CHAPTER 036
AVA’S POV
Then she leaned even closer, her breath cold and moclding. “I texted Jason last night,” she whispered in my ear. He left you poor thing alone at dinner to come to me. Just a little cry and I got the job. Isn’t it funny how easy it is?”
The words hit me like a slap, sharp and painful. My throat tightened, and I couldn’t move. Laura’s smug voice echoed in my mind.
It felt like a knife was being twisted in my heart as the realization dawned on me that the message Jason received wasn’t about work, but was from Laura
My heart shattered into a million pieces as I realized that, ce again, Jason had chosen Laura over me. The hope I had for our marriage was broken, and it broke me.
I turned to Jason, hoping for some explanation, something that could make this nightmare go away.
But he just stood there, staring at the ground like avoiding my eyes would somehow fix everything.
I laughed bitterly, feeling tears start to sting my eyes.
Laura’s smirk only grew wider. I couldn’t stand being in the same room with her anymore. I needed to get out.
At that moment, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced Jason, who continued to avoid my stare. The phone call was a salvation, a reason to leave before I lost my grip.
I took out my phone and responded hastily, attempting to conceal the tremor in my voice. “Hello?”
“Ma’am,” Chloe’s voice was heard, filled with anxiety and urgency. “Someone is in your office waiting for you.”
“Who is it?” I asked, my eyes still locked on Jason.
“I’m not sure, but they said it’s important. You should come back soon,” Chloe replied.
I breathed out gently, clearing the tears that had begun to steam down. “Alright, I’m heading there.
I ended the call and exited his office, sensing the constriction in my chest with each stride, grasping the container firmly in my hands.
The moment I got outside, tears streamed down my face in large droplets. My heart hurt. I looked back at his door, my heart weighed down by all that had just occurred.
He went to Laura last night and deceived me regarding it, claiming it was for work purposes. I was a fool to think. he had changed when he claimed Laura would no longer be involved in our lives.
As I arrived at my office, I stopped briefly outside the entrance, cleaning the tears from my cheeks and regaining my composure. I didn’t want anyone to notice the sorrow I held within
I inhaled deeply and opened the door, entering the room. However, what I saw caused me to stop.
Alex stood there, clutching a bouquet of flowers. His grin was inviting, and for a fleeting instant, it caused everything else to disappear.
“Ava,” he said, stepping forward. “These are for you.”
“For me?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes,” he said, placing the bouquet on my desk. “To congratulate you on your promotion. And also your designs
CHAPTER O
+25 BONUS
were a big part of the success of my show, and the whole industry is talking about it. You deserve the recognition.”
His words were unexpected, but they felt good. It was rare for someone to show this much kindness without expecting anything in return.
“Thanks, Alex,” I said, my smile small but genuine, “That really thoughtful of you.‘
“It’s the least I could do,” he replied, casually leaning against my desk. “Your work was incredible. Honestly, the launch wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without your designs.”
His praise made me blush, making me forget the sadness I had been feeling a moment ago. But before I could respond, he continued.
“How about we have dinner tonight to celebrate? My treat for the new design director.”
1 hesitated. “Alex, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” he asked, tilting his head. “It’s just dinner. Friends can do that, right?”
“I appreciate it,” I said carefully, “but I really can’t tonight” I admitted that I was thinking fast to come up with a decent excuse.
*Alex raised an eyebrow but smiled. “Alright, how about lunch instead? You can’t say no to lunch, can you?”
I opened my mouth to refuse, but then I stopped. Saying no again felt too harsh, especially after he’d been so kind.
“Lunch it is,” I said, my smile returning
“Perfect,” Alex replied, his smile broadening
At that moment, my office door flung wide open. Jason entered with a grim look, his gaze shifting between me and the flowers on my desk.
“What is happening here?” Jason insisted, his voice deep and filled with rage.
Alex got to his feet, without flinching “I was merely praising Ava for her promotion,” he stated effortlessly. “Do you not believe she merits it?”
Jason’s jaw clenched, and his gaze sharpened. “Ava doesn’t need your flowers or your congratulations.”
“Jason!” I snapped, glaring at him. “You don’t get to speak for me.
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. “Relax, Jason. I’m just here as a friend. Unless…” He paused, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Unless there’s something you’re not telling me about Ava She’s just your employee, right?”
Jason’s silence was telling, and the tension in the room grew thick.
“Well,
“Alex said, turning back to me with a smile, “Until thear otherwise, I’m assuming Ava’s single. And if that’s the case, I don’t see why I can’t try to win her heart.
