CHAPTER 17 & 18 : Friends and Enemies
✨ DON’T TOUCH HER ✨
HOSPITAL*
Thomas and Ava were outside the operating room as Shane was being operated upon.
Soon, the doctor came out removing his mask.
“How is he….” Thomas asked.
“He’s fine, just a deep cut on his forehead. He’ll be okay” The doctor assured and Thomas sighed.
Ava eyes were heavy as she tried to supress her tears but it couldn’t as she blinked continuously. She went to peep into the ward he was taken to see his head bandaged.
“It all my fault……..” she whispered under her breath as she ran to the restroom immediately.
Soon, Isabella and Anthony rushed into the hospital on hearing about his condition. Isabella quickly entered the ward and Anthony followed holding a flower with him.
“What with the flower, tony….” Isabella asked.
“Just want to pacify with him so he’ll wake up sooner” He replied dropping it on the bedside table.
“Whatever” She rolled her eyes and faced the sleeping Shane as her eyes blinked worriedly.
“I’ll be back” came from Tony as he went outside.
Isabella held Shane’s hand rubbing it before kissing it.
“Wake up for me love, I’ve missed you” she muttered and kissed his forehead before planting a kiss on his lips.
“Please, wake up baby. We are meant to be together” She mumbled her eyes becoming teary as she kissed the back of his palm again.
Tony came back with the doctor with a slight frown on his face. He took Isabella hand and dragged her out of the ward.
Isabella struggled to get out of his grip but he held tighter taking her to a silent path. “Let go off me, tony”
“What is it?” She asked as Anthony stopped.
“Don’t tell me you are still in love with Shane” he asked, widening his eyes amusingly and she looked elsewhere.
“and so what?, why do you care!!!” She snorted, yanking her hand off his.
“You are ruining the friendship we’ve been building for years Bella” Anthony said and she rolled her eyes.
“I’m not ruining anything, Shane is my first love and he’ll be my last” she snapped.
“bella, you are taking this too far. Seems you are already possessed” He thought.
“I’m not tony, leave me alone and again, don’t pry into my business” she warned pointing a finger at him before leaving.
Anthony stared at her retreating backs and shook his head slowly.
DAWSON’S VILLA*
Mr. Dawson was seen in his balcony a newspaper on his hands, his lenses were on as he sipped on a cup of juice slowly.
His phone dinged for a second and he turned his gaze to it taking it instantly.
He saw news of Shane being rushed to the hospital bloodily and he stood up immediately surprised etched on his face.
“What!!!!, this is impossible”.
He dialed Shane’s number and it came alive in the first two rings.
“Hello sir…” A voice came from the other end.
“Who is this, and why are you with Shane’s phone?” Mr. Dawson asked.
“It Anthony sir, Shane’s best friend” Anthony replied and Mr. Dawson mouthed an ‘oh’.
“Where is he!?” He asked.
“He is at the hospital sir, he got into a little accident” Anthony replied and Mr. Dawson eyes widened the more.
“What!!!!, I’m on my way…..” He muttered and hung up the call immediately going out of the balcony.
UNKNOWN LOCATION*
The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of a jazz record playing in the background.
A figure sat in the middle of the room, legs crossed elegantly as she sipped her wine with grace. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on her features, illuminating her chiseled cheekbones and piercing dark eyes.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a man, entered the room. “I’ve got it, boss!!!” he exclaimed.
The figure slowly set her wine glass down on the table, facing the man before her. “So fast, Albert,” she said, her voice husky and confident.
Albert beamed with pride as he approached the table, an envelope clutched in his hand as he placed it on the before her.
She took it and opened the envelope with deliberate slowness, pulling out a stack of photographs and a dossier filled with papers.
Her expression remained neutral as she scanned the contents, her eyes scanning the pages with an intensity that made Albert shift uncomfortably.
But then, a smirk formed on her lips, a small, enigmatic smile. “So, she’s really Androphobia,” she asked.
Albert nodded confidently. “Yes, boss, no doubt” he replied.
She let out a slight nod, her eyes never leaving the photographs. “Okay, we’ll use it against her,” she said, her voice dripping with malice. “Keep them for later.”
“Okay boss”.
Albert hesitated “Boss, when will you be leaving?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Her gaze snapped up to his, her eyes darkening. Albert held his breath, feeling like he’d overstepped a boundary. “Sorry, boss,” he apologized.
