" Couples on the beach doin' the dirty tricks.... La la la la ". Ava Adams sighed and closed her laptop. Her stepbrother, Bobby was back and it meant she was in for more trouble tonight. Her joy at being hired as a babysitter dampened the moment she heard Bobby's voice. " Where have you been? " He said, the moment she came downstairs. He staggered, and Ava knew then that he was drunk. She rolled her eyes inwardly but replied anyway. " I came down the minute I heard your voice. Where's Ben? " She looked behind him, in search of her second nightmare. Ben, her step dad was much worse than a beast. Her mother, Dawn had married Ben when she was 12. Her birth father, Davis, died in a car accident and things had not been easy for them. Dawn married Ben few years later and things were going smoothly for them, except for her nasty stepbrother of course. Ben, at that time, was a rich businessman but all that crumbled when his company went bankrupt. Bobby had blamed it all on her mother for
He took a pause before he went on " Any complications? Married? In a relationship? Single? " Ava shook her head " None " " Okay. Now, please go through these rules and regulations carefully ". He handed her the documents and sat back on his chair, waiting for her. Ava went through the documents thoroughly and took a pause after reading a particular one. " I'll live here? " She looked at him, stunned. " Yeah. And one more thing, you'll be on probation for 2 months before we decide if you'll work with us permanently ". He exhaled a breath. " Is there a problem? " He raised an eyebrow. " No no no it's fine. I mean, thank you sir" She was happy that that finally, she would be leaving that hell hole she called a home. But how handful must the kid be, for the job to require her stay there temporarily, she wondered. " I thought I made it clear you should call me Jack " Jack smiled. " Thank you Jack " Her own smile brightening the whole room. " Okay good. Now let's proceed. Th
" You okay? " Jack asked in concern, looking her over. " Yeah I'm fine " she answered, her voice betraying her. " Okay. Are you still willing to be his babysitter? " He queried. " If you'll allow me to " She answered, her gaze not on Jack but Alex. " Mind you, Alex understand every word spoken and harsh words or harsh treatment won't be tolerated. He feels pain too " He stated, all humour gone in his voice, replacing it with the tone of a protective brother. Ava was somewhat annoyed with Jack's words. How could he say that? Placing her hands on her hips, she told him quietly, " Everyone is different, Jack. We're all different. I don't know if you're saying this because you've had experience with cruel babysitters before but I'm assuring you that I'm way different from those people. I can't treat a human that way, and definitely not a sick one. You don't generally assume everyone is the same " She exhaled heavily. She couldn't believe that she had talked to him like a mother
" Mabel is too busy for her own son. She's always busy going on business trips so she doesn't have time for Liam. His nanny and I take care of him most times " His look turned into a dark one and he looked upset, not at Ava though. What kind of mother was she? Ava wondered but kept her mouth shut before she gave in to the urge and poke into what was not her business. " You can go home and pack up your things now. I spoke to my driver and he's outside waiting for you " Jack said, patting Liam on the back. " Oh great! Thank you! I'll be back soon " and she was gone in a blink of an eye. Jack smiled and shook his head. What a boisterous woman, he thought. ******** Ava thanked her stars when she got home and found it empty. She quickly went into her room and started packing her things. She left out the ones she wouldn't need during her stay in the Kings' mansion. She threw her clothes in her traveling box in a hurry, that and other things. She handed them to Will, Jack's driver who
Jack sighed, " Will you eat it yourself then? " But Alex shook his head and looked at Ava. " Let me give it a try, Jack " Ava said and Jack handed her the tray without a word. Ava went over to Alex and sat beside him. Slowly, she fed him and he ate every bit of what she fed him. Ava began, " What did the doctor say about his.... his.... " She couldn't find the right words to describe what was on the tip of her tongue and she couldn't possibly called it mental state, not especially in front of his brother. Jack quite understood what she meant. He replied, " The doctor said it's shock and it has to do with the part of his brain that formulate words. Sure, he understands every word spoken but to voice out and reply is difficult for him. It's temporary though. He'll be back to normal very soon " He exhaled a long breath. Soon, Alex finished eating and Ava wiped his mouth with a napkin and made to get up but Alex drew her back, and she fell on his chest. Jack looked away
" Did you sleep well? " Ava asked and he nodded once. She smiled " come on " and led him back to his room. The room was dark so she left him standing and quickly went over to the window pane to draw back the curtains. Sunlight came in and the room was alive with brightness. She turned and met Alex right behind her again. He stood so close that his breath fanned the tendrils of her hair and she inhaled his breath unconsciously. Hmmm, he had a fresh mint breath. Well, why wouldn't he? She just fed him cake mixed with mint. She frowned, wondering why Jack had told her Alex didn't like close contact when obviously, he liked being close to her. Or maybe it's just her, she thought, smiling. Oh don't be full of yourself, he's not in his right mind, you know. A voice in her head said and she pushed it away. She managed to smile as she strained her neck to look up at him. He towered far above her, the guy was huge, she thought. How many times will you say that? The same vo
