Chapter 3: Unexpected Reunion
422 Words
Three days after the coffee incident, Ava stood outside the Grandview Hotel ballroom trying not to panic.
Around her, people walked confidently through the entrance, dressed in outfits that looked straight out of fashion magazines.
Meanwhile, she was fighting the urge to turn around and go home.
"You belong here."
Mia's words echoed in her head.
Easy for her to say.
Ava adjusted the sleeves of her blazer and stepped inside.
The ballroom was stunning.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Music played softly through hidden speakers.
Groups of students, designers, and industry professionals filled the room.
Everyone looked like they knew exactly what they were doing.
Ava felt completely out of place.
She grabbed a glass of water from a passing server and moved toward a quieter corner.
Maybe observing from a distance wasn't such a bad strategy.
"You're hiding."
The familiar voice made her freeze.
She turned.
And there he was.
Ethan Blackwell.
His dark suit fit perfectly, and the amused smile on his face was enough to make her heart stumble.
Ava stared.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Ethan laughed.
"I was about to say the same thing."
"What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?"
They spoke at the same time.
Both laughed.
And just like that, her nerves eased.
For the next hour, Ethan stayed by her side.
He introduced her to designers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals.
Some of the biggest names in the room seemed to know him.
Ava couldn't help noticing.
"You never told me you were important."
Ethan groaned.
"Please don't call me important."
"You know everyone here."
"I know a few people."
"A few?"
"Okay. Maybe more than a few."
She shook her head.
"You definitely left that out."
"Maybe I wanted you to like me before you found out."
Ava laughed.
But before she could respond, Ethan's phone vibrated.
His expression changed instantly.
The smile disappeared.
His shoulders stiffened.
Ava noticed.
"Everything okay?"
For a moment, he didn't answer.
Then he forced a smile.
"Yeah. Just work."
But something in his eyes said otherwise.
And for the first time, Ava wondered if there was more to Ethan Blackwell than he was willing to share.
---
Later that night, after Ava left, Ethan remained alone in the ballroom.
His phone buzzed again.
The same number.
The same warning.
He closed his eyes.
This had to stop.
Because every time he looked at Ava, telling her the truth became harder.
And every day he waited would only make the damage worse.
- Writer
