Chapter 345 Aiding in the Pursuit of Love
William escorted Ava back to her place.
Once inside, Ava graciously poured him a glass of water. "William, I am grateful for your assistance in getting me home," she expressed her gratitude.
He waved off her thanks, "It's no trouble at all. I've already arranged for your car to be returned; it should arrive shortly."
"Thank you," Ava voiced her appreciation once more.
William met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "There's no need for such formality, Ava. In fact, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren't for your intervention, I might be in a hospital bed right now."
Ava dismissed his words with a modest wave of her hand. "It was nothing, really."
William's gaze softened, his affection for her evident. "No, it was far from nothing," he insisted. "You went above and beyond for me, despite being pregnant and sacrificing your rest. I regret putting you in such a position. I would have preferred to take a beating myself."
The thought of Ava's health being compromised due to his actions filled him with a guilt he knew he would carry for a lifetime.
Ava responded with a calm, gentle tone, "Don't speak like that. We're friends, William. There's no need for such formality."
"If there's anything I can do to repay your kindness, I will," William declared, eager to make amends for the inconvenience he had caused her.
Ava's laughter filled the room. "I didn't help you with the expectation of getting something in return. I did it because we're friends. If I had expected repayment, our friendship wouldn't be genuine."
She continued, "Besides, if you're injured and need time to recover, what if Elinor finds someone new in the meantime? You need to seize the moment and express your feelings to her."
"Elinor?" William echoed, the name sounding unfamiliar to him for a moment before the memory clicked into place.
This was the situation he had put himself in.
"Have you been in contact with her recently?" Ava asked.
William shook his head. "Not yet."
"You should reach out to her, send her a message," Ava suggested.
"Would that be appropriate? I don't want to intrude on her," William voiced his concern.
"Don't you want to be with her?" Ava challenged. "The last time we spoke about this, I advised you to interact with her as a friend. If you can message a friend, then surely you can message her."
"Now?" William queried, a hesitant smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, now. You can tell her that a friend has opened a new restaurant and has invited you to a tasting. You want her to accompany you. If she agrees, it could also serve as an opportunity for her to provide some feedback," Ava explained, offering her wisdom on the art of courting.
William looked at her, perplexed. "Ava, are you suggesting I lie? I don't have a friend who has opened a new restaurant."
"If there isn't a new restaurant, create one. Find a new establishment and negotiate with the owner. You need to learn to be adaptable, especially when it comes to pursuing a woman," Ava advised.
William chuckled, feeling somewhat helpless.
Ava was proving to be quite the strategist.
"Why are you hesitating?" Ava prodded. "Send her a message. Whether you follow my advice or not, a simple greeting could suffice. Ask her about her day, or tell her about a problem you've been facing and ask for her opinion."
"What problem?" William asked, puzzled.
Ava elaborated, "Tell Elinor that you're facing a dilemma and need her help to resolve it."
"But I don't have a problem," William countered.
His sincerity was evident; he was a man who valued honesty above all else.
"Then create a problem. For instance, if you're having a disagreement with your father or have upset your sister, ask her how she would handle it. The goal is to find a topic of conversation," Ava instructed, laying out a plan for him to follow.
