The contract of Desire

Chapter4

THE BUSINESS GALA

"Ava, over here" Ava heard her boss call out and she quickly made her way to him.

Mr Stanley was the nicest person she'd ever worked with. He wasn't like other men who wanted to get under her skirt. He was married and faithful to his wife. His wife often treated Ava to delicious meals too and she was grateful for their kindness. The family was relocating to Germany so they needed to close the business in the UK and move it to Germany. This event was the last one she was attending with her boss. It was an event for businessmen to connect and share insights. Even high ranking billionaires were part of the event and Ava always felt out of place going somewhere like that. The only thing she enjoyed was the good food and wine.

"Good evening Mr Stanley" Ava greeted with a smile.

" Hi, Miss Ava. I'm sorry I kept you waiting. Junior wouldn't let me leave" Mr Stanley chuckled.

Ava smiled softly. " I understand"

"You look stunning tonight, by the way. Let's go in. Be sure to put my name down at the entrance" Mr Stanley complimented her as they walked in.

After registering her boss's name, Ava entered the grand ballroom. She knew she looked particularly striking in her light blue, body-hugging dress that complemented her auburn hair, which she had let down over her shoulders. Ava wasn’t attached to anyone at the moment; her only plan was to enjoy the night, savor the fine wine, and say her goodbyes.

Ava went into the main hall of the luxury hotel and as always, the atmosphere was lively and filled with the elite of the city. The mood was festive, classical music playing and champagne flowing around while conversations about social and business affairs filled the air. And as usual, Ava went to a table side and stood there watching the whole scene quietly.

Meanwhile, Noah Weston, the billionaire CEO, was also in attendance. He was reluctant to attend but that was his last chance to see an old friend who was relocating so he attended. It was a boring event for him and he only attended when it was very important. As always, everything going on bored him until he sighted someone from afar. She had auburn hair color too.

Noah closed his eyes and shook his head. "Is every woman with auburn hair going to remind me of her? What is wrong with me" Ever since that night,women with auburn hair have been catching his eye and the run-away girl has been invading his mind nonstop.

Noah wondered who the lady was but quickly took it off his mind and decided to just face the reason he came to the event. Noah looked for his old friend among the crowd, but his friend found him first.

"If it isn't the great Noah Weston" Mr Stanley greeted him with a warm smile and a friendly hug.

"Mr Stanley. It's been a while. How are you?" Noah responded, glad to see one of the few people who had helped him when he was just building up his company and even though there was an age gap between them. They both acted like close friends when they were together.

"I'm doing well,my friend. Happy and very fulfilled. That's what having a family will do to you. Noah, you should get married soon too and settle down" Mr Stanley said and patted Noah's back.

"I'll pass on that" Noah chuckled, brushing off the comment. "I came here to see you before you head off to Germany. What about the business here?" Noah asked.

" I'm closing it down, of course. Hiring a business manager will be too costly. So it's up for sale. I'll start the business afresh in Germany"

" For sale,huh? Let me buy it then. What do you say? What's the price on the market?" Noah asked, being the businessman that he is.

Mr Stanley laughed, waving his hand in protest "Ah, forget about it. My company hasn't been doing well lately and due to a failed project last year,we have 100 million pounds in debt. I've put it up on the market and people are bidding for it already"

" Uh.. what's the highest bid so far?" Noah asked ,he was determined to get the building.

"300 million. You're really determined to buy it, huh?"

Noah nodded, pulling out his phone, he called someone. " Please bid on Mr Stanley's company. 500 million" Noah said and disconnected the call.

Mr Stanley laughed. He knew Noah would get the company under any circumstance. "I don't see your secretary by the way" He said looking around.

" He quit due to personal reasons. I'll find a replacement soon" Noah replied.

" Ah, that reminds me. You should meet my secretary too. Follow me" Mr Stanley said and Noah followed wondering why he needed to meet a secretary.

When they reached her, Mr. Stanley called out, "Miss Ava." The woman with the auburn hair turned, and Noah’s eyes widened in recognition.

Ava froze and almost fell as her gaze locked with Noah's. She quickly composed herself knowing she shouldn't cause a scene there. Forcing her mind to quiet the rush of thoughts.

"You don't know him Ava. You've never met him" Ava reminded herself, repeating it over and over as they approached.

"Are you alright? You seemed startled," Mr. Stanley asked, concerned.

"I’m fine," Ava replied quickly, her voice steady. She turned to Noah and feigned ignorance, though her heart was racing.

"Mr. Weston, this is Ava Caldwell, my secretary. Ava, this is Noah Weston, a longtime friend and one of the top CEOs in the country."

Noah extended his hand for a handshake, excitement brewing inside him at the unexpected reunion. So, the woman he had a one night stand with was none other than Mr. Stanley’s secretary. "What a small world," he thought, though outwardly, he kept his composure.

Ava's head was running with different thoughts and her eyes were literally glued to his face that she didn't see his outstretched hands.

"Miss Ava? I get that Noah is very handsome, but you shouldn't stare for so long" Mr Stanley laughed. Ava came back to her senses and took Noah's hands. His touch sent jolt through her and brought back vivid memories of that night, she quickly pulled her hand away and smiled awkwardly.

"Ah, Noah, your secretary quit, right? Miss Ava here will be left with no job when I leave. Will you accept her?" Mr Stanley asked.

"No way!" Ava blurted out, drawing startled glances from those nearby. She realized her mistake too late.

Noah scoffed at her reaction. She was trying so hard to hide the fact that she knew him.

"Huh... I mean. I already have a job offer somewhere else. I appreciate the thought, thank you. Uh, Mr Stanley. The names and numbers of people you wanted me to get. I met them and got. I'll adjust it and send to your email." Ava quickly spoke, avoiding Noah's piercing gaze.

"Ah, you're done then. My wife wants you to see us off at the airport tomorrow, so make sure to come. It's quite late now, will you call a driver or.... Noah, if you're leaving now, can you give her a ride?"

"No,no. I'll... I'll find my way.. I don't want to bother him. I'm sure he's a busy man." Ava quickly refused.

Noah didn't want to leave before but he decided to have some fun. " I'm leaving now. Don't worry, I'll drop you off at the nearest bus stop. That much is okay. Let's go" Noah said and led the way.

Ava wished the ground would open up and swallow her and she followed him. " Does he recognize me or not? Why isn't he saying anything about that night?" Questions ran in her mind and as Noah turned back suddenly, she got startled and hit a man holding a cup of red wine with her back. The wine spilled all over her backside.

She quickly turned back. Horrified, she apologized quickly.

"It's okay. Let me pay for your laundry" The man said, his eyes lingering too long on her body. He licked his lips as he stretched his business card to her.

"Why don't you pay off the huge debt your company has first?" Noah interrupted, collecting the card and rumpling it. He put it on the tray of a passing waiter and smirked.

"You're so clumsy" He said to Ava before taking off his expensive suit and tying it around her waist, covering the stained dress.

Ava was dumbfounded and confused. Was he acting like he didn't remember or did he really not recognize her? It was a night and even though the room was dimly lit, he was also asleep when she left so he probably didn't recognize her. Ava concluded in her mind that he doesn't recognize her. But she still needed to avoid him, regardless.

"What are you waiting for? Should I carry you?" Noah teased as he walked out of the hall, leaving onlookers to gossip. No one was surