Chapter ten

Ava’s POV

“Love you too, Mum,” I murmured, a soft smile touching my lips as I listened to her soothing voice. She was reassuring me, telling me I’d made the right choice and marriage can be hard sometimes, and that she was proud of how I was handling everything.

"And don't you worry about that big house, darling," she chuckled. "You'll make it a home in no time. I’ll send over some of your favorite books and those little ceramic birds you love, to brighten the place up."

Home. It was beautiful but utterly devoid of personality. The thought of making it mine was simple and it filled me with a quiet resolve.

I really need to get those scented candles too. I thought to myself.

This wasn't just about surviving or reliving a life. This was about thriving, about carving out my own space, my own identity, within this marriage.

This is now my sanctuary, and I'll make the best use of it.

I pulled out my laptop and opened my email. The children’s hospital. My true passion. I had ignored it in my past life because Luca said I didn't need to work or do anything. But not this time around. Even if Damien is nothing like Luca.

I spent a good part of the afternoon catching up on reports, responding to urgent messages, and scheduling a meeting with the head of staff for the day after tomorrow. It felt good, familiar, grounding. This was my life, the one I was building, brick by brick.

Most of the emails were from Dr. Anya Sharma, The head of the hospital. She had sent a detailed report on the progress on the new wing and a particularly challenging case with a little girl

I was diving into the details, offering my input. It made me happy. It felt like a reminder of the tangible good I could still do, that I wasn't completely useless.

I even drafted a few notes for a new fundraising initiative, my mind buzzing with ideas.

I was back in the kitchen, on the phone with my mother again.

I’d just finished telling her about Luca’s call, and her annoyance was palpable even through the phone.

“...the nerve of that boy, Ava! After you told him you're married. He does not deserve anything from you. Your father and I never even like him. You did absolutely the right thing blocking him. Don’t you dare let him get to you again, okay?”

“I won’t, Mum,” I promised, my gaze drifting towards the grand entrance hall. The house was still so quiet.

Just then, I heard the faint hum of a car approaching. The sound grew , a low rumble that I could feel and the engine was killed. Then the soft click of the front door, distinct even from the kitchen.

Footsteps, heavy and slow, echoed in the marble floor.

My heart gave a little jump, a nervous flutter in my stomach.

Why should his arrival make me nervous? This was my home too, now. And we are married. Just before I went deep into thoughts, he showed up.

Damien.

He appeared in the living room doorway. His tie was loosened, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, a stark contrast to the perfectly tailored image he usually presented.

His impeccable hair was slightly disheveled, a few dark strands falling across his forehead, and there were dark shadows under his eyes. He looked utterly tired.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room, taking in the corners, and finally, his gaze landed on me, with the phone still pressed to my ear.

His eyes flicker with surprise, the gaze held an intensity that made my breath catch.

I quickly turned away from him, lowering my voice, tightening my fingers around the phone. “Mum, I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow. Yes, I’m fine. Love you.”

I ended the call, a little more abruptly than I had planned. The click of the phone echoing in the sudden quiet. I took a deep breath.

"Welcome back. How was work?"

Damien didn't answer immediately. He loosened his tie all the way and walked into the room.

"Long." He answered shortly.

I smiled softly. "You look really tired and drained."

His lips twitched, just a little, but he didn't say anything.

I decided to press for more.

"Do you want food? I made dinner."

He blinked, clearly not expecting me to actually cook.

"Yeah, I'll eat."

I smiled and rushed into the kitchen to warm the food I had packed.

I served it and placed it on the dining table.

"It's ready." I called out to him.

He walked to the table and said softly. "You know you don't have to cook. We have a housekeeper and a chef,and they'll be here tomorr—"

"I know. I just wanted to make something for you." I said cutting him off.

He didn't say anything, just looking at me.

"Sit." I said sliding the plate next to him.

He hesitated a little and then obeyed.

I sat across from him as he started eating. He took the first bite and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. And he continued eating.

"So," I said casually, "did you miss me?"

He choked on his food.

I panicked and passed him water.

"Relax. You did not need to answer that."

He shot me a look.

I sat down back.

"Well, I'll tell you what I did today since I was dropped into this big quiet house." I said to him with a smile.

"I had a productive day."

"You went out?" He asked.

"No. I cooked and worked."

"Work?" He asked curiously, and I nodded. He didn't push further.

After he was done eating, I stood and began clearing the table. Damine reached for his plate. "I'll help."

I paused and smiled at him. "You have been working all day, you look exhausted. Go shower and rest."

He paused and nodded. "Thank you. For dinner."

I met his eyes. "You're welcome."