Let It Be The Last Time

The limo rolled to a stop in front of Ava’s apartment. She drew in a deep breath, then tilted her head slightly to look at the man who had helped her through yet another tangled moment. The streetlight pierced through the windshield, illuminating his face. Every feature was breathtaking: the strong, masculine jaw, the high cheekbones, the perfectly sculpted nose. His lips, thin and sharp, gave him a distinctly handsome edge.

Ava parted her lips to speak, but her voice was barely above a whisper. “Thank you for saving me again, sir.”

Zac pressed his lips together, momentarily looking out the window as if contemplating her words. Then, his gaze turned back to her. “Is this where you stay?”

Ava nodded twice, her response barely audible. “Yes, sir.”

“Do you live alone?” he asked, his voice still calm, though a flicker of curiosity lingered in his eyes.

“No, sir. I stay with my older sibling,” Ava replied, her voice quieter than before.

Zac’s eyes softened as he watched her tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. It fell back into place almost immediately, framing her face. His hand moved without thought, gently sweeping the strand away. His fingers brushed her ear, lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

“Have a good night,” he said, his tone unreadable. He let his hand fall back to his lap, his gaze steady. “Rest well.”

Ava froze, stunned by his gentle affection. Her heart skipped, her breath catching. She nodded quickly, not trusting herself to say anything else. Without another word, she hurried out of the car and made her way to the entrance of the building.

As soon as Ava stepped inside, Charlotte released the curtain, her sharp eyes narrowing. She moved swiftly toward the door, clapping her hands mockingly. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. I didn’t mean to stay out this late,” Ava muttered, her face full of regret.

Charlotte let out a maniacal laugh, her expression quickly darkening. “How much did he pay you?” she asked, her grin twisted with malice. Her eyes lingered on Ava’s bag as if expecting it to reveal the truth.

Ava’s brows furrowed in confusion. “I don’t understand, Charlotte. What are you talking about?” she asked, genuinely perplexed.

Charlotte’s patience snapped. With a sudden shove, she sent Ava sprawling to the floor. “You bitch! I saw you getting out of a fancy car. What else could that mean? You’re nothing but a one-night stand!” Her voice was a raw screech, filled with unbridled rage.

Ava’s eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn’t understand why Charlotte always saw her that way. Slowly, she pushed herself off the floor, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. She stood tall, her gaze locked with Charlotte’s. “I’m not whatever you think I am, Charlotte. Let this be the last time you accuse me of something like that,” she hissed, her words sharp and final.

Charlotte scoffed, unable to process Ava’s boldness. Her eyes narrowed as she watched her sister turn and storm away, the tears finally spilling down Ava’s cheeks. Ava didn’t look back. She retreated to her room, collapsing onto her bed, her frustration and confusion bubbling over. Had virginity somehow evolved into a one-night stand? she wondered bitterly.

******

The next morning, Freya caught Caleb staring at one random lady again. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. “I don’t understand why you keep denying it, Caleb. I caught you looking at her. You know it, too,” she half-yelled, her hurt apparent.

Caleb sneered, blocking her path. “What’s with the tone, Freya? Are you jealous?”

Freya crossed her arms tightly, her eyes cold. “Jealous? Of who exactly, Caleb?” She scoffed, bitter laughter escaping her lips. “Of you?” Her gaze turned steely. “Stop dreaming. I don’t care what you do with your life.”

Her words stung, and Caleb flinched as if they had physically struck him. “Freya…”

She cut him off, her voice sharp. “Excuse me.” She pushed past him, quickening her pace to catch up with Ava, who had purposely distanced herself from their conversation.

As they neared the school’s central gate, Ava’s thoughts drifted back to Zac. Why does he keep appearing? she wondered. Was it coincidence? Or was he following her? She needed answers, but the confusion gnawed at her.

“Are you okay, Ava?” Freya’s voice broke through her musings.

Ava quickly put on a smile and nodded, though her thoughts were still a tangled mess. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, looking back. Caleb was still far behind them, his presence barely noticeable now. She squinted, a suspicion forming. “Is there something going on between you two?”

Freya’s arms tightened around herself as she looked away. Ava nudged her playfully. “Come on, tell me. What’s going on?”

Before Freya could answer, a red sports car screeched to a halt right in front of them. Both women turned in surprise as the driver stepped out. Ava’s heart skipped a beat. There, standing tall and confident in a white long-sleeve shirt, was the last person she expected to see.

The sun’s rays caught his blonde hair, making it shine like gold. His strong frame made him impossible to ignore. He removed his sunglasses and locked eyes with Ava, his expression a mixture of urgency and vulnerability.

“Ava,” he called, his voice tentative, almost pleading. “Can I speak with you for a minute?”

Ava’s surprise morphed into determination. Her jaw tightened as she gave him a cool, measured smile. “I’m sorry, Mister, but I’m too busy for any discussions right now.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Freya’s hand and walked briskly away.

-:-:-:-:-:-

Inside Zac’s mansion, the large, ornate living room was guarded by a silent army of bodyguards, their black uniforms standing in stark contrast to the warm ambiance of the space. Zac sat in a plush armchair, his gaze soft but steady as he looked at his niece.

Aurora, the tiny girl in a pink princess gown, tugged at Mia’s dress. “Is this my daddy?” she asked in a small voice, her wide eyes peering up at Mia.

Mia smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from Aurora’s face. “No, sweetheart, this is your Uncle Zac,” she explained gently.

Aurora frowned, her brow furrowing in a perfect imitation of her mother. “Then why does he look so much like my daddy?”

Zac chuckled softly. “Because I’m your daddy’s brother.”

The little girl’s face brightened, and she shuffled toward him, her tiny feet padding against the marble floor. Zac picked her up effortlessly, his expression warm and affectionate. “What’s your name, little one?” he asked, his deep voice tender.

“Aurora,” she answered, her eyes still wary. “What’s your name?”

Zac smiled at her, his heart unexpectedly softening. “Zachary, but you can call me Zac.”

Aurora nodded solemnly, looking around at the lavish surroundings. “Would you like to stay with me, Aurora?” Zac asked, his voice low but sincere.

“Yes!” Aurora’s eyes lit up. “I want to see the men with the guns every day!” She beamed brightly, her earlier reservations forgotten.

Mia’s expression shifted to one of concern. She stood, her voice rising in protest. “Did you hear that, Zac?” she demanded. “How can you expect me to leave my daughter here with you, surrounded by nothing but bodyguards? Who will take care of her?”

Zac didn’t respond immediately. He studied the little girl in his arms, his heart pulling at the sight of her innocent smile. He had only just met her, but something about her reminded him of his lost childhood. But Mia’s concerns weighed heavily on him, and after a long pause, he sighed.

“Fine,” he said reluctantly. “Aurora will stay with me only until the break is over. But I’ll take care of her, Mia. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Mia’s anger diminished, replaced by a tense calm. “And who will look after her here?”

Zac met her gaze evenly. “I will,” he answered firmly. “Aurora is my niece. I’ll take care of her.” He stood and turned to Aurora, who was clinging to him with a joyful grin. “Come on, little one. Let’s go see your room.”

Aurora squealed with delight, and Zac carried her to her new room, his heart light for the first time in a long while.