Chapter 63

Alex's day began in a frenzy as he rushed into his office, greeted by Emily, his efficient yet slightly exasperated secretary. She handed him a stack of contracts and documents needing his immediate attention. Focused on his responsibilities, Alex dove into the work, his mind consumed by the intricate legal jargon and critical decisions.

Meetings punctuated his day, each demanding his undivided attention. Time flew by as he maneuvered through negotiations, presentations, and discussions. Amidst the chaos, his thoughts occasionally drifted to Ava, his partner. He couldn't shake the longing to be by her side, even though it hadn't been a full day since he last saw her.

Hours slipped away, and in his relentless pursuit of completing tasks, Alex skipped breakfast and lunch. His stomach growled in protest, but he pushed on, fueled only by adrenaline and dedication to his work. Despite his determination, a yearning for Ava lingered in the back of his mind, distracting him momentarily from the pressing matters at hand.

As the clock ticked closer to the end of the workday, Alex's anticipation grew. He counted down the minutes until he could leave the chaotic office behind and return to the tranquility of his mansion, longing to reunite with Ava. The thought of being in her presence again provided a glimmer of solace amidst the hectic day.

Finally, as the work hours drew to a close, Alex hastily wrapped up his tasks, bidding farewell to Emily and the office. He was about to leave his office when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID displaying Lauren's name and hesitated for a moment. As he was about to leave for home, he debated whether to answer, but a sense of responsibility nudged him to pick up.

" Hello? " Alex's voice carried a mix of concern and reluctance.

" Alex... " Lauren's voice slurred slightly, betraying her inebriated state. " I've been thinking... about us "

A brief silence followed, filled only by the sounds of clinking glasses and indistinct chatter in the background.

" Lauren, you've had a few too many drinks " Alex responded calmly, his voice carrying an undertone of caution. " Let's talk about this another time, when you're feeling better "

" No, no, you don't understand " Lauren insisted, her words becoming more garbled " I've always felt this way... about you "

Alex's expression tightened slightly as he detected the familiar pattern of Lauren's advances, something he had skillfully sidestepped in the past. " Lauren, we can't do this. You know that "

Ignoring his words, Lauren continued, her speech growing more erratic. " Please, Alex, I need you "

The alarm bells in Alex's mind intensified. He recognized the vulnerability in Lauren's tone and the danger of her situation, especially with the presence of unknown voices in the background. " Where are you, Lauren? " he asked, his tone now laced with urgency.

There was a moment of hesitation before Lauren mumbled the name of a bar, her words barely intelligible through the haze of alcohol.

Alex's heart sank, the protective instinct rising within him. Without a second thought, he grabbed his coat and dashed out of the office, his mind focused solely on reaching Lauren before anything untoward happened.

The city streets blurred as he raced towards the dimly lit bar, his thoughts divided between concern for Lauren's safety and the longing to be with Ava. As he arrived, the thumping music and raucous laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk. He pushed through the door, scanning the crowded space for any sign of Lauren.

Spotting her at the corner of the bar, surrounded by a group of rowdy men, Alex's apprehension spiked. He approached cautiously, his expression stern yet composed. " Lauren, it's time to go home "

Lauren's eyes, clouded with intoxication, lit up at the sight of him. " Alex, you came! " she exclaimed, her words slurred and overly enthusiastic.

Ignoring her jubilation, Alex focused on the situation at hand. " Let's get you out of here " he said firmly, extending a supportive hand.

As he guided her away from the group, the men exchanged lewd glances and muttered remarks. Alex's jaw clenched in anger, but he remained composed, leading Lauren toward the exit.

" Looks like the fake Lauren " One of the men commented just before Alex and Lauren stepped out.

The chilly night air hit them as they stepped outside, Lauren leaning heavily against Alex. He hailed a cab and helped her inside, giving the driver directions to her address.

During the ride, Lauren's ramblings continued, punctuated by moments of sobriety where she apologized profusely. Alex maintained a calm demeanor, reassuring her that everything would be alright.

As they arrived at Lauren's apartment, Alex made sure she was safely inside before preparing to leave. However, before he could step away, Lauren grabbed his hand, her eyes pleading.

" Stay, please, just for a moment " she implored, her voice filled with vulnerability and regret.

Caught between the desire to ensure Lauren's safety and his longing for Ava, Alex hesitated, torn between the two conflicting emotions.

As Alex stood at Lauren's doorstep, torn between his responsibility towards her and his yearning to be with Ava, he weighed his options. Lauren's eyes bore a vulnerability that tugged at his conscience, yet thoughts of Ava beckoned him home.

" I can't stay, Lauren " Alex finally said, gently extricating his hand from her grasp. "You need rest, and I have to get home "

Lauren's expression wavered between disappointment and understanding. " I'm sorry, Alex " she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

" It's okay " he reassured her softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder before turning to leave.

As he stepped out onto the quiet street, the contrast between the chaos of the bar and the serenity of the night unsettled him. His thoughts raced, torn between the responsibility he felt towards Lauren and the longing for Ava's company. Resolving to check in on Lauren the next day, he drove home.

The journey back felt longer than usual, each passing minute amplifying his anticipation to be with Ava. The familiar sight of their mansion brought a sense of relief, and he hurried inside, eager to reunite with her.