Alighting from the plane, Ava Yu felt a sense of uneasiness settle over her after being away from City B for five years. The memories of the past still linger in her brain, like the ghostly outlines of a long-forgotten life.
As she made her way through the customs, Ava's eyes scanned through the terminal, searching for a familiar face. Her best friend, Leah was supposed to meet with her. As her eyes swept the crowd she spotted her waving at Leah's bright smile and waving arms.
Ava! Oh my god, it's so great to see you!" Leah exclaimed, throwing her arms around Ava in a tight hug. Ava hugged her back, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over her. Leah, it's so great to see you too! You look amazing.
Leah beamed, releasing Ava from the hug. Thanks, I've missed you so much! How was your flight? Ava shrugged, collecting her luggage from the conveyor belt. It was fine, just long. But I'm glad to be back.
Leah's expression turned serious, her eyes locking onto Ava's. I'm glad you're back too, Ava. We've got a lot to catch up on. Ava felt a sense of trepidation knowing about the Yu's matter she has to face which is more than their personal lives. The Yu family's business dealings, the scandals, the secrets... it was all still simmering beneath the surface, waiting to boil over
As they made their way out of the terminal, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking back into a storm. But with Leah by her side, she felt a sense of determination. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, head-on.
So, where are we headed now? Ava asked. Let's go grab some lunch at our usual spot in our college days. As they walked to the café, Ava couldn't help but notice the changes in the city. New skyscrapers had sprouted up, and the streets seemed busier than ever. But despite the modernization, the city still held a familiar charm.
Over lunch, Leah filled Ava in on the latest gossip and news. Ava listened intently, laughing and nodding along. But as the conversation turned to the Yu family, Ava's expression turned serious.
Leah, seeing her friend looking serious, decided to relieve the awkward moment by asking her what she intended to do for now. "So, Ava, what do you plan to do now that you're back?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Ava hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She had come back to City B with a purpose, but she was still uncertain about the path ahead.
"I'm not sure yet," Ava admitted, taking a sip of her coffee. "But I know I need to face whatever is waiting for me. I'm ready to take control of my life and take back what should be my own ."
As they finished lunch and prepared to part ways, Ava handed Leah a small package. "What's this?" Leah asked, unwrapping the paper to reveal a small, intricately carved wooden box.
"It's a little something I bought for you," Ava said. Leah's eyes widened as she took in the beautiful craftsmanship of the box. Ava, it's gorgeous! Thank you so much. '"Ava smiled, pleased that Leah liked the gift. "I saw it in a shop while I was traveling and immediately thought of you," she explained.
Leah opened the box, revealing a small, delicate silver necklace inside. "Ava, it's beautiful," she breathed.
Ava smiled, happy to see Leah's reaction. "I'm glad you like it," she said. I thought it might be a nice reminder of our friendship."
Leah's eyes misted as she looked at Ava. "I'll always treasure it," she promised.
As they finished lunch and prepared to part ways, Ava felt a sense of gratitude towards Leah. It was good to have her friend back in her life.
"I'll call you later, okay?" Leah said as they hugged goodbye. Ava nodded, smiling. "Sounds good. I'll talk to you soon."
As Ava parted ways with Leah, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. It was good to be back in City B, but she knew that she couldn't stay at her family's estate for long. The tension between her and her stepmother, Victoria, was still palpable, and Ava couldn't bear the thought of living under the same roof as her stepmother and stepsister, Sophia after the divorce of her parents.
Ava hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of her former apartment. She had kept the place even though she had been away for five years, and she was glad to have a sanctuary to escape to.
As the taxi drove through the city, Ava gazed out the window, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. City B was a bustling metropolis, full of energy and life. Ava felt a sense of excitement and nervousness as she contemplated her future.
The taxi pulled up in front of Ava's apartment building, and she paid the driver before stepping out onto the sidewalk. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as she gazed up at the building.
Ava's apartment was on the top floor, and she took the elevator up, feeling a sense of reminiscence wash over her as she stepped out into the familiar hallway. She unlocked the door to her apartment and stepped inside, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
The apartment was just as she had left it, with the same furniture and decorations. Ava smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. This was her sanctuary, her place of refuge.
Ava dropped her bags on the floor and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she had made the right decision in coming back to City B.