Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Ava glided into the office, the crisp lines of her navy-blue pantsuit perfectly accentuating her professionalism. With a smile that typically lit up the room, she greeted her colleagues, yet today, her cheerful hello was met with an eerie silence.

Undeterred, she settled into her tasks, completely engrossed in her work. Her dedication was unmatched, her attention so absorbed that she failed to notice the myriad of eyes following her every move. Some gazed with admiration at her efficiency, while others harbored curiosity, puzzled by the unusual aura around her.

Midday arrived swiftly, and as Ava finally allowed herself a moment's reprieve, her phone jolted to life, breaking the silence of her solitary lunch. Bryan's urgent voice pierced through the receiver, requesting her immediate presence in his office.

A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach as Ava navigated the maze of cubicles toward Bryan's quarters. The bustling office felt unusually tense, a vibe she couldn't quite pinpoint. As she entered Bryan's office, his usually composed demeanor faltered, replaced by a mix of concern and something unspoken.

" Close the door, Ava, " Bryan's voice carried an unusual weight. " We need to talk. "

Ava closed the door behind her, the faint click echoing louder in the otherwise tense room. Bryan, seated behind his imposing desk, wore an uncharacteristic furrow on his brow, his gaze fixed on Ava as she tentatively took a seat opposite him.

" What's going on, Bryan? " Ava's voice trembled slightly, a reflection of the unease swirling within her.

Bryan hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers before he finally spoke. "Are you okay? "

Ava's brow furrowed in confusion but nodded anyway. " Yeah I'm good, what's up? "

Bryan stood up and came to her " Come here " He said softly and without hesitation, Ava got on her feet and he immediately pulled her into a hug.

" I'm sorry for all you went through because of me in the last few hours " He said, his voice sounding muffled against her hair.

Of course Ava knew he was talking about the photos online but she decided to play dumb.

Bryan disengaged himself from the hug after a minute and his hands slipped down her arms to hold hers.

" You're not saying anything " He stared straight into her eyes as he said this. It was as though he was trying to figure out the real expression behind the calm facade he was seeing.

" That's because I'm lost here, I have no idea what you're talking about " She answered.

He blinked twice " Are you serious? " He looked genuinely surprised.

Ava shrugged " What's going on? "

" You didn't see the photos uploaded online? " He asked

" Yeah I did, why? " She asked

" Aren't... Aren't you angry or something? " He asked, looking baffled.

She sighed " I really want to forget about it Bryan, after all my face wasn't revealed, was it? "

Bryan decided to forget too " I'm sorry too " and pulled her into another hug.

Ava hugged him back this time. She really needed it.

A discreet cough was heard behind and both turned to look. It was Lily, they didn't hear her knock.

" I'm sorry, I just came to drop these " Lily said and dropped some files on Bryan's table. The sounds of her low heels clicked softly as she made her way out.

Ava watched Lily leave before turning back to Bryan " She saw me, didn't she? " She asked with a frown.

" Of course she did " Bryan answered, glancing at the files Lily left on the table.

Ava's frown deepened " So why did she act so indifferent even after seeing me? "

Bryan chuckled wryly " That's Lily for you "

" Oh " Came from Ava as she stepped back to create a distance between her and Bryan. Of course he noticed but he said nothing.

" I should get back to work " She said and made to leave but Bryan placed a hand on her arm to stop her.

" What do you say to giving you a ride home after work? " He asked.

" I'll think about it " She replied lightly

" I'll come drag you then " He teased

" Don't " She warned and with a little wave, she was gone.

Bryan smiled and got back to work, hoping she would allow him take her home.

Ava made her way to her office, smiling. She was growing fond of him, she thought. Hell, why not? She was a woman and he had almost all the qualities a woman wanted in her man. Duh, you've been interested in him since day one, a voice in her head sneered.

She walked into the office she shared with some other colleagues and once again, the eye battle started. She felt eyes on her as she walked to her desk. She decided not to mind them and started to type away on her computer.

About ten minutes later, the door opened and Angela walked in, her head held high. Ava's stomach twisted into knots and she knew she was in for another drama. Angela made her way straight to Ava's table and flopped down on the seat opposite Ava.

" Hi darling " She said in a sweet voice and a fake smile.

Ava sighed " What do you want, Angela? " She asked impatiently.

" Well, I'll get straight to the point, " Angela replied and crossed one leg over the other " I saw something interesting and I thought of sharing it with you "

Ava knew where Angela was going. It was about the photos but she raised her eyebrows, feigning confusion " And what's that if I may ask? "

" Don't play smart with me b*tch, we both know what I'm talking about " Angela cursed, making sure it was meant for Ava's ears alone.