinner's ready," he said, his voice warm and inviting. Ava tried to muster a smile, but her mind was elsewhere.

"Thanks, Ethan," she replied, taking a seat at the wooden table.

As they ate, Ethan talked about mundane things—his childhood memories of camping trips, stories of his friends from college—but Ava struggled to focus. Each passing moment reminded her of the ticking clock. They had to figure out a plan for David, and fast.

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked, noticing her distant gaze.

Ava put down her fork and took a deep breath. "I just... I can't stop thinking about David. I wish I could help him."

"I know it's hard," Ethan said gently, reaching for her hand across the table. "But right now, your safety is the priority. We'll figure something out for him, I promise."

She nodded, appreciating his support but still feeling helpless. "I just hate sitting here, waiting for something to happen."

"We're not just waiting. We're preparing," Ethan reminded her. "And I'll always be here for you. You're not alone in this."

His words warmed her heart, but the fear gnawed at her. They finished dinner in silence, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them.

Later that night, as they cozied up by the fireplace, Ava felt a flicker of hope. They had created a sanctuary in the midst of chaos, and in that moment, she let herself lean into the comfort of Ethan's presence.

"What do you think we'll do when this is all over?" Ava asked, trying to envision a future beyond the fear.

Ethan looked thoughtful, his gaze locked on the flickering flames. "I hope we'll be able to go back to our lives without looking over our shoulders. Maybe even take that trip to the Caribbean we talked about."

Ava smiled at the thought. "I'd love that. Just you and me, away from everything."

"And maybe a few cocktails on the beach," he added, grinning.

As they laughed, the atmosphere lightened, if only for a moment. But just as the warmth began to wrap around her like a blanket, a loud crash shattered the peace.

Ava's heart dropped as she exchanged a panicked look with Ethan. "What was that?" she whispered.

"Stay here," Ethan instructed, his voice low and steady as he moved toward the door.

Ava's pulse raced as he carefully opened it, peering into the darkness outside. "I'll check it out," he said, glancing back at her. "Lock the door behind me."

"Be careful," she urged, fear clawing at her throat.

Ethan nodded, stepping outside and shutting the door quietly behind him. Ava's heart raced as she listened intently, the silence stretching unnaturally.

Minutes passed, each second feeling like an eternity. Her anxiety spiraled as she imagined the worst. She rose from the couch, pacing back and forth, waiting for any sign of Ethan.

Suddenly, she heard voices. Low and menacing, they floated through the air, sending chills down her spine. She pressed her ear against the door, trying to catch what they were saying.

"—need to find her. She can't be far."

"Check the perimeter again. We can't let her slip away."

Her breath caught in her throat as the realization hit her. They were here. The people David warned her about were closing in.

Panic surged through her. She rushed to the window, peering out into the darkness, searching for Ethan. But all she could see were shadows dancing under the trees.

"Ethan!" she whispered frantically, but there was no response.

Without thinking, she grabbed the nearest object—a heavy iron candlestick—and held it tightly in her trembling hands. She had to protect herself, but she felt helpless and terrified.

Just then, the front door creaked open. Ava's heart raced as she turned, ready to fight. But relief flooded through her when Ethan stepped inside, his expression tense.

"Ava, we need to go. Now!" he said urgently, shutting the door behind him.

"What's happening?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"They're out there," he said, motioning toward the window. "I heard them. We need to leave the cabin before they find us."

Ava's mind raced. "But where do we go? We can't just run into the woods!"

"I know a place nearby, an old hunting cabin I used to go to as a kid. It's remote and hidden. We can lay low there until we figure out our next move," Ethan explained, his eyes fierce with determination.

"What if they see us?" she asked, fear flooding her voice.

"They won't. Trust me. I'll protect you," he insisted, his grip firm on her shoulders.

Ava nodded, steeling herself. She had to trust him. Together, they gathered a few essentials—flashlights, food, and their phones—before Ethan checked the cameras one last time.

"Okay, it's clear for now," he said, taking her hand. "Let's go."

As they stepped outside, the night air felt thick with tension. They moved quietly, the forest alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animals. Ava's heart pounded in her chest as they navigated through the trees, every sound amplifying her fear.

Ethan led the way, his determination palpable as they made their way to the hidden cabin. Ava followed closely behind, glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting to see shadows creeping up on them.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the old cabin—a small, weathered structure hidden away from the main path. Ethan pushed the door open, and they stepped inside, the darkness swallowing them.

"Stay quiet," he whispered, his eyes scanning the area.

Ava nodded, holding her breath as Ethan closed the door behind them. The cabin was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood. There was no electricity, but a small window let in a sliver of moonlight, illuminating the room just enough for them to see.

"We'll stay here until we can make a plan," Ethan said, his voice steady despite the circumstances.

Ava sat on the floor, her back against the wall, her mind racing. This wasn't how she envisioned her life, and yet here she was, running from danger with the man she had come to love.

"We'll get through this," Ethan said, kneeling beside her, his hand resting on her knee. "I promise."

Tears pricked at her eyes as she looked at him, feeling the weight of their situation. "I don't want to be a burden," she whispered.

"You're not a burden. You're my priority," he replied firmly, his gaze unwavering.

In that moment, Ava knew she had to fight for their future. No matter the obstacles, she would stand by Ethan's side, ready to face whatever came their way.

As they sat in the dim light, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them—a united front against the darkness that threatened to engulf them.