Summoning up courage, she stood up and went over to him. She drew the nearest chair close to him and sat, his manly scent drifting to her nose. " I'm hungry, aren't you? " She asked sweetly, giving him an innocent smile. To her utmost surprise, he nodded and her eyes lightened up at that. She picked up a spoon eagerly and fed him almost every food Margaret laid down. Of course she ate too, she had never had such a delicious meal before. Back at home, her daily meals were sparse and she ate for survival, even a dog's feed was better than her meals. This tastes like heaven, she thought as she scooped in another mouthful. Alex didn't complain or threw a tantrum, instead he ate everything. The guy sure had a large appetite, she thought. But why had he refused to eat such a large food in Jack's presence? She wondered. Then a thought came to her, maybe he saw her as a person he could be free with or a friend perhaps. Oh, don't be full of yourself, he would never consider yo
" Any issue so far? " Jack asked, breaking into her thoughts. Ava was brought out of her reverie and she shook her head " Nothing, everything is cool " Jack nodded slowly " Do you need anything? " Again, she shook her head " Not at all, I'm okay " She ended her answer with a little smile. " Let me know when something comes up, okay? Here is my number " He made to give her his phone number but Ava shook her head. " My phone isn't in a good working condition at the moment, I'm planning to get a new one in the nearest future, probably a month from now " Jack's eyes widened a little " Oh! " Then he frowned " Did you just say next month? Don't you have any use for it at all? You should get it now " Ava smiled wistfully " I wish I could " and she went quiet. Jack's frown deepened " What's stopping you from getting a new one now? " " Money " She blurted out, not ashamed of speaking about her financial problems. Jack nodded slowly, absorbing the inf
Ava sat in the cozy living room of their mansion, a bowl of snacks on the table in front of her. Her fingertips grazed over the various treats laid out as she nibbled on them, a mix of worry and guilt lingering in her mind. Her protruded tummy, evidence of the little life growing within her, had started to concern her. She wanted to maintain her figure, but her cravings seemed to have a will of their own lately.She glanced down at her tummy, feeling a pang of uncertainty. " I'm eating so much these days " she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.Alex, engrossed in his book nearby, looked up with a gentle smile. " You're eating for two, my love " he said, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance." But I don't want to gain too much weight " Ava admitted, her tone tinged with concern. " I want to stay in shape "Alex set his book aside and moved closer to her, taking her hand in his. " Ava, you're carrying our child. It's natural for your body to change. But remember, I fell
Months had passed since the enchanting wedding day, and Ava found herself transitioning into married life alongside Alex. Despite her initial nerves about being a wife, Alex's unwavering support and reassuring words had been a source of comfort, helping her navigate the new chapter of their lives together.One evening, Ava sat in the grand living room of their mansion, flipping through a cookbook with Maggie, who had been a pillar of support since the wedding. Mabel sat nearby, offering gentle guidance and wisdom." I'm not sure I can manage all of this " Ava admitted, feeling a pang of anxiety about her role as the lady of the house. " Everything seems so overwhelming "Maggie smiled warmly, placing a comforting hand on Ava's shoulder. " You're doing just fine, dear. Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes time to settle into this role "Mabel nodded in agreement. " Remember, Ava, you have a supportive team by your side. We're here to help you every step of the way "Alex entered the ro
The finishing touches came together—the veil delicately placed, the earrings sparkling in the light, and the gown enveloping her like a cloud of dreams. Every detail was meticulously attended to, ensuring that Ava looked nothing short of ethereal.Her bridesmaids gathered around her, their eyes glistening with tears of joy. " You look absolutely stunning, Ava! " one exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Ava, adorned in a breathtaking gown that seemed to radiate her inner glow, stood surrounded by her bridesmaids, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.Ava glanced at herself in the mirror once more, feeling a surge of emotions. She couldn't believe the transformation before her—a vision of beauty that seemed to encapsulate the love and anticipation she felt for the day ahead.Finally, Mabel stepped forward, her eyes moist with emotion. " My dear, you're a vision of love and happiness. But remember, your beauty lies not just in this outward adornment, but in the kindness
