LOGINAVAI was still going through the last set of notes when there was a knock on my door.I looked up. “Come in.”The door opened and Steve walked in with a smile on his face.“Good morning, ma’am.”I sighed and shook my head. “Please don’t call me that. Just call me Ava. I’m not that old.”He laughed. “Alright… Ava.”"Better."He stepped forward and handed me a stack of files. “The ones I took yesterday.”I took them from him, flipping through quickly. They were neatly done with clean corrections.He really did his part.“Thank you,” I said, genuinely. “This helped a lot.”“It’s nothing,” he replied easily. “So… were you able to finish the rest?”I hesitated for a split second, then nodded. “Yes.”His brows lifted. “Impressive.”I smiled faintly. “You helped too, remember?”He shook his head. “I didn’t even do up to a quarter of what you did.”I didn’t argue because technically, he was right.“Thank you,” I said again.He nodded, then glanced at the files in my hands.“You should probab
AVAThe car soon came to a stop.I reached for the door handle, ready to step out but Lucien’s hand came out of nowhere and caught my wrist.I paused and turned to look at him.His expression was still distant.“What?” I asked quietly.He held onto my wrist for a second more before releasing it. “If you don’t want me involved, then make sure you handle your issues before I find out.”I blinked. “What issues?”He didn’t answer, he just looked at me like I already knew and maybe I did.I swallowed, then whispered, “O..okay."He stared at me like he wanted to say something else, but he didn't.“Take care,” he finally said with no warmth.I felt my heart clench in pain. “You too.” Then I pushed the door open and stepped out.By the time I got to my floor, work had already started. People were at their desks, typing with focus.I glanced at the time.8:50 AM.As I walked past, a few people greeted me and I nodded back with small smiles, trying to look composed even though my morning had b
AVAI woke up feeling… off.At some point in the night, I could have sworn someone held me, but the other side of the bed was neat and without a single crease or sign that anyone had touched it.I sat up slowly, still frowning. “Maybe I imagined it.”That made sense because last night I wasn’t able to rest well.After leaving his study, I had gone back to the room, picked up those files again and worked late into the night. I tried to focus, I really did, but my mind kept drifting back to the argument.I shook my head, pushing the thought away. I reached for my phone to check the time because my alarm still hasn't rang. Maybe I woke up early.The screen lit up.7:52 AM.I froze. “What?!”I jumped out of bed immediately. “I’m late. I’m actually late!”Everything turned into chaos.I rushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower without thinking.“Why today of all days…”The water hit my skin, but I didn’t even process it. My mind was already racing ahead, time, traffic, Olivia, tho
AVAI turned and went into the walk in closet.I picked a blue silk nightgown and slipped into it. As I turned, my eyes landed on the dressing table.I paused.My complete skincare was on it. Not something similar or close. They were the exact brands I used.I walked closer to the table slowly.“Lucien." I breathed, but there was a smile on my lips. "You’re actually insane." He paid attention, too much of it.I sat down and started my routine, taking my time. It always calmed me, gave me something normal to hold onto after a long day.When I finished, I headed downstairs.Just as I stepped into the living area, the butler spoke. “The files are on the table near the entrance, ma’am.”I walked over and saw them neatly arranged. “Thank you.”I picked them up.“Madam,” he called again.I turned.“What would you like for dinner?”“I’m not really hungry,” I said honestly.He gave a polite smile. “You should still eat something.”I sighed. “Fruits should be fine, then.”“Very well. I’ll hav
AVAI packed up quickly, arranging the files I had worked on and separating the ones left. Then I picked up my bag and the remaining documents and stepped out.The floor was almost empty, making my heels echo even louder as I walked to the elevator.A few other staff joined the elevator, their conversations low and tired.I kept to myself, moving quietly to the underground parking.I spotted the car immediately. A driver stood beside it, not Ben this time. He bowed. “Good evening, madam.”“Good evening.”He then opened the door for me and I got in.Lucien was already inside. He watched me as I settled.I gave him a small smile. “Hi.”“How are you?” he asked. His tone sounded awfully distant.“I’m fine.”He hummed, then tapped on the glass. The driver got in immediately and started the car.Lucien leaned back, closing his eyes, resting his head like he was exhausted and didn’t want to talk.I frowned, that wasn’t like him. “Is everything okay?” I asked.He opened his eyes slowly and lo
AVAI had just gotten into the flow again when I heard a knock on the door.“Come in.” I said without looking up.The door opened and I lifted my head to see Steve. He looked at me, then at the files spread across my desk.“You’re not going for lunch?” he asked.I gave a small smile and gestured at the pile. “Olivia gave me all this. I have to submit everything by tomorrow.”His brows furrowed as he fully entered the office, closing the door behind himself. “You’re not supposed to be working on these. Not as the assistant HOD.”I leaned back and sighed. “I know, but the HOD clearly already has a problem with me as you can see.”He glanced at the files again, then back at me. “I can help you." I blinked. “Really?”He nodded. “Yes.”I tilted my head to the side. “Won’t that disturb your lunch break?”He shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”I hesitated. “And your work?”“I’m done for the day.”That made me raise a brow. “So soon?”He gave a small shrug. “Our team doesn’t have much to do ri
AVATrue to his word, the next morning, Ben came for the car.I watched as he stayed fixed by the door, composed and professional as always.“Good morning, Madam,” he said with a small bow.“Good morning,” I replied.He glanced at the car key in my hand before looking back at me. “Sir asked me to r
AVAI choked.The drink I had just taken went down the wrong pipe and I started coughing immediately, my body jerking as I tried to catch my breath.“Ava.”Lucien's hand came to my back, patting me gently.“Easy,” he said, “Breathe in and out.”He passed me a glass of water. I took a sip, then anot
AVA“No.”I shook my head, taking a step back.“No… no, Stella.”My hands came up to my chest like I could physically push the words away.“That’s not true.”Stella didn’t move or argue loudly. She just watched me.“The earlier you accept it,” she said softly, “the better you’ll feel. You’re fighti
AVA“We?” I said, stopping in my steps.Fred pointed lazily as he walked. “Me. Jason. Paul. Lucien.”Then he jerked his thumb toward Sheila. “And her now, since she is married to Paul.”My brows lifted in surprise. I turned to Lucien hoping he would confirm what I just heard, but he wasn’t looking







