Chapter 92

" You're my first priority Ava, and nothing will ever change that. This changes everything, yes, but it's the most incredible news "

They lingered in each other's embrace, savoring the precious moments that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The air was charged with a beautiful blend of love, excitement, and an unspoken vow to support each other through whatever lay ahead.

As the evening sunlight filtered through the study window, bathing them in a warm glow, they stood united, ready to embrace the extraordinary journey of parenthood that lay ahead.

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

Alex sat nervously across from the private investigator, his fingers tapping an erratic rhythm on the worn wooden table. " Look, I need your help. It's about Angel " he began, his voice laced with urgency.

The investigator, a seasoned man with a weathered face and piercing eyes, leaned forward. " Angel, your ex-girlfriend, right? The one behind the accident five years ago? "

Alex nodded, his jaw clenched. " Yes, she orchestrated that accident. She was obsessed, said she'd rather see me dead than with anyone else "

The investigator scribbled notes on a small notepad. " And you say she's gone into hiding? "

" Months ago " Alex confirmed. " I've been trying to track her down myself, but she's elusive. She's clever, knows how to cover her tracks "

The investigator nodded, tapping the pen against his chin. " Smart ones are always the trickiest to find. But don't worry, I've dealt with people like her before. Do you have anything that could help me? A photo, an old address, anything? "

Alex reached into his bag and pulled out a faded photograph of Angel, taken during happier times. " This is her, and here's an old address she used to live at. But I doubt she's still there "

The investigator studied the photo, his gaze intense. " This is a start. I'll dig into this, look for any connections, any leads that might unravel her current whereabouts. It might take some time, though "

" I understand " Alex replied, trying to mask his impatience. " But please, I need closure. She's been on the run too long, and I can't rest until I know she's not a threat anymore "

" I'll do my best " the investigator assured him, folding the photo and tucking it into his pocket. " But in cases like these, patience is key. The more rushed we are, the easier it is for her to slip through the cracks "

Alex nodded, though the knot of anxiety in his chest tightened. " Thank you. I'll leave it in your hands. Just... keep me updated, please? "

" Of course " the investigator replied, offering a reassuring smile. " I'll contact you as soon as I have any substantial information. In the meantime, try not to worry too much. I've got this "

With a final nod, Alex stood, feeling a glimmer of hope mingled with apprehension. He shook the investigator's hand and made his way out of the office, leaving the fate of his pursuit in the hands of the seasoned investigator.

Days turned into weeks, and Alex found himself constantly on edge, waiting for any word from the investigator. Each passing moment without an update intensified his restlessness.

Finally, one evening, as Alex was pacing in his room, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. He snatched it up eagerly, hoping for news.

" Alex " the investigator's voice sounded through the phone, " I've got something for you "

His heart racing, Alex sank onto the couch, listening intently.

" I traced some leads from the old address and managed to uncover a few connections " the investigator continued. " It seems Angel has been moving under aliases. She's been clever, using different identities, but I've narrowed down a potential location "

" Where is she? " Alex asked, his voice betraying a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

" She's been spotted in a small coastal town up north. A remote place, probably thought no one would find her there. I've dispatched someone to keep an eye on the area, but I advise caution. She's slippery, and we don't know what she's capable of "

" I'll go there " Alex declared, his determination resolute. " I need to confront her, put an end to this once and for all "

The investigator's voice turned serious. " Be careful, Alex. I'll send you the details, but don't rush into anything. Let me handle the logistics. We'll make sure everything is in place before you make a move "

With a grateful nod, Alex hung up the phone and immediately began packing a small bag. The thought of facing Angel after all these years filled him with a mix of fear and anger, but he knew he couldn't let her escape justice any longer.

Hours later, he found himself driving through winding roads, the coastal town looming ahead in the distance. As he approached, he felt a surge of adrenaline mingled with trepidation. Pulling over to the side of the road, he gazed at the quaint town below, steeling himself for the confrontation that lay ahead.

Night had fallen by the time Alex arrived at the outskirts of the coastal town. The quiet streets were dimly lit, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance in the moonlight. He parked his car a few blocks away from the center, not wanting to draw attention.

He crept through the deserted alleys, the air thick with a sense of foreboding. The investigator had provided him with a specific address where Angel was rumored to be hiding—a rundown house on the outskirts of town.

Approaching the dilapidated structure, Alex's heart pounded in his chest. He cautiously made his way to the front door, every creak of the loose floorboards echoing through the stillness of the night. His hand hesitated for a moment before knocking, his mind swirling with a cocktail of emotions—anger, fear, and a deep-seated need for closure.