102He walked down the beach with Ava and Kim, admiring the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The white sandy beach was dotted with colorful umbrellas, and the sun was beating down on them. He felt a sense of calm wash over him as he walked, enjoying their company, still lost in thoughtAfter a while, He left them to go get a drink at the bar. As He sipped his cocktail, He couldn't help but think about my parents. How did Damian find them? What were they doing? Did they ever feel guilty? Did they even remember him? Their son? He took another sip of his drink, feeling the alcohol numb his thoughts.He wandered down the beach, lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, He stumbled and nearly fell over. He realized then that he had had too much to drink. He tried to focus on his surroundings, but everything was spinning.He decided it was time to go, straining to call Ava and Kim, he changed his mind.They were having too much fun, he didn't want to ruin it with his issues.Steppin
103Sebastian lay restlessly in his silk-sheeted bed, unable to find the sleep that had escaped him for so long. He remained awake, even as the effects of his long binge drinking began to overwhelm him, filling his head with a raging headache that felt like seven hefty men were wrestling in his skull.Sighing, he made a mental note to never trust a bar tender that kept serving drinks even when a customer was clearly drink beyond his wits.His mind soon began to wander, Sebastian hated when his mind wandered, because more often than not, it settled on his parents.And this time was no different.They had ignored him all through his childhood, not giving two shits about his life, from his education, to his romantic life, to anything at all. One would think they were childless. They had been practically strangers to Sebastian for all he knew about them.Seb had ignored them as well, trying to soldier on with his life. But apparently, he wasn't as strong as he thought, he couldn't stop th
104Kim woke up the next morning, stretching as the rays of sunlight from the open window bathed their room in a warm, orange glow. Ava slept peacefully next to her, still in her bikini from the previous day.Getting up, she threw on a bathrobe and taking her phone, went outside to take Instagram worthy pictures of the beautiful view before her.She sat on the balcony of her hotel room, gazing out at the stunning view of the crystal blue sea. As she thought of her boyfriend, Asher, she couldn't help but miss him more and more with each passing day. She picked up her phone and dialed his number, a smile forming on her face as the call connected.Asher picked up, yawning, "Only one woman in the whole entire world would have the audacity to call me by 10pm." Kim could almost see the sly smile that was probably on his face at that moment.She smiled back,"And you better pick up when she does, or else... "He laughed heartily, sending warm fuzzy feelings down Kim's body from her head right
105Asher dropped the call, his mind racing as he realized he had probably just lied to the girl of his dreams.He had not spoken to his Dad about a loan, he hadn't even thought about it, it was a spur of the moment talk to make her feel good.And now he had fucked up.Opening his laptop, all thought of sleep fone from his eyes, he quickly went on the Virgin Atlantic website to find how much flights to Greece cost, the cheapest of course, economy. At this point, be didn't care if they strapped him to the wings or landing tires of the aircraft, as long as he was there in person to see Kim.His heart sank as the prices came up. Upwards of four thousand dollars, not including boarding and everything else it would cost to vacation on Greece. He shook his head miserably almost laughing, his side hustle driving busses for FEDEX while he completed his degree didn't pay him nearly enough to spend that much on a wild vacation on Greece with his girlfriend.Heck, he could hardly keep paying ren
106Ava stirred, blinking as she woke up. Lying for a while, she took in her surroundings, unsure of where she was. Then gradually, the memories came flooding back. Greece, Athens, the beach, Sebastian, all at once.Ava stretched, smiling as she remembered the previous day, spent lazily lounging under the warm Mediterranean sun, enjoying the tan.Yawning and getting up, she saw Kim outside, staring at the beach. She glanced at the bedside clock, eight am.Getting out of bed, she went out to the balcony wrapping her arms around her sister."Good morning sunshine." She whispered against her hair.Kim scoffed, "If it isn't the sleeping beauty.""Excuse me?" Ava smiled, unwrapping her hands and going to stand next to her, leaning over the railings, "I need my beauty sleep. You think this banging body and flawless skin just happens?"Kim looked at her, smirking, "You spend enough on skincare to feed all the orphans in Africa Ava, no I don't think it just happens."Ava laughed, nodding, "Ye
107Shrugging, he went for his phone checking for messages from Damian, as he remembered their conversation the previous night. He sent a quick text, telling him to call him as soon as he got information on whoever leaked Kim's video out to the press.Feeling the need to clear his head, Sebastian made his way into the bathroom. The warm water cascaded over his body as he sank into a comforting bath, washing away the remnants of the previous night's hangover. Thankfully, it seemed to work, he leaned in bracing himself against the shower wall with an arm for balance and just let the water run over him, enjoying the gentle waves as it streamed over his body. Settling for the cheap soap and shampoo placed courtesy of the hotel, he cleaned up nice, towelling down his body when he was done and savoring the freshness he felt.As soon as he emerged, towel-clad, his attention was drawn to his phone, which emitted a gentle vibration.Curious, Sebastian picked up his phone and unlocked it, find
