A few weeks had passed since Ava's company had taken flight. The office buzzed with creative energy, a testament to Ava's leadership and the team she had carefully assembled. Liam, true to his word, had found a prime location for her office, just a stone's throw away from Aesher Solutions. He often found himself gazing out his window, watching Ava's silhouette move across her office, a fond smile curving his lips.One afternoon, Liam decided to pay Ava a surprise visit. He missed her terribly, their busy schedules leaving little room for intimate moments. He arrived at her office, a bouquet of lilies of the valley in hand, eager to steal a few precious minutes with the woman who occupied his every thought.He strode through the open-plan office, his eyes scanning the space for Ava. He found her engaged in a lively conversation with a man Liam didn't recognize. The man was tall, with broad shoulders and a disarmingly charming smile. Liam felt a pang of possessiveness, a flicker of jealousy he couldn't quite suppress.Ava, noticing Liam's arrival, a playful grin spread across her face. She remembered their agreement to keep their relationship private, a pact she had insisted upon to protect her reputation and the integrity of her burgeoning company. But seeing Liam now, a mix of surprise and possessiveness etched on his features, sparked a mischievous idea in her mind."Liam!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of playful exaggeration. "I'm so glad you're here. I want you to meet William Lockhart, my new assistant and personal bodyguard."Liam's jaw tightened. An assistant? A personal bodyguard? And a ridiculously handsome one at that? Why hadn't Ava mentioned this before? A wave of indignation washed over him, battling with the amusement he couldn't quite suppress at Ava's blatant attempt to provoke him.Ava, oblivious to Liam's inner turmoil, continued her introduction. "William, this is Liam Blackwood, the CEO of Aesher Solutions and a major investor in our company."William extended a hand towards Liam, his smile confident and disarming. "Mr. Blackwood, it's a pleasure."Liam, his initial surprise giving way to a surge of possessiveness, shook William's hand with a curt nod. He couldn't help but notice the subtle way William's gaze lingered on Ava, a flicker of admiration that ignited a spark of jealousy within him.Ava, sensing the tension, quickly concluded her conversation with William. "I'll be with you in a moment, Liam," she said, dismissing William with a wave of her hand.The moment William was out of earshot, Liam turned to Ava, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. "An assistant? A bodyguard? Ava, what's the meaning of this?"Ava, unable to contain her amusement, shrugged playfully. "What can I say? I need someone to keep those pesky investors in line."Liam's eyes narrowed. "And did you have to hire someone who looks like he just stepped out of a men's magazine?"Ava's grin widened. "He does have a certain... presence, doesn't he?"Liam's possessiveness flared. "Ava, are you trying to make me jealous?"Ava, enjoying his reaction, couldn't resist pushing his buttons further. "Maybe," she purred, her voice laced with a playful challenge. "A little variety never hurt anyone."Liam's control snapped. He grabbed Ava's arms, gently but firmly pushing her against the wall, his body caging hers. His eyes, usually filled with warmth and affection, now burned with an intensity that sent shivers down Ava's spine."Variety?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Is that what you want, Ava? Because I can assure you, I'm more than enough man for you."Ava's breath hitched, her heart pounding against her ribs. She had underestimated Liam's possessiveness, the depth of his feelings for her.He leaned closer, his gaze piercing hers, searching for answers, for reassurance. "Is this why you wanted to keep our relationship a secret?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "So you could play the field while I sat on the sidelines?"The accusation stung, and Ava realized she had pushed him too far. The playful banter had crossed a line, triggering the insecurities and fears that still lingered from his past."No, Liam!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with sincerity. "That's not it at all. I love you. Only you."She reached up, her hands cupping his face, her thumbs gently stroking his cheeks. "William is just an employee. A very capable, very attractive employee, yes, but nothing more. I was just teasing you, trying to get a rise out of you."Liam's expression softened, the anger fading from his eyes, replaced by a flicker of vulnerability. "I know I'm being irrational," he admitted, his voice husky with emotion. "It's just... seeing you with him, it triggered all my old insecurities."Ava's heart ached for him. She gently pulled him closer, their foreheads resting against each other. "Liam," she whispered, "I love you. I would never do anything to hurt you."Liam closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of her touch, the sincerity in her voice. He knew she was telling the truth. He had let his past demons get the better of him, allowing jealousy to cloud his judgment.He pulled back, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I'm sorry, Ava. I overreacted."Ava smiled back, relief washing over her. "It's okay, Liam. I understand."They shared a tender kiss, a reaffirmation of their love, a promise to communicate openly and honestly, to face their insecurities together, and to build a future based on trust and unwavering support.