Ava's heart raced as she approached her apartment door that evening, but this time, it wasn't fear that consumed her. Instead, it was curiosity. After the strange knock earlier, she'd braced herself for something sinister.But when she opened the door, all she found was a bouquet.The arrangement was stunning—roses, lilies, and soft sprays of baby’s breath nestled in an elegant vase. A small card peeked out from between the blooms. Ava hesitated before picking it up, her fingers trembling slightly.“For everything I can’t say yet—A.”Her breath caught in her throat. Alexander.She placed the bouquet on the kitchen counter, unsure of what to feel. Was this an apology? A peace offering? Or just another way to confuse her? She decided not to overthink it. Tonight, she needed rest.The Morning AfterAva woke to sunlight streaming through her curtains. For the first time in days, she felt a sense of calm. Her night had been quiet, no strange knocks or texts to disrupt her.As she prepared
Ava pulled into her apartment’s parking lot, the eerie sensation of being watched still lingering in the back of her mind. She turned off the ignition, letting the silence settle around her. The dim lights of the parking lot flickered, casting long shadows over the rows of parked cars. She glanced at her rearview mirror, half-expecting to see someone step out of the shadows.But there was no one. Just her nerves playing tricks on her again.“Get a grip, Ava,” she murmured, shaking her head as she stepped out of the car. She locked the door and walked briskly toward the building’s entrance, her heels clicking against the pavement.Unbeknownst to her, a pair of eyes tracked her every move. Hidden in the shadows, a man dressed in dark, nondescript clothing reached for his earpiece.“She’s inside,” he said quietly. “All clear for tonight.”On the other end of the line, Alexander sat in his study, leaning forward in his chair as he listened to the report. His fingers drummed lightly agains
Ava placed her phone down after reading the latest email from her investigator. The report confirmed everything—Linda’s string of affairs, underhanded deals, and exploitation of Alexander’s connections to boost her career.“She’s been doing this for years,” Ava said to herself, disgusted.Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her apartment door. She opened it to find Dr. Liam Brooks, her colleague from the hospital, holding a small container of food.“I figured you’d be too busy to cook today,” Liam said with a warm smile. “Hope you don’t mind.”Ava stepped aside to let him in. “You’re a lifesaver, Liam. Come on in.”Liam placed the container on the kitchen counter and turned to her. “You’ve been looking stressed lately. Anything you want to talk about?”Ava hesitated, not wanting to drag him into her messy personal life. “It’s just… work and some personal stuff. Nothing I can’t handle.”He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Well, you know where to find me if you need an ea
Ava glanced nervously at the clock in the hospital lounge. She hadn’t expected Alexander to come so quickly after their call. Her heart raced as she replayed their brief conversation in her mind. Did she make the right choice, asking him to meet her?The sound of the door creaking open jolted her. Alexander walked in, his presence commanding the small space. He was still dressed in his tailored suit, though his tie was slightly loosened, giving him a more approachable look.Ava stood, clutching her phone. “You didn’t have to come so fast. I know you’re busy.”Alexander crossed the room in a few strides, his gaze soft but intense. “I told you I would always come when you needed me.”She looked away, unsure how to respond. His sincerity both comforted and unsettled her. “I… I just wanted to talk about everything. About us. About Linda.”His jaw tightened slightly at the mention of Linda, but he nodded. “Go ahead. I’m listening.”Ava took a deep breath. “I know there’s a lot we need to s
Ava had always been strong, resilient even in the hardest moments. But after everything that had happened, she felt like she needed to step away from the chaos, to find her own way without the constant pull of Alexander’s presence.She wasn’t going to tell him. Not yet.She packed a small bag, made arrangements at the hospital to take some time off, and left without a word. Her colleagues didn’t ask where she was going. They knew she had been through a lot. But Alexander? He was the one person she couldn't bring herself to face.The days would be hers to reclaim, to breathe and to heal.Back in the city, Alexander was consumed by work, but his mind kept drifting back to Ava. She had disappeared without a trace. No calls, no messages, nothing.He had been worried at first—more than he cared to admit—but as the silence stretched on, his frustration grew. Why wouldn’t she answer him? Where had she gone?He wasn’t used to being left in the dark, not with her. She had always been so transp
Two Months A Lot has happened within those space of timeIt had been three years. Three years of silence. Of searching. Of hoping. Alexander had finally found her—Ava—after all this time. But when he had first reached out, there was no joy, no warmth in her response. Only distance. She had spoken to him, but each word felt like a wall she was putting up between them.The first time he had messaged her, apologizing for everything—what he had done, what he hadn’t done, how he had failed her—she hadn’t responded. Not for days. When she finally did, it was brief.“It’s over, Alexander. We are over.”That had been the first blow. It hurt, more than he had expected, but he couldn’t stop himself. He kept reaching out. He called, he messaged, he wrote letters. Every time, he apologized, hoping for some sign that she was still the woman he knew, that there was still some chance for them.The fifth attempt, she answered with a coldness that stung.“You’ve apologized, but it’s too late. I don’t
