Chapter 49

Alex came back from work at half past midnight and was exhausted but he was determined to see the woman who had been on his mind for the past few months or so. However, he strongly doubted that she would be awake because it was late. Yet, he hoped.

The eerie silence welcomed him as he entered the quiet house. He was hungry for her presence, to feel her presence but it seemed they were deliberately avoiding each other since the night they were involved in romance. He wasn't happy with the distance that emerged between them since that night. He couldn't even remember the last time he set his eyes on her pretty face . Gawd, he missed her so much. He had texted her earlier today that he would explain everything about the instruction he gave to not trust her friend Hunter, but it seemed she was asleep as the house was quiet.

So he made up his mind to sleep in so he wouldn't go to work early. After all, he was the CEO and it gave room for the flexibility it offered in his schedule. It was his company and he could do anything without being reprimanded. He wrestled with the desire to resolve things with his woman versus his own fatigue and the need to rest.

Wait a minute. Did he just say... His woman??! Hell no, what on earth was he thinking when he said that?? He shook his head several times as if doing that would dismiss the thoughts and it actually did. He prepared for sleep, looking forward to seeing Ava the next morning.

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The morning in Alex's mansion dawned with an unusual surprise as he, in accordance with his plan to sleep in, appeared for breakfast. The household was caught off guard by his unexpected presence. It was shocking to everyone including Maggie when Alex showed up for breakfast. But she resisted the urge to ask him questions as usual, and instead went about her chores.

Ava was happily having her breakfast when he walked in. She was taken aback, and nearly spilled what she had in her mouth at the sight of him. Her jaw dropped, revealing her surprise and confusion at seeing him so early. Alex, although tired from his late night arrival and conflicted emotions, tried to maintain composure as he made his way to the center of the table.

Ava's initial shock turned into a mix of emotions- surprise, curiosity and perhaps a hint of apprehension. She glanced at Alex, unsure of what this unexpected encounter meant.

Meanwhile, Alex, despite feeling the weight of the pending conversation, attempted a casual smile, trying to alleviate the tension that enveloped the room. They stared at each other for a while, each of them engrossed in their own thoughts. The mutual thought which came to their minds was the night of their romantic encounter. Ava's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink as she avoided his gaze. His eyes darkened, which made her confirm that they were both thinking about the incident.

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled over the room " Good morning, Ava " He greeted her and searched her face warily.

Ava managed a hesitant response, still processing the unexpected turn of events.

" Good morning, Alex " She replied softly, her eyes betraying a swirl of emotions - a mixture of surprise, anticipation, and a hint of concern.

Their conversation was brief, laced with a palpable tension as they exchanged polite inquiries about each other's night. Despite the forced casualness of their words, an undercurrent of unresolved issues lingered between them, waiting to be addressed.

The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating, as Alex and Ava navigated through the strained conversation, both trying to conceal their inner turmoil. Their eyes occasionally met, conveying unspoken words and emotions that neither dared to voice aloud.

Eventually, the breakfast encounter concluded with an unspoken agreement to continue the conversation later in private. As Alex excused himself from the table, the atmosphere in the mansion remained charged with anticipation and unresolved emotions, leaving both Alex and Ava grappling with their thoughts and emotions in the aftermath of this unexpected morning encounter.

After the brief and somewhat strained exchange at the breakfast table, Alex excused himself, intending to gather his thoughts before the impending conversation with Ava. The mansion seemed quieter than usual as he retreated to his study, seeking a moment of solitude amid the chaos brewing within him. He changed his mind about going to work and decided to stay home. He placed a call to Emily and informed her of his absence.

Ava, on the other hand, couldn't shake off the unexpected encounter with Alex. Her thoughts raced, trying to decipher the reason behind his abrupt appearance and what it might signify for their unresolved situation. She continued to pick at her breakfast, her appetite affected by the emotional turbulence of the morning encounter.

Meanwhile, in his study, Alex found it challenging to focus on anything other than the impending conversation with Ava. He paced the room, his mind replaying the moments leading up to that unexpected breakfast encounter. The weight of their unresolved issues pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Minutes turned into an hour as both Alex and Ava found themselves lost in their respective contemplation. Eventually, Alex decided to take the initiative. He composed himself, resolving to confront the situation head-on. With a sense of determination, he left his study and made his way towards where he knew Ava would likely be.

As he approached the room where Ava typically spent her mornings, Alex took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Knocking softly, he awaited her response, unsure of how she would react after their brief interaction at breakfast.

Ava, startled by the knock, composed herself before inviting Alex in. Her heart raced as she tried to read the expression on his face, wondering what he intended to discuss.

" May I come in? " Alex asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Ava nodded, gesturing for him to take a seat. The room suddenly felt too small for the weight of their unresolved tension.