Shattered Reflections

Chapter 4

Ava / Aaron

Ava

We arrived at a large restaurant that was vibrant and beautifully decorated. My sister and her husband had reserved a table since they were regulars here.

Once seated, we placed our orders. I opted for just a bowl of salad and water, despite my sister's insistence that I order more.

As we finished our meals, a performance began. A boy and girl took the floor to dance, likely employees of the restaurant. I enjoyed the show but soon felt exhaustion wash over me.

"Lily," I said softly.

"Yes, babe?" she replied.

"I'm tired. I think I need to go home."

"Why, Ava? We haven't done anything yet."

"I know, but I really want to go home."

"We can stay for just one more hour, or you can tell me how you feel."

Seeing her disappointment, I hesitated. "It's okay, but I need to go to the bathroom first."

"Fine. Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, you can stay here with your husband."

I made my way to the bathroom, but once inside, I broke down, tears streaming down my face and ruining my makeup. I shouldn't have come; I felt so foolish. I hated myself for it. After a moment, I washed my face and reapplied my makeup, trying to regain my composure.

As I exited the bathroom, my heart dropped. Aaron Addison was there, looking at me with a small smile.

I felt a voice in my head urge, 'Get out of here.'

I hurried back to the table, trying to persuade Lily to leave, but she shook her head. "No, Ava, we're not leaving yet," she insisted.

"Please, Lily, we really must go," I whispered, desperate.

"Why are you whispering?" James asked, confused.

"Maybe because she doesn't want me to hear her or even see her," a strange voice chimed in from behind me.

I turned around to find Aaron standing there, those familiar metallic grey eyes locking onto mine.

"I'm Aaron Addison, by the way," he said, his tone casual.

"Why doesn't she want to see you?" Lily interjected, clearly puzzled.

He ignored her, focusing solely on me.

"Hello, Ava," he greeted, and my heart raced.

How does he know my name?

Aaron

"Hello, Ava," I repeated her greeting, a teasing smile on my face.

"Do you know her?" the guy with her asked, clearly intrigued.

"Of course I do," I replied, maintaining the playful tone.

"Really?!" her sister exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"No, I don't," Ava finally spoke, her expression shifting to one of annoyance.

"Okay, have a great time," I said, still smiling at her.

"Thank you," her sister chimed back.

"Anytime."

I turned to head back to my office, diving into work when my phone rang.

"Yes, Nic?"

"Mi sei mancato, dove sei?"

"At work. And you can speak English, cugino."

"I know; I just don't want to."

"No, you don't 'don't want to'; you can't."

"Stronzo."

"See?"

"Okay, cosa hai fatto con Malakai?"

"Haven't taken any action yet."

"Why?"

"You know I don't have a great time, but I will do it today."

"Bene, dovrei andare. Ciao."

"Ciao."

I changed into black pants and a sweatshirt, trading my suit for something more casual. As I opened the door to head to Malakai, I saw Ava again.

"Ciao, Ava."

"How did you know my name?" she asked, suspicion written all over her face.

I had done my homework. After hacking the Wi-Fi at her house, I uncovered her father's name—Adam Warner—and everything about his family, including his precious daughter Ava and her sister Lily, who was married to James after a three-year love story. It was hard, but not impossible.

"Mhmmmm, I have my ways, sweetheart," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Don't call me sweetheart," she shot back. "You don't—"

"Well, if you're going to say that I don't know you, you're wrong, sweetheart, because I do know you."

"How?"

"I said I have my ways."

"Please tell me."

"No," I said, enjoying the game.

"What should I do to find out?"

"Maybe you can go on a date with me."

"What!!!!? Why?" she stammered, taken aback.

"You want to know how I knew your name, so go on a date with me, and I'll tell you. Other than that, sorry, I can't."

"I can't go on a date with you."

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Because I have a boyfriend."

"Are you talking about Jonathan Michael? I know you're no longer with him," I replied. "And last time I checked, you didn't go back to him, so if you want to say anything about him, you can say 'my ex-boyfriend.'"

"How did you know about Jonathan and me?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"Sweetheart, I said I have my ways."

"You can't know a lot of things about me without knowing me," she shot back, anger simmering beneath her words.

"Fine, go on a date with me."

"Where?" she challenged.

"Here."

"You know there are no available seats; all the tables are booked," she replied, crossing her arms.

I chuckled at her response.

"What are you laughing at?" she raised her voice this time.

"I'm sorry, but look at this." I gestured toward the CEO's sign hanging in the lobby.

"Oh, I can read, but being a friend of the CEO doesn't mean you will find a place."

"Oh, sweetheart, I don't know how you became a doctor," I teased.

"What do you mean?" Her face flushed a deep red.

"I didn't mean to offend," I said, grinning. "But sweetheart, I just met you in front of my office."

Her eyes widened in shock. "You are the owner?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Okay, when will our date be?"

"I'll call you."

I left her there, speechless, not wanting any distractions as I headed to deal with Malakai.