Chapter 5: The Woman In Red

Ava stared at the rain sliding down her apartment window another date canceled another evening spent alone she told herself it didn't matter Noah was busy his company was growing his responsibilities were bigger now she understood that. At least, that's what she kept telling herself her phone buzzed.

Mia.

Don't tell me you're sitting at home again Ava smiled weakly maybe the reply came immediately I'm coming over an hour later, Mia was sprawled across Ava's couch with a bowl of popcorn.

You need a life Ava laughed I have a life.

"No." Mia pointed at her you have Noah what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing."

Mia softened but your entire world shouldn't revolve around one person Ava looked down at her hands she hated admitting it, but lately she felt exactly like that whenever Noah called, her day improved whenever he canceled plans, her mood dropped somewhere along the way, she had started building her life around him and now he barely seemed to notice the following friday, Noah's company hosted another corporate event.

This time, Ava wasn't invited she found out about it online a picture appeared on social media was Noah standing beside several executives along side with Vanessa Clarke.

The woman wore a stunning red dress her arm rested lightly against Noah's shoulder they looked comfortable together too comfortable Ava immediately hated herself for feeling jealous It was just a picture nothing more yet she couldn't stop staring at it.

Five minutes later, Mia called "You saw it, didn't you?" Ava sighed unfortunately I Ignored it and what's Noah saying about it, he hasn't called today Ava replied.

Mia muttered something under her breath that Ava wisely pretended not to hear three hours later, Noah finally called.

"Hello" Ava sat upright on the couch

"Hi"

He sounded distracted again I've had the longest day Ava almost asked about the photograph but she held herself Instead she said, "I saw the company event."

"Oh."

A short pause followed It wasn't important the answer bothered her because if it wasn't important, why wasn't she there? but Vanessa was there the silence lasted a second too long.

She works with several of our investors Ava nodded even though he couldn't see her.

"I know."

Something about the conversation felt off like they were both avoiding something Noah cleared his throat anyway, I have an early meeting tomorrow of course he did Ava swallowed her disappointment.

"Okay."

I will call you later before she could answer, the call ended Ava stared at her phone the apartment suddenly felt very quiet the next afternoon, Noah attended a private luncheon with investors Vanessa arrived twenty minutes late every head turned when she entered that was the effect she had on people she enjoyed it as she took the empty seat beside Noah, she smiled.

You look exhausted

"I am."

Working too hard? he gave her a look you already know the answer Vanessa laughed then her expression turned thoughtful Can I ask you something?  Alright go ahead Noah said.

When was the last time you and Ava attended an event together? Noah frowned what kind of question is that.

He thought about it  but the answer surprised him the charity gala several weeks ago before that and after that he wasn't sure Vanessa noticed the realization in his eyes Interesting very interesting.

"You've changed, Noah there you go again I'm serious she leaned forward slightly you used to be obsessed with her the words hit harder than expected because they were true there had been a time when Ava occupied every corner of his mind a time when missing a single date felt unbearable a time when her happiness mattered more than anything.

When had that changed?

For the first time, Noah didn't have an answer that evening, Ava stayed late at work her office building was nearly empty by the time she finished as she stepped outside, a familiar voice called her name.

"Ava."

She turned "Ethan? the businessman from the gala smiled what a coincidence she laughed.

"What are the odds?"

"Pretty good considering my office is across the street."

Ava looked where he pointed sure enough, a modern glass building stood directly opposite hers neither of them could help laughing.

"Heading home?" Ethan asked eventually coffee first? Ava hesitated It wasn't a date at least she didn't think it was just coffee just conversation just a friendly face after a difficult week.

"Sure." his smile widened "Great."

As they walked toward a nearby café, Ava felt lighter than she had in days for the first time in a long while, someone seemed genuinely interested in talking to her not because of business not because of status not because of what she could do for them just because they enjoyed her company.

And far across the city, Noah sat alone in his penthouse office, completely unaware that another man had just given Ava something he hadn't given her in weeks his time.