Chapter 363 Not Disliking Him
Secluded within the confines of a private dining room, William found himself glancing at the clock more often than not. He was beginning to question the wisdom of his decision, entrusting Victoria with such a crucial task. Her unreliability was becoming more apparent by the minute, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.
The door to the room creaked open, revealing Ava's elegant silhouette. "Hello, Will," she greeted, her voice breaking the silence.
William, taken aback, rose hastily from his seat. "Ava, you're early," he stammered, his surprise evident. Despite being the CEO of Blue Sky Group, he felt a childlike fear in her presence, akin to a schoolboy dreading the reprimand of his teacher.
Ava's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I had some free time, so I thought I'd come early. Seems like you're here ahead of schedule too," she observed.
"Yes," William responded, his smile awkwardly forced. Ava's early arrival had thrown a wrench in his carefully laid plans.
Ava's gaze lingered on William's face, noting his unease. "Will, you seem off. Are you feeling alright?" she inquired, concern lacing her words.
"No, it's not that," William stammered, his discomfort palpable. "I'm fine. Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"
Ava declined his offer with a shake of her head. "I'll pass on the drink. Let's just wait here for a bit. Has Vicky brought Elinor yet?" she asked.
William sighed, "Not yet. I asked Vicky to pick her up. But knowing her, I can't be sure she's actually gone to get her."
Ava reassured him, "It's alright. We can wait a little longer."
As Ava took her seat, William couldn't help but notice the faint scent wafting from her. It wasn't perfume, but the natural fragrance of her body wash. It was a scent he found himself drawn to. Suddenly, Ava turned to find William's gaze fixed on her. "Will, is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?" she asked, a hint of panic in her voice.
"No," William quickly assured her, realizing he'd been caught off guard. "I'm just a bit nervous about the upcoming meeting." In truth, his nerves were already frayed from being in the presence of Ava, the woman he desired.
Ava tried to comfort him, "Don't be nervous. You're incredibly talented, you should be confident." She couldn't fathom why William, a man so accomplished, could be so insecure when it came to matters of the heart.
"She doesn't like me, so I can't be confident," William admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
Ava reached out, gently patting his shoulder. "As long as you're sincere, she'll see your good qualities and like you," she assured him.
"Really? Do you think she could fall in love with me?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
Ava nodded. "Yes. You're outstanding and elegant. It's easy for women to fall for you."
Caught off guard by his sudden question, Ava stammered, "Me?"
She managed an awkward smile, "We're friends."
William's heart sank. "So, not all women will like me," he mused, a bitter realization. He had hoped Ava might feel differently, but her hesitation confirmed his fears.
"Will, there are many ways to like someone. I like you as a friend, and that's a kind of liking too. There's nothing wrong with that," Ava tried to console him. Her words were comforting, but they were also a clear rejection. Despite the sting of her words, William found a small consolation. At least, she didn't dislike him.
As time ticked by, the two of them continued to wait, their anticipation for Victoria and Elinor's arrival growing with each passing minute.