Chapter 108 As they arrived at the popular restaurant overlooking the sparkling blue sea, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him.They stepped inside, greeted by the lively atmosphere and the aroma of freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with patrons, their laughter and conversations filling the air. Sebastian guided Ava and Kim to a table near the window, ensuring they had a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.As they settled into their seats, Sebastian's attention was immediately drawn to the waiter who stared at their table. His eyes lingered a little too long on Ava, his smile a little too flirtatious. It didn't take long for Sebastian's anger to bubble up inside him.The waiter, approached their table with a charming smile. "Good evening, folks! My name is Chris, and I'll be taking care of you tonight. What can I get you to drink?"Ava hesitated for a moment, glancing at the menu. "I'll have a glass of red wine, ple
109Confusion etched across Ava's face as she stepped outside, her eyes searching for Sebastian's retreating figure. She hurriedly caught up to him, her voice filled with concern."Ava, we need to leave this place," Sebastian demanded, his voice laced with anger.Ava's brows furrowed in confusion. "Sebastian, what's going on? Why are you so upset?"Sebastian turned to face her, frustration evident in his eyes. "Did you not see how that waiter was flirting with you? It's disrespectful, and I won't tolerate it."Ava's eyes widened in disbelief. "Flirting? Sebastian, he was just being friendly. You're blowing this out of proportion.""I am not blowing it out of proportion!""Yes," Ava said, her voice rising a few octaves, "Yes you are, okay?" She reached out to hold his hand, "Just come back and enjoy the meal can you? Please? For me?"Sebastian's jaw clenched, his grip tightening around Ava's arm. "No, Ava. I know what I saw. I won't let anyone disrespect you like that."Ava pulled her
One month laterThe wedding had been a splendid affair and from the start, Ava was practically forbidden from lifting a finger for herself by Kim, Renee, Violet, and the flock of servants at her disposal due to how heavy she had become and she resorted to staying put unless she risked the ire of the women helping her dress up. Sebastian had planned a proposal with the rest of their friends leaving her in the dark. It was unexpected and it felt real and different this time around, they had come through so many difficulties and they both knew it was the right time to make it all real this time around.At the stroke of midnight on her wedding, Ava was standing at the entrance of the hall already adorned with palatial decorations with cascading floral arrangements hanging from every side of the grand room, sparkling white chandeliers hung high above with delicate draperies completing the settings designed to evoke an atmosphere filled with love and warmth. A group of violinists was posit
It’s been two months since Sebastian was released from the hospital and Ava moved into the mansion with him. The penthouse held too many hurtful memories and she wasn’t eager to go back there and be plagued by nightmares during her sleep. Jake’s trial hadn’t taken a lot of time either, there was a ton of insurmountable evidence against him and the jury didn’t take much liking to him either, or the judge. In reality, no one was going to take the side of a journalist with murderous intentions over New York’s most desirable couple. Their return to the spotlight had been a field day in the media world especially as articles and gossip about their breakup had been going on for a while now, their appearance together had all but quietened every rumor going on about them. Ava was becoming used to being pregnant and after a few weeks of tedious work down at the agency, she had gone on maternity leave that would run well into a few months after she gave birth.One of her favorite parts of be
Damian looked back and forth between Ava and Sebastian and it was pretty obvious that they had eyes for just each other right now, everything else faded into the background. He didn’t need any further clue, his time here was up.“I believe it’s best I give you both some space to talk things through.” Damian cleared his throat, gave Sebastian a nod, and patted Ava’s shoulders as he walked past her. “Do you think they’re going to be fine?” Violet asked Damian as soon as he got to the door. Sebastian spared them a glance over his shoulder before returning his gaze to Violet. “I can’t possibly say for sure but if what I noticed between them was true then we’ve got nothing to worry about.As soon as Ava heard the door shut behind her, she walked towards the bed, maintaining a friendly distance as she pulled out a chair and sat on it. Sebastian didn’t know how to start tackling their issues so he decided to make small talk first, it always worked for him and he was hoping that it wouldn
