ONE NIGHT FOREVER BOUND

CHAPTER 4

"Josh? What the hell are you doing here?" she spatted. "What if…" Josh immediately covered her mouth as she was about to raise her voice. "sheeeessh, keep it low" he said placing his index finger vertically across his lips signifying to her to reduce her voice. When he realised she is calm, he began to speak.

"Ava calm down, I am just here to talk to you." he tried to persuade her. "Don’t worry it wont take long, Chloe is near by and you know she must see us together like this" fear written all over his face. He was was looking back and forth at the entrance door as if he was watching someone.

Ava facial expression became more cold at the mention of Chloe’s name. Why will she if Chloe is near by, she should be the one saying those words. Drake mustn't meet the in such awkward scenario. Ava dragged his hands off her mouth. "What the hell are you trying to do?" her voice low and serious, her eye blazing with fire.

"Ava I am sorry for what I did to you." he said, his voice low. His eyes softens as he moved closer to her. "if this is what you want to talk about, I would be glad if you could excuse me. I have other important things to do." Ava spat. She turned to leave. Josh pulled her back, pinning her to the wall. "I know your father is about to face jail time. I can help you Ava, I can talk to Chloe about this." he said, his face giving a hint of assurance.

Ava glared at him, she crossed her arms, giving him a questioning look. "Really? Where the hell were you when all these happened. Let me guess you were occupied with your rich trust fund girl friend." her voice rose in anger. "You have no idea of what I am going through right now, my father’s life and reputation is at stake. Why am I even telling all these. Just stay away from my life." Ava pushed him away and walked out of the rest room. "Ava.. Ava" Josh tried calling out to stop her from leaving.

"I am sorry for keeping waiting." Ava apologized to Drake. He glared at her. "We don’t have enough time on our side. Let get going" he said, his voice cold yet gentle. The paper work and the marriage ceremony went smoothly. When Ava and Drake were out of city hall, it felt like it wasn’t real. Is she actually going to spend her life with him?

Josh and Chloe appeared to be passing by."Honey what happened to you? Are you okay? You don’t look good when you frown like this, is there something wrong" she asked with a worried look on her face. Josh puts on a fake smile on his face. "I am good darling, I’m just a little bit tired." he responded tucking in the stray hair on her face behind her ears.

Its already 10:30 in the morning. "would you like to take eat before we go to the press conference?" Drake asked, his face cold. "no I am fine. You don’t need to worry" Ava replied trying to avoid his gaze. Ava was hungry but she was just trying to hide it. Her stomach growled loudly. "Damn this stomach, why now of all times"Ava cursed, her voice barely above a whisper as she covered her face in embarrassment. Drake glared at her, giving her a questioning look. Drake too a detour and drove to the Super Fast restaurant.

It turned out that Super Fast Restaurant was near by. Super Fats restaurant has many branches across Boston city. Super Fast is a 3 star restaurant one of the most expensive and luxurious restaurant. Ava had been dreaming to work to work as a chef at Super Fast.

She flipped the menu for a while. She asked Drake twice if she could really order what she wanted. This was the first time Ava will eat in a high end restaurant. He nodded in agreement. Ava ordered a simple desert while drake did the same.

Ava’s gaze drifted away from the perfectly grilled steak before her. Her mind was clouded by the thoughts of her father’s troubles. She starred blankly at her plate, the fork idly stirred the meat.

"Ava are you okay? You have been starring at your plate for minutes now" Drake’s voice pulled her out of her trance. "am.. I am fine, just lost in thought for a while." Ava responded.

Drake narrowed his eyes, his voice low "you are thinking about your father aren't you?" Ava nodded almost unnoticeable. Drake leaned out of his chair towards her. He placed his hands across the table to hold her’s. the warmth of his soft palm sent shivers down her spine

"I will make sure your father gets out of prison." his gently voice was low barely above a whisper. His eyes soften as his gaze was locked on her’s.

The press conference was scheduled to bold for 2’oclock at the afternoon in the PHOENIX EMPIRE building. Ava has been very co-operative since Drake had assured her of her father’s case. The make up artist applied a light make up for her and the stylist gave an appropriate dress to wear for the occasion. Ava looked into the mirror. She felt uneasy of who she saw in the mirror. "Is this still me? Do I have to pretend to be a lady from now on?" she thought as she pull the tight shoulder strip of the dress in discomfort.

Drake walked into the dressing room and their gaze met in the mirror. Ava touched her neck in embarrassment. "Do I look very strange? I usually don’t wear dresses like this." Drake was stunned for a moment before he coldly replied "You look ordinary" but in fact he thought Ava look very good, her features looked very delicate and her figure was slim but well proportioned.

It was hard to imagine that a girl with an obviously working class upbringing could have such a countenance. Drake and Ava walked into the conference room hand in hand. Ava heart raised at each step they took. The reporters were waiting in the conference room, their cameras were raised ready.She took in a deep breath to calm herself as she awaits what’s coming for her.