Chapter 107 Sleeping in His Arms
"Enough, grandma," Ava implored, her voice laced with feigned shyness. "Let's not discuss this further, you know I'm bashful."
"Very well, I won't keep you any longer, goodbye," Scarlett conceded, ending their video call.
Ava released a long sigh, her shy demeanor fading swiftly to reveal a calm countenance. She turned to Alexander, her voice steady as she declared, “I’m heading back to my room. You should rest as well.”
As she began to peel back the covers, Alexander's hand closed around hers. “Wait.”
Ava swiveled to face him, her brows furrowing. “What is it?”
“Stay here tonight.”
Her heart stuttered at his words, but she quickly shook her head. “No, I can’t. It wouldn’t be proper.”
She attempted to extricate herself from his grip, but he held fast. “What’s improper about it? We're getting divorced tomorrow, but it hasn’t happened yet. We're still husband and wife, and tonight is our last night together.”
A pang of sorrow resonated in Ava’s heart. Tomorrow, their marriage would be over, and he would no longer be hers—he’d belong to Isabella.
In an unexpected move, Alexander drew her into his embrace, holding her close. “Stay. I promise not to cross any boundaries, but let's not sleep apart tonight.”
Ava found herself unable to quell the faint yearning that stirred within her. Despite her best efforts to harden her heart, she couldn't suppress the love she harbored for him.
Just one night, she reminded herself. She wanted to savor this final night and bring a peaceful end to their marital journey.
Gently, she pushed him away and said, "All right, let's sleep."
With Ava in his arms, Alexander reclined on the bed.
She nestled into his warm embrace, comforted by the feel of his arms around her. Her nose prickled, and tears welled up, threatening to spill over.
She surreptitiously wiped her tears, careful not to dampen his shirt and draw his attention.
Sensing her tremors, Alexander gently caressed the back of her head. "What's wrong? Are you cold?"
He pulled the covers up over her and held her closer, hoping to share his warmth.
"No, it's just... thinking about how you'll be holding someone else after this."
Her voice wavered, revealing a hint of sadness.
"Ava," he uttered her name.
"What is it?" she responded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Let's not talk about anyone else tonight. It's just us," he assured her.
Ava nodded in agreement, murmuring a soft "Okay."
He held her like that for what felt like an eternity, until Ava succumbed to sleep. He, however, remained awake.
Once Ava was sound asleep, Alexander carefully disentangled himself from her and ventured outside for some fresh air.
Isabella had sent him several messages. He saw them but chose not to respond.
Alone, he reclined in a chair, his gaze lost in the starry expanse above.
The night was clear, the stars twinkling brightly, but his heart felt desolate, hollow as if something had been scooped out.
Tomorrow, they would quietly file for divorce. He should be eager to share the news with Isabella, shouldn't he?
Yet, why did he feel a reluctance to respond, even avoiding her messages?
He reasoned that it was because nothing was certain until it was done. He didn't want to jump the gun and risk disappointing Isabella if things went awry.
Her health was precarious at the moment. She was emotionally fragile, and he couldn't bear to cause her pain.
As for Ava, after the divorce, she would surely find happiness, and finally be free.
Alexander spent one last hour outside before the chill drove him back indoors. He returned to the bedroom, slid under the blankets, and pulled Ava closer, holding her tight.
Deep in slumber, the petite woman burrowed earnestly into his embrace, as endearing as a piglet nestling in.
