Chapter 59
As Alex drove back to the mansion, his thoughts gravitated towards Ava, his elusive babysitter. Months had passed since he last glimpsed her radiant smile or heard her contagious laughter. Their schedules never seemed to align; he left for work before she woke up and returned long after she went to bed.
A pang of longing surged within him as he recalled her lively presence—the sparkle in her eyes, her playful banter, and the undeniable way she effortlessly balanced authority with warmth. Ava was the only one who could challenge him, unafraid to put him in his place, which was a refreshing change from the deferential manner of those around him.
" Can't wait to see her " He muttered to himself, his anticipation palpable. The image of her beautiful face filled his mind, igniting a spark of excitement within him. He craved the connection they shared, a connection missed in their prolonged absence.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky as Alex's car glided through the winding road leading to the mansion. He found solace in the familiar path, the quietness offering a contrast to the hectic pace of his daily life.
Memories of Ava flooded his mind. Her quirky anecdotes, the way she was always quick to counter almost every word he said was and the times she effortlessly calmed the chaos that often enveloped his household echoed in his thoughts. She was more than just a caretaker; she was a confidante, a soothing presence in his otherwise demanding existence.
He recalled the countless missed opportunities to connect, the rushed mornings and late nights that prevented their paths from crossing. It fueled his determination to finally catch her at the mansion, to revel in her company once more.
As he approached the gated entrance, anticipation coursed through him. The glow of the porch lights beckoned, signaling his return home. With a sense of eagerness he hadn't felt in months, he parked the car and stepped out, the gravel crunching under his shoes.
The familiar grandeur of the mansion loomed before him, its imposing façade softened by the warm glow of lights. A mix of excitement and nervousness churned in his stomach as he ascended the steps and reached for the doorknob.
Entering the foyer, Alex was greeted by the serene ambiance of the house. His heart raced with the prospect of seeing Ava. Would she be there tonight?
" Ava? " he called out, hoping against hope for a response. Silence enveloped the spacious hall, punctuated only by the distant ticking of a grandfather clock.
Disappointment threatened to dampen his spirits, but he refused to give in. Maybe she was in the kitchen or elsewhere in the mansion. Determined, he headed toward the heart of the house, each step resonating with a mix of yearning and impatience.
The thought of finally reuniting with Ava propelled him forward, his mind ablaze with scenarios of their meeting. He craved her laughter, the ease with which she challenged him, and the comfort of her presence.
The mansion seemed quiet, amplifying the anticipation in Alex's chest. He navigated through the expansive halls, the echoes of his footsteps betraying the vastness of the estate. Every room he entered, every corridor he traversed heightened his longing to find Ava.
His mind raced, conjuring scenarios of their reunion, imagining her reaction upon seeing him. Would she be surprised, delighted, or perhaps a bit annoyed at his absence? He couldn't help but smile at the thought, her unpredictability being one of the qualities that had always intrigued him.
Entering the spacious kitchen, the aroma of a freshly cooked meal lingered in the air, hinting at recent activity. His heart skipped a beat. Could Ava be here, preparing dinner?
" Hello? " He called out again, scanning the room in hopeful anticipation.
The rustle of movement caught his attention. Turning towards the source of the sound, Alex found Ava standing near the cooker, her back turned to him as she expertly stirred a pot.
His breath hitched at the sight of her, her silhouette illuminated by the warm glow of the kitchen lights. Time seemed to slow as he took in the image he had longed to see—the familiar curve of her figure, the way her hair cascaded down her back, and the subtle grace in her movements.
Ava turned, her eyes widening in surprise before breaking into a wide grin. " Well, look who decided to show up! " Her voice carried a mix of playful sarcasm and genuine delight.
" Maggie went to bed early, in case you're wondering why I'm cooking " She said lightly, a smile playing on her lips. She added " I don't... "
Alex felt a rush of relief and joy flood through him. With an hunger he had never felt before, he rushed to her and engulfed her in a warm hug, shutting her up immediately.
" I've missed you " He confessed, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Her laughter filled the room, a sound that instantly lifted his spirits. " Missed me, huh? Must be getting soft, Mr. Hardworking CEO " she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Their banter felt like a familiar melody, easing the tension that had built within him during their time apart. As they exchanged lighthearted remarks, Alex found himself lost in the comfort of her presence, grateful for this unexpected moment of connection.
She felt it was time to let go and made to disengage herself from the hug but he stopped her, pulling her even closer.
" Ava, please. Let me stay this way for a while " He begged softly and his eyes were closed. He found peace and solace in the hug and wasn't ready to let go yet.
Ava knew instantly that something was wrong so she wrapped her hands around him and slowly patted his back. She didn't know if that would serve as a comfort but it was the only thing she could do that moment.