Ava made her way outside the building and towards the parking lot, it was lonely, just how she wanted it to be. She didn’t want any disturbance or interference from anyone. All Ava had wanted was for Sebastian to wake up from his coma. She spent days at his bedside, urging him to come back to her and he eventually did but she ran. There was no telling why she ran and she didn’t even have any logical explanation as to why she did it, the only thing she could say is that she was scared shitless and that was all she could say. She would eventually have to go back and talk to him afterward but she didn’t know if she could bring herself to do it. “Hey, sis.” Ava looked up to see Kim walking towards her flanked on either side by Renee and Violet, they all wore worried expressions on their faces and she could tell from their hesitation that they didn’t know if they should come any closer or maintain a healthy distance. “How did you guys find me?” Ava asked, her eyes were fixed to the g
“I’m only trying to look out for you,” Kim sighed. “I’m tired of seeing you crying after a couple of months where you think you’re in love and your troubles are behind you. It hurts me as much as it hurts you, Ava.” “I know,” Ava smiled sadly. Kim was right, she’d always been eager to jump right back into it without putting provisions in place in case her assumed fairytale moment didn’t come to pass. But things were different this time around, she had been through a lot and as a result, she’d been forced to put herself first for now before anyone else and if anything was going to happen, she would be the last person to instigate anything. She’d done enough and it wasn’t going to work, she wasn’t going to invest her time lifting a finger. She’s done enough already. “Things aren’t going to be the way it once was. I promise you that.”“Tell me you’re sure you know what you’re doing?” Kim nibbled on her lower lip. “I can’t promise you I know what I’m doing, Kim. But my heart is in the
“You really should stop feeling this way and making us feel like we’re strangers as well,” Kim frowned. “We’re here because we love and care about you, that’s the truth. You’re part of our lives so I don’t see how you keep interfering in what you’re a major part of. You’ve got to accept that so you’d stop feeling like you owe us something because you don’t.”Ava sighed. “Okay, you’re right and I’m sorry for feeling this way. It’s unusual to see a lot of people wanting to help me at the same time and that’s why I reacted that way,” “It’s okay, we don’t hold it against you. We know your past and how you’re still getting used to a couple of good gestures. Kim suffers from the same problem as well.” Violet assured her. “So, you mentioned that Sebastian woke up a while ago?” Kim asked, eager to steer the conversation away from their childhood. She wasn’t prepared to visit memories that she had worked so hard to repress. “Yes, he did. He wasn’t a hundred percent conscious and the doctors
Ava walked back into the hospital room as soon as the doctor mentioned it was okay for her to return. She walked back into the room to see Sebastian soundly asleep. “Is everything alright, doctor?” Ava sounded worried. “Did he go to sleep on his own or did he pass out?”“We gave him a sedative to keep him under for a couple of hours until he regains his full strength, he should feel much after he wakes up this time around and that’s what we’re hoping for. When that happens, we can then begin the final stage of his recovery process.” Ava nodded. “Thank you, doctor. We’re so grateful for the help you’ve rendered.”“It’s my pleasure to help. I’ve known Sebastian since we were both boys and my father has been the Bancroft’s family doctor for decades. He’s like family to me as well.” “Do I need to call you guys once he wakes up?” Ava asked, her eyes fixed on Sebastian. “You don’t need to, we’d be counting down the hours ourselves and carrying out checkups before midnight. You’ve got no
It’s been a week since the ugly incident and Sebastian hadn’t woken up yet. Ava was struggling to pull it together but she knew she didn’t have any other option, she couldn’t afford to break down right now not when she had to look after herself and the baby as well given the fact that the pregnancy was entering into its crucial phase.The doctor urged her to give him time and be patient till he decided to come around. His vitals were good and his condition was improving, he was going to wake up any moment from now, the doctor would always say giving her a warm smile in return. The conviction in his voice always seemed to calm Ava’s nerves so she waited calmly until Sebastian decided to come around.She was in his hospital room, sitting on a chair next to the hospital bed, her knees were pulled up under her chin with her face buried between a historical romance novel by Nora Roberts. Reading helped her calm down and forget her worries and she’d been doing a lot of it during the past f
“Life isn’t meant to be fair to everyone,” Damian offered Ava a soft smile. “It’s just the way life is and we’ve got to make the best out of what we’re given.”“Sebastian doesn’t deserve this,” Ava grumbled.“No one does but shit happens.” Damian shuffled his feet as he struggled to find a comfortable situation. “Do you think he’s going to come out of this? Be honest with me. I could use that right now if you don’t mind.”“Sebastian’s tough as nails. He’s one of the most stubborn men I’ve ever met and if there’s anyone I know who’s going to come out of this, it’s Sebastian.”“Thank you, Damian.” Ava rubbed her arms, trying to calm her nerves. “You’re welcome. If there’s anything you need, please, do not hesitate to inform me.”“I’m good. Besides, I have a lot of people doting on me already and you have work to do.” “If you say so but I’m still here if you need anything.”“I should’ve done this a long time ago but I want to thank you for talking to Sebastian and managing to convince