[ Chicago Med ] Connor and Ava | Hurt by Secrets

Chapter 10: After

Ava looked at Stefan, her heart filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "So, how did you find me?" she inquired, her voice tinged with both surprise and intrigue.

Stefan's gaze softened as he recalled the moment. "I was at your press conference in Seattle," he explained. "I watched as you stood there, delivering your speech about your groundbreaking research. I must admit, I could never have come up with such an idea. You're truly extraordinary."

Ava accepted the compliment with gratitude. "Thank you," she replied sincerely. "You're also an exceptional surgeon."

Stefan's expression shifted a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Actually, I switched specialties after you left. I'm now a pediatric surgeon at Boston Children's Hospital."

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my god, you finally did it," she exclaimed. "You always had a special way with kids."

A hint of sadness lingered in Stefan's voice as he probed further. "Can I ask why you decided to see me after all these years?" he asked, his curiosity tinged with a touch of vulnerability.

Ava froze, uncertainty washing over her. She had agreed to meet Stefan, yet she couldn't pinpoint the exact reason why. Confusion clouded her thoughts, knowing she should be devoting her time to her boyfriend.

Sensing her hesitation, Stefan interjected with understanding. "You know what... you don't have to say it," he remarked gently.

Ava mustered the courage to voice her question. "Did your family know?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Stefan nodded solemnly. "About us? Yes, I told them that I couldn't give you what you wanted. I explained that I'd rather walk away because you deserved better. My mom was upset for weeks, rightfully so, because I had been a fool."

Ava's eyes searched his face, searching for answers. "Why did you say that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Stefan's gaze met hers, filled with unspoken emotions. "I couldn't say the truth," he admitted, his voice laced with regret.

Ava's lips formed his name, a tender plea for understanding. "Stef..."

The following morning, Ava found herself trying to avoid Connor, even though their work in the same department demanded daily interaction. Complicating matters further, they possessed each other's apartment keys.

Ava, still grappling with inner turmoil, requested assistance from Stefan. "Can you hand me my clothes?" she asked, her voice betraying a sense of urgency.

Stefan obliged, their discarded garments strewn across the floor. Memories of their past encounters resurfaced, reminding them of the intimacy they had shared years ago.

Ava's resolve solidified as she realized the impossibility of their actions. "We can't do this," she declared, her guilt etched across her face.

Stefan's expression turned perplexed. "What? I thought this was it. My second chance with you."

Ava stepped away from the bed, her voice laced with remorse. "Last night was a mistake," she admitted, her words laden with a sense of finality.

Stefan's confusion turned to frustration as he grappled with the revelation. "What's his name?" he demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Ava was taken aback by the question. "What?" she responded, momentarily stunned.

Stefan clarified, his tone filled with bitterness. "Your boyfriend, what's his name?" he pressed, his eyes searching hers.

Ava took a deep breath, summoning the strength to respond truthfully. "Connor," she uttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Stefan's disbelief grew, his emotions teetering on the edge. "He makes you happy?" he asked, a mix of curiosity and pain evident in his voice.

Ava nodded, her voice filled with conviction. "He does. I've never felt so loved."

Stefan's face fell, a torrent of emotions battling within him. "I need you to leave. Now," he stated, his voice laced with both sorrow and resignation.

Ava tied her hair back, her actions mirroring her feelings of closure. She glanced back at Stefan one final time before opening the door and exiting his hotel room.

Days later, the atmosphere in the emergency room buzzed with activity, as doctors tirelessly worked to save lives. Ava's thoughts seemed to move in slow motion as she navigated through the chaos.

Natalie's voice pierced through the fog in Ava's mind. "Ava, I could use some help with this patient," she called out, her urgency apparent.

Ava snapped back to reality, her senses sharpening. "I'll be there in a second," she replied, her voice filled with determination.

She hurriedly made her way to the locker room, gathering her belongings and preparing herself for the task at hand. As she collected her stethoscope and other essential items, Lanik, a fellow doctor, greeted her.

"Morning, Dr. Bekker," Lanik greeted with a nod.

Ava returned the greeting, her mind preoccupied. "Morning," she replied absentmindedly.

Lanik seized the opportunity to share a message from Dr. Rhodes. "Dr. Rhodes stopped by here hours before you came in," he revealed. "He wanted me to let you know he was looking for you."

Ava's face paled slightly, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Did he say why?" she asked, her concern evident.

Lanik shook his head. "He didn't say anything," he responded honestly.

Ava's request emerged in a hushed tone. "Could you please not tell him?" she pleaded, her vulnerability seeping through.

Lanik nodded empathetically. "Are you guys okay?" he inquired softly.

Ava fell silent, her gaze averted. Understanding the unspoken answer, Lanik offered his reassurance. "I'm sorry, none of my business. I won't tell," he assured her.

A wave of gratitude washed over Ava. "Thank you, Dr. Lanik," she uttered sincerely. "I have a consult with Dr. Manning now."

As the elevator doors opened, Connor stood before her, a mix of concern and frustration etched on his face.

"Going up?" he inquired, his voice tinged with tension.

Ava nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. The confined space of the elevator intensified the weight of her confession. Connor's frustration boiled over as he pressed the emergency button, bringing the elevator to a halt.

"You can't keep doing this," he implored, his voice laden with desperation. "I can't read your mind. I don't know what to do."

Ava's words escaped her lips, the truth hanging heavy in the air. "I slept with someone else."