Ava felt a sense of unease wash over her as she watch the Ross family silently communicate within themselves and all look tensed.
She wondered what will be making the great Kate Ross chairwoman of the Ross family tense as she hurriedly scroll through her phone.
Just as it seems to happen, Ava's phone chimed making the whole table turn towards her giving her the disgust and judging look and soon their faces smoothed out as important guests approached them.
The lights in the room dimmed slightly, and the host, a well-known television personality, took the stage. He is a tall, imposing figure with a charming smile and a quick wit.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce the winner of the Businessman of the Year award for 2024," he said, his voice booming through the room.
The audience applauded politely, and Ava felt a surge of anxiety. She knew that Alex was a finalist for the award, and she was nervous about how he would react if he didn't win.
"And the winner is... Alex Ross, CEO of Ross Industry!" the host announced, his voice rising in excitement.
The audience erupted in applause, and Ava felt a sense of relief wash over her. Alex stood up,a bright smile plastered on his and he took Ava's hand.
As they made their way to the stage, Ava felt a sense of pride. She knew that Alex had worked hard for this award, and she was happy to see him receive the recognition he deserved.
The cameras flashed as they walked, and Ava felt a sense of discomfort. She hated being in the spotlight, hated the feeling of being watched and judged.
As they reached the microphone, Alex turned to Ava and smiled "I'd like to dedicate this award to my lovely wife, Ava, and our entire family," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity which wasn't so sincere. "Without their love and support, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you, Ava, for being my rock, my partner, and my best friend."
The audience erupted in applause again, and Ava felt a surge of emotion. She knew that Alex's words were just a performance, a show for the cameras and the audience. But a part of her wished that they were true, that Alex really felt that way about her.
He continued "My lovely wife, Ava, has a few words to say," he announced, his voice dripping with charm.
Ava took a deep breath and began to speak. "I'm so proud of my husband, Alex, for this incredible achievement," she said, her voice steady and confident.
As she spoke, Ava felt a sense of calm wash over her. She really wish Alex the best and was proud of his hard work.
But as she glanced over at Alex, Ava felt a pang of sadness. She knew that their marriage was far from perfect, that they were just pretending to be happy for the sake of the cameras.
As Ava finished speaking, the audience applauded politely, and Alex smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride.
As they walked off the stage, Ava felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had gotten through the performance,but as she glanced over at Alex, she knew that the act was far from over.
They made their way back to their table, where Kate, Asher, Ruby, and little Sam were waiting for them. Kate smiled, her eyes gleaming with pride.
"Congratulations,son," she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "You deserve it."
"Thanks mom" Alex smiled as he sat back down, just then Zara chirped in excitedly from behind.
"Awww... congrats Alex." She smiled genuinely as she sat beside him. Both laughed and engaged themselves in a conversation totally forgetting about Ava.
Ava felt unease and pained as she watch how her husband flirt and smile freely with Zara. She wished Alex would look at her just the way he did when they just got married. She wished her father in law was still alive as he was the only Ross that made her feel at home.
As the evening wore on, Ava felt like she was suffocating. The air in the room seemed to be thickening, making it hard for her to breathe. She needed a break, a chance to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the banquet hall.
She excused herself from the table, murmuring something about needing to powder her nose. Kate raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Ava knew that she was expected to be back at the table soon, smiling and laughing like the perfect wife.
As she made her way to the bathroom, Ava felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was finally alone, finally free from the suffocating gaze of the Ross family.
She pushed open the door to the bathroom and stepped inside. The cool air enveloped her, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She took a deep breath, letting the tension seep out of her body.
Just as she turned on the faucet, the bathroom door bust open revealing Ruby. Ava knew Ruby was in here to piss her and remained calm as she watch her lean against the mirror.
"I guess you are proud that your husband won the award again this year" her voice dripping with jealousy.
Ava chuckled and replied. "Oh yeah I'm proud..." She smiled "and I hope your husband make you proud too" she inserted her tone lace with sarcasm.
Ruby fumed in anger as she watch Ava fix her hair not giving a damn about her.She huff in annoyance and left Ava who was content with herself since this whole evening started.
As she finished up in the bathroom, Ava took a moment to collect herself. She smoothed out her dress, ran a hand through her hair, and took a deep breath.
She pushed open the door to the bathroom and felt a jolt of surprise as she bumped into him. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He was standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall with a look of quiet confidence on his face. He was tall, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her.
The stranger smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need to apologize," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I was just... admiring the view."
Ava felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she realized that he was talking about her. She looked away, feeling a sense of embarrassment wash over her.
But as she glanced back at the stranger, Ava felt a spark of attraction ignite within her. She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes seemed to bore through her, the way his smile made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
As Ava stood there, locked in a gaze with the stranger, she felt a sense of time standing still. It was as if the whole world had melted away, leaving only the two of them.
The stranger's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and Ava felt a shiver run down her spine. She was transfixed by his gaze, unable to look away.
Just then Alex voice came through breaking them from their trance. "Darling..."