Ava was preparing an order for the customer in the café when her phone rang. She ignored the sound and completed the order first before going into the storeroom. It was a relief that Layla was around so she could take over the cashier while she take the call. "Hello?"
"Where are you and why did you answer my call after a minute of it ringing? Are you sure you're okay? You're not in danger are you?"
"I'm obviously working, Mel. I was making an order when you call. I had to do the work before answering my phone. I'm doing fine here. I don't think a café counts as a dangerous place."
"Fine. I believe you but you're going to answer me in one ring from this moment on or I'm coming to find you."
"Mel. I'm fine. You really don't have to worry about me."
"You're being hunted by gangs all around the country and you say you're fine? Bullshit. You're going to call that Alex guy whether you like it or not."
"Melanie. I can't do that. I left him. I can't just go to him and tell him to protect me. I have this thing call pride too."
"If you two broke up, he should be making it clear to everyone in the his part of the world. What a douchebag."
"Look. I promise you after work. I can't keep answering your call during work hours. If I don't call you, then you can call the police. And, for your information, we didn't date."
"Whatever. Take care of yourself, okay? I don't want to control you too much but your life is in danger, so I had to. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Mel. I understand. I need to go back to work. Talk to you later." Ava ended the call when she heard a 'bye' from the other end of the line. "She wouldn't be this worried if she knew who I used to be." A soft chuckle left her lips as she walked back into the café and continued her work.
A black car pulled up in front of the café as Ava was reminded of Alex. The past scene when he walked into the café a few days ago replayed in her mind. I'd be lying if I say I'm not tempted to just run back to the mansion and be with him. I want to. I really do, but it'd hold no meaning if I couldn't protect the things I have to. I have to find Clarissa's family before doing anything for myself. I know Clarissa wouldn't be happy seeing me risking my own happiness but I had to because she's the one who made it possible for me to even be happy.
As promised, she called Melanie when she ended her shift at the café. She walked out of the café after saying goodbye to Layla and shivered almost immediately at the low temperature outside. She could sense someone following her from behind discreetly but nothing could ever go past her sharp senses. She was taught to always be aware of her surroundings no matter where she was.
She stayed calm and reached inside her bag for something that she could use to protect herself with. Something cold got into touch with her fingertips as she quickly wrapped her fingers around it tightly. She made her way towards a dark alley at the end of the street naturally and hid around the corner. She waited for the footsteps to become louder as she prepared herself to take the person by surprise. When he walked past the place Ava was hiding at, she wrapped an arm around his neck from behind and directed the tip of the fountain pen in her hand directly at his artery. "Who are you? Who sent you?"
"It's time for you to come home, young miss." The unknown voice spoke without an ounce of fear in his voice. "The Master and Mistress are waiting for you at the mansion. You'll have to succeed Master sooner or later. Everyone is counting on you. You're our only hope left. Please, Miss Emilia."
"I'm not going back to the mansion or the gang. I'm done with that life and that is final. The next time anyone from the gang come and search for me, they'll never come back to the mansion. I don't care if they're one of us. Go back and tell that to everyone." Ava whispered next to his ear and pushed the tip into his throat slightly as he groaned in pain. "Go." she released her grip on him and pushed him away as he quickly scurried away back to the mansion.
Ava walked towards the other way after making sure no one was following her. She couldn't risk endangering Melanie.
"You're a little late. Did something happen on your way back home?" Melanie questioned as she stared at her friend in worry. "I was enjoying the surroundings. You know how much I love the winter." Ava smiled sheepishly, praying silently that she would buy her lies. Melanie stared at her before sighing in disappointment. "Ava. You're too carefree. You're being targeted, remember?"
"I'm fine. Plus, I have black belt in Karate, Taekwondo and Judo. I used to be a champion back in high school, remember?"
"Still. You need to be careful no matter what."
"Alright. I'll pay more attention to my surroundings. I'll call the police directly if I see anyone or anything suspicious around me. Don't worry."
"Please, take care of yourself. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. You're the only one I have left in this world."
"I will. Don't worry, Mel." Ava spoke as she pulled the girl into her embrace in an attempt to comfort her.
"There's no way I'm going to leave you alone in this cruel world. Not after everything you've done for me for the whole time of us knowing each other. I'm going to protect you from any dangers in this world. After going through a complicated and hard childhood, you deserve a whole lot more. And that is never-ending happiness for the rest of your life." Ava thought to herself as she patted Melanie's back.