Who’s The Lucky Man?

The sunshine fell warmly from the light blue sky, soft and comforting without the harshness of summer. It wasn’t too hot — it wrapped around the body like long-worn, soft cotton underwear. The occasional breeze was gentle, not cold, and the sunlight was just right.

On the balcony, Ava sat, staring down at her family with a somber expression. She watched Dylan help Charlotte load her baggage into the car’s boot, then walk step-by-step to the driver’s seat, unlock the door, and get in.

She continued to watch as the car drove out of the compound, shrinking into the distance until it disappeared from sight.

Sighing, Ava got to her feet and made her way to the kitchen. The moment she lifted the lid of the cooking pot, her stomach rumbled at the mouthwatering aroma that filled the room. It was her favorite meal: steamed buns and minced pork congee with preserved eggs.

Without hesitation, she devoured the food ravenously and gulped down the entire cup of water in one go. Setting the cup down, she belched loudly and murmured, “Excuse me.”

Smiling at herself, she shook her head and stood up to clear the dishes.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell chimed, and Ava lifted her head toward the sound.

Who could it be? she wondered. It couldn’t be her parents — they had just left for Charlotte’s college, a two-hour drive away.

Or had Charlotte changed her mind about returning to school? The thought made Ava’s stomach churn with anxiety.

She hurriedly dropped the plates back in the kitchen and rushed to the door. As soon as she flung it open, a wide, relieved smile broke across her face.

“Hazel!” Ava exclaimed joyfully, releasing the doorknob to wrap her slender arms around Hazel’s neck.

Guilt pricked at her — she hadn’t even considered it might be Hazel when she’d feared it was her parents.

After their quick, heartfelt embrace, Hazel looked into Ava’s eyes, an apologetic smile on her face.

“I’m so sorry for leaving your side that night, Ava. Will you forgive me?”

Ava smiled back, her gaze softening. Hazel could be so dramatic sometimes. That night had been memorable — Ava’s first real outing — and though it hadn’t ended perfectly, she had enjoyed herself. Thanks, in no small part, to Zachary Gonzalez.

Would he even recognize me if we met again? she wondered briefly before brushing the thought aside.

She ushered Hazel into the house, and they both settled onto the settee.

“How’s Aunt Camila doing?” Ava asked.

Hazel nodded. “Mom’s doing fine now. Where’s the rest of the family?” she asked, glancing toward the staircase.

“They just left for Charlotte’s college a little while ago.”

Hazel frowned. “Why didn’t you go with them?”

Ava quickly shook her head. “You know me — I wasn’t interested in going out. Besides, if I’d gone, you wouldn’t have found anyone home.”

Hazel nodded, convinced. Ava’s parents had never once invited her along on visits to Charlotte’s college. And truthfully, Ava was curious about college life — maybe someday.

“Anyway, it’s fine. Go get ready — we’re going out,” Hazel said brightly.

Ava’s face immediately soured into a deep frown. She hadn’t even fully recovered from Emma’s recent scolding, and now Hazel wanted her to go out again?

Turning her face away so Hazel wouldn’t see her reluctance, she muttered, “I’m sorry, Hazel. But I’m not going.”

Hazel’s smile faltered. “Why, Ava? Are you still mad at me?” she asked gently.

Ava parted her lips, but no words came out. She didn’t know how to explain the increasing cruelty her family had shown her since that night away.

Sensing her hesitation, Hazel placed a hand softly on Ava’s thigh.

“Tell me, Ava. What’s going on?”

Lowering her head, Ava let her hair fall forward like a curtain, shielding her face. She didn’t want to burden Hazel with her troubles.

Meanwhile, Hazel’s mind raced — she hadn’t even asked Ava where she had stayed that night! She slapped her forehead lightly, berating herself.

Tapping Ava urgently, Hazel asked, “Where did you spend that night, Ava?”

To her surprise, a blush crept across Ava’s cheeks, and a bashful smile tugged at her lips.

Hazel gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief.

“Oh my god, babe! Who’s the lucky guy who made you smile like that? Tell me, I have to know!”

Realizing how silly she must look, Ava quickly masked her smile and shook her head.

“It was no one, Hazel,” she said quickly, almost too quickly.

Hazel narrowed her eyes knowingly. She was too familiar with Ava’s mannerisms to be fooled.

Still, she decided not to press further, simply grinning at Ava’s adorable reaction.

Standing swiftly, Hazel grabbed Ava’s hands. “You’re starting college tomorrow too, Ava! Let’s go shopping!”

Ava stared at her, mouth agape. “Were you serious about that?” she asked in a low voice, remembering Hazel’s casual comment from before — she had thought it was a joke.

Hazel burst into laughter, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“I was damn serious, babe. Now come on.”

Hazel tugged her hand again, but Ava stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sudden reality.

Finally, she cried out Hazel’s name and lunged into her cousin’s arms, clinging to her as tears pricked her eyes. Hazel only smiled, patting Ava’s back comfortingly.

*********

Later at the boutique, Ava groaned for the third time.

“That’s enough dresses, Hazel,” she protested, staring at the cart brimming with beautiful  and very expensive  clothes.

“Chill, girl. Just a little longer,” Hazel said, not even sparing her a glance as she cooed over a teal-blue dress.

Pointing excitedly, she called to an attendant, “Size eight, please!”

Ava just sighed, massaging her forehead. She turned away from Hazel and wandered into another section filled with elegant bags.

Suddenly, a sharp voice pierced the air.

“You lowlife bitch! How dare you step on my foot?!”

Ava turned toward the commotion. A woman in a pale pinkish-gray dress and white heels stood seething, her curly hair draped elegantly over one shoulder.

Though she looked stunning, the viciousness in her eyes froze the surrounding staff. Especially the terrified attendant who had apparently wronged her.

“Do you even know who I am? Are you new here?” the woman barked. Blue veins bulged at her temples in rage.

The poor attendant trembled, clutching her fists at her sides. She had heard the horror stories about Mia Dawson — and today, her worst fear had come true.

Mia lifted her hand to slap the girl when—

“Mia Dawson.”

The name rang out, deep and commanding.

At the entrance stood a tall figure radiating charisma and authority, his expression dark and displeased.

Mia’s hand froze midair, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Around her, staff members swooned at the sight of the newcomer.

Ava, who had squeezed her eyes shut in dread, peeked through one eye, and her heart stopped.

Zachary Gonzalez stood there, his cold, intense aura filling the room.

Panicking, Ava whirled around to escape but slammed into a nearby shelf, sending a few luxury bags tumbling to the floor.

Gnashing her teeth in mortification, she knew everyone — including him — was now looking at her.

An attendant rushed over. “Are you okay, miss?”

Smiling awkwardly to hide her embarrassment, Ava dared a glance upward — and instantly regretted it.

Zac’s piercing gaze met hers, his dominance nearly tangible.

Ava held her breath, feeling as if her heart might burst out of her chest at any second.