Ava's pov The revelation that Mrs Elizabeth would never accept me as his partner hung heavy in the air, leaving an oppressive silence in its wake. The weight of her words crushed Ethan's spirit, his usually vibrant eyes now filled with a mix of despair and confusion. It felt as though his entire world had been torn apart in an instant. I reached out, gently grasping his trembling hand, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. "Ethan, we'll get through this," I whispered, my voice laced with determination. "We won't let anyone dictate our happiness." His gaze met mine, searching for solace. "But Ava, she's my mother," he murmured, his voice filled with anguish. "How can I go against her?, It bothers me because she has a lot of influence on our company" With a mixture of compassion and