Ava's POV“Fernando?” I raised a very confused brow, watching him as he stood up from the chair. To say I was shocked was nothing more than an understatement. How was he here? It was puzzling, and I couldn't wrap my mind around it.The last time I saw Fernando was in Naples when he sorta kidnapped me and showed me the videotape of Miguel from the day of the accident.I didn't think he could be here. To say I was surprised was putting it nicely. Of all the people my brain imagined, I didn't think I would see him here in Chicago, and not just anywhere but the supposed new “Strange” company that wanted to hire me. I didn't understand. I couldn't understand. When did he even get the money to start a company? My mouth formed words but I didn't quite know what to say so I started with the most confusing part of it all, “What are you doing Here? How are you even Here?” I asked with emphasis on the here as I stepped toward the desk, tilting my head to the side.“Well, I boarded a flight
Ava's POV“Yeah, sorry about the last time. I'm Niko,” he stretched his hand to me.I merely looked away from him, ignoring his extended hand and glancing at Perez.“What are you doing here? What is he doing here?” I asked swiftly.Perez stepped forward, “I'm really sorry for the intrusion and all but can we talk for a bit. It's important. Very important, otherwise I won't be here,” he said earnestly.His face looked very convincing, and I didn't really have a choice, “Alright. Let's go in then.”I unlocked the door, and opened it, ushering them in. Before their asses touched the couch I was back at their throats again.“So, what is so important, that you had to fly here, and Intrude into my life. Again.”“No tea?” Niko arched a playful brow, and I ignored him again.“Perez?”“Your life is in danger,” he answered.“What?” I blurted, “I don't understand.” “I'll explain. Lino sent some guys to attack Miguel—”Miguel? My heart skipped a beat.“Is he fine?” I interrupted before I even kn
Ava's POVI froze. How could Penelope be alive? How was that possible? I wondered as I gauged his expression. Fernando looked sincere and honest as usual but I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe what he was saying.Miguel said his mom died in the fire that the DiAngelos had started. He had grieved and buried her remains too so…this couldn't be real. She couldn't be alive. If she was alive then whose body did Miguel bury? It didn't make any sense. Nothing made sense.Fernando was lying again, that was the only thing I could think of. He had to be. It was the only thing that could really explain this.Fernando was a liar. A good one at that, considering all the ways he had fooled me in the past. I wouldn't put it beneath him to lie to me about something this sensitive. I was sure this was just another trick of his, and I'd be damned if I fell for it.I stepped back, and smirked, “You are a liar. You expect me to believe that?” I arched my brow, glancing over my shoulder before
Ava's POVWe settled at the table for dinner—Pasta and lobster. The dish smelt great, and I was hungry but more than anything I was also curious as to what Penelope's story was, and what she meant when she said Fernando saved her life.I couldn't get over it. My curiosity had been stroked and not knowing was driving me mad. I glanced at her as she filled her plates, and Fernando’s with pasta. She flashed me a smile as she dished pasta on my plate as well.“I hope you like it,” she mumbled.I managed a smile too, and watched her interaction with Fernando. She poured him some juice and he did the same for her before pouring me some too.Penelope was being so nice to him, so loving and it was strange. All of this was strange to me. How was she even alive? How was all this even possible?It was crazy. According to Miguel, Fernando was the reason his mother died but now it turned out she wasn't dead, and for some reason, she owed her life to Fernando.Penelope was alive. She had been aliv
Ava's POV“Pregnant?” Fernando echoed. The word tore across the dinner table, resonating through the room. I swirled my head in his direction at the sound of his voice.Fernando jumped straight out of his chair like he was knocked over, almost tripping. He rushed toward me, looking somewhat let down like his world had suddenly crashed. “You are pregnant?” he asked, and I could see the pain in his eyes. I could only imagine how much this would hurt him. The hope I had seen in his eyes a moment ago was gone, replaced by immeasurable disappointment. “Ava,” he mumbled, wanting an answer. I nodded, “Yes, I am.”His hands dropped to his side, and tears danced in his eyes, “I'm sorry, Fernando.”It felt like I was breaking his heart again and now that I knew that he was a good person I felt guilty for it. We were supposed to get married but now I was carrying the baby of the man who he loathed.He stepped back and grabbed a hold of the seat to steady himself like he'd fall if he didn't.
Miguel's POVIt had been a few days since Perez went to Chicago, and after the first night, he sent me a picture of Ava. He hadn't gotten back to me. There had been no reports about her for more than twenty-four hours.I called so many times, but there was no answer, and my mind was half made up to fly over there.The only thing that held me back was the thought that Ava didn't want to see me, and the last thing I wanted to do was upset her, so I stayed back and kept trying his cell.The phone rang for a while but there was no answer so I called again. It rang for a second longer than before, and then Perez finally answered the phone.My fury rose inside of me like a storm as I blasted him; “What the fuck, Perez! I've been calling you for days now! Why haven't you been answering the goddamn phone!” I roared, unable to keep it together as I rambled into the phone.“I'm sorry, Miguel, there's just been a lot going on. I—”“What do you mean by a lot?” I interrupted, “What happened? Did
Miguel's POV “Wait a second,” Celine rushed, staring at me, "You're 'him'?” she asked with emphasis.“Him?" I asked narrowing my eyes. "What are you talking about?”Celine smiled more sweetly, “Never mind.”I didn't push it, knowing where Ava was was all that mattered to me, “So? Will you tell me where she is?” I asked.“Oh! I wished I could. I don't know. She took off a few days ago, and she never told me where she was going.”I relaxed my shoulders, feeling disappointed. This had turned out to be another dead end, and I didn't know what to do with that.“Thanks, Celine. If you hear from her please let me know. It is very important.”She smiled softly and I could almost pick an excited emotion in her eyes but I knew she had told what she could. “You're welcome. Anyway, I gotta go. I'll see you around.”I bobbed my head quietly and she walked by me. Quickly, I took out my phone and texted Perez to follow her. She might know something she didn't want to spill and the last thing I want
Ava's POVThe next few days passed, and Fernando took the best care of me. He stayed by my side all day, playing games and racing each other across the ranch. We fed the cattle together, and he even made me ride a horse, sitting behind me. It was fun, and I was really having the best time of my life. Fernando bought some baby stuff and set up a room in the house for the baby. He spent all day up there, decorating the room. He was so excited and loving, almost like the baby growing inside me was his. He was really acting like a father, and I was surprised at how amazing he was.“What do you think?” He asked when he brought me to the room later in the evening, “I haven't settled for a colour yet since we don't know its gender yet, but we can sort that out later. For now, we settle for white.”The room was beautiful, and I walked over to the baby's cradle, feeling the smooth material.“It's beautiful,” I said, “Thank you,” I mumbled.“No. Don't thank me.” He came up beside me, faci