The Ruins of Love and Chaos (AvaLance)

CHAPTER XI

After checking under the bed, Ava noticed a lump in Laurel's backpack. She was relieved when she finally saw the blue doll. She handed it to Laurel and tucked her daughter in. After sending a text to Sara, a phone buzzed at the bedside table.

"Hey little bean? Mama needs to get mommy okay? Can you stay here with Beebo?" she kissed her daughter's forehead Laurel was drowsy. Ava knew she was going to fall asleep soon so she tucked her again comfortably before she left.

The most efficient way without being seen was through the kitchen. She could still hear the music on the courtyard and she didn't want to interrupt everyone. After making a turn for the kitchen she heard Sara's voice in the hallway. She must be talking to Nana Anne or one of the house maids.

The lights were off but she knew Sara was close "Hey Sara! Beebe was in Laurel's bag. I thought you should..." She turns the lights on and to her surprise it was neither Nana Anne nor the maids Sara was talking to...or rather kissing. It was Nyssa.

The first emotion that hit her was shock then it was followed by embarrassment. "I... I'm so sorry I...I didn't mean... I should go" She felt her cheeks turn red. She immediately turned around and started to walk away. She rubs her cheeks thinking it might lessen the flush.

"Ava! Ava wait" she could feel Sara following her. The shorter blonde eventually caught up and reached her arm so she turns around to face her.

"I'm sorry. I..." Sara stuttered.

She didn't need to explain. They were broken up and she was seeing Nyssa but there was an evident guilt in Sara's eyes she couldn't help but notice. Ava tried to shake it away but deep down she was hurt. Deep down she was jealous.

"You don't have to explain Sara" she stopped her. "I...were done. You owe nothing to me" it was true but saying it out loud made it hurt. Her heart was clenching. It has been a year since their divorce but living with Sara again opened a door the emotions she had been pushing down.

Sara was looking at her. Her blue orbs searching for assurance that they were both okay and it felt invading. She wasn't feeling okay at all. She looked away before Sara could see what she was feeling deep down. "I should go check on Laurel"

"Ava" the shorter blonde called out. She never looked back

***

"I'm sorry" Nyssa was sitting on a stool at the kitchen island, sipping a cup of tea.

"For what love?" the dark haired woman asked.

She didn't know why she was apologizing to Nyssa but she knew it felt right. Sara was embarrassed. Getting caught by your ex-wife making out with your girlfriend was beyond uncomfortable and she didn't want things to get more awkward between her girlfriend and her ex.

"I don't know. I... I know you're not okay with this set up." Sara knew the press will be eying her and Ava after today and it will be harder for them to date. "It's not going to last long. I promise" she holds Nyssa's hand.

"I know" Nyssa kissed her hand. "I can totally relate. Publicity is very important for people like the Sharpes. I can't say my father is any different. My engagement with Oliver was for the company's sake too. You don't have to apologize" Sara called Nyssa to days ago to inform her of the gala and that she was going as Ava's date. The other woman however, understood of the situation.

"You're right I don't" she joked. She gives Nyssa a quick peck. "You know... you haven't told me about the heiress situation" They need to talk about it at some point and they have time to spare now.

"I didn't want to tell you because I'm not taking over the family business. My sister is. As I've said earlier... Publicity. They just call us that because they have no clue as to who gets to inherit what" the other woman explains.