Ava had spent the past three years building a life she could be proud of, but tonight, she allowed herself a rare indulgence—attending a prestigious charity gala. She moved through the grand ballroom, her emerald gown a stunning contrast to her confident but distant demeanor. The event was a chance to network for her surgery center, but Ava felt uneasy, her nerves stirred by the faint sense that tonight was going to be different.She was in the middle of discussing a new medical partnership when she saw him. Alexander.Her heart skipped a beat. He stood across the room, looking sharper than she remembered. His dark suit hugged his tall frame perfectly, but it was his expression—a mix of regret and longing—that left her breathless. Ava didn’t know if she wanted to turn and leave or march up to him and demand why he was there.Before she could decide, another figure stepped into view. Linda.Ava froze. Linda, Alexander’s first love, was speaking to him, her hand brushing his arm in a wa
The morning after the storm, Ava woke with a heaviness that had settled deep into her chest. The rain had stopped, but the remnants of the night still lingered—both the storm outside and the one inside her. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts a jumble of old emotions and new doubts.Alexander was in the next room, likely still asleep. His presence was a strange comfort, but it also made her question everything she thought she knew about herself. Hadn’t she moved on from him? Hadn’t she convinced herself that she could be happy without him?But seeing him again had opened a door she thought was sealed shut. His apology, his vulnerability—things she had never thought she would hear from him—had cracked her defenses wide open. It wasn’t just the words, though. It was the way he had looked at her. How could she ignore that?Ava sighed, sitting up. She needed space, time to think without him watching her every move. As she moved toward the bathroom, her phone buzzed on the
Ava's gaze lingered on the melting ball of ice cream before her, but her focus was drawn outside, where Alexander stood with his back to her, engrossed in a phone call. The warm afternoon sun painted golden streaks on his broad shoulders, and the sound of his deep voice reached her ears faintly. She couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. Two months in, and their lives felt like they were perfectly aligned for the first time.Her pregnancy was now visibly showing, a small but noticeable curve beneath her loose dress. The thought of their growing baby filled her with warmth and excitement, a feeling mirrored in Alexander’s every action these days. The joy of planning their future and talking about parenthood had brought a new layer of closeness between them.Alexander ended the call and turned toward her, closing the distance in a few swift strides. His rare smile, one she’d learned to cherish, lit up his face."Hey, baby," he said, his voice warm and teasing. "Are you reall
Alexander stood by the doorframe, watching Ava with a tenderness that he rarely allowed himself to feel. Her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of sleep, her face soft despite the evident exhaustion. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling back.The dim light of the room cast shadows across the walls, and as he straightened, a resolve settled over him. Ava needed time to recover, and he would make sure she had it. Turning quietly, he exited the room, shutting the door softly behind him.Walking into the living room, he spotted Monica arranging a vase of fresh flowers on the table. She looked up as he approached."Ava will stay in bed for a while longer," Alexander began, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "Get her some food, something light but nourishing, and take it to her room. Make sure she doesn’t wake up hungry. Stay nearby in case she stirs awake. I’ll be in the study."Monica nodded, her features reflecting the r
Ava leaned against the kitchen counter, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she took a deep breath. The aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of laughter from the living room. She had worked tirelessly to make the evening special—a feast to celebrate Alexander’s recent breakthrough.Her heart swelled with pride when she thought of him. For weeks, he had poured every ounce of himself into his work, and tonight was proof that the sleepless nights and endless planning had paid off. She wanted to honor that. She wanted him to feel cherished.“Ma’am,” Monica’s voice broke through her thoughts. The housekeeper’s warm smile matched her tone. “The dining area is set, and we’re ready to go. I’m so happy for you both.”Ava returned the smile, though exhaustion tugged at her features. “Don’t stand on ceremony, Monica. We made this happen together. You’ve been with us so long, you’re practically family now.”Monica’s cheeks flushed
