CHAPTER 15.
1161 Words
AVA'S POV.
Our relationship got better after that day. Noah was no longer acting like a ghost. He came down for breakfast every morning, and he ate every single dish on his plate.
We weren't exactly the talkative kind of friends, but at least he's no longer a mean bully who loves ordering me around.
I was cleaning up the house. When I got a phone call from James. In the past I was usually happy and excited his calls, but now they make me feel uncomfortable because I know exactly what he wants to ask about.
"Hey James," I said into the phone after hitting the answer button.
"Hey my love, how are things going with the sick man?" He asked, and my heart clenched for some unknown reason, but I did not react.
I looked around, making sure Noah wasn't close by to listen to our conversation. "Okay, but we're still not getting along much, but I'll work it out."
James sighed, "honey, I know you think six months is a long time, but before you know it, six months would pass by without Noah leaving anything in your name. That will mean our sacrifice is for nothing."
I pushed down my annoyance. "I said I'll work it out James, don't pressure me!"
"I'm sorry if I offended you babe, I'm just trying to be careful. I don't want our six months apart to be for nothing."
I know I would only get more annoyed if we keep talking about it, so I changed the topic. "What about my Dad? How is he?"
James sighed heavily at the change of topic. "He's doing well. The company is slowly getting back on its feet. Things are going smoothly now."
"That's good to hear," I said happy about the news.
"No good thing last forever love," James spoke again. "The company is doing fine now, we don't know if it will collapse again, and that is why we need Noah Edwards inheritance to avoid troubles in the future. Try to understand that. Never forget that I love you, and I will wait for you, always."
With that he cut the call, and I instantly felt guilty for snapping at him. James is only worried about the future of the company, and maybe Noah's inheritance is not the best solution, but maybe it's the only solution that he could think of.
Just like how marrying Noah was the only solution they could think of to save the family business.
"Who were you talking to?" I jumped startled at the sound of Noah's cool voice. Why does he seriously like appearing out of nowhere?
"Can you at least make your presence known before speaking? Even a footstep would help."
He rolled his eyes. "Why are you always startled? Unless you're doing something wrong, I don't see why you should always be scared."
My heart fell wondering if he heard my discussion over the phone. But I quickly brushed off my discomfort. "O_ of course I'm not doing anything wrong! You're the one always appearing and disappearing like a ghost!"
He closed his eyes as if frustrated before asking again. "Who were you talking to?"
My heart was pounding hard in my chest. Why does he want to know that? "I was talking to my Dad," I blurted before I had the chance to think.
He raised a surprised brow at me. "Your Dad is still alive?"
I frowned at him, "of course my Dad is still alive. Did you think he is dead?"
"Was he in approval of you marrying me?" Noah sounded genuinely curious.
I scoffed and returned to cleaning the sofas. "Approval?!" I scoffed. "He was even more eager than you think. I probably wouldn't have married you if he hadn't pressured me to. Our family business was running down, and my Dad needed money to save it. Your parent offered me some in exchange that I married you. I felt sorry for the poor farmers working for us. If the company goes bankrupt, they will all lose their jobs."
There was silence for a second, and then Noah spoke again. "I_ I didn't know that. I thought..."
"You thought I was a money hungry b***h who was willing to sell my freedom for money by marrying, a sick billionaire."
He rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort, "at that time, I didn't know you so it safe for me to assume. You shouldn't take my words to heart."
I remember him saying the same thing the first time we had breakfast, and I chuckled. "Are you apologizing?"
I thought he was going to snap and deny it like he did last time, but surprisingly he said in a low voice, "yes."
I stood shocked still, "you are really apologizing?"
"Don't make me say it again!" He snapped.
I laughed at his angry pout, "okay fine. If you're really sorry, why don't you prove it? Help me with the cleaning."
His jaw clenched, "I don't want to."
"Come on please, you said you are sorry. Prove it!"
He sighed, "fine whatever!" He picked up a piece of napkin and began to clean up the sofas as well.
I smiled pleasantly at him. He's so cute.
Together we cleaned up the house, and I did more of the talking.
Noah looked annoyed that I kept talking, but I have grown to love seeing him annoyed.
"What do you say about us opening the curtains? This place is too depressing," I suggested after we are done, but Noah said nothing. I looked at him, "why do you even hate the sun?"
"It's depressing," Noah replied blankly.
"What's so depressing about the beautiful glow of the sun. Your mom told me, but I couldn't believe it."
Noah stood watching the closed windows with a far away look. "The sun reminds me that the days are passing by, and my time on earth is only getting shorter and shorter. It's disturbing to know that, and most of the time, I feel," he stopped and his jaw clenched as he admitted, "scared."
My heart broke for him. Noah is scared of dying?
I didn't want to pity him anymore, because I know that will only make him all the more depressed. "Let's open the windows Noah. It's a must that one day, we are all going to die. At least you know the time you're gonna die, but some people don't. Make the most of it. Let the light shine into your life. Don't be scared okay? I told you before, as long as you're alive, you live!" Noah was staring at me speechless. "You know, I think it's time I take you out to mingle with some people. There is happiness when you're surrounded by people. You know that right?"
Noah looks dumbfounded, "yeah, I guess."
"Great! Dress your best tonight, its time to meet and get to know the people working for you."
- Writer