She waved her hand dismissively, her expression softening into a calculating smile. “I’ll be leaving in a few weeks,” she muttered, taking another sip of her wine.
Albert nodded. “Yes, boss,” he said, backing away slowly.
As soon as Albert left the room, she let out a low chuckle. She rolled her tongue, savoring the taste of mischief. “Coming back soon,” she whispered to herself, a sinister glint in her eye.
HOSPITAL*
Mr. Dawson rushed in after getting away from the die hard fans who were outside with gift and flowers all for Shane.
He met Thomas and Anthony as he walked up to them.
“Where is Shane, where is my son!?” He asked worriedly.
“He’s fine sir and he’s responding to treatment” Anthony replied.
“Oh!, Gawd, how did this happen!, What accident?” He asked.
“I’m not really sure of what happened but I can say what my eyes saw” Thomas replied and Mr. Dawson nodded for him to go on as Anthony faced him.
“I really don’t know how it happened, but I met Shane on the floor unconsciously wounded and the lady he mentioned to be his P.A was there too” He explained and Mr. Dawson furrowed his brows.
“P.A, does he have one” .
“He just had one recently, she followed me here” Anthony replied.
“I think be the one behind it because she was frightened on seeing me” Thomas added and Anthony eyes narrowed.
“What!!!!!!” A voice came from afar and they turned to see Isabella, she has been eavesdropping on their conversation.
“That stinking P.A hurt my Shane!!” She exclaimed.
“Hey bella don’t conclude yet” Anthony wanted to hold her but she slapped his hand away.
“Hell No!!!, She needs to be arrested tony” she snapped as her eyes roamed around.
“Where is she?” She screamed as she walked away checking every possible place she could find her.
RESTROOM***
Ava cleaned her tears as she checked the mirror, her eyes were red already as she remembered what she had done.
Another big mess!!!
She washed her face for the seventh time resting her hand on the base. She brushed back her scattered hair as she let out a deep sigh.
“What have you done to yourself, Ava” she asked no one in particular but herself.
“You really need to control your emotions” She added as she held her head with both of her hands. She walked out of the restroom to see Isabella standing as if waiting for her.
One of her hands were on her waist as she glared daggers at Ava. Instantly, she dragged Ava’s hair and Ava groaned, releasing herself from her grip pushing her aside.
“You pathetic loser, you are gonna be arrested today for hurting my Shane!!!!” Isabella yelled and Ava mouth went wide agape.
“Arrested!!” She repeated.
“Yes, you scumbag” Isabella spat as she approached Ava again raising her hands to hit her when a voice stopped her.
“Don’t touch her!!!!!”
CHAPTER 19 & 20 : What Is He Hiding?
✨ DADDY!!! ✨
“Don’t touch her” A voice came from behind.
Ava and Isabella turned to see Shane walking slowly towards them, his head was bandaged as he held it.
Isabella stared at him shockingly.
“Shane!!!, You are awake” She exclaimed as she tried to touch him but he slapped her hands away, giving her an earnful glare.
“What gave you the gut to touch her…” He asked and Isabella eyes narrowed to Ava.
Is he talking about her?
She shook her head and turned back to him. “Touch who?”
“Don’t tell me you don’t know what you did…” Shane replied and Isabella faced Ava grinning jealously. Shane has never defended her much like that.
“She almost killed you Shane and she needs to be punished!!!” Isabella muttered glaring hard at Ava.
“Punished for what?”
“Shane…….” She tried to talk but he disrupted her.
“Don’t say anything else” he warned and faced Ava who was busy staring at them both.
He took her hand and she gasped at the fluttering contact as he took her away from the restroom completely.
Isabella watched Shane take her away and she boiled in anger, her mind pondered with thought of who Ava is to Shane but she couldn’t find a reply.
“Are they together?” She thought and she shook her head vigorously.
No, Never…they can’t.
She folded her fist in frustration as she marched away from the restroom furiously.
WARD*
Shane pulled Ava to his ward and he sat on the bed making her stay in front of him.
She had a guilty look on her face as she couldn’t stare at his eyes, she looked down sighing at each moment.
“Shane, I’m really sorry for what happened…..I just…” She blinked back her tears as she couldn’t explain that part.
Shane shoulders dropped as he watched her.
She played with her fingers as she continued. “I’m just sorry, Shane…….I know it my fault for putting you in this condition” she apologized as she pinched herself nonchalantly.
