บททั้งหมดของ Return of the Billionaire Heiress: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

Lucas’ POVI had lost her before, and now this happened.My knees weakened by the time she left the cemetery gate.We had come to honor my mother, but instead, I watched the woman I love leave me there alone. I was only a few steps away from my mother’s grave. My grip tightened around the flowers when her words replayed in my mind…“You’re just like him,”I shook my head. It was not meant to happen this way. Slowly, I got up with a shattered heart. I walked up to my mother’s grave and suddenly the tears that welled up in my eyes slid down my cheeks as I fell to the ground. The flowers sat gently on the grave as I began. “Sorry, I'm late, Mom.” My voice cracked. A lot had happened and to be honest, I wish you could tell me it will be alright, a shaky breath escaped me.She was here… and then I lost her. And this time, I think I am going to lose her forever. My chest tightened. She must hate me now, I dragged in a shaky breath. Maybe she should.The last time I felt this terrified… I

Ava’s POVI want to go home.This place only made me feel worse.Lynda was still sitting beside the bed when the nurse walked in. “You're good to go, Ma’am”A faint smile tugged at my lips. “Finally,” I muttered. “Please rest properly,” the nurse said before she made her way to the door.I nodded as I slowly lowered my feet to the floor. Malia’s words hadn't left my head. I should have told Lucas before going home, but instead I stopped at the door to his office. After a few minutes, I walked past it like it never mattered.Lynda reached for her phone in her pocket. “Should I text Doctor Lucas that you're leaving?” Her voice was audible. I shook my head in disapproval. Inside the car, silence fell between us. For about twenty minutes no word was said. I leaned back into the seat and Lynda watched me every second that passed. “Is there something going on between you two?” Lynda asked.My eyes opened instantly. Why was she asking that question?“You’re both acting like married couple

Ava’s POVI had unanswered questions.His words kept replaying in my head like a movie seen in a cinema. And I realized he never answered my questions.Why does he care so much? I exhaled sharply. I should listen to Rya but my heart…I paused and placed a hand on my chest. It had a mind of its own because even after leaving the hospital, I still heard his voice. I chose you, Ava.My chest tightened.Immediately Rya left, I walked into my room and stared at the mirror. This time, the reflection staring back at me was a renowned figure, a reborn heiress— a strong woman who had picked herself up despite how broken she had become. Yet I still felt empty inside when it came to Lucas. Why do I feel this way?Maybe Rya was right. Maybe I should stay away from everything that reminded me of pain. But pain had already followed me home.Just as I stood still in front of the mirror, the door creaked open pulling me out of my thoughts.“You have a ball dance to attend tonight,” Lynda said, st

Ava's POVThirty minutes had passed since Lynda informed me of her arrival. I hadn't gone outside to see who it was. I paced across the room repeatedly. My mind drifted to Grace.What if it's Grace?No. I shook my head. Lynda knows Grace, so it's definitely not Grace.Still, I can't just walk out there. I'm living a double life already.I stood still and something snapped in me.Come on, Ava. You're the heiress to the Thorne empire. No one will ever lay a finger on you except…I paused.Except they were ready to dig their own grave.I stepped out to the living room. A lady sat on the couch. Arms crossed, shoulders dropped. Immediately she turned towards me, I froze.I forcefully dragged my legs towards her as she stood up abruptly.“Please, sit.” I said gesturing at the chair. Rose sank into the chair and her lips parted. “I’m sorry for disrupting your rest.” She paused. “You may not know me but I think I might be of help to you.”A crease formed between my brows.Be of help to m

Lucas’ POVThe conference hall was already half full when I walked in. Conversations lowered, heads turned.I hated that part.“Doctor Lucas,” one of the residents called nearly jogging towards me. “They’re waiting for you.”Of course, they were.Inside the hall, I sat amongst other surgeons. Waiting to give my speech. The projector displayed reconstructed faces, healed skin grafts, and photographs of people who once believed that mirrors were enemies.Every image reminded me of her.Ava.The memory of her from last night, her hair, her dress, and her voice… echoed like a drumbeat in my chest. She was stubborn, reckless, extremely infuriating, and, above all, brave.I would say she's one of the bravest people I know. Dr. Lucas is known for his undisputed contributions in the surgical world. His thesis and ideologies have shaped reconstructive surgery. He has helped people who suffer from trauma become better. Please welcome him.”Applause erupted all over the hall but I heard nothin