Chapter 368 Caught in a Dilemma
As he caught sight of the uncertainty clouding Ava's gaze, William came to the sudden realization that his reaction had been overly dramatic.
"I must apologize for my earlier outburst," he confessed.
His words of contrition seemed to soothe Ava's turbulent emotions. She managed a wistful smile before responding, "It's alright. You were correct. Fear is what drove me to contemplate flight."
"But in doing so, you only inflict pain upon yourself. I can't bear to witness your suffering. Why must you flee? Alexander is the one at fault, he should be the one consumed by guilt," William argued.
Occasionally, Ava's unyielding kindness would ignite a spark of anger within William. She was always willing to bear the brunt of injustices, always considering others before herself. Despite her clear understanding of the world around her, she often chose to surrender.
William confessed to himself that he was enamored with this aspect of Ava's character. It was a rarity to encounter such a compassionate soul in their world. He had grown weary from the relentless onslaught of manipulative schemes, akin to a battlefield devoid of gunfire.
Ava was a beacon of light amidst the chaos, allowing him to lower his defenses and relinquish his suspicions. He never had to worry about her harboring malicious intentions. Only in her presence could he truly find comfort, a feeling that even his own family had failed to provide.
Yet, this very kindness occasionally stirred his anger.
He wished she could be a little less kind, a bit more cunning, so she wouldn't be so easily hurt. She had shed countless tears for Alexander, a man who remained oblivious to her pain.
Ava released a soft sigh, and after a prolonged silence, she finally spoke in a tone laced with resignation, "Regardless of who is to blame, the situation has already unfolded this way. Alexander and I are divorced, he has no need to be privy to this." She was confident in her ability to raise her children single-handedly, without the need for assistance.
"What is it that I don't need to know?" A voice suddenly echoed from nearby.
Ava's heart lurched in surprise.
She swiveled her head to find Alexander advancing towards them, his assistant Felix trailing behind.
He covered the distance swiftly, positioning himself before them within a matter of seconds.
Ava was utterly taken aback!
She had never anticipated Alexander's presence.
Alexander fixed a cold stare on Ava, repeating his question, "You don't need to tell me anything, now tell me!"
Ava's fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms, her heart pounding with anxiety.
William instinctively shielded Ava, challenging Alexander, "What brings you here, Alexander?"
"This is a functioning restaurant, I have every right to be here," Alexander retorted dismissively. "What about you two, whispering in corners? Do you think I'm oblivious to your conversation?"
His arrival had coincided with Ava's statement, "He doesn't need to know about this."
The sentence had nearly shattered his composure.
"Whatever I discuss with Ava is none of your concern," William retorted, attempting to guide Ava away by her wrist.
Alexander's eyes narrowed at the sight of William's hand on Ava's skin. He reached out, seizing Ava's other hand.
Caught between the two men, Ava was held in place.
"Both of you, let go!" She cried out in distress.
"Explain yourself," Alexander demanded, his face a mask of stern coldness, tinged with confusion and unease. "Are you concealing something from me? Speak!"
"There's nothing to tell, you misheard, now let go." Ava tried to free her hand, but Alexander's grip remained firm.
"Alexander, release her!" William ordered, his voice laced with anger.
"It's you who should let her go!" Alexander retorted, his anger palpable.
