Chapter 155 She's Like a Locust
The video depicted Ava and William, elegantly attired as if they had coordinated their outfits for a couple's night out. It was Ava's birthday celebration. Alexander was taken aback; Ava had once mentioned that her initial encounter with William had been at their college graduation ceremony.
However, the video Ethan had forwarded was evidently filmed before Ava's graduation. The realization hit him hard. Ava had been dishonest with him from the start. Her acquaintance with William had been established long before she had led him to believe, feigning it as a recent development.
She had been seeing William and had intentionally misled him about their previous connection. The revelation was a bitter pill to swallow. Ava, his Ava, had been untruthful.
A painful memory resurfaced, of Ava confessing her dissatisfaction with their marriage. Each recollection felt like a vice around his heart, constricting it until it could barely function.
No wonder Ava had voiced her discontent, expressing her unhappiness with him, her husband. She had already given her heart to another man, and that man was William.
Ava, if your affection for William was genuine, why didn't you reveal it from the beginning? Why the deception? She was a master of pretense!
The following morning, Ava received a call from Scarlett. Her voice held a note of seriousness as she requested Ava's presence for an important discussion. Ava felt a wave of apprehension wash over her.
Upon reaching Scarlett's residence, Ava found the old woman seated in the living room, a steaming cup of tea by her side. Scarlett appeared deep in thought, her expression contemplative.
"Grandma," Ava greeted, her smile radiant as she took a seat beside Scarlett, linking their arms. "What's the urgency this early? Did you miss me?"
Scarlett returned the smile, albeit smaller, patting Ava's hand. "Yes, I missed you, dear. Or perhaps you think I'm being too demanding?"
"Never, Grandma. Whenever you call, I'll be there. It's no trouble at all. I've missed you too."
Scarlett sighed, her eyes softening at Ava's bubbly demeanor. "You always know how to cheer me up, kiddo."
"And who else should I cheer up, Grandma? Aren't I your little ray of sunshine?"
Scarlett, cupping Ava's cheek gently, asked, "But what about you? Who brings you joy when you're burdened with troubles?"
Ava's smile stiffened. "Grandma, what... what do you mean? I'm not troubled, I'm happy."
Her heart pounded with unease.
"Oh, my dear girl, you can't fool me. I see the pain you're hiding. Is Alex causing problems again?" Scarlett's tone hardened.
Ava quickly defended, "You've misunderstood Alex. Did he say something to upset you? Just tell me, and I'll talk to him."
"You can't protect me, child." Scarlett's aged hand rested on Ava's. "I know everything."
Ava's smile wavered. "Grandma, what do you know?"
"Do you remember your birthday night? I came looking for you, and it was very late. You and Alex were outside, talking."
Ava fell silent.
Scarlett continued, "I overheard your conversation. You were discussing divorce."
"Grandma, I…" Ava's heart raced, at a loss for words.
"Ava, don't worry. I'm not upset with you, nor do I blame you. I just want the truth," Scarlett reassured her calmly.
With the topic now out in the open, Ava felt no need to conceal it any longer. "Yes, it's true."
Scarlett closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly opened them again.
"I never thought this day would come so soon. I always knew Isabella was a troublemaker, no good at all. She's like a locust, only good at wreaking havoc."
