Chapter 75
They found a bench by a serene pond, the tranquil waters reflecting the starry sky above. Alex wrapped his arm around Ava, drawing her close as they watched the ripples on the water.
" I promise to call you every chance I get " he vowed, his gaze fixed on the water, his mind already drifting to the days ahead.
Ava turned to him, her eyes searching his. " I'll be waiting for your call " she said, a faint smile gracing her lips. " Just don't forget to take care of yourself amidst all the work "
He nodded, grateful for her concern. " I will. And I'll be counting down the moments until I'm back with you "
As they walked back home, a bittersweet anticipation lingered in the air. They shared one last embrace at the doorstep, a silent promise of their love transcending the distance that would soon separate them.
The night air was crisp, carrying the promise of impending change. Alex and Ava ventured out for a walk, hand in hand, along the familiar paths of their cherished park. The moon hung low, casting a silvery sheen upon the surroundings.
Under the gentle glow of the lampposts, they savored each step, a quiet understanding weaving between their shared glances and occasional laughter. The park had been witness to their blossoming romance, and tonight it seemed to embrace them in its nostalgic embrace.
As they wandered, they stumbled upon their favorite spot - a secluded bench by a serene pond, where the moonlight painted shimmering patterns on the water's surface. They settled close together, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.
Ava leaned into Alex, finding solace in the warmth of his presence. " It's going to be quiet without you here " she admitted softly, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on his hand.
Alex tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his gaze soft and unwavering. " I'll miss being here with you too " he murmured, his voice laced with affection.
Their conversation ebbed and flowed, a blend of shared memories and dreams for the future. The moments stretched, both hesitant to acknowledge the impending separation.
As the night wore on, they found themselves lost in comfortable silence, gazing at the tranquil water mirroring the starlit sky. Time seemed to stand still, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
With a reluctant sigh, Alex broke the silence. " I wish I could freeze this moment " he confessed, his eyes fixed on Ava's serene face. " I wish I didn't have to leave "
Ava turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. " I know " she whispered, leaning into his embrace. " But you'll come back soon "
They held onto each other a moment longer, their hearts silently conveying the depth of their bond. Reluctantly, they rose from the bench, the weight of impending separation heavy in the air. They made their way back to the mansion with his arms around her protectively.
***************
The day had arrived, shrouded in the quiet darkness of dawn. Alex, stirred by the urgency of his impending departure, swiftly moved around the room, methodically packing his essentials into a sleek suitcase. Ava, his girlfriend, paced back and forth with an air of restlessness, her steps echoing the tension in the room.
" I wish I didn't have to go " Alex admitted, glancing over at Ava, his eyes heavy with regret. He paused, taking in the sight of her, her anxious demeanor tugging at his heartstrings.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their silent exchange. Emily, Alex's dedicated secretary, stood at the threshold with an air of efficiency. " Sir, your private jet is ready " she announced, her voice poised and professional.
Ava approached Alex, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. " I'll miss you, sweetheart " she murmured, her voice laced with the unmistakable trace of sadness.
" Can I go with you? " Ava's voice quivered with a mixture of hope and desperation.
Alex gently pulled back, cupping her face in his hands, his gaze softening. " I wish you could, but it's a business trip. I promise I'll be back soon " he reassured her, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
The moment lingered, both reluctant to let go. With a heavy heart, Alex reluctantly disentangled himself from Ava's embrace. He gathered his belongings, sparing a final glance at her before departing, accompanied by Emily, leaving Ava standing in the quiet bedroom, a hollow ache settling within her as the mansion felt emptier in his absence.
As Alex stepped onto the waiting private jet, the atmosphere shifted from the intimate confines of his home to the controlled efficiency of business travel. The interior exuded luxury, plush leather seats arranged neatly in the cabin, soft ambient lighting casting a warm glow.
Seated across from him, Emily, his trusted secretary, was already organizing paperwork and preparing for the upcoming meetings. She glanced up, offering a reassuring smile to Alex before returning to her tasks, the hum of the jet's engines signaling their departure.
The journey was smooth, the private jet soaring above clouds that stretched endlessly across the sky. Alex sat by the window, occasionally glancing outside, his mind oscillating between the impending business engagements and thoughts of Ava, her lingering presence etched in his thoughts.
Upon arrival, the destination revealed itself as a bustling metropolis, skyscrapers piercing the skyline, a testament to the vibrant hub of commerce and industry. The air hummed with anticipation as they made their way to a luxurious hotel that would serve as their base during the trip.
Days were filled with intense meetings, negotiations, and strategic discussions. Alex navigated through boardrooms, engaging in high-stakes conversations, his sharp business acumen on full display. Emily, a consummate professional, efficiently managed schedules and facilitated the logistics, ensuring everything ran seamlessly.
Despite the demanding schedule, Alex made time for regular check-ins with Ava, their conversations a lifeline amidst the whirlwind of business obligations. Each call provided a fleeting sense of comfort, a brief respite from the weight of distance.