Ava's joy knew no bounds as she looked at Alex, her eyes shining with love. " I can't believe I'm going to marry such an amazing man " she said, reaching across the table to grasp his hand tightly." And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you " Alex replied, his voice filled with tenderness.The café resonated with laughter and plans as they discussed every detail, the air filled with dreams of a future filled with love, family, and the anticipation of their wedding day.As the evening wound down, they left the café, hearts brimming with happiness and excitement. Alex held Ava's hand, whispering promises of love and a lifetime of togetherness as they strolled through the twinkling evening lights, the world around them bathed in the glow of their newfound commitment.With the date set and plans in motion, their hearts swelled with anticipation, knowing that their love story was entering a new, beautiful chapter—one that would forever be etched in their memories as they jour
The crisp autumn air enveloped the park as Alex nervously adjusted the small velvet box hidden in his pocket. He strolled through the vibrant foliage, his thoughts centered on Ava, and he smiled. She was carrying their child, a secret they held close, a joy they eagerly awaited sharing with the world. It gave him anytime he thought about it. Ava sat on a bench, her hands gently cradling her baby bump while admiring the changing leaves. Alex approached, his heart pounding with anticipation. " Hey, love " he greeted, his smile slightly nervous yet filled with genuine affection." Hey, Alex " Ava replied, her eyes lighting up as she saw him. " You seem excited about something. What's going on? "Alex chuckled nervously, his mind racing. " I just wanted to spend some time with you, that's all " he said, trying to hide his nerves.As they settled on the bench together, Alex stole a glance at Maggie, who was discreetly watching nearby. Their eyes met, and she gave him an encouraging nod be
Ava, clad in a vibrant sundress that hugged her baby bump, twirled a lock of her blonde hair as she gazed longingly out the window of the sprawling mansion. The desire to break free from the confinements of the estate gripped her fiercely that morning. She yearned for a change of scenery, an escape from the opulent yet stifling walls.As she rummaged through her closet, sifting through the array of dresses and blouses, Maggie with a warm smile and wise eyes, shuffled into the room. " Where might you be off to, dear Ava? " Maggie inquired, her eyes glinting with curiosity." The shopping mall " Ava replied, slipping into her favorite pair of comfortable sandals. " I just need a breather, you know? "Maggie's wrinkled face lit up. " Mind if I tag along, lass? Haven't been to the mall in ages. It'll do me good "" Of course, Maggie! I'd love the company " Ava beamed, grabbing her purse and heading downstairs.Before they left, Maggie hesitated, her eyes filled with concern. " Should I in
Concern instantly replaced Alex's yearning. " Is everything okay? You sound a little off "Ava sighed softly. " I'm just feeling a bit tired today, that's all "" I wish I was there with you " Alex confessed, his voice laden with longing. " I miss you, Ava. I miss seeing you, holding you "A bittersweet silence hung in the air for a moment before Ava spoke again. " I miss you too, Alex. The baby's been kicking a lot lately. It's like our little one knows you're not here "A warm smile tugged at Alex's lips at the thought. " I wish I could feel it too. Can you put the phone near your belly? Maybe I can hear something "A soft chuckle escaped Ava as she adjusted the phone. " Alright, little one, say hi to Daddy "For a fleeting moment, amidst the static on the line, Alex thought he could hear a faint rustling sound, as if the baby responded to his voice. His heart swelled with emotion." Thank you, Ava " Alex said softly. " I needed this. I'll be home as soon as I can, okay? "" I'll be
The door swung open slowly, revealing a dimly lit interior. A figure stood in the shadows, their silhouette barely visible. As the figure stepped forward, the dim light illuminated her face—Angel." Alex " she murmured, her voice sending chills down his spine. " I knew you'd come "He clenched his fists, struggling to contain the torrent of emotions surging within him. " You thought you could hide forever? "Angel's eyes glinted with a mix of defiance and something else—a hint of regret? " I did what I had to do. You were mine, Alex, and no one else's "" You almost killed me! " Alex's voice trembled with the intensity of his accusation. " All because you couldn't handle the fact that I wanted to move on with my life "She took a step closer, her expression softening slightly. " I made a mistake, Alex. I know that now. But I couldn't bear the thought of losing you "Alex shook his head, feeling a surge of anger mingled with pity. " You need help, Angel. You can't keep running away fro
" You're my first priority Ava, and nothing will ever change that. This changes everything, yes, but it's the most incredible news "They lingered in each other's embrace, savoring the precious moments that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The air was charged with a beautiful blend of love, excitement, and an unspoken vow to support each other through whatever lay ahead.As the evening sunlight filtered through the study window, bathing them in a warm glow, they stood united, ready to embrace the extraordinary journey of parenthood that lay ahead. ***************Alex sat nervously across from the private investigator, his fingers tapping an erratic rhythm on the worn wooden table. " Look, I need your help. It's about Angel " he began, his voice laced with urgency.The investigator, a seasoned man with a weathered face and piercing eyes, leaned forward. " Angel, your ex-girlfriend, right? The one behind the accident five years ago? "Alex nodded, hi