It Was Zachary Gonzalez

'Zachary Gonzalez' His name echoed inwardly in Ava's heart as she continued to stare at his face in puzzlement. Was she dreaming now? How could she have gotten here? And it was just like a flash, everything replayed swiftly in Ava's head. How she had gone out with Hazel and Charlotte last night. Arriving at the big lounge, she was left alone and drank something she'd never tasted in her entire life before. Not only that, she was dancing crazily when a man came to her and held her close as if he wanted to become one with her. This same man pulled her out of the clubhouse, leaning her against a car, this strange man forcefully kissed her and wanted to do more by rolling her dress up. Recollecting the event clearly, Ava became shocked, so shocked was she that her eyes opened wide in disbelief. 'That man who saved me wasn't Cole but Zachary Gonzalez?' Covering her mouth with her palm, Ava gasped, recalling how she had entangled with Zac in the car. Addressing him as Cole, cruising on his neck down to his chest randomly. Immediately, Ava wished the bed could open wide and swallowed her whole. Grasping the duvet with her fair and slender fingers, she lowered her head in great shame, shutting her eyes tightly.
Zac, who had been standing in the doorway with his usual cold and long face, noticed that Ava had seemed to remember everything from last night. Nevertheless, he asked in a soft yet husky voice, “Do you remember everything now?” Ava slowly nodded her head twice, wanting anything but to disappear from his arctic cold sight. Ava curled up her lips, waiting for his next words. She could by no means understand why Zac would save her from a hoodlum and even brought her to his house. Taking a glance at the white shirt she was wearing, her fists clenched, causing her nails to cut into the flesh of her palm. However, she didn't mind the pain. In her opinion, the pain was nothing compared to losing dignity as a woman. Now because of how drunk she was, Zac had seen her bare last night by changing her dress. 'You're just so foolish, Ava'.
Noticing her bad mood and how red her face and neck had become, looking like a cooked shrimp. “I didn't change your dress. The housekeeper did it” Zac clarified sternly, silently cursing himself. He had never been willing to clarify anything to anyone before. Hearing this, the corners of Ava's mouth curled up in a smile as she said with a deep sense of gratitude, “Thank you very much, sir” Staring at her faintly, Zac had no words. He thought in his mind that, was she thanking him for saving her last night or for not changing her dress and letting her gender do it? Putting away his thought, Zac said, “When you're ready to leave, someone will give you a ride to your destination” By the time he completed his words, his hands had gathered in a fist. He had never said long and generous words to a lady before. Without waiting for Ava's response, Zac spun around and left. He was already losing his mind, if he had waited a minute more, then he was afraid he might lose it completely.
As soon as Zac was no longer in sight, the small smile that was dazzling on Ava's face melted at once as reality whipped her like body blows. It was morning already, and she had passed the night outside. Hazel and Charlotte would be home already, informing her parents that they couldn't find her. Thinking of this, she jumped out of the bed, but stood dumbfounded, having no idea where her dress was. She scampered toward the bathroom, pushed it open, and set her foot inside. Darting her eyes around, she soon found her dress and underwear on a rail. Quickly, she grabbed her clothes and rushed out of the bathroom, and started unbuttoning the shirt. “Forgive me, Lord, I promise not to visit such a place again, I promise” Ava mumbled breathlessly while she removed the shirt over her head, thinking in her mind that it's been a long while since she set her foot in a church. Soon, Ava had changed back to her dress from last night. With her purse and heels in her hands, she trotted out of the room. She thought that wearing the heels would only waste much of her time. Descending the last staircase, Ava saw a woman, probably in her early forties, walking out from a corner. Curling her lips in displeasure, Ava presumed this was the same woman who had helped her change her dress last night. “Good morning ma'am. Thank you for last night, please could you show me the way out"?
The woman gave Ava one of her best smiles. In her opinion, Ava must be a good girl. Since she had been working for Zachary Gonzalez, she had never seen him bring a girl to any of his penthouses before. Moreover, someone like Zachary Gonzalez sure would have great preferences in a lady. So, this means that Ava possessed all the choices. “Sure, dear, I'll show you. But first, you need to eat something” The woman told Ava tenderly then turned around, probably heading back to the kitchen. However, Ava's voice halted her step onetime. “No, no. I'm in a hurry now, I can't eat anything. Just show me the way out” Ava said in a breath, looking uneasy. She didn't want to imagine the chaos that would be ensuing in her house at that moment. Nodding her head in agreement, “Okay dear, if you insist” The woman said warmly to her and began to strode forward while Ava followed closely behind. By the time they were close to the entrance, a sweet aroma, which was surrounding the place, filled Ava's nose. Instantly, Ava receded her pace then peeked in the direction of the aroma. Her stomach grumbled wildly, it was at that time she even remembered the coffee in the room. Ava pursed her lips, she should have at least drank the coffee. She returned to her senses, looked up, and saw the woman smiling at her, she looked away, embarrassed, and continued her pace. Opening the entrance door, there was an elevator at the front. Ava's mouth opened, stunned. She never knew the place was a penthouse. “Just press the last button” The woman instructed. Ava's gaze fell back on the woman, and she nodded vigorously, “Thank you, ma'am” with that, she entered the elevator and pressed the last button as instructed. As the door closes, in the gap, they stared at each other. Shortly, the elevator chimes then opened at Ava's destination. Ava rushed out immediately, intending to go out through the gate. However, there stood a tall frame man beside an eye-catching car. Upon seeing Ava, he opened the backseat door, “Let's go, Miss” His voice was hoarse, his eyes were cold and lacked any warmth. Ava gulped, she was at a loss of words as she bent and got into the car obediently.

In Taylor's villa…

Hazel was seen walking back and forth in the presence of the family as tears kept circling in her eyes. She was holding her cellphone tightly like she could vent all her pain on it. Soon, Emma stood up and walked up to her, “You should go home now, Hazel. Don't worry, I'm sure that Ava is fine. She'll be home soon. The only thing that should matter to you now is your Mom's safety,” Emma said softly, but Hazel wouldn't stop her frantic pace. She couldn't help but blame herself for this, Ava wouldn't have gone missing if she had not been reckless last night by leaving her alone all by herself. Last night, a somber mood descended on Hazel when she and Charlotte couldn't find Ava after they've searched every nook and cranny of the big lounge. She became strung up and called Ava's phone, but Charlotte had told her Ava had lost her phone recently. Meanwhile, her parents were holding the phone captive, but she didn't dare to tell Hazel the truth. Charlotte, who was happy in her heart and prayed that Ava shouldn't be found. “Let's go home, Hazel. Ava might be tired and left before us” Hazel turned around and stared at Charlotte in the dark, her eyelashes were wet with tears. Yes, it's possible. She nodded and quickly got behind the wheels while Charlotte got in the passenger seat. On getting home, Emma and Dylan were still fast asleep. Hazel broke down as soon as she didn't find Ava in her room. Charlotte couldn't be less happy, she found her way into her room and sank herself in the bed to catch some sleep. Until this moment, Charlotte was still sleeping soundly in her room. “Go home now, Hazel” Emma exhorted, patting Hazel on the shoulder. Hazel wiped off the tears on her cheek, she still had the clothes from last night on. She had got a call earlier that her Mom was feeling unwell, so she had to be with her Mom. “Please Aunt, give me a call as soon as Ava returns” She requested, feeling so bitter in her heart. Emma just nodded, and with that, Hazel sniffed and trotted out of the house. Watching Hazel's receding figure, Emma couldn't help but think in her heart how she was going to deal with Ava if she ever returned.