Shane was really curious as he recalled the incident of that period.
Why is she scared of darkness?, Is she sick?
He asked himself unending questions that he couldn’t answer as he stared at Ava who still had guilt eating her up.
“Ava!!” He called and she looked up slowly as their eyes met at once, she quickly looked away.
“I wanna ask you something!” He said and she nodded.
“Why do you hate darkness like being in the dark? and why do you hate being touched” He asked.
“Huh” she mumbled facing him surprisingly. She bit her lips as she couldn’t find a way to escape the question.
She hesitated playing with her fingers as she bent her head not knowing how to say it.
Should I say it or Should I tell him something else?? She thought in her head as she thought of what to say.
She suddenly gave up and faced Shane whose face was filled with curiosity.
“I’m……I’m….I have a phobia” she stammered and Shane eyes widened.
“Phobia!!!……for darkness??” He exclaimed and Ava nods.
“Not really, It Androphobia” She added and his brows furrowed.
Just then, Mr. Dawson and Anthony came into the ward to see them together. Shane eyes darted towards them landing on his father.
“Dad!” He called.
“Son, you are awake….”.
“No, I’m dead” Shane replied as he laid back pretending to be dead. Anthony chuckled as he approached his bed with Mr. Dawson.
Shane sat up back as his eyes settled on Mr. Dawson and Anthony.
He furrowed his brows.
“Dad, how did you know I’m hospitalized?” Shane asked Mr. Dawson whose eyes were on Ava, his gaze hardening.
Shane snapped him out as Mr. Dawson turned to him. “Who is she?” He snuggled pointing at her as Ava face was down.
“P.A”
“What!!, Assistant……So you are the one Thomas is talking about…..that put my son in this state” Mr. Dawson asked, his face filled with fury but she didn’t reply.
She just bent her head in regret, she just made another mess, only God knows how she will get away from it.
Time is tickling fast as she remembered that she needs to pick up her kids in their closing hour.
“Dad!, don’t be harsh. It not her fault….” Shane reprimanded.
“How is it not her fault..” Mr. Dawson faced Ava “Leave this place, now” he ordered, his voice strict as Ava quickly left the ward outside the hospital her eyes heavy.
“Oh, how cute!!” Anthony mercerized when Ava left as Shane gave him a hard glare look. Anthony raise his hands in surrender “okay”
Soon, Mr. Dawson left leaving Anthony with Shane.
Shane looked sideways to see a red rose flower on the bedside table and he furrowed his brows.
“What are these for?” He asked taking the flower.
“To sympathize with you…” Anthony replied.
“I’m I dead”.
“Seem so” Anthony grinned and Shane threw the flowers at him.
“Dude, I got this flower for fifty thousand dollars” Anthony chuckled loudly.
“Shut it, you probably got it from your girlfriends” Shane muttered and Anthony laughed.
“You got me”.
THERAPY CLINIC*
Margaret led Ava into the therapist’s office, trying to reassure her with a gentle smile. Ava’s hands trembled as she clutched her purse, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of fear and anxiety.
A middle aged woman could be seen inside the office as they walked in.
“Hello, Mrs. Trinity” Maggie greeted and Mrs. Trinity looked up.
“Oh, Margaret….it such a long time, have a seat” Mrs. Trinity replied gesturing for them both to take a seat.
“Yeah” Maggie nodded and faced Ava.
“Ok, Mrs. Trinity. This is the lady I was talking about yesterday” Maggie reminded and Mrs. Trinity nodded facing Ava.
“Hello, Ava. I’m Dr. Trinity,” she said warmly.
Ava hesitated before shaking it, a sly smile on her petty face.
Ava eyes were fixed on the floor as Margaret placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.
“So, Ava, your sister tells me you’ve been experiencing some difficulties,” Dr. Trinity began.
“So, what could it be??” She asked.
Ava nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I…I just can’t be around men. I feel so scared and trapped.” She replied.
Dr. Trinity nodded empathetically. “Can you tell me more about what happens when you’re around men?”
Ava clamps her lips together as she explained. “I just feel like they’re going to hurt me. I see their faces, and I remember…I remember what happened that night.”
Margaret squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
“It’s okay, Ava. You’re safe here,” Dr. Trinity said gently.
“Can you tell me about the incident that triggered your androphobia?”
Ava’s voice cracked as she recalled the traumatic event from her past. She picked on her nails as she spoke up explaining all what happened though her voice were shaky as she did.
Dr. Trinity listened attentively, her expression compassionate.
“I see,” Dr. Trinity said when Ava finished.
“It’s understandable that you’d develop a fear of men after going through something so horrific. But I want you to know that you’re not alone, and we can work through this together.”
Ava nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“So, let’s start with small steps,” Dr. Trinity suggested.
“We can work on exposure therapy, gradually introducing you to safe, controlled environments with men present. We’ll also practice relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms to help you manage your anxiety.”
Margaret smiled encouragingly at Ava, who took a deep breath and nodded.
“I’m going to try,” Ava said, her voice a little stronger.
Dr. Trinity smiled. “That’s all anyone can ask for. Let’s get started, Ava. You’re taking the first step towards it.”
Dr. Trinity leaned forward, her eyes on Ava.
“Remember, Ava, the goal of exposure therapy isn’t to confront your fears aggressively, but to gradually become comfortable in situations that currently trigger anxiety. We’ll take it at your pace.”
Ava nodded feeling anxiously.
“Now, let’s try a relaxation technique,” Dr. Trinity suggested.
“Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, out through your mouth. Feel the air fill your lungs, and then release any tension as you exhale.”
Ava followed the instructions, her breathing slowing as she focused on the sensation.
“Imagine yourself in a safe place,” Dr. Trinity continued.
“Somewhere you feel completely at ease. It could be a beach, a forest, or even your own bedroom. Visualize the sights, sounds, and smells of this place.”
Ava’s eyes fluttered closed as she created up the image of her childhood bedroom, filled with warm sunlight and the comforting scent of fresh laundry.
“Good,” Dr. Trinity said softly. “Now, imagine a man entering this safe space. Not someone threatening, but someone you know. Perhaps a friend or a family member.”
Ava’s breath hitched, but she continued to visualize the scene.
“Notice how you feel,” Dr. Trinity instructed. “Allow yourself to experience any emotions that arise, but also remind yourself that you’re safe.”
Ava’s mind began to wander as her mind went to Carlos, imagining him entering the room. She felt a slight increase in anxiety, but as she focused on her breath and the surroundings, the tension didn’t ease as fear etched up in her face.
She imagined Carlos coming closer like the other day as her heartbeat tripled.
She flinged her eyes open as her breathing was fast. “I can’t do this……”
“Calm down Ava” Dr. Trinity said gently. “Take a deep breath!” She added and Ava did as instructed before she calmed down closing her eyes for a seconds.
Dr. Trinity’s voice was soothing, calming Ava’s racing heart. “It’s okay, Ava. You should take a break” She said.
“I know it not easy to overcome, you can’t do it within a day” Dr. Trinity said softly.
“I’ll schedule an appointment with you for next week Tuesday. You’ll need to be here to do more exercise,…. okay” Dr. Trinity said and Ava nodded feeling obstructed.
Soon, Maggie and Ava left the office as they walked out.
“Aunt Maggie!” Ava called.
“Do you think I can do this, I don’t think I can……it keeps terrorizing me” Ava said, fear mustered in her voice.
Maggie placed her hand on her shoulder sighing. “You can do it Ava, concentrate more and don’t let your emotions take over it” Maggie replied and Ava exhaled.
“Don’t worry, with time, you’ll overcome your fears…okay” Maggie assured smiling and Ava nodded slowly…….
7PM, DAWSON’S FASHION COMPANY*
Ava walked into Shane’s office with a little tray in her hands to see the office empty not even a soul is inside the luxurious furnished office before her.
Luckily she was not fired as she thought maybe because he didn’t sustain so much injury.
She looked around if she couldn’t sight Shane but it was fruitless as she couldn’t see him.
Where is he?
Just before she could turn to leave, Shane appeared from the inner room.
“Looking for me?” He asked as Ava turned to him.
His face was wet as a result of the water dripping from his wet hair gumming his face. Ava gulped at the sight as he walked closer to his table.
“Were you looking for me?” He asked as he opened his drawer to bring out something and she blinked twice.
“Huh!” She muttered and Shane faced up as their eyes met, she could see some glint in his hazel eyes and she faced elsewhere.
“No, I just came to drop this..” She muttered gesturing at the coffee she dropped on his table.
She clamps her lips as her legs couldn’t move. She wanted to go out but her legs doesn’t want to as she feels stuck.
Shane chuckled slowly and moved towards her.
“Have you met a therapist already?” He asked and she nodded still looking away.
“Yes!”
“Do you feel better now?!….”
“I don’t even think it working at all” she replied and he furrowed his brows.
He took her slender hand and she shivered at the touch, instead of her to be violent, she felt something she has never felt before.
A spark!!!
The spark send shivers down her spine as she felt his cold palm on her arm.
She quickly withdrew her arm, “I need to go” with that, she rushed out of the office.
Shane chuckled on her childish behavior as he went to his seat.
“Sweet”
Ava got into her office and quickly went to her seat, she let out a deep breath as she raised the arm he touched earlier.
“Why am I feeling this way? What is this feeling?” She asked no one in particular.
She checked the time and saw that it getting late and it is the closing hour. She packed up her belongings as she prepares to leave. Instantly, Alicia entered her office.
She looked up as Alicia dropped a pile of documents on her table making Ava let out a frown.
“Get through all these before leaving” Alicia spat like she is superior before turning.
“Wait” Ava stood up and Alicia turned back folding her arms. One thing she hates is someone else indirectly bullying her.
“You know what the time is yet you brought this…” Ava muttered and Alicia rolled her eyes.
“So what….finish them all, don’t act like you are the best here” Alicia spat.
“Well, I’m not doing a thing….” Ava replied as she took her phone walking past Alicia. “Do it yourself since you’ve always done it before” she added and completely left the office.
Alicia remained standing as she watched Ava leave, she grinned loudly glaring daggers at the door.
She packed up the documents again before leaving furiously.
Ava got outside to meet Shane’s car waiting. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to walk past it.
“Ava!!” Shane called from inside and she halted turning to him.
“Get in….” .
“No thanks, I’ll just take a cab” she flash a him a little smile as she tried to go but he stopped her again.
“I’m talking to you as your boss, Ava so hop in….” He
Ava furrowed her brows.
Is he indirectly threatening her?
She hesitated before entering the car making Shane smile, she closed the door as her eyes peeked out in the window.
“Drive” Shane muttered and the chauffeur nodded before bringing the car to life, speeding off to the street.
Ava noticed Shane eyes on her as she shifted uncomfortably staring out in the window.
They drive was silent as they soon got to her house, she alighted and turned back to appreciate him when she saw him alight too.
“Can I come in?” He asked and she shook.
Why does he want to come in!!!
She clamps her lips together. “Why do you wanna come in?” She asked.
“Maybe see your kids….” He flashed her a warm smile and she grinned.
“Sure!” She replied awkwardly her voice barely above whispers.
They both went into the house together as Ava became Nervous. She never hosted any guest ever since and this will be her first.
As they left the car, a figure came out from hiding at the back. He brought out a phone and dialed a number immediately.
“Boss!!”
“You see him?” A voice asked from the other end.
“Yes, he just went in with her” he replied.
“Just retreat…..”
“Okay boss” The figure dropped the phone back into his pocket and disappeared out of the area.
Shane and Ava entered the living room to see Maggie watching a movie, her legs crossed. She stood up on seeing Ava.
“Oh Ava, you’re back” She exclaimed as Ava came towards her without closing the door.
“Yeah” Ava groaned as Maggie frown as she watched the opened door.
“Why didn’t you close the door?” She asked and Ava darted her gaze to it seeing Shane standing.
“Come in!”
“Who is that?” Maggie asked and immediately, Shane entered the living room, his eyes roaming around.
“Nice place” Shane muttered as his eyes landed on Maggie.
“Ava, who’s this. You didn’t tell me you were coming with someone” Maggie asked, curiously.
“My boss” Ava whispered to Maggie and she widened her eyes.
“I’m Shane, the owner of Dawson’s Fashion” Shane introduced, his face full of smiles and Maggie blinked shockingly.
Ava frowned as she saw his expression.
“Is he being delusional right now!” She asked herself inwardly.
“Is he the one you…..” Maggie faced Ava without completing her sentence and Ava nodded.
Suddenly, Kayla and Kyle ran down the stairs as they saw Ava, excitement beaming on their face.
“mum” they chimed in unison racing towards Ava.
Their excitement was short-lived as they caught a sight of Shane in the living room.
Their eyes narrowed as they faced Ava. “Mum, who’s he” Kayla asked, her voice low.
“Is he a friend mum!” Kyle added and Ava sighed.
“He is………”
“Our dad!!! Right?” Kayla eyes gleamed.
“The one you were saying would come soon” Kyle completed.
“kids, I only said……..” Ava couldn’t complete her sentence when Kayla and Kyle jumped on Shane.
“Daddy!!!!!”
CHAPTER 21 & 22 : Love and Revenge
✨ KISS ✨
“Daddy”
They were all already seated in the dining as Kyle and Kayla face were bent, Shane had already left.
Ava had reprimanded.
“What did I tell you too about being too forward” Ava asked and Maggie touched her shoulders.
“Sorry, mum” they chimed at once.
“It okay Ava, don’t be harsh” She urged.
“But……”
“They are just too excited” Maggie added and Ava faced them.
“Let eat..”.
Soon, they started eating but the twins didn’t touch their meal. Maggie noticed it and she furrowed her brows.
“Kids, why aren’t you eating…..is it sour? ” She asked and they looked up to her shooking their head.
“Then why??”
“She is still mad at us..” Kyle muttered and Maggie sighed facing Ava whose face was filled with embarrassment.
“I’m not mad at you kids but what you just did was not right, how could you just jump on a stranger you don’t really know like that..” Ava said and they pouted.
“Sorry mum, but you mentioned that he was your boss earlier” Kayla muttered.
“That doesn’t count kids, so eat….we’ve got so much to do” Ava flashed them a smile and they returned it.
“Okay mum”.
They started digging into their own food too.
NEXT DAY~DAWSON’S FASHION*
Ava groaned tiredly as she sat back on her chair, her mind went to what happened yesterday and she sighed.
Shane didn’t say anything about it this morning.
“Better like that”.
She checked the time and saw it was time for the meeting with the investors. She stood up and quickly grabbed her files heading to Shane’s office.
SHANE’S OFFICE*
Alicia was with Shane when Ava entered the office. She approached them immediately.
“It time, the investors are around…” She reported and he nodded.
“I already said that” Alicia snapped glaring at her.
“Okay, let go” he stood up and took his jacket he hung in the hanger putting it on.
Shane walked out of the office and they followed not without Alicia giving Ava a scornful glare.
MEETING ROOM*
All the investors were seated when Shane walked in, he took his entitled seat while Ava and Alicia did the same. They exchanged pleasantries and soon it began.
The projector came on as one of the investors stood up.
“Mr. Shane. We found out that we have been leaked out” He said and Shane snapped his gaze towards him.
“Leaked out!!!”
“Yes,_ are preparing to use this same design, our idea for the upcoming runaway” He added and Shane darkened his brows resting his hands on his table.
“That means we have a spy among us here!?” He smirked scanning their faces.
“That what I thought too…” Another investors added.
“Back to business, we can’t use that design anymore. Let use another” Shane muttered to everyone surprise.
“Mr. Shane. That design was really perfect and it took us a long time before we could prolonged such” One of the Investors said.
“Should we still use it and be tagged for plagiarism” Shane snapped and the investor sat back in defeat.
“The Runaway show is in a month time so we can get more perfect ideas” Shane muttered, his eyes roaming all the investors.
“Does anyone have anything in mind?” He asked but they all kept quiet as the room was as silent as a graveyard.
The investors looked at each other awaiting who can give ideas but all of them seem prone to it.
“I have a suggestion…” Someone raised up a hand and everyone turned to the direction of the voice.
Ava stood up facing the investors. “I have a benefiting idea” She added.
“I’m pretty sure it going to be void” Alicia spat and Ava turned to her.
“Why don’t you come make yours?” Ava returned and Alicia glared at her.
“Let hear from you, Miss. Ava” One of the Investors said and Ava nodded walking towards the Projector.
Ava started explaining all she had in mind perfectly as the investors nodded slowly showing they are following her explanation.
The impression on the face of everyone was glaring as Ava explained a totally different idea more perfect than the first one they made.
Soon, she was done as they all clapped for her, their eyes filled with surprise. Even Shane was not left out.
Alicia jealously became heated as the investors cheered up for Ava, not even her has ever been appreciated like that ever since she made suggestions.
Soon, the meeting ended as the investors troops out after scheduling another meeting.
Each of them were appraising Ava for her intelligence as they all left.
SHANE’S OFFICE*
Ava was currently in his office as he scrolled down each documents she brought. He hasn’t said anything about her presentation earlier making her thinks maybe he didn’t like it.
“Sir, you have a shoot by 2PM” She muttered and he looked up to her.
“With who….?” He asked.
“Miss. Isabella!” She replied.
“Cancel it…..” He snapped.
“Huh”.
“I said cancel it” he repeated and she tilted her head back.
“Okay!”
“Besides….” He looked up into her eyes as he continued “you did well earlier, I’m impressed” he muttered and she let out a smile.
“But you were pretending as if you didn’t like my presentation” she frowned and he chuckled.
“Not that, Ava…..I want to take you somewhere after work” he requested and she raised her brows.
“Where is that?” She asked.
“Secret!!”
“Are you trying to kidnap me…” She asked Curiously and his eyes narrowed.
“Why do you think I’ll do such”
“For someone that stalks me, he can be capable of such” She replied and he raised his brows.
He stood up and moved his face closer to hers, she moved back a bit not wanting him to come closer.
“Do you think I can do it?!” He whispered and her heart skipped a beat.
“What was that?” She asked herself inwardly as her heartbeat tripled rapidly
INDUSTRY*
Isabella was ready smiles on her face, she has been expecting Shane to be around but she couldn’t sight him in the studio.
She walked to the director’s immediately.
Mr. Williams looked up from his laptop on seeing her and adjusted his glasses.
“Mr. Williams!” She called.
“What going on Isabella”
“I haven’t seen Shane, isn’t he supposed to be here?” She asked and he removed his glasses.
“He cancelled his role” he replied and her eyes widened.
“What!!!!!”
“Someone else would take his place!” He added.
“Seriously!!, Then I’m not interested in this anymore!!” She exclaimed and marched out of his office.
DAWSON’S FASHION COMPANY*
Isabella marched into Shane’s office to see Ava in his office almost close to Shane.
Her eyes darkened as she approached them.
“You again, what are you still doing here?” She barked, hitting the table and Ava furrowed her brows.
“Isabella!!….”
“Why are you still keeping her here Shane, she almost killed you!?” She snared.
“It non of your business Isabella….”
“Shane, why…….” She didn’t complete her sentence when Shane grabbed her hand taking her out of the office.
“Come here”.
He took her to the entrance of the elevator and stopped.
“What are you doing here Isabella?” He demanded.
“Are you seriously asking me that, you cancelled your role why?” She asked.
“Cause I’m not interested in it anymore!!” He replied and she frowned.
Her face calmed a little as she brought her hand to his face.
“Why are you no more interested in it Shane” she asked and Shane snapped her hand away from his face.
“Stop being touchy, bella” he warned.
“Aren’t we friends anymore”.
“But you are taking it for granted, bella” he snapped and her shoulders dropped.
“Seems I’m becoming too harsh on you, I’m sorry” she apologized and he sighed running his hands through his dark silk shimmered hair.
“It fine, you can go”.
“Let me just stay for today!, Huh” she requested.
“I’m busy bella, next time” he replied.
“I can help you with it” she offered.
“No thanks” he quickly denied and she waved her hands dismissively.
“Fine, I’ll see you later” she clamp her lips together and entered the elevator as it closed on her.
Shane let out a deep breath as he walked back into his office.
SKYLIGHT ACADEMY*
Kyle and Kayla were waiting outside the school expecting either Maggie nor Ava to come pick them.
Almost all the students of the school had gone home as their parents had come to pick them but they are the only ones left behind.
They were becoming restless and tired as they sat on a bench near the entrance of the school.
“Is Aunt Maggie not coming today” Kyle asked.
“Maybe something is keeping them busy” Kayla replied.
“It late already, we have been waiting for an hour Kayla!” Kyle muttered.
“Should we just walk down the street…” Kyle suggested and Kayla shook her head.
“Let just seat here and wait, don’t go anywhere Kyle” Kayla said and Kyle groaned.
Suddenly, a car pulled over in front of them and they stood up thinking it was Maggie, but as the window whined down it revealed a strange face and they furrowed their brows.
“Hey little kids, your momma asked me to pick you two up” The man muttered, smiles on his face.
Kayla had her suspicious as she stared at him, she noticed someone else inside the car as she stepped back.
“Really, let go then Kayla” Kyle urged, smiles beaming on his face.
“No Kyle, don’t you remember what mum usually tells us” she said and Kyle grunted.
“But he says mum ask……”.
“I don’t think so Kyle, mum asked us not to go anywhere with a stranger even if he used her name as an excuse” Kayla whispered.
“What should we do Kayla, this man looks weird now!?” Kyle asked as he noticed a dark smirk on the man face.
” Let go back inside the school” Kayla suggested and Kyle nodded.
“Kids, what are you too talking about, hop in, it late already. You shouldn’t keep your mum waiting yunno” he said and Kayla let out a frown.
“No, thanks sir. We can go home ourselves” Kayla defended.
“Young miss, you shouldn’t be stressing yourself out here, I won’t hurt you” he raised his hands in surrender.
“Jude, what are you still discussing with them, bundle them in” The twin heard that and their eyes widened.
Their mind went to a particular action as they turned back running a miles away from them.
The guy wanted to step out when a horn blared from behind.
“Aunt Maggie” the twin screamed as they rushed to the taxi that just pulled over.
“F*ck Jude, you messed up” the guy at the front cursed.
“It not really my fault!”
“You should have bundle them in before they could protest”
“Let just go” Jude said and the car zoomed out speedily.
Kyle and Kayla stepped into the taxi as Aunt Maggie sat them, soon the taxi drove off.
“Aunt Maggie” Kayla called.
“Yes honey” she replied patting her hair.
“A car came to pick us claiming mum sent it” She said and Maggie eyes narrowed.
“What!!, I hope you two didn’t enter that car?” Maggie asked and they shook their head.
“No, aunt Maggie. But Kyle almost did” Kayla replied and She turned her gaze to Kyle.
“I was just too exhausted, we have been waiting for a long time…” He muttered.
“I’ve been busy, kids. You should not try to follow any stranger out again and if they said you must, pick a race okay” Maggie urged and they nodded.
“That exactly what we did” Kyle muttered and Maggie smiled.
“I’m proud of you two, you seem smart” Maggie muttered.
“Yeah, we are the most smartest of all smart” Kyle bragged and they all chuckled.
7PM~DAWSON’S FASHION COMPANY*
Shane was waiting outside when Ava walked towards the car. She wanted to walk past it when Shane stopped her
“Do you wanna leave me hanging?” He asked and Ava turned.
“Oh!” She mouthed and entered the front seat of his car.
“Where are we going to?” She asked.
“I already told you it a secret..” he replied and she sighed.
“Your seatbelt” he muttered and she fixed it on immediately.
He soon ignited the car and drove out of the company.
COTTAGE*
Ava furrowed her brows as her eyes met with a cottage in front of them.
“Is this some kind of cottage?” She asked curiously.
“Yeah!, It was gifted to me by my mum” he replied, his face down. Ava noticed it and gulped down nothing.
“Where is she now?” she asked.
He faced her for a moment and took his gaze back to the cottage.
“She’s gone far away from the living” He blurted and exhaled.
Ava could sense the sadness in his voice as she clamps her lips together.
“Sorry for that”.
“It the past, let go” He said removing his seat belt. Ava tried to remove hers but it seems to be tightened together.
She struggled to remove it but it was fruitless, Shane saw it and twitched his lips. He moved his face closer to her and helped her remove the seatbelt “Let me help”.
Ava felt breathless as Shane was close to her, she wasn’t feeling violent but a totally different feeling she has never felt before.
“What is this feeling, gawd” She groaned inwardly.
Shane removed the seatbelt and moved back, she exhaled loudly and alighted from the car so did Shane too.
They walked into the cottage to see everywhere sparkling clean without a single dirt. Everywhere was filled with different types of flowers as Ava begin to touch them each inhaling their fragrance.
“You seem to like flower” He said and she nodded.
“I’ve always loved it” she replied as she cut a Zinnia flower from it branches inhaling it soft fragrance.
Soon, she heard drops from outside as she went to the window to see the sky darkening.
“Oh no, it gonna rain” She murmured “Let go back” she suggested.
“No wait, see” he pointed at the sky as she saw lighting taking over it.
“Gawd”
The cloud thundered and she screamed, she lost her balance as she grabbed Shane for support but it didn’t work as he fell with her.
She felt something soft on her lips, her eyes widened instantly on seeing Shane on top of her, her heart beating fast.
He Fucking kissed her!!!!!