The Accidental heir

Episode3

“I don’t know what to say,” Ava commented, trying to make sense of her feelings.

Peterson's expression changed. For an instant, Ava detected a potential softness. “I know this is sudden,” he said, “I sense there is a bond between us. I think we can be wonderful together.”

Ava's thoughts were frantic. Admittedly, a flame had been ignited, yet she was not certain a relationship was in the cards. Nor with her supervisor.

“I need time to think,” Ava said at last, trying to be reasonable.

Peterson's expression had not changed. “I understand,” he said. “Take all the time you need.”

With excitement and uncertainty battling in her heart, Ava was confident of one thing - she felt something for Peterson and there was no driving it off.

Taking the route to her apartment, Ava was lost in thought, and wondered what the future held. Would she take a chance on Peterson, or would she play it safe? Only time would tell.

Ava experienced distressing days in captivity. Work proved impossible. She monotonously repeated Peterson's name. She had to make a call, but her heart and mind were in oppositional states, thus creating paralysis.

Then, this fracture prepared her to make a call. The connection rang and purchased the frequency of suspense. She barely broke the sound barrier with, "Meet me at the park at 5pm.”

In silence, the speaker warmed as Peterson's timbre returned. "I will be there.”

Ava felt the call affected her in the form of an inexplicable change at the point, as she was sure the point was the point of irretrievable recursion.

The other end opened and she saw the ghosts of the other point as she stood in front of the park gate. Peterson's question invite proposal, to partner with him in his act apprehended was herself in the equation. She needed to frame the question.

Ava became more of herself in remembrance of the past weeks.Orders to meet Peterson were a pre instrument, an invite where the connection retained ancient rhythms. The more there was to him a knowledge as ancient as the planet.

When he got there, Ava had to catch her breath. The tailored suit hugged his body well and his eyes were piercing when he walked towards her.

"Hey," he growled.

She needed to do something to keep the blood from rushing to her face. “Hey.” It was meant to be casual.

Only the crunch of the gravel broke the silence of the walk. She was at peace. She took in the beauty of the park.

In the distance there was a spot that was free of people. In the silence her own eyes were caught when he asked the question. “So, have you made a decision?”.

She took a breath, the kind they tell you to do to clear the head, and waited for her heart to stop. The answer was clear as day, but the fear was crushing. The pain was a dangerous thought. But then there were eyes again. Warmth was locked in and it was there that there was hope, kindness, compassion, and strangely affection.

“Alright,” she said, barely audible, “I’ll do it...I’ll be your partner.”

Peterson’s smile broke sunshine, and he hugged her. “I’m so glad you said yes,” he said near her ear.

Ava had never felt excitement like this before, and she felt it most when Peterson kissed her. It was a gentle kiss, but it blew her breath away.

As they separated, Ava beamed, joyful probably for the first time in a long time. “I’m pretty positive this is the beginning of something.”

Peterson’s smile was a mirror. “I think you’re right,” he said, and brought her to him again.

Ava had the most brilliant of revelations as they stood there. She had most certainly made the right decision, and was eager.

Ava and Peterson’s relationship came to the public as a news so everyone could see the love blossom. She and everyone around had never seen such a happy Ava in years.

Confronting the intricacies of their relationship brought to light the realization of the exceptional bond she had secured. A partner, a friend, a soulmate.

Standing side by side, gazing at the sprawling city, a promise of eternal togetherness filled Ava. The warmth of his hand, she would never let go.

“Ava, I’m glad I took the chance,” she almost whispered.

He turned to her, his gaze walking on the thin line of reverie. “Me too,” he said, “Me too,” embracing her.

Relations between Ava and Peterson became of interest and subsequently news among the elite. An heir to a billion, to a dynasty blended with the subsequent speculation of a romance with a kingpin and a charmed new heiress.

Under the blanket of camaraderie, Ava faced the fast advance of public scrutiny on her character. The haze of prized romance failed to cloud the alliance of visibility with control. Unhallowed praise of wanton public appearance framed the unrelenting view of partnership. Peterson’s bond of transparency cloaked his romance and care, leading her on a dance, of lines to toe, and a waltz to hold.

Business ties and integrated family core on Peterson’s side failed to retain the lines of kinship to acquire Ava, and the void of experience and obligations the world offered her.

Sophia, Peterson’s sister, expressed discontent unwilling to hold back. “You’re making a mistake, Peterson,” she exclaimed, “She’s just using you for your money and status.”

Sophia’s insults stung. Importantly, Ava recognized there would be no escaping proof, proof to Sophia, and more importantly, to everyone else who had belittled her.

Sophia’s opposition vexed Peterson, but he had been supportive. The tension in his body had proven his uneasiness and she suspected he might have called in to check the status.

While leaving the office one evening, she said “What is it?” when he called her name. She fully expected it to be business. She was puzzled when “I do not care what Sophia thinks,” Peterson said, “I care about you, and I know you are the right person for me.”

A voice meant t

o soothe her proved he did not understand how Sophia’s insults had made her.