Ava

As Orion and Chloe pulled away, the engine's roar faded into the distance, leaving a strange silence behind. I stood there, the tension from the flight still coiled tight in my chest. My gaze lingered on the empty space they’d left, as if staring long enough could erase the hollow ache gnawing at my insides.

“Ava?” Mason’s voice pulled me back, gentle yet grounding. I turned to him, finding solace in the warmth of his hazel eyes. “You look like you could use some tea.”

I managed a small smile. “Is it that obvious?”

He chuckled, the sound somehow softening the jagged edges inside me. “Come on. There’s a little café just around the corner.”

We walked in silence, the airport chaos fading behind us. The café was tucked away, quiet and intimate, with the comforting aroma of fresh herbs and spices. We found a table near the window, and as the server set down our cups, I wrapped my hands around my elbow, letting the warmth seep in.

“Long day?” Mason’s voice was casual, but his eyes were sharp, reading the unspoken words in my silence.

“Long few days,” I corrected, my voice soft. I stared into the tea, watching the steam dance like fleeting memories. “Do you ever feel like... no matter how far you run, the past always catches up?”

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah. But I’ve learned something: You can’t outrun it, but you can face it. And sometimes, facing it means letting people help.”

I looked up, meeting his gaze. There was a kindness there that I hadn’t seen in a long time, a kindness I wasn’t sure I deserved. “Thank you, Mason. For this. For listening.”

“Anytime, Ava.” His smile was easy, but there was a depth behind it, something genuine. “You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

The café’s soft hum created a tranquil bubble, isolating both of us from the bustling world outside. Steam curled from our cups, the scent of herbal tea mingling with freshly baked pastries.

Mason’s laughter was warm, his hazel eyes dancing with curiosity and something deeper, something I couldn’t quite place.

I sipped my tea, trying to keep the conversation light. “So, Mason, what brings you to the city?”

He leaned back, a playful smirk on his lips. “Let’s just say I’m always chasing stories—and sometimes, they chase me back.”

“Sounds intriguing.”

“Hahaha. It’s nothing really intriguing,” he added, “I had to move here because of work, you know how it is.”

“Still…intriguing. At least I find it that way. I mean, you moved to a new city, wish I could start over somewhere else,” I said, my voice breaking up a little but I masked it up with a chuckle.

Mason didn’t look convinced, he eyed me curiously, as though his eyes could see right through me.

“Your turn,” he prodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Who’s Ava Miller when she’s not being mysterious and charming?”

My smile faltered for a moment, but I recovered quickly. “Just a lady trying to find her way.”

Our conversation danced between light banter and brief moments of vulnerability, but my guard never dropped. The hour slipped away too quickly.

“I should get going,” I murmured, checking the time.

“Let me drive you home,” Mason offered, a hint of protectiveness in his tone.

I shook my head, a soft smile on my lips. “I’ve already texted my driver. He’ll be here any minute from now.”

I sipped my tea, the warmth spreading through me, easing some of the tension. But as much as I wanted to linger in this moment, reality was waiting.

He frowned slightly. “But I can give you a ride. It’s no trouble.”

I shook my head, a soft laugh escaping. “I just met you, Mason. I don't even know if you're a serial killer.”

He grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Fair enough smart pants. But at least let me make sure you get to your driver safely.”

As if on cue, my phone buzzed. “He’s here.”

He hesitated, then nodded, pulling out his phone. “At least exchange numbers. Just in case you need someone to talk to... or save you from more public crying sessions.”

I laughed, warmth spreading through me.

Mason and I exchanged numbers quickly, his fingers brushing mine as he handed back my phone. The brief contact sent a surprising jolt through me.

“Take care, Ava.” His voice was low, almost reluctant.

“You too, Mason.” I slipped into the car, watching him through the window as we pulled away. For a moment, I let myself wonder what it would be like to escape everything with someone like him.

But reality snapped back the moment we arrived. Rose and Holly were waiting by the front steps, their faces lighting up as I stepped out.

“Ava!” Holly ran to me, her arms wrapping tight around my waist. “You’re back! I missed you.”

I hugged her close, the familiar scent of home bringing a lump to my throat. “I missed you too.”

Holly pulled back, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Why did Chloe come back with Orion? And why was she with him in the first place?”

I forced a casual smile. “I had to finish something at work. They must’ve just crossed paths.” The lie rolled off my tongue too easily, but I couldn’t bear to dig into the truth right now.

Holly’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Never mind that. How was the honeymoon? Did you love my plans?”

“Yes.” My smile felt brittle, like it might crack. “Everything was perfect.”

Except the part where I slept with Orion.

Inside, I pulled Rose aside into my study. “I need an update on the company. What did I miss?”

Rose’s expression shifted, all business. “The quarterly reports came in. Profits are up, but there’s an issue with the London branch. The investors are getting restless.”

We went through the details, the familiar rhythm of work grounding me. But as the minutes ticked by, exhaustion weighed heavy on my shoulders. Finally, I stood. “Thanks, Rose. I’ll handle it tomorrow.”

In my room, the quiet was overwhelming. I stripped off my clothes, the short pooling at my feet, and slipped into the bath. The hot water enveloped me, but it couldn’t wash away the events of the past days. Every moment replayed in my mind—Orion, Chloe, Mason’s warm smile. I sank deeper, trying to drown the memories.

When I finally stepped out, a thin towel wrapped around me, I froze.

Orion stood there, his face a storm of fury.

Memories of Venice crashed over me—the passion, the laughter. My heart twisted.

We stood in a tense silence, his eyes blazing while mine remained cold. Indifferent.

My phone rang, shattering the moment. I snatched it up, my voice softening as I saw the name. “Mason.”

“Hey,” he said. “Are you home? Resting?”

Before I could answer, Orion grabbed the phone from my hand, hanging up and throwing it onto the bed. His grip on my waist was iron. “Who is he, Ava? Already whoring around?”

I slapped him hard. The sound echoed in the room, sharp and unforgiving. I stepped back, anger flashing.

“Holly’s leaving for the hospital tomorrow. You can go back to your mistress, Orion. Stay out of my space.”

I disappeared into the wardrobe, my hands shaking. The door clicked shut, but his presence lingered.