The sun was shining brightly outside, and a ray of sunlight was streaming in through the window. As she snuggled up, the falling sunlight disturbed Ava's sleep. As she rose from the hard surface, she realized she had fallen asleep on the floor the night before, while crying uncontrollably.
The bracelet had fallen to the floor next to her. She removed the bracelet and placed it on the table.
She left the house for work without interacting with her parents or eating breakfast. She went to the cafe and bought some coffee. She arrived at her office exhausted and with dark circles under her eyes.
Nathan approached her as soon as he noticed her enter the office. He went to hug her, but she declined.
"Good morning, Ava. "Do you think you're feeling better today?" Nathan inquired.
"Yeah... I'm fine," Ava replied. She didn't look at him while speaking, and after a brief response, she left him in the lobby and went to her office.
…..
Aaron was walking down the beach alone around six o'clock in the evening. The sun had already set, and the sky in the west was a beautiful dark orange. He was photographing the sky, completely engrossed in nature's splendor.
He pulled out his phone and looked at the wallpaper. It was a photo of him and Ava from the party, with Ava on Aaron's lap and Aaron giggling.
His lips curled into a small smile in response to the photo, but tears soon flowed from his eyes.
I wish I could tell you how much I adore you, Ava!
He was lost in thought as he stared at the image for a long time. The phone abruptly buzzed, interrupting his thoughts.
It was Rachel, one of his old London friends. He answered the phone, clearing his throat.
"Hello! Aaron! I missed you. Right?" Rachel chirped the moment he answered the phone.
"Hello, Rachel. "I missed you!" He stated unequivocally.
"Liar. You did not call."
"I apologize. I was preoccupied."
"That doesn't make sense!" But I have a surprise for you!" Rachel yelled on the phone, loud enough for Aaron to take the phone away for a moment.
"What surprised you have?"
"Can you believe it? "I've arrived in New York!"
"What? "When did you arrive?"
"I just arrived here a few minutes ago." She answered. "I'm still waiting at the airport. Please take me."
"All right, wait there. "I'm on my way!"
"Okay." Rachel hung up the phone. Aaron sighed and went to the airport.
Aaron was surprised to see Rachel. But, with no other choice, he went to the airport and picked her up there.
…..
It was 8 p.m., and Sophia was in the kitchen. Aaron arrived home with Rachel, still perplexed by her unexpected arrival.
"This is my home," Aaron explained as he parked his car in front of the gate.
Rachel's mouth dropped open when she saw the mansion. While Aaron was taking out the luggage, she kept staring at the mansion.
"It's really big!" exclaimed Rachel.
"Would you like to go inside or just stare?" Aaron inquired, closing Rachel's mouth.
Rachel flushed at his remark. Aaron opened the main door and waited for Rachel to enter before following her.
"OK, just stay here while I bring mom. Don't bother going anywhere else!" Aaron stated firmly, knowing how much trouble Rachel was.
"All right, captain!" Rachel said, saluting him.
Aaron just shook his head and walked into the kitchen.
"Mom!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, you've arrived. Dinner is nearly ready. Go shower," Sophia advised.
"Mom, Rachel is here," he explained.
"Oh? When did she arrive? You didn't warn me she was coming."
"I, too, had no idea. She called me out of nowhere and said she was at the airport."
"Fine! After all, she is a visitor. So it's all right."
Sophia and Aaron made their way back to the living room, where Aaron had left Rachel. But Rachel was not present.
"Rachel! "Where are you?" inquired Aaron.
"I am here!"
Aaron turned around to see Rachel slipping down the stairwell railings. When Rachel landed on the floor with a thud, Sophia screamed in terror. Aaron was staring at her.
"I told you to stay here and not go anywhere else," Aaron yelled.
"But I was only here for a short time," Rachel grumbled.
Aaron was about to respond when Sophia interrupted him.
"Rachel, how are you?" Sophia inquired, her tone awkward.
"I'm fine, auntie."
"How did you end up here? I mean, when did you arrive in New York?" Sophia inquired. Rachel was never her favorite. She was never a fan of Rachel. Rachel was never her favorite.
"Only today. I had a month off and decided to come here. And I'll stay here with you, auntie."
"Oh... All right, dear... Sure." Sophia pressed her lips together, trying to process the new information. By the look on her face, anyone could tell that she wasn't too pleased with Rachel around there.
Because of Rachel, the dinner ended in an awkward moment.