AVA
My mouth gaped open in horror, as I glanced around the table. Everyone was watching me now, and I had never felt so uncomfortable in my damn life.
Was Blake crazy?! Why would he do such a thing?
I almost wanted to stand up and strike a slap right across his face, but that would be too much to do in front of the people seated around the table. As I glanced around, my eyes met Lila’s. For some reason, her expression was neutral. I couldn’t tell what was running through her mouth, as she gave a small tight-lipped smile.
“Well, congratulations to you both!” She declared with a slow clap, and the others followed ensuite, until the sound of claps filled the room. My head hammered, as I brought my hand up to rub on my temples.
No, no. This couldn’t be happening to me right now. This was supposed to be my day for crying out loud . A day to relax and be happy for myself, without anyone ruining it! But as always, Blake had t
AVAI watched him walk away, with his head hung low as I folded my arms over my chest. My face was probably streaked with a few tears and I gently dabbed it away with the inner collar of my shirt.That felt like hell opening up, quite literally. He didn’t even bother picking up the damn ring, and I stared at it for a second, before moving to it to quickly pick it up. I examined it, twisting it between my fingers.Scoffing, I clenched it in my fist tightly. I wouldn’t have been surprised, if it was originally meant for Chloe anyways. She was first choice, and I was nothing but the back up girl to Blake.After he took everything from me.I’d never forgive him for this, even if I was on my death bed. He thought I was just a stupid fragile girl, but I’d definitely prove him wrong.I held onto the ring, spinning around on my heel. I’d spent far too much time outside, surely one or two people would’ve noticed by
AVAAnother day to try and keep everything in control. How was it possible that things were going so well and at the same time, falling apart in my life? As I locked my car with the remote control, I slung the luxurious bag over my arm and headed straight for the elevator.I couldn’t deny the sickening feeling that kept churning my insides. As soon as I clicked the button, the elevator began its ascend. I took deep breaths in and out, gripping the handle of my bag tightly.I made a mental note to visit Grandma in the hospital soon, as I observed the flashing lights at the top of the elevator, signaling which floor I was on. Finally, the doors slid open with a ding and I stepped out, glancing around.The office was already hustling and bustling, and even as I stepped in, I could already feel many different pairs of eyes on me. Some colleagues gave me a more welcoming greeting, while the rest seemed to acknowledge me with just their judging eyes. They
I spent the rest of my time with Grandma, catching up and making her feel better. A couple of times, the nurses had come in to check her vitals and make sure that she was responding well to the medicine that they were administering to her.She seemed to be getting better and I was glad. After a while, I stood, getting ready to take my leave.“Grandma, I’ll miss you.” I sighed, an apparent frown on my face as I held my bag to my body tightly. Every single nerve in my body just wanted me to sit back down, and stay with Grandma up until daybreak. But, I had work, and just being given this new position, I couldn’t slack off so early.“I’ll miss you too, my sweet.” I leaned over and she gave me a kiss on the forehead, her warm hands cupping my face. “And do greet my darling, Blake, for me, would you? I still don’t understand why he had to leave in such a hurry.”I chuckled nervously. “You know h
AVAThe car's engine purred softly as Alexander started it up. I sat back silently, this scene feeling all too familiar.My blood was still rushing from the thrill and excitement, while my hand shook in anger. I really wished I hadn't helped Chloe out, and the feeling of regret settled in faster than I could even comprehend.These were the issues. I scoffed as I mentally facepalmed myself.I was too nice. And that was mostly taken for granted.“Who does that girl think she is?” I scoffed again in disbelief, pulling my setabelt and keying it in.“Nobody.” Alexander responded with a dead serious face. As he set the car in motion, reversing out of the car park, I couldn't help but look at him. He stared right back and we both burst into laughter.“I can't believe she still thinks I want him? Can you believe it?” I laughed, clutching onto my stomach.“She's crazy,” He murmured, drifti
AVAThe more I looked at the screen the surer I was that it was nothing near a joke.The picture was from a while ago, and I had never even expected him to still have the image. But, here it was. Ogling me down.A flood of comments was already rolling in, as I scrolled through the post:‘OMG! Congratulations!’‘You guys are made for each other! Xoxo’‘Ava is so lucky to have a man like you!!!’Lucky? I bitterly laughed. I was far from lucky with this manipulative, cunning bastard!And I was so sure that I’d made my message clear enough for him back at the hospital. Unfortunately, all my words went through one ear and out the other. He didn’t listen, he never did. Was this man set to ruin my damn life?Without thinking, I called him.“WHAT THE HELL BLAKE?!”~An uneasy bubble of tension lingered above everyone’s heads as I walked into t