Alexander woke up, instinctively reaching for the other side of the bed. His fingers brushed against the cool sheets, and a sense of emptiness gnawed at him. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he stared at the vacant space beside him. The absence of warmth signaled she had been gone for some time.His eyes darted toward the clock on the wall—6:15 a.m. Too early for her to be up, he thought. His chest tightened as unease crept in. His mind immediately conjured worst-case scenarios, fueled by his protective instincts and an irrational fear he couldn’t shake.Throwing off the covers, Alexander swung his legs off the bed and stood. His rumpled hair and unkempt look mirrored his internal disarray, but he didn’t care. He needed to find Ava. The thought of her being out of sight, even for a moment, unnerved him.He hurried down the hall, his footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet house. As he approached the living room, he was met with silence. A quick scan revealed nothing out of place, y
The sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting soft golden rays onto the living room floor. Ava reclined on the plush sofa, her hand protectively resting on her growing belly. The room was calm, save for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall. Alexander sat beside her, his dark eyes searching her face for any sign of discomfort.“I know for such that something like this needs your utmost rest,” he began, his tone low yet firm. “And I hope you’re willing to compromise. Your job could be held till you’re out of bed and back to your feet.” He paused, gauging her reaction. “You need to prioritize yourself now.”Ava’s lips curved into a slight pout, her fingers playing with the edge of her blouse. “But what if I get too bored?” she teased, though her voice carried a hint of genuine concern.Alexander leaned closer, his presence exuding reassurance. “Baby, I know, and that’s why I won’t go to work every day. And when I do, I’ll make sure to come back early enough. Is that okay
Ava stirred in her sleep, turning over in the dim light of the room. Her soft, supple body pressed against Alexander, her leg brushing over his thigh. The subtle pressure and her intoxicating warmth sent a jolt through him, and his eyes flickered open.The faint glow of the bedside lamp cast a golden hue over her serene face. Her head rested on his chest, her breath soft and rhythmic. She shifted slightly, and her cheek brushed against him, causing him to stiffen beneath her.Alexander’s jaw tightened as he suppressed a groan. He didn’t need this—not now, not in the middle of the night when his self-control was already hanging by a thread. But the way she nuzzled closer, seeking comfort in his embrace, made it impossible to stay detached.Her hazy eyes blinked open slowly, and for a moment, their gazes locked. She looked up at him, her expression drowsy but undeniably alluring. “Hmm… baby, are you awake?” she murmured, her voice a blend of sleep and mischief.Alexander swallowed hard,
Alexander sat across from Grandpa Pascal on the porch as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The air was light, filled with the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves as a breeze swept through. Their laughter mixed with the sounds of the evening, making the moment feel surreal—peaceful, even.After everything they’d been through, these moments felt like stolen treasures.“What’s next now, Alex?” Grandpa Pascal asked, his voice steady but curious.Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the fading sunlight. “I want to start fresh with her, Grandpa. Redo everything.” He let out a soft chuckle, though it didn’t hide the hint of regret in his tone. “We could have another wedding, make new memories, and even renew our marriage certificates. You know, I never signed the divorce papers. I was just… stupid back then. I lost her because of my own mistakes.”Grandpa Pascal nodded thoughtfully, his wrinkled hands restin
Ava woke up the next morning, the sunlight gently filtering through the curtains. The house was eerily quiet, save for the faint clinking of dishes coming from the kitchen. She padded out in her silk robe, her steps light but deliberate. When she entered the kitchen, her gaze fell on Monica and Janet, who were busily chatting while preparing something. Their faces lit up as they noticed her.“Mrs. Pascal, you’re awake?” Monica’s voice carried an excited warmth that made Ava’s lips curve slightly. “We were just discussing going grocery shopping. Is there anything specific you’d like us to get?”Ava paused, taking in the genuine enthusiasm on their faces. These two women had been a constant presence in her life, even during the times she had wanted things to be different and for Alexander to at least see her. She owed them more than she cared to admit.“Well,” she began, her voice softer than usual, “if you don’t think I need anything after considering everything, then I trust you’ll ma
Ava stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, the soft morning light filtering through the blinds, casting long shadows across the floor. Her reflection showed a woman on the edge of a new chapter. There was no denying it now—her life was changing in ways she hadn't fully processed. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, the subtle swell a constant reminder of the life growing inside her. Her heart fluttered at the thought.She was pregnant.The weight of the word still felt surreal. She had always been the one in control, the doctor who could solve any problem, who had all the answers. But this... this was different. This wasn’t something she could just fix with science or experience. This was something completely outside her realm of control. It was raw, unpredictable, and so deeply personal.Turning around, she found Alexander leaning against the doorframe, watching her quietly. His presence always had a way of grounding her, calming the storm of emotions she