2

Ava’s POV

The burns of whiskey barely dulled the ache in my chest. I sat at the bar, swirling the amber liquid in my glass, my mind replaying the scene over and over again. Daniel, Lila, their tangled limbs, their moans. My stomach twisted.

The bar was dimly lit, packed with people trying to waste their sad memories. I think. Well, just like. I downed another shot, letting the warmth settle in my veins.

“You okay, sweetheart? A voice slurred beside me. I turned to see a man, his breath reeking of alcohol, his eyes dark with intention.

“I’m fine,” I muttered, waving him off.

He didn’t move. Instead, he grinned and reached for my wrist. “C’mon now, don’t be like that. Let me buy you another drink.”

I yanked my arm back, my eyes burning in rage. Don’t people get the fucking word? I’m fine!

“She said she’s fine,” A familiar, sharp voice cut through the noise. I turned and found Liam standing feet away, his gaze the same as always, unreadable. Just great!

I had seen him earlier but tried ignoring him and minding my business. In the company, he was my boss but out here, he is just a normal human I could speak to anyhow. He had always done very well, ignoring me the whole time but now, his cold eyes were fixed on the man, his stance tense.

The drunk man scoffed but let go of my wrist immediately. “Didn't know she had a babysitter.”

Liam took a single step forward. “Walk away before you regret it.”

The man hesitated at first but eventually backed off, muttering curses under his breath.

I blinked up at Liam, confused and hazy. He sighed, shaking his head before grabbing my arm, not harshly, but firm enough, “Let’s go.”

I didn’t protect myself as he led me outside, the cold night air hitting me like a slap.

He opened the passenger door of his sleek black car and gestured for me to get in. “I’ll take you home.”

I stiffened. “No.”

“You’re drunk Ava. You need to sleep it off.” I swallowed hard, my voice cracking. “I can’t go home. It’ll just remind me of everything I saw on my birthday and I bet they will still be at my house, waiting to beg for my forgiveness.”

Something flickered in his eyes. “Your birthday?”

I looked away, ashamed of the tears welling up. “Yeah. Some birthday, huh?”

Lim didn’t say anything for a moment. Then without any more words, he shut the passenger door and walked around the driver’s side. Minutes later, he pulled up to a luxurious hotel.

“Stay here for the night,” He said. I turned to him, my vision blurring. “Why are you helping me? Or are you trying to kill me because I know something I shouldn't?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he handed me a room key, his gaze locked onto mine. “Get some rest.”

And then, just like that, he walked away.

~

I groaned as the sun's rays pierced through the hotel curtains. My head pounded a dull reminder of the alcohol I had drowned myself in last night. As I reached for my phone, a bitter taste settled on my tongue.

Missed calls: 12. Messages: 24.

Her boyfriend. Her best friend.

I exhaled sharply, fingers tightening around the device before I quickly blocked their numbers. I wasn’t taking shit from any of them again and fuck! I will be changing my house door passcode. I never wanted to crawl back into my life with excuses and empty apologies. Not again, not after my parents…

Then something clicked in my mind.

“Shit!” I muttered, crawling out of bed. It was the best sleep in 2 years, and luckily,, Liam didn’t kill me.

A sharp knock on the door startled me. Or is he waiting for the right time to! I cautiously approached and opened it. A hotel staff member stood there, holding a sleek, black box.

“Delivery for you Miss Davis.”

For me?

I blinked. “I…what?”

“From Mr. Carter,” the man added, handing it over to me before walking away.

My stomach twisted as I shut the door and set the box on the bed. With hesitant hands, I lifted the lid to reveal a stunning, deep blue dress. Elegant. Expensive. Unmistakably Liam’s taste.

My first instinct was to reject it. What was he at? But the thought of going to work in my wrinkled outfit from yesterday made me reconsider. I slipped into the dress, the silky material fitting me perfectly. How did he know my size?

“Enough thinking Ava.”

I walked into the office, and the chatter hit me instantly. “Did you see the pay raise?

“I thought it was a mistake!”

“Carter must’ve lost his mind!”

I barely had time to process it before Jenna, my closet work friend, rushed up to me.

"Ava! Have you seen your email?" Jenna's eyes wide with disbelief.

"We all got a raise. A big one."

My breath caught. "What?"

"Check it. It's real." Frowning, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my inbox. Sure enough, the notification was there: Salary Adjustment Notice.

My heart beat faster. I had to confront Liam about better treatment, but I never expected him to actually do something about it. He kinda still has a heart. Though it might be quite hard to get what I want.

“This has to be a mistake,” Another colleague murmured. “Liam Carter doesn’t give out money for free.”

“Or maybe,” Jenna whispered to Ava, “he’s got a soft spot for someone.” She winked

“Don't Be ridiculous,” I hit her on the head; how could she be so ridiculous? Liam and I. Never!

Jenna smirked. “Oh come on. You show up looking like a million bucks in a dress that screams power, and now our lives suddenly improve? Coincidence?”

I ignored her comment and strode towards her desk. But as I sat down, I caught sight of Liam walking through the office, his expression cold. Now was her chance.

I stood, making my way towards him. “Mr. Carter.”

He barely glanced at me. “Busy, Davis.”

“I just wanted to..”

“Not interested.” His voice was clipped as he brushed past her, heading straight for his office.

I clenched my jaw. So that was how he wanted to play it? Fine.

But as I sat back down, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting. And it had everything to do with Liam Carter.

~

As usual, it was night already, and I was still the only person in the staff’s office. Everyone had gone home already. It's not like I didn't want to go home; I just wanted to wrap things up and take a break tomorrow. Yes, I need that!

I slowly stood up but paused for a second. I wanted to go to the coffee room upstairs, but it was right next to Liam’s office, and only a few people were allowed to go to the place. Ava included.

I sighed before walking upstairs and then to the coffee room; thank goodness I hadn't noticed, but I could see Liam’s face burning with fury as he spoke on the phone. Always angry. I hissed and turned back to leave when the sight before me made me almost pour the hot coffee on my dress.

“I didn’t hear anything, I promise,” I said, voice steady. “I just wanted to get some coffee.”

Liam scoffed, letting out a low chuckle. “What’s your deal, Ava?” He stepped towards me. The scent of whiskey clung to him, faint but unmistakable. His tie was loosened, the top buttons of his shirt undone. I never had seen him like this, less composed, less in control.

“Always in places you shouldn’t be, hearing things you shouldn't hear.”

I swallowed hard. Sometimes, I wasn't scared of him, and also, sometimes, he always had that scary attitude that made me shiver.

“If it’s such a problem, maybe close your door next time.” I scoffed, trying to walk away, but he pulled me back. “Feisty tonight, aren’t we?”

“Forget what you heard, Ava. It doesn’t concern you.”

He seemed angry but I had to ask. “Who’s Grant Walker?”

I watched his entire body tensed up. His fingers curled into a fist at his side before he exhaled, shaking his head. “Go home, Ava.”

I didn’t move.

He turned sharply, stepping closer than before, his breath warm against her skin. “Do you ever listen?” He muttered, more to himself than to me.

Before I could respond, he moved. Not away but towards me. His lips brushed against mine, not a full kiss, barely even intentional, but the contact sent a jolt through me.

Then, just as suddenly, he pulled back, brows furrowed as if he hadn’t meant to do it. I watched his jaw clench and he muttered something under his breath.

I stared at him, my mind not thinking at the moment. What had just happened?! Why did he look… guilty?

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaled sharply, and said, “Forget that, too.” His voice was rough.

“Go home.”

This time, I listened.