Chapter 4: A Place He Never Noticed

Ava wasn't expecting to enjoy talking to Ethan Brooks after all, he was clearly one of the important guests at the gala his watch probably cost more than her monthly rent yet unlike everyone else in the ballroom, Ethan spoke to her like a normal person no judgment no curiosity no hidden meaning behind his words just conversation.

"So," Ethan said, leaning against the balcony railing, how do you know Noah? Ava smiled we've been together for five years his eyebrows lifted in shock

"Five years?"That's usually how people react anytime I tell them "No, I'm impressed Ethan said.

Ava laughed.

"Why?"

Because relationships don't last long these days something about his honesty made her relax they spent the next few minutes talking about work, favorite books, and embarrassing college stories.

For the first time that evening, Ava forgot about the whispers inside the ballroom she forgot about the uncomfortable stares she forgot about trying to fit into a world that wasn't hers she simply enjoyed herself then a familiar voice interrupted.

"Ava."

She turned immediately Noah his expression was unreadable.

"Ethan," Noah said politely.

"Kingston."

The two men shook hands the atmosphere instantly changed not hostile Just tense.

Ava couldn't explain why, we should head back inside," Noah said.

"Oh."

Ava nodded okay, Ethan smiled at her It was nice meeting you.

"You too."

As Noah guided her back toward the ballroom, silence settled between them Ava glanced at him you seemed surprised to see me talking to Ethan I wasn't surprised."

"You looked surprised." Noah exhaled.

I just don't know him very well but everyone here knows you that's different  Ava frowned slightly.

The answer didn't make much sense, before she could ask more questions another group of investors approached Noah and the conversation ended there.

Hours later, the gala finally came to an end the moment they stepped outside, Ava felt relieved the night had been exhausting and beautiful.

The driver opened the car door as soon as they got inside, Noah loosened his tie "You did well tonight."

Ava blinked Did well?

He nodded you handled yourself professionally the compliment felt strange almost like a performance review.

"Oh."

Noah glanced at her "What?" Nothing You sound disappointed."

Ava stared out the window she had hoped he would tell her she looked beautiful that he was proud to have her beside him that he missed spending time with her Instead, she got you handled yourself professionally.

The words sat heavily in her chest did you have fun? Noah asked.

I think so you think so?

Ava hesitated.

Then she decided to be honest some people were talking about me Noah's jaw tightened.

"What people?" "I don't know."

The truth was she remembered exactly who they were but she didn't want to seem insecure they were probably just curious.

Noah looked away don't pay attention to them."

Easy for him to say nobody was whispering about whether he belonged the next few weeks passed quickly Noah became busier than ever meetings business trips interviews endless responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Ava threw herself into work whenever she wasn't at the office, she was usually alone the calls became shorter the texts became less frequent the dates became rare.

One evening, Ava sat at a restaurant table staring at the empty seat across from her she checked the time

7:15.

Noah was late again a waitress approached would you like to order? not yet the woman smiled politely and walked away Ava checked her phone no messages no explanation nothing.

By 7:45, she finally received a text Sorry Something came up Ava stared at the screen That's all.

Not even a phone call not even a proper apology her fingers hovered over the keyboard Then she typed sure a second later, Noah replied thanks for understanding.

Ava locked her phone.

For some reason, that text hurt more than it should have because she was always understanding always patient always waiting and lately, it felt like Noah expected it at the same moment, across the city, Noah was sitting inside a private lounge with several investors.

Vanessa sat beside him.

The conversation centered around future partnerships money expansion success everything Noah had worked for one of the investors suddenly laughed Kingston, you're going to have women chasing you for the rest of your life."

The group chuckled Vanessa smiled they already do Noah rolled his eyes Please I'm serious she took a sip of wine you've changed a lot people change not always for the better.

For a brief second, Noah thought about Ava sitting alone somewhere waiting for him the image made him uncomfortable so he pushed it away instead, he focused on business on success on the future.

Unfortunately, he didn't realize something important every time he chose work over Ava, another crack appeared in their relationship tiny almost invisible but cracks didn't need to be large to destroy something they only needed enough time and theirs were beginning to spread.