CHAPTER 5: FRESH WOUND

Ryan's whole body became seriously cold as he watched the entire mind-blowing scene unfold right before him. Ava was the mysterious new chairwoman of such a big business brand…she was married…not just married, but with kids. His world was spinning.

“How was your trip?” Ava asked the little ones while fiddling with their hairs.

She paid little to no attention to the presence of Ryan there. Ryan stood like a lost sheep, not knowing which move he ought to make.

“Adrian was asleep all through the journey!” Little Adrianna said with a loud chuckle.

Adrian tucked his dad's hand in protest. Then, he said in protest, “Dad, you know that's not true. Can you tell mom here that Adrianna has told a lie against me?”

Ava giggled and looked at Arnold, his husband. “Who should I believe?”

Arnold simply grinned and threw his hands in askance, a gesture that meant she should not drag him into the argument.

“Av…” Ryan almost called her name.

But it felt as if his tongue had been tied up. There was a lump in his throat. The memories of the past years were protesting in his thoughts. He betrayed her. He hurt the woman that loved her well. Now, she's back. Even if he wanted to apologize, where would he start from?

He was still in his dazed state when one of the little angels asked a question.

“Mom, who is the man over there?” Adrianna asked in an inquisitive tone.

The attention was suddenly turned to him. He looked into the eyes of the kids and his mind tickled him. Those eyes…there were his. He could see his miniature form standing right there before him in the person of Adrian.

Were the children his? He thought. But hell no. That was not even possible. Ava never mentioned a word to him about carrying a baby for him. Besides, years had passed. There was another man in her life already.

“Is he your friend?” Adrian added.

Ava looked at Ryan. Then, she looked at the kids and smiled.

“No, my babies,” she replied. “He's not your mom's friend. He's just a stranger who came here for business.”

The response hit Ryan in the chest. He was not a stranger. They had something in the past. As a matter of fact, his heart was still beating for her.

“Hello, Mister,” Arnold said as he walked to him.

He reached out to shake hands with Ryan. Ryan looked at him, a feeling of jealousy and disgust swelling up in his eyes. Arnold wasn't looking bad. But he was definitely not better than him.

His eyes flashed to Ava. The lady seemed not to be flustered. She simply leaned on the office desk and had both hands on the heads of her children.

“Arnold Clifford,” Arnold said.

“Hmm,” Ryan exhaled heavily and shook his hand. “Ryan Blake.”

Ryan was expecting him to be a bit flustered on hearing his name. Ryan Blake was a popular business figure. But Arnold was not flustered. He simply turned to Ava.

“Oh well, sweetheart, you have a business talk to do. I will go with the kids. And yes, I have an online meeting to catch up with.”

Ava stole a glance at Ryan before she replied. “You can cancel it.”

Arnold eyed her inquisitively. “Why?”

“Because I haven't been with you in two weeks,” she answered.

“It's just a week, babe,” Arnold corrected her and laughed.

“Well, that's how much I miss my hubby.”

She walked up to him and kissed him slightly. Ryan's heart was about to be torn apart. He couldn't bring himself to believe Ava did that right in his presence.

“Uhm, Mr Ryan Blake, please, leave the office. I won't be entertaining any clients again. Do yourself a favor and come some other time. That is if you really want to compete for the deal. Thank you.”

The kids ran out. Ava locked arms with Arnold and was leaving the office when Ryan grabbed her free hand.

She glared at him. “What's the meaning of this?” She queried him.

Ryan shut his eyes and opened it. Then, he said, “I'm sorry I hurt you.”

His eyes were pure and he meant those words. But Ava wasn't flustered.

She just smiled, patted him gently on the shoulder and said, “Your wife is waiting at home.”

She walked away with Arnold. She looked happy. But Ryan was hurting. He wanted her back.