Ava's POVI walked up the stairs, raking my fingers through my hair while pictures of the events that night flashed through my mind. "I almost died out there. Gosh Mia, how long would you do this for? Not respond to me when I need you?" I turned to the right and spotted a picture of my kids hanging on the wall and hot tears filled my eyes "I miss my babies" wiping my eyes and reminding myself that it wasn't time to cry, I gave each of the images a kiss and turned the knob to my door. Entering my room, I looked at myself in the full-length mirror and realized how messed up I looked. Putting it accurately, I looked like a tired chicken that fought the devil for its life. Slowly, I began to unbutton my shirt and wondered why I even decided to wear that to begin with. Still standing there, it hit me that Sullivan hadn't sent me a message or called which was highly unusual. I picked up my phone and looked at the time, it was 9:30 "Shit! He calls at 9:20 everyday" I thought out loud as I

Ava's POV"My kids have done nothing to you! You got me into this with coercion. I don't even know who you are or what your connection with Aiden is! So, you keep my kids out of harm's way, just like you've been doing. If anything happens to my kids, you'll feel the wrath of a mother! Do not, even for once, perceive my supposed helplessness for weakness. And you tell that to your boss!"I flung my phone to the other end of the bed and let out a long sigh. At that moment, I felt like running free and wild. I wished I could even run away, but I've been running all my life and it has never helped me. Now was the time to face my past head-on so it wouldn't affect mine or my children's future any more than it already has.I stared long and hard at the ceiling, probably hoping to find a solution up there, but nothing was forthcoming. I had just had a panic attack, and here I was talking to the same man I saw once at the bar. "Shit, my life really was a mess! Funny how we've both turned our

Jason's POVI woke up at 5 am and wondered why I was on the couch. Was I so tired from last night that I couldn't make it to my room? I got up, but then I realized I live alone. How did I even get a blanket? I looked around and figured out I wasn't at my house; I was at Ava's. I was glad I remembered; otherwise, I might have walked into her room thinking it was mine.Now that I knew where I was, I felt bad for sleeping when I shouldn't have. Ava even gave me a blanket, meaning she found me asleep. After thinking for about 10 minutes, I decided to go for a jog and leave a note saying, "Meet me at the Golden café by 12 noon. Don't be late!" I emphasized the "don't be late" part because time was always important to me.As I left Ava's house, the morning air woke me up. The path ahead was peaceful, with the sound of my footsteps blending with nature. The sun shone through the trees, creating shadows on the path. Jogging became a peaceful time for me to think, surrounded by nature's quiet.

Jason's POV I strolled into the restaurant, excited about what I was going to discuss, feeling very sure she was going to accept. My eyes were on Ava for reasons I can't explain, and before I knew it, disaster struck. My foot collided with the chair's legs, and suddenly I was on a collision course with the floor. Panic set in as time slowed down. I hit the ground with an embarrassing thud, the chair looking innocent as ever. Laughter erupted around me, and I could feel my face turning red. Trying to save face, I quickly picked myself up, but the damage was done. Everyone had witnessed my not-so-graceful encounter with that unsuspecting chair. With a sheepish grin, I acknowledged my newfound status as the center of attention, forever linked to the chair in that moment of restaurant clumsiness. I wasn't usually this clumsy, I was always a meticulous person and of all times and places to embarrass myself, it was right here and in front of Ava "Wow Galf. Just wow" I knew it wasn't his fa

Ava's POVThe door to Aiden's office swung open with a muted click, and I stepped into the room, my gazemeeting his with a mix of determination and a hint of apprehension. Aiden looked up from hisdesk, his expression guarded yet curious."Aiden," I nodded, acknowledging the unspoken hierarchy. No need for pleasantries; ourinteractions were always straightforward."Ava," he responded, a faint acknowledgement in his eyes. "What brings you here?"I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the conversation ahead. "I need some space in the packterritory. I'm planning to open a clinic, and I heard there might be available spots in yourbuilding."Aiden leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment. The air still hung with the weight ofunspoken grievances, a history that had not yet vanished completely "A clinic, huh? That's achange from your usual endeavors."I raised an eyebrow, my patience wearing thin. "What's that about? I'm a doctor, Aiden. Helpingpeople is kind of my thing