Ava jolt as she's surprise her husband of five years called her darling lovingly.
"I've been looking everywhere for you" he continued smiling.
She watched as Alex came and wrapped his hands around her waist possessively as if he was trying to prove a point to stranger. She wondered if his actions were path of their facade but they were in a secluded hallway with no media or cameras.
The tense in the air was thick as Alex was shooting glares at the stranger and the stranger just had a very calm and neutral expression.
"Excuse me." The stranger said smiling and leaving imediately.
As the stranger disappeared around the corner, Alex's grip on Ava's waist tightened, his fingers digging into her skin. "What were you doing talking to him?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing. Ava wince in pain, how dare she think Alex care about her just then a tear roll down her cheek.
"I- I was... He seemed lost I was just showing him.the way." she replied, trying to sound calm.
Alex's eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into Ava's face. "You're not supposed to talk to strangers," he growled, his anger simmering just below the surface.
Ava felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that Alex's behavior was about controlling her now.
She sighed softly pushing herself away from him.
"I'll pretend to be the happy wife you want for the media and all but I won't take it when you try to control me." She stated crying bitterly leaving Alex stunned.
Just then, Alex's mother appeared at the end of the hallway, a look of curiosity on her face. "Alex, darling, what's going on?" she asked, her eyes flicking to Ava before returning to her son.
"It's- it's nothing mom." He turned to Ava eyes flashing with anger before he stormed away "we'll discuss this at home."
Kate's eyes lingered on Ava for a moment before she n turned to leave. "Be careful, Ava," she said, her voice cold.
Ava fell on her knees crying bitterly. She knew Alex was going to hit her again, she felt lost and trapped in this loveless marriage. She wondered how much longer she could hold on to, unkown to her, two piercing blue eyes were locked in her as he watch the whole scene unravel.
###
Monday morning dawned bright and early,the sun
casting a warm glow over the prestigious university where Ava worked. She stepped out of her car and onto the campus grounds, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. This was her sanctuary, the one place where she could escape the drama and stress of her life with the Ross family.
As she walked across the campus, Ava felt the warm sun on her skin, the gentle breeze rustling her hair. She smiled to herself, feeling alive and energized. She loved her job as an art professor, loved the feeling of inspiring her students to create something beautiful.
Ava made her way to the art department, her heels clicking on the pavement. The building was a beautiful old structure, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity.
She walked over to her office, the scent of paint filling the air. Ava smiled to herself, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. This was her happy place, the one place where she could be herself.
As she stepped into her office, she was greeted by the familiar sight of her desk, cluttered with papers, paintbrushes, and half-finished canvases. Her eyes landed on a stack of files on her desk, neatly arranged and labeled. She barely gave them a glance, her mind already focused on the day's lessons.
Ava checked her watch, her heart racing slightly as she realized she was running late. She grabbed her lesson notes and a few art supplies, shoving them into her bag. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the day's classes.
As she rushed out of her office, Ava felt a sense of excitement building inside her. She loved teaching, loved the feeling of inspiring her students to create something beautiful.
Ava's first class of the day was a painting class, and she was determined to make it a good one. She walked into the classroom, her eyes scanning the room as she greeted her students.
The class was already underway, the students busy mixing colors and painting their canvases. Ava took a deep breath, launching into her lesson plan.
Just as she was getting into the swing of things, the door to the classroom opened and the Dean walked in. She wondered what was going on.
The Dean smiled at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ava, I'd like you to meet our new transfer student, Liam Wellington."
Ava's eyes landed on the student standing beside the Dean, and her heart skipped a beat. It was him, the stranger from the award show. The one with the piercing blue eyes and the charming smile.
"He's the one joining your class that i told you about in the last meeting." The dean inserted smiling at Ava who looked rather stunned but composed herseld.
"Alright welcome to my art class, do introduce yourself and make yourself comfortable we were in the middle of our class before you came in" she replied professionally making the Dean beam with pride and nodded before leaving.
Liam listen and watch in amaze as Ava stood back at the podium professionally and wondered if she remembers him or just act like she don't. He then turned away from her and smiled at the class introducing himself.
"Hi I'm Liam,nice to meet you all"
She watch as he made his way an took an empty seat, taking out his materials for the class.
Ava's mind was in turmoil and she had lots of questions for Liam. How was he even he in award event last night and also he was a student??? She wondered if he remembers her as she kept stealing glances at him.
Few minutes later the class ended. Ava packed her belongings and headed straight to her office. Her heart was racing like never before and she felt nervous as she lockd eyes with Liam. She couldn't explain what made her feel drawn to him. Was it his eyes? The way he looked at her as if she was the only one in the world? His smile? Or was it something else?
She wondered as she entered her office. Just then she got a notification from her husband.
''don't be late for today''
She sigh as she remembered that today, her later father in law was suppose to turn 70 as it's his posthumous birthday day and also a very important day for the family as the Will of the late Ross will be finally revealed after four years.
Looking at the time, she hurriedly pack her stuffs and grabbed her keys. She hadn't realize that her class took two hours and she needed to be home earlier than usual.
As Ava rushed out of her office, she couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety that had been building up inside her. She had been dreading this day for weeks, ever since Alex had reminded her of the importance of attending the posthumous birthday celebration and the reading of the late Ross's will.
Ava's mind was a jumble of thoughts as she drove home. She was worried about what the will might reveal.
As she pulled into the driveway of the Ross estate, Ava took a deep breath and steeled herself for the evening ahead. she stepped out of the car and hurriedly made her way to the mansion.
As she pushed the door open, she was greeted by the sight of the entire Ross family- Kate Ross, Alex,Asher, Ruby, little Sam, seated anxiously facing a few unknown lawyers whose heads snapped towards her and just then her eyes landed on him. Ava stood frozen in the doorway as the piercing blue eyes locked on her's making her heart beat rapidly. She whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Liam"