BLAKEI reclined in my office seat, propping my legs up on the table. This wasn’t how I expected my day to go, but here I was. I scrolled through my phone with cautious eyes as I hummed a familiar tune—a song that Ava and I used to sing together.Over the past few days, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get her out of my head. She was perfect for me—the one.And I knew that I fucked up. I knew that I made her hurt in so many ways, but that was the least of my intentions. All I ever wanted was for her to feel safe with me, but like I always did, I’d ruined it all in one go.My stomach grumbled in uneasiness as I navigated back to my profile to check the engagement post. Although Ava wanted it gone, I still decided to keep it up. I didn’t want to take it down. No, I wanted the world to know that she was mine, and I was hers.She could’ve requested anything else, but as far as I was concerned, the post wasn’t coming down. I scrolled up and searched for the post. It was supposed to b
AVAI tossed around in my bed as I felt the morning rays hit my skin. It was only Saturday and I wasn’t planning on waking up early, but nature seemed to have other plans for me. The sparrow birds were busy chirping away their morning songs by the window sills.With a groan, I grabbed a pillow from the other side of my bed and used it to cover my ears. I kicked my feet fussily, hoping the birds to go away and give me some quiet so I could return to my sweet sleep, but they kept chirping annoyingly. In fact, it felt like more joined in.I got off the bed with a sigh and shooed them away from my window.By this time, I was well awake. I stretched my bones with a yawn and did a few more exercises before going to pull the curtains properly open.“Rise and shine baby. Today’s gonna be a beautiful day.” I hummed to myself.Just then, I heard my phone beep behind me. I rushed to pick it up and unlocked my it eagerly, hoping it was some shipping update because I placed an order for something
AVA“Wow, it’s beautiful.” I breathed to myself as my hands dancing over the exquisite fabric.I about to take the dress off of the hanger when I watched another hand appear in the line of my vision only to snatch the dress away from my hands.“Okay, what the actual hell?” I said in surprise, turning to see the face of the one who nearly ripped out my manicure in the rudest way possible.“That dress is mine.” I immediately went on to add, staring at the lady in annoyance.“But I got to it first,” she sneered, dangling the dress right in front of my face.I was about to say something else when I began to notice how familiar the face was. I definitely saw this face at the wedding with Alexander.Wasn’t this Alexander’s niece? What was her name again? Lilian?Lilith!Now realizing it was indeed her. I let go of the dress, although not in the least satisfied with whatever was happening regardless of what the coincidence may be.“Lillith? What are you doing here?” I asked.“What are you do
AVA“Right...Blake.” I scratched my head, suddenly remembering the man I left in my apartment.“I didn't think he'd still be there. He showed up drunk off his ass and started to make a scene in the hallway, then I had to let him use the bathroom before he would throw up everywhere.”“And you let him stay?” Alexander asked.“I was going to send him away after he cleaned himself up. Actually, this whole mess is because of him. He's the reason I called you.”Alexander frowned slightly. “He sobered up enough to tell me you were in France with some woman, not Tokyo. He said if I didn't believe him, I should call and check.”The annoyance on Alex’s face thickened even further.“Blake knew about your father's setup with Angelina, but I still don’t understand how that’s even possible. Him and your dad…”“C’mon let’s head back,” he says, taking my hand.“I can’t believe he had the audacity to make himself at home at my house.We walked the four blocks back to my apartment.I unlocked the door
ALEXANDERTwelve missed calls. All to Ava. All unanswered.I jabbed the call button again, sitting restlessly at the back of the car as we drove through the night’s traffic. The same result…it would ring, then go to voicemail. I saw my own reflection in the tinted car window. My eyes were bloodshot, with dark circles. I didn’t even sleep on the flight home.“Can't you go any faster?” I snapped at the driver, who glanced at me in the rearview mirror.“Traffic's bad, sir. There's construction ahead.”I swore under my breath and then checked my messages again. Ava had called me yesterday, around the time when I was unconscious in that room. Which meant Angelina must have had my phone.What the hell did she say to Ava?After that call, Ava sent me a barrage of texts.***Where are you? Who was that? Are you in France? Alexander, answer me. Who are you with?***All that I couldn’t reply because I was busy being drugged and unconscious.I tried calling again. Voicemail.“Fuck!” I slammed my
Crossing the line.ALEXANDERTokyo business, done and dusted. I was ready to head back home to Ava. It’s only been a few days, but I missed her so much already. Matthew was already on his system trying to book my flight back home, while I gathered my documents from the conference table.While I slipped them into my briefcase, my phone vibrated in my breast pocket.It was dad. I wondered why he was calling, we’ve not spoken in weeks.Our last conversation didn’t ended well because he made his disapproval of Ava abundantly clear. To him, her previous relationship with Blake made her unsuitable for the family. But I didn't care and I took my stand, prioritizing my own happiness.I accepted the call anyway.“To what do I owe this surprise?”He answered, “I see you've decided that communicating with your father is optional these days.”I moved toward the window, gazing out at Tokyo's skyline. “We've both been busy, and given our last conversation, I assumed you needed some time to adjust t
AVA“Why won't you try to understand my point of view? It’snot fair, Ava. Not fair.”I tried to pull away. “Blake, you need to go—“His face started to look drained of colour and he suddenly doubled over with a strangled noise from his throat like he was going to retch.“Don't you dare throw up in my hallway,” I hissed at himHe gagged again, clutching his stomach and eyes wide with the panic of imminent vomit.“Shit.” I grabbed his arm and hauled him to his feet, then dragging him inside myBlake was leaning heavily against me and breathing heavily as we headed towards the bathroom which suddenly felt like it was miles away.As soon as we got there, Blake lurched towards the toilet and collapsing to his knees in front of the bowl and began throwing up like and animal.Holding my noise from the stench that immediately permeated the the air, I turned away. The re
“I don't want any relationship with you beyond necessary company communications. I hope you respect my wishes.”“Ava, please. I know I made mistakes, terrible mistakes that I can't take back. But I'm trying to be better.”I maintained my distance, arms crossed. “This isn't about your personal growth journey, Blake. It's about consequences.”“I recognize that. I threw away the one person I loved most. And I regret it every single day.For a moment, I could almost see the true cost of his actions reflected in his expression. But I was no longer the woman who would sacrifice herself on the altar of his redemption.“I can't help you feel better about what you did,” I said. “And I won't absolve you, either.”“That's not what I'm asking for.” He reached for my hand, stopping just short of touching me when I pulled back. “I just want another chance to show you who I
I got a vacation, which made me happy, but not as happy as having Alexander beside me. He was out at a business conference.Three days into my supposed break, I finished reviewing all the board presentation materials twice and fielded endless calls from Annalise about last-minute details.I was now at Silverpine Beach, and the reason I was here was currently not answering her phone.I dialed Granny's number again as I drove up to her cottage. Still no answer and that was not unusual because sometimes she was just asleep.I parked outside, walked up to the house and took the spare key still inside the conch shell by the door.“Granny?” I called, dropping my bag in the entryway. “It's Ava.”On going in, I noticed it looked like no one was home“Granny? Are you here?”When I got no answer and she was nowhere around the house I began to feel uneasy. I even glanced into the garden through the back
AVAI kicked off my heels at the door and sighed as my feet met the cool floors of Alexander's penthouse. After three months of practically living here, it still felt strange to call it ‘home,’ although Alexander’s been pushing for me to make it official.My phone buzzed with a text from Annalise, which was a follow-up to our strategy meeting that afternoon.****Board meeting confirmed for Thursday. Blake is requesting to address directors privately beforehand. Red flag?***I typed back quickly. ***Definitely. Can we get someone in that meeting?******Working on it. Dinner tomorrow to finalize?******Perfect. My place, 7pm.***I set the phone down, glancing at the clock.Alexander's flight from Tokyo would be landing soon. After a week away, I wanted to surprise him with dinner—something simple but thoughtful. The refrigerator yielded ingredients for his favorite pasta dish.I pulled my hair into
AVAI slid my sunglasses from my face, hooking them into the neckline of my blouse as I approached the reception desk.The woman behind it smiled at me.“Good morning. How may I help you?”“I'm looking for Annalise Morris. Does she still work here?”The receptionist's smile tightened slightly. “Is there a particular issue I can help you with?”“No issue. I'm a friend of hers.” I returned her smile. “You can just let her know I'm around.”As the receptionist made a call, I turned to survey the lobby.Annalise and I used to be good friends and business partners before Blake's manipulation drove a wedge between us.We worked at the company together and until Blake stepped in and suggested I stepped back to focus on my health. He also kept planting seeds of doubt about Annalise's, which escalated over months until I was convinced my best friend was undercutting me.
AVAI woke up slowly. Then there came the pleasant ache in my muscles.I opened my eyes to find Alexander watching me, his head propped on one hand, dark hair deliciously mussed from sleep and other activities.The morning stubble along his jaw gave him a rougher edge than his usual polished appearance.“Jesus,” I gasped, jerking slightly. “You scared me.”“Sorry.” He smiled but he didn't sound sorry at all.His touched my waist from under the sheets and his thumb traced idle circles on the bare skin above my hip bone.“How long have you been watching me sleep like some kind of gorgeous creep?” I asked, my voice still rough with sleep.“I don't know. Fifteen minutes, maybe.”His eyes traveled over my face with shameless appreciation. “You talk in your sleep.”“I do not,”I answered quickly.“You do. Something about dolp