The Siren's Song pulsed with a vibrant energy, the music a throbbing beat that vibrated through the dimly lit space. We'd opted for a more casual look tonight, shedding the suits and formal wear for jeans and comfortable attire. Ava, in a simple black dress that hugged her curves, looked effortlessly stunning. I couldn't keep my eyes off her.Sarah had secured us a private karaoke booth, a plush, secluded space away from the main crowd. Drinks were ordered – colorful mocktails for Ava and Sarah, a scotch on the rocks for me, and something bubbly for William. The atmosphere was light, filled with anticipation and the promise of a fun night out.I grabbed the mic, a familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through me. Karaoke was my guilty pleasure, a chance to let loose and embrace my inner rockstar. I selected a classic love song, one that resonated with the emotions swirling within me.As the music started, I focused on Ava, my voice carrying the lyrics with a heartfelt sincerity:"Well, I found a woman stronger than anyone I know She shares my dreams, I hope that, someday, I'll share her home I found a love to carry more than just my secrets To carry love, to carry children of our own" Ava's eyes met mine, a warmth blooming in their depths. She reached out, her hand extended towards me, a silent invitation to share the moment, to acknowledge the love that was blossoming between us.But before I could take her hand, a figure materialized beside me, pushing Ava aside with a casual disregard that made my blood run cold."Liam!" a woman's voice exclaimed, her tone a mix of surprise and possessive familiarity. "It's been so long!"I recognized her instantly. Isabella. My first love, the woman who had shattered my trust, leaving me with scars that had taken years to heal. The sight of her, here in this intimate space, with Ava by my side, sent a wave of fury through me.My expression hardened, my eyes turning to ice. I grabbed my phone, dialing the club owner, my voice dripping with sarcasm."Marcus," I said, my tone cutting, "since when did you start allowing stray dogs into the private booths?"Isabella's face contorted with a mixture of anger and humiliation. She glared at me, her eyes spitting venom, before flouncing away, her retreat as dramatic as her entrance.Ava, still bewildered by the sudden interruption, looked at me with questioning eyes. "Liam, who was that?"I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage that still simmered within me. "An unwelcome ghost from the past," I said, my voice tight. "Someone I'd hoped never to see again."I could see the curiosity burning in Ava's eyes, the unspoken questions swirling in her mind. But I wasn't ready to delve into the painful details of my past, not yet. Not when the joy of our newfound love was still so fresh, so fragile."Don't worry about her, Ava," I said, forcing a smile. "She's irrelevant. The only woman who matters to me is right here."I reached for Ava's hand, intertwining our fingers, a silent reassurance of my love, a promise to protect her from the shadows of my past.The interruption had cast a pall over the evening, a reminder that the past could always resurface, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace we had found. But as I looked at Ava, her eyes filled with concern and unwavering support, I knew that together, we could face any challenge, overcome any obstacle. Our love was stronger than any ghost from the past, a beacon of light that would guide us towards a future filled with happiness and unwavering devotion.