Chapter 404 The Last Encounter
Ava found herself standing once again in the house she and Alexander had once shared as husband and wife. The walls echoed with the memory of their year of marital bliss, each room a testament to her personal taste. The house remained untouched, a static monument to their past. Yet, the occupants had changed irrevocably; they could no longer exist as they once had.
Upon entering the living room, she was surprised to find George, comfortably ensconced on the sofa.
Each encounter with Mia's presence caused a flutter in his heart. Rising to his feet, he smoothed his suit and held himself with a dignified air. Despite his advancing years, he took great pride in his appearance. One could easily imagine him playing the role of a charismatic middle-aged CEO in a television drama, effortlessly captivating the audience with his mere presence.
"Mia, why are you here too?" George inquired, his brows knitting together in concern. Mia's arrival seemed to portend something unsettling. Just then, Alexander made his entrance, announcing, "I've informed them."
Dressed in a classic ensemble of a white shirt and black trousers, Alexander cut a striking figure. His handsome features were slightly marred by fatigue, but his allure remained undiminished. His gaze inadvertently fell on Ava, their eyes locking in a silent exchange.
Ava's instinct was to look away, but Mia's words echoed in her mind. She steeled herself, lifting her chin to meet his gaze head-on. She couldn't run, couldn't cower. Her fear was a testament to her love for him. If she was to let go of this love, she needed to face it first.
"Why did you bring your dad here?" Mia questioned, her tone laced with confusion. "I thought it was just supposed to be the three of us?"
Turning to his parents, Alexander responded, "I have something to tell you, and I wanted you both here as witnesses."
Mia, not one to be kept in suspense, pulled Ava forward, demanding, "Well, what is it? Out with it. You only get one shot." Her words were heavy with unspoken implications, which Alexander understood all too well.
Ava's heart pounded in her chest. Alexander had gathered his family, signaling the gravity of the situation. Was this about her? She dared not speculate.
As she attempted to retreat, Mia's grip on her waist held her in place. "What are you afraid of?" she whispered into Ava's ear.
Ava risked a glance at Alexander, only to find him already watching her. His gaze was intense, filled with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher.
Alexander seemed on the verge of speaking, but after a long moment of silence, he remained mute. "Well?" Mia prodded, "Speak up."
"Let's have dinner first," Alexander suggested, hoping to prolong his time with Ava. "We can talk afterward." He was surprised to find that he harbored no anger towards her. George agreed, eager for the rare opportunity to dine with Mia. He didn't mind the company; her presence was enough to fill him with joy.
Without further ado, they moved to the dining room where a meal had already been prepared. "Ava, I made sure to include all your favorites," Alexander announced, serving her from his own plate. "Eat up."
Ava was taken aback by his sudden kindness. Just the previous day, they had been at odds, and now he was acting as if nothing had transpired. She had thought their paths would never cross again, yet here they were. How much longer would they continue this charade? She was leaving soon, after all. Perhaps this was really the last encounter.
