Chapter 69

The door creaked open, interrupting Alex as he was intently typing away on his computer. Jack sauntered in, his presence filling the room with a buoyant energy.

" Hey, Alex! Long time no see " he greeted, tossing his coat onto the visitor's chair.

Alex looked up, surprised but visibly pleased. " Jack, what brings you here? " he asked, motioning for his brother to take a seat.

" Business as usual. How's your company holding up? " Jack inquired, his eyes curious and eager for details.

" Steady, but challenging. The new marketing strategy seems promising " Alex replied, giving Jack a rundown of recent developments and setbacks in his business.

Hours passed swiftly as they dived into the nitty-gritty of Alex's venture. The conversation ebbed and flowed, Jack's inquisitive nature spurring Alex to delve deeper into the intricacies of his work.

Suddenly, Jack's tone shifted gears. " So, what's the deal with Ava? " he asked, fixing Alex with a keen stare.

Alex blinked, momentarily taken aback. " Ava? We're not together " he admitted, a hint of longing lacing his words.

" Why not? " Jack probed, sensing a deeper story behind Alex's response.

" I've been hesitant. I planned to ask her out, take her to dinner, but every time I've mustered the courage, something goes wrong " Alex confessed, a trace of frustration evident in his voice.

Jack leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. " What happened the last time you tried? "

" She suddenly became distant, avoided me " Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair " I'm tired, Jack. It's like navigating a maze of mixed signals "

Jack nodded, contemplating his brother's plight. "BMaybe it's time to break that cycle, Alex. Take control of the situation. Show her you're serious "

Alex nodded, a determined glint in his eyes " You're right. I can't keep waiting for the perfect moment. I need to confront this "

As the sun dipped lower, casting elongated shadows across the office, they wrapped up their discussion. Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose, resolved to address his feelings for Ava without delay.

With a deep breath, Alex leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. " I appreciate this, Jack. It's been eating at me for a while "

Jack offered a reassuring smile. " That's what brothers are for. You'll figure it out "

Their conversation drifted, touching on lighter topics, momentarily easing the weight off Alex's shoulders. But soon, Jack glanced at his watch, realizing the time. " I should head out. Got a meeting in the city. But promise me, Alex, you'll do something about Ava soon "

" I will " Alex affirmed, determination glinting in his eyes.

As Jack departed, Alex sat back in his chair, mind racing with plans and scenarios. The day wound down, casting a warm orange hue through the office windows. With a sense of purpose, Alex resolved to confront Ava and put an end to the uncertain dance they'd been engaged in.

The following day, Alex arrived at work with a newfound energy. He meticulously planned a casual encounter with Ava, hoping to address the underlying tension between them. Yet, as the day progressed, there was no sign of her. Disappointment gnawed at him as he realized she was avoiding him again.

Frustration tinged with resignation settled in as Alex understood that this pattern might not be easy to break. He pondered over Jack's words, grappling with the idea of taking control of his own destiny.

Days turned into weeks, and Alex found himself oscillating between determination and uncertainty. The thought of asking Ava out weighed on his mind constantly, but every time he contemplated taking that leap, hesitation held him back.

Finally, after a month of grappling with his emotions, Alex decided he couldn't wait for the perfect moment anymore. He sought out Ava, determined to have a candid conversation, regardless of the outcome.

*******************

Jack stood in the living room, absently flipping through a magazine while keeping an eye on his son, Liam, who was engrossed in building a tower with his blocks. The familiar sound of the door unlocking signaled Mabel's return from yet another business trip. Jack's expression was a mix of relief and concern as he greeted her.

" Hey, welcome back " Jack said, trying to mask his worry with a smile.

Mabel breezed in, dropping her suitcase and slipping off her heels. " Thanks, Jack. Long day " she replied, barely sparing a glance toward Liam.

As Jack watched Mabel unpack, a knot formed in his stomach. " Mabel, we need to talk " he said, gently but firmly.

She looked up, surprised by the serious tone in his voice. " Sure, what's up? " Mabel asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

" It's about Liam " Jack began, his voice tinged with concern. " You've been away a lot on these business trips, and he misses you "

Mabel frowned, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice. " I know, Jack, but work is demanding. I have to travel for these meetings "

" I understand that, but he needs his mother, Mabel " Jack persisted, gesturing towards Liam, who was playing in the corner, casting longing glances at his mother.

Mabel sighed, sitting down on the couch, her exhaustion apparent. " I'm doing this for our family, for his future " she explained.

" You know very well that I'm capable of taking care of you both even if you don't work " He snapped.

Sighing, he visibly calmed down " I get it, but he needs more than just material provisions " Jack countered gently. " He needs your presence, your love. He's growing up fast, and he needs his mother to be there for him "

Mabel looked down, grappling with conflicting emotions. " I'll try to be around more, but the company needs me " she murmured, her voice wavering.

Jack moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. " I'm not asking you to give up your career, Mabel. I'm asking for a balance. Liam needs both of us "

A moment of silence lingered between them, the weight of the conversation sinking in. Mabel nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Jack's words.

As the evening settled in, they both spent quality time with Liam, engaging in activities and showering him with attention. Mabel promised to reconsider her schedule, making an effort to prioritize moments with her son amid her demanding work commitments.