Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Ava relaxed back on her chair and crossed her arms under her breasts " YOU know what you're talking about, I don't " She fired back.

" The photos of you and Bryan on the media " Angela said, pinning Ava with a death glare.

" And how did you figure out that I was the one? " Ava asked, meeting Angela's gaze squarely.

" You've been craving for his attention lately, haven't you? I would recognize you anywhere " Angela spat out.

Ava remained cool headed despite all these " Well, as you can see, I was working before you invited yourself in. So if you'll excuse me, I have work to do "

" This is my last warning Ava, stay away from him or else... " Angela threatened and let her words trail off deliberately.

" If you want him, go for him. You don't tell me what to do " Ava replied calmly and Angela seethed in anger, wishing she could get rid of the b*tch.

" You're welcome to use the door " Ava added and turned her attention back to her computer, totally ignoring Angela's presence. The latter walked away, fuming.

**********************

The office lay quiet, the only illumination coming from the soft glow of Ava's computer screen. Her colleagues had bid their goodbyes hours ago, leaving her engrossed in a whirlwind of tasks that refused to relent. Papers rustled as she sifted through them, determined to complete her work before finally calling it a night.

Just as she contemplated packing up, the door creaked open, revealing Bryan with an air of ease that often accompanied him. " Late night again, Miss Ava? " he remarked, his voice a comforting break in the stillness. Ava knew he was teasing her and she smiled.

" Yes, just tying up loose ends, " Ava replied, attempting to mask her happiness at the fact that he came for her after all.

" Can I take you home? " He asked, leaning towards her as though she would be convinced if he did that.

She nodded immediately, too tired to complain. She was grateful he stood by his word.

He helped her with her bag which brought smile to Ava's lips and she thanked him.

Outside, the city was draped in the tranquility of the night as Ava followed Bryan to his waiting car. His gesture of holding the door open for her seemed unusually gallant tonight, causing a faint flutter of unease mingled with appreciation to settle in her chest.

Slipping into the passenger seat, fatigue gripped her, making her limbs heavy. The car started, and they cruised through the dimly lit streets. The silence stretched between them, almost tangible, nudging Ava's curiosity.

" I'm curious about something, " she blurted out, the exhaustion in her voice betraying her.

Bryan glanced at her briefly, a subtle curve tugging at the corners of his lips. " What's on your mind? " he asked, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue.

" Are you married? " Ava questioned, her weariness and curiosity blending in her tone.

Bryan chuckled softly, a warm timbre underlying his amusement. " Nahh, I wouldn't even give you a second look if I was married " he replied, his gaze briefly meeting hers before returning to the road.

" But you've been married before? " Ava probed further.

" Yeah " He replied, the laughter dying down.

" So what happened? " She asked in pure curiosity.

" She died " He answered, staring straight ahead.

Ava thought she saw a look of pain flashed across his face " Damn " She muttered. Now she regretted asking such a deep question

She started to apologize " I'm so sorry Bryan, I didn't know... " But Bryan waved off her apology.

" It's fine Ava, it's been long anyway " He said with a small smile.

" What happened if I may ask? " She asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Bryan sighed " She died shortly after giving birth to our son "

Ava's eyes widened " You have a child? "

He nodded " Yeah "

" How old is he? " Ava asked, getting more interested in his personal life.

" Twenty one " He simply answered.

Her eyes widened even more " He's that old?! Wow " She gulped and continued " And how old are you? "

Bryan glanced at her and Ava felt he could see right into her soul " It doesn't matter, does it? Or do you think I'm too old for you? " He asked, a hint of smile playing on his lips.

Ava's eyes became so huge that Bryan feared they might pop out of their sockets.

She blushed " Too... Too old for me? What do you mean? " Her voice trembled slightly in excitement.

Bryan smiled " You know very well what I meant. Anyways, I'm forty two. Do I look old? " He asked.

Ava shook her head immediately " Not the least bit . You're very handsome and... " She stopped abruptly as if she just realized what she said.

Bryan's laughter filled the air " So you think I'm handsome, huh? " Ava blushed and turned her face away " I bet you've had your eyes on me for a long time " He added.

Ava ignored his comment and asked instead " Do you have a picture of him? "

Bryan looked at her quizzically " Huh? "

" Your son " Came Ava's swift reply and she added " I wanna see what he looks like. He must be very handsome I guess, what's his name? " She smiled as she asked him the question.

Bryan grinned " Yeah, my boy is cute. Here he is, his name is... " He was about to hand her his phone and at the same time say his son's name when he suddenly lost focus when the car in front began to slow down, making Bryan step on the brakes in a hurry.