CHAPTER 038
AVA’S POW
I sat across from Alex in a fancy restaurant on the top floor of a tall building. The city stretched out below us through the large windows behind lilin, and soft music played in the background.
But even with all the elegance, It didn’t feel cold or showy. It felt thoughtful like he really wanted the afternoon to be about me and my success.
Still, the knot in my stomach wouldn’t go away.
All I
uld think about was Jason, and the thought of him made my blood boil. He had promised me last night that no one, not even Laura, would come between us again.
And yet, there she was, back at the company now as his secretary.
How could he betray me again?
It wasn’t just the anger 1 felt. It was a disappointment. A growing emptiness I didn’t know how to fill
I’d been such a fool to trust him and believe that this time he was genuine.
Thank goodness I didn’t tell him about the baby.
Alex’s voice broke through the fog in my mind. “Ava, you’ve been quiet. Is everything alright?”
I looked up at him, forcing a small smile – one which required all my strength. “I’m fine,” I said, but my voice sounded hollow even to me.
I wasn’t fine. I was anything but fine. And I don’t know if I would be. I had high expectations for my marriage this time but it had all been shattered digging a deep hole in my heart.
I wasn’t sure if Alex truly meant what he’d said earlier in my office, but honestly, I didn’t care.
What mattered more was the image of Jason’s clenched fists and those dark eyes of his, still fresh in my mind.
And for some reason, that gave me a strange satisfaction I couldn’t explain.
Alex leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. His eyes were soft, searching mine. “Ava, you don’t look fine ”
I tried to shake off the weight pressing down on my chest. I’m just tired,” I muttered, picking up my fork. The waiter returned, placing our meals on the table. The smell of a perfectly cooked steak with mashed potatoes and vegetables filled the air, but my stomach churned once more.
I stared at the plate, trying to push back the nausea building in my throat.
I wasn’t one who usually felt nauseous because of the smell of food so I knew this queasiness was because of the pain and hurt Jason had caused me yet again
I placed my hand on my belly, feeling sad for the little one because I knew my emotions were affecting him too. Alex spoke again, his tone casual, but I could feel the weight behind his words. “You know, I’ve been thinking. You’re incredibly talented, Ava. It’s a shame your current boss doesn’t appreciate it.”
I glanced up, startled “What are you talking about?”
He leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips. “I’m saying you deserve better. Someone who
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CHAPTER 38
values your skills, and your creativity. Not someone who keeps you stuck in his shadow, dealing with. unnecessary drama.”
His words stung because they held a truth I didn’t want to admit. Jason’s behavior had become unpredictable.
One moment, he seemed to care, and the next, I felt invisible. It was like a switch flipped every time Laura was involved, and I couldn’t understand why
I shook my head, forcing a laugh that didn’t reach my eyes. And where exactly am I supposed to find this magical boss who appreciates me?”
Alex grinned, his confidence unwavering. “You’re looking at him.”
I froze, my fork hovering mid–air. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “I’ve just finished setting up a new design studio in Paris. Everything is ready–high–quality facilities, endless creative freedom, and a team of top–notch designers.”
“I need someone to lead it, and I can’t think of anyone better than you.”
“Paris?” I repeated, the word barely escaping my lips.
“Yes,” he said, leaning forward again. “You’d get to work in the heart of the fashion world, surrounded by Inspiration. You’d grow, Ava. You’d have the freedom to create without limits.”
I stared at him, my thoughts spinning
Alex softened his tone. “You don’t need to decide now. Take your time to think about it. This offer will always be open to you, no matter when you’re ready.”
His words were kind, yet they carried a quiet confidence that left no room for doubt. He meant it.
The idea was tempting, but my life was too tangled. How could I leave everything behind – Jason, the company, my entire world?
It felt impossible. But then, so much about my life right now felt impossible.
“I don’t know…” I started, but before I could finish, the nausea hit me in full force. I dropped my fork, clutching my stomach as the wave of sickness overtook me.
“Ava?” Alex’s voice was sharp with concern,
I pushed back my chair and bolted for the restroom, barely making it in time. The nausea was relentless, my stomach twisting painfully as I leaned over the sink, trying to steady my breathing.
I returned back to the table, and Alex’s hand gently brushed mine as I sat down, his eyes still filled with worry.” You’re pale. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “I’m fine. It’s just stress.”
He countered, his tone firm. “You need to see a doctor.”
“I said no, Alex,” I silapped, my voice sharper than I intended. “I don’t need a doctor. Please drop it.”
“Okay,” he raised his hands in surrender but I could see in his eyes that he didn’t believe me.
Before I knew it, another wave of nausea hit me.
Not again!
I quickly rushed to the restroom once more, this time, I threw up everything in my stomach until there was
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nothing left.
Could it be the baby reacting?
Before I could gather myself, I heard Alex’s voice from outside the door. “Ava, are you okay?” He asked, concern evident in his tone.
“I’m fine,” I managed, though my voice was shaky.
till came
He didn’t say anything else, I could tell he was still standing there, waiting, like he wouldn’t leave until I
out.
I took a deep breath and slowly walked back out.
“Are you… pregnant?”
The question hit me like a slap. “What? No, of course not,” said, my voice too loud, too defensive.
Alex s
studied me, his expression one I couldn’t read. Then, his voice dropped even lower, and the next question made my heart stop.
“Is the baby Jason’s?”
The room seemed to tilt, I could only stare at him. A lump formed in my throat making me unable to utter a word.
CHAPTER 039
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CHAPTER 039
