AUTHOR'S P.O.V
_End of Flashback_
"Wow." Alistair uttered, his voice filled with awe, after Ariana finished telling the story of Ava's past. The warm glow of the table lamp cast a cozy ambiance, making the moment feel intimate.
"Since then, Ava's become family. She is family," Ariana said, her eyes shining with tears.
Nicole sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of Ava's struggles. "So she has no identity and apparently no family."
Alistair nodded, his jaw clenched in determination. "I'll have someone look into this."
"That would be great. Thanks, Alistair," Ariana said, smiling softly at him. He smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Anything for you, love," he replied, his voice low and husky. Ariana blushed, rolling her eyes, but he only laughed, entwining their hands.
Nicole glanced between the two, a knowing glint in her eye. "Am I missing something, or are you two extra mushy today?"
Ariana flushed, her cheeks warm. "Well, the thing is..."
"Ariana is my girlfriend now," Alistair announced proudly, his voice echoing through the room.
Nicole laughed, the sound rich and full. "Why am I not surprised? With all the chemistry between you two, I'd be blind not to notice."
Ariana rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips.
Nicole smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I didn't know it'd take this long for you guys to be a couple. There should've been babies by now – a shame."
"Nicole!" Ariana cried, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Alistair smirked, sharing a look with Nicole. "You're right, Nicole. We should get married right now and start making little Arianas and me." He finished with a wink in his girlfriend's direction.
Ariana gasped, her laughter mingling with the sound of clinking dishes from the kitchen. "You two are impossible! Especially when together."
They laughed, the tension dissipating. Alistair kissed her hand, his lips warm against her skin. "Oh, come on, Ari. You know you want to."
"Shut up!" She snapped, playfully, as they laughed.
"Nicole,"
Their attention settled on Ava, who stood awkwardly, her eyes cast down.
Nicole frowned, looking worried. She went to Ava, leading her to the couch. "What is it? Is your head still hurting? Dr. Ross prescribed medicine to help. I'll go—"
"It's not that," Ava cut in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need a new phone since mine's broken. I just... don't have any money to purchase one." Her voice lowered, shame etched on her face.
Nicole sighed, her expression soft. "You don't have to feel ashamed when asking for anything, Ava. We're family, after all."
"I'll get you one," Alistair offered.
"You don't need to spend on me," Ava declined.
"I insist," Alistair said. "But if it helps, it's my way of bribing you to like me since I'm Ari's boyfriend now. We're family now."
Ava hesitated but gave in. "Fine."
Alistair grinned. "You'll get a phone tonight."
His phone began to ring, shrill in the silence. He stared at the screen, scowling.
