Chapter 27
Ava’s POV
I ate slowly, feeling his gaze linger on me with each bite. It made my stomach flutter in a way that was both unsettling and… strangely thrilling.
Why did his attention feel so extreme?
When I was finally finished. I dabbed my lips with a napkin. Tm done.” I said softly, standing up. I glanced at him. Tll see you next Sunday.” He remained silent, his eyes still on me. I took a step, then hesitated. “Thank you for today. I. I really appreciate your time.”
As I turned to leave, his hand gently caught my wrist. “Ah, but I remember a certain agreement, he murmured, his eyes twinkling. “Every thank you deserves a little… acknowledgement.” He tilted his head slightly, indicating his cheek.
My heart did a little flip. I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. I don’t recall that particular clause in our arrangement. But my gaze paused on his offered cheek. Why is it so hard to refuse him?
Leaning down, I tilted my head to kiss his cheek quickly. But at the last moment, he turned his head, and my lips met his instead. My eyes widened in surprise. Without thinking, I slapped him. “Well, that’s a normal reaction for someone who kisses me on purpose!” I exclaimed.
He just chuckled, rubbing the side of his cheek. “You’ll have to get used to it. We’re supposed to be a fake couple in front of the Sullivan Heiress, remember?”
“But she’s not here… and she’s not watching us!” I said.
He started to rise, but I quickly turned my back to him. “Goodbye, Fabio,” I said, my cheeks burning with a blush I couldn’t control
1 kept walking, my steps quickening, not daring to glance back. Damn it. He was making me feel flustered every single day! It had all started with that unexpected kiss, and now he seemed determined to keep me off balance with his strange. problematic charm!
The next day, I was buzzing with excitement to see the new building downtown. Today was the day! I wore my summery flower dress and a big hat to shield me from the sun. Cecille was right beside me, carrying all the important papers the permits and everything else we needed for my flower shop, which I was calling Palace of Petals,
–
“It’s going to be a great day, Miss Ava,” Cecille said with a happy smile. I already talked to the people doing the garden. They’re going to make the flower shop so pretty and green. I think you’ll love it.”
“Thanks, Cecille,” I said, looking at her. “It’s August, the middle of summer, but you haven’t taken a vacation yet. Everyone usually takes time off in August. You’ve been working so hard for me, Cecille. I really think you should take some days off this month.”
She smiled sweetly. “Oh, really? That would be wonderful. I hadn’t asked because I thought you needed me here, with being so busy with the flower shop.
“Oh, I said and then gave a soft smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
you
“Um. I forgot to tell you something…” she said, her smile fading a little. “Miss Erica was here yesterday. She wanted to talk to you. She looked really mad, like she was going to blow up when she was looking for you…”
I snorted. The nerve of that woman! Coming into my space, acting all angry? Did she think I was scared of her?
“Oh, right, I said to Cecille, a thoughtful frown creasing my brow. “Thank you for letting me know, Cecille.”
As we arrived at the new building, my breath caught in my throat. It looked even better than I had imagined so inviting and beautiful. A wide smile bloomed on my face as I noticed people passing by, pausing to admire it, some even taking pictures of my new flower shop. This had been Mom’s dream, her lifelong wish to have something that was truly her own, a space where she could be herself. But being married to the former head of the Ironclad Organization had made it nearly impossible for her to pursue that.
Chapter 27
+8 Pearls
A soft sight escaped my lips, and I was just about to step inside when a hand suddenly gripped my arm. I turned around sharply, and my eyes met Caspian’s. His initial expression was one of anger, his jaw tight, but as his gaze landed on my face. his features softened, and he slowly released my arm.
“Caspian… what do you want?” I asked, taking a step back, needing to put some space between us.
I met his gaze for a brief moment, then turned back to Cecille. “Take everything inside and ask the driver to help you.” I instructed her.
She nodded and went inside.
“Is this about Erica?” I asked Caspian, my tone even, already anticipating his complaint.
He nodded. It struck me then how completely ordinary he looked. The illusion of the prince I had once married had shattered. Now, he just seemed like another man, perhaps even a bit pathetic, like a new servant following after his new wife.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked, his eyes scanning the building disapprovingly. “You’re making it so obvious that you still hold a grudge about Erica and me. She found this place first, and then you stole it from her.”
“I didn’t steal anything. Caspian,” I replied calmly. “I found this place, applied for the permit, and bought it fair and square. I was lucky to get it. Better luck next time for Erica, or maybe she should look for a different location. Then I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping my lips as his words replayed in my mind. And for your information, Caspian,” I said with disdain, ‘I moved on the second I said ‘I do‘ to you. I never had any illusions about our marriage. I was just pissed that you broke your damn promise. I thought divorce would be a nightmare, but guess what? It was the best damn thing I ever did for myself
“I don’t believe you, he sneered, his eyes narrowed.
Just then, my breath hitched. Fabio had just stepped out of his car, and the sight of him hit me like a punch to the gut. He looked devastatingly handsome. I hated to admit it, hated men in general, but I couldn’t tear my gaze away for a moment. Then, forcing myself back to the situation at hand, I turned to Caspian, a defiant glint in my eyes, “Oh, really? Then watch
- e.
1 shoved past Caspian, ignoring his surprised grunt as his gaze followed my determined stride. I walked straight towards Fabio, who froze as soon as he saw me approaching.
He waited with an unreadable expression on his face. As I reached him, I tiptoed, cupped his jaw in my hands, and pulled him down for a sudden, passionate kiss right there in front of everyone!
i thought for sure he’d push me away, disgusted by my boldness. But instead, his hands instantly settled on my waist, pulling me closer as he returned the kiss with a surprising heat.
My brain was spi
spinning. What had I just done? Using Fabio like this was completely crazy! This was going to be a disaster.
