Chapter 190 Uncomfortable Silence
William assisted Ava into the car, her spirits noticeably dampened.
"Where would you like to go, Ava? I can take you anywhere," he offered gently.
"I'm not sure where I want to go," she responded, her voice devoid of its usual vitality.
The only thing she was certain of was her reluctance to return home.
After a moment of contemplation, she finally said, "Could you drop me off at a nearby hotel? I think I'll stay there for a few days."
William gave a nod of understanding, "Alright."
As they journeyed, Ava's sneezes punctuated the silence, a clear indication of a cold caught from the rain.
Upon their arrival at the hotel, Ava unfastened her seatbelt and expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for today, and for coming to find me."
"It's nothing, Ava. We're friends," William replied, his smile radiating warmth.
As she prepared to exit the car, William halted her, "Wait, are you sure it's okay for you to stay alone in a hotel while you're unwell?"
"It's just a cold, nothing serious," she dismissed his concern with a nonchalant shrug.
"Why not stay at my place instead?" he suggested.
Ava was taken aback, "What did you say?"
Fearing a misunderstanding, William quickly clarified, "It's not what you think. Given your pregnancy, the rain you were caught in, and now this cold, it's not safe for you to be alone. You can stay at my house. I can take care of you."
"I can't impose on you like that," she protested.
"You wouldn't be imposing. I live alone, and right now, you shouldn't be alone either. As a friend, I'm offering my help. Who knows, I might need your help someday."
The thought of leaving her alone in a hotel room didn't sit well with him. What if she fainted again? A delay in getting to a hospital could be disastrous.
Ava could have managed on her own, but William's sincere concern resonated with her.
Sometimes, loneliness was not a choice, but a circumstance thrust upon people.
"Thank you, William," she finally conceded.
Recognizing her acceptance, he responded, "Then let's get going."
He personally fastened her seatbelt and they were on their way again.
As they passed a mall, William pulled over.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"I'm taking you to get some clothes and essentials. I don't have any women's clothing at my place, and you'll need them."
Ava had almost overlooked that detail. William's attentiveness was impressive.
She nodded, exited the car, and followed him into the mall.
After selecting a few outfits and undergarments, Ava was about to pay when William handed his card to the cashier, "Use this one."
"No need," Ava quickly interjected, "I can pay for myself."
"Don't worry about it, consider it a gift from me," he insisted.
"Really, it's not necessary," she protested, feeling awkward about a man buying her undergarments. It was a bit peculiar.
Sensing her discomfort, William relented, "Alright then."
Ava breathed a sigh of relief and paid for her items herself.
Afterward, William carried her shopping bags and led her out of the mall.
They returned to William's immaculate and serene home. He lived alone, and the housekeepers only intervened when necessary.
Upon their return, they found a woman lounging on his couch.
Hearing their footsteps, the woman rose, "You're finally back."
She was young and attractive, exuding an air of affluence. She had expected to find only William, but upon seeing Ava, she hesitated, "Who might this lady be?"
The situation was awkward. Ava felt out of place; could this woman be William's girlfriend? That would be excruciatingly embarrassing.
