The workday ended with a shared sense of accomplishment, the air in Ava's office buzzing with the satisfaction of a productive day. As Sarah bid them farewell, Liam and Ava found themselves alone, the silence punctuated only by the soft hum of the city outside."Let's go back to my place," Liam suggested, his voice laced with a playful invitation. "I'm in the mood for seafood."Ava, her heart skipping a beat at the prospect of spending more time with Liam, readily agreed. The drive to his penthouse was filled with a comfortable silence, their hands intertwined, their fingers tracing lazy patterns on each other's skin.Liam's spacious kitchen, with its gleaming countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, became their playground. They worked side-by-side, their laughter echoing through the apartment as they chopped vegetables, seasoned the fresh salmon, and uncorked a bottle of crisp white wine.Ava, caught up in the playful atmosphere, grabbed an ice cube from the freezer and, with a mischievous grin, slipped it down the back of Liam's shirt. He yelped, a surprised laugh escaping his lips as the icy coldness shocked his skin."Ava!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're going to pay for that!"A playful chase ensued, Liam pursuing Ava around the kitchen island, determined to return the favor. Ava, her laughter echoing through the apartment, dodged his attempts, her agility surprising him.As she rounded the corner, her foot caught on the rug, sending her tumbling onto the plush sofa. Liam, unable to stop his momentum, landed on top of her, their bodies colliding with a force that sent a jolt of electricity through them both.The sudden intimacy, the warmth of their bodies pressed together, reignited the spark that had been simmering between them all day. Liam's gaze locked with Ava's, his eyes darkening with desire. Ava, caught between a thrill of excitement and a flicker of apprehension, felt her heart pounding against her ribs.Liam's hand reached up to caress her cheek, his touch gentle yet possessive. "Ava," he whispered, his voice husky with longing, "you have no idea what you do to me."Ava, her breath catching in her throat, felt a wave of heat wash over her. She had never felt so desired, so cherished, so utterly vulnerable."Liam," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "what are you doing to me?"Liam's lips curved into a tender smile. "Showing you how much I love you," he whispered, his gaze filled with an intensity that made her heart race.He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a feather-light kiss that sent shivers down her spine. Ava closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness of his touch, the warmth of his breath against her skin.But just as the kiss deepened, a wave of panic washed over Liam. He pulled back abruptly, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and frustration. He mumbled an apology, scrambling off the couch, his movements jerky and uncoordinated.Ava, confused and hurt by his sudden retreat, watched as he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of the shower echoing through the apartment. She felt a pang of rejection, a sense of inadequacy that chipped away at the confidence she had carefully built.She sat up, her heart aching with a mix of disappointment and confusion. Why had he pulled away? Was it something she had done? Was he having second thoughts about their relationship?Unable to bear the uncertainty, the unanswered questions swirling in her mind, Ava decided to leave. She grabbed her purse, slipped on her shoes, and quietly exited the apartment, leaving behind the warmth of Liam's home and the lingering scent of their unfinished dinner.As she stepped out into the cool night air, a tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek. She had thought they were building something special, a love that could withstand any challenge. But Liam's sudden retreat had cast a shadow of doubt over their future, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.