Chapter 353 She Was Unique
"Do you happen to have a friend named Elinor?" William queried, his laughter echoing in the room, his familiarity with Victoria evident.
Victoria, taken aback, swallowed hard and promptly straightened her posture, responding with a stern, "No."
William's eyebrow arched in surprise, his hand moving to retrieve the card he had offered.
However, Victoria's hand shot out, gripping his wrist with an excitement that was palpable. "But I can create Elinor!" she declared, her hand gingerly removing the black card from William's grasp and tucking it securely into her pocket. She held onto the card tightly, her fear of William reclaiming it evident.
She then blew him a kiss, her voice filled with gratitude, "William, I love you, thank you. I'll go find Elinor for you now."
As night fell, Ava found herself plagued by thirst. Rising from her bed, she poured herself a glass of water. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, making sleep an elusive companion. Her thoughts were dominated by William, a secret she had to bear alone.
Dalton, the biological father of William, was a source of bitter amusement for Ava. The absurdity of a father using his own son as a pawn to threaten others was not lost on her. Dalton, however, was a man of keen perception, having identified Ava's vulnerability upon their first meeting.
Ava collapsed back onto her bed, her hands cradling her head as she stared blankly at the ceiling. After a moment of contemplation, she sat up, reaching for her phone. She sent a message to William.
Ava: [William, are you asleep?]
His response was almost immediate.
William: [Not yet. What's wrong? Did something happen?]
Even through the digital text, Ava could sense his concern. She quickly reassured him with a reply.
Ava: [Nothing's wrong. I just wanted to check if you're okay.]
William: [I'm fine, just finished work.]
Ava glanced at the time, the clock striking 11:40, dangerously close to midnight.
Ava: [It's late already. Have you been busy with work all this time?]
William: [Yes. I had a lot going on today, so I just finished showering and lying in bed when I received your message.]
Ava: [Go rest now, I won't disturb you anymore.]
William: [No problem. I'm not sleepy yet. If you have something, just tell me.]
Ava: [I don't have anything, I just wanted to greet you. I didn't realize it's already so late. Get some sleep.]
His reply was heartwarming.
William [I'm glad to receive your message. I'll be able to sleep well tonight.]
Ava: [You're being too dramatic. By the way, did you set a date with Elinor?]
William: [Yes, we're having dinner together tomorrow night, and I'll come pick you up.]
Ava: [Why are you picking me up? You should be picking up Elinor.]
William: [Vicky will pick up Elinor.]
His reply was surprising.
Ava: [Alright, but you should go pick her up. You don't have to worry about me, I will go there later. Besides, I will only stay for a few minutes, and then I will find a way to take Vicky away so that you and Elinor can spend time alone. Don't worry, Vicky and I won't disturb you. We will only be there to lighten the mood. After we leave, you'll have to rely on yourself.]
Seeing Ava arranging the date for him with such consideration, William couldn't help but smile, albeit reluctantly. He responded patiently.
William: [Thanks, we'll see when the time comes. I'll decide based on the situation.]
Ava: [Alright, we'll talk about it later then. I'm looking forward to seeing the girl you like tomorrow. She must be special.]
