Chapter 199 Carefree
Ava struggled to understand how such a remarkable man could be without a partner. Surely, there must be a multitude of women vying for his attention, yet she found herself pondering the type of woman that would genuinely pique William's interest.
Who would be deserving of his gentle affection?
Ava's nose was slightly tinged with red. She rubbed the tip, managing a small, understanding smile. "I see now. I'll lock it away, push it into a corner."
Her love for Alexander, being a dead-end, was something she didn't want to mourn over for the rest of her life. Just as William had suggested, she would confine it, her feelings to be secretly stowed away in the darkest corners of her heart, gradually transforming into a dusty memory that no longer held sway over her life.
A knock echoed through her room.
Victoria's voice floated in from the other side, "Will, are you joining us for lunch?"
William cast a glance at the clock. It was already midday.
"Ava, are you feeling better? Would you like to join us for lunch?"
Ava offered a faint smile, "I'm alright."
"Very well, would you prefer I bring lunch to your room? You could continue resting."
"No need," Ava replied, swinging her legs off the bed, "I'll freshen up and join you in the dining room."
"That sounds good," William responded, always respectful of her choices.
Noticing the man's evident exhaustion, Ava suggested, "You should freshen up as well. I'll meet you in the dining room."
...
At lunch, the trio found themselves seated around the dining table. Victoria was relishing her meal, while William and Ava maintained a leisurely pace, making Victoria appear ravenous in comparison.
"Why must you two dine so elegantly? It makes me seem like a glutton."
William's brow furrowed slightly. "Just eat your meal."
"I am eating, but what about you two? You've been together since last night and it's already noon. Aren't you famished?"
There was a clatter.
Ava's fork slipped from her grasp, landing on the table, a shiver coursing through her heart.
Had Victoria misunderstood?
She hurriedly clarified, "It's not what you think, I..."
"Victoria," William interjected coldly, "If you continue spouting nonsense, you won't be welcome here."
"I'm not talking nonsense. I'm merely stating facts. I know Ava was unwell last night and you cared for her. What's wrong with that? Do you think I'm insinuating something else?" Victoria retorted, feigning innocence.
'They're like frightened birds,' Victoria mused.
Ava offered an awkward smile, realizing that Victoria hadn't misconstrued the situation after all.
She chuckled softly. "Your brother is truly kind. I'm deeply grateful for his care last night. Without him, who knows what might have happened in my delirious state."
Victoria teased her with a grin, “My, my brother does treat you well. It seems he considers you a good friend. I haven't seen him be this kind to anyone else.”
Ava wasn't sure if she was an exception for William, and she wasn't certain she wanted to be.
"Victoria, enough,” William warned, a hint of irritation flashing in his eyes. "Can't you eat in silence?"
"What's wrong with conversing with Ava? You're acting like a grumpy old man, making everything so uncomfortable. I'm merely being hospitable to our guest, and you're chastising me."
Victoria was indeed nonchalant. Otherwise, she might have taken offense. However, it appeared that such playful banter was typical for the siblings. Victoria was accustomed to it and wouldn't truly quarrel with her brother over a few words.
'Her carefree nature is rather refreshing,' Ava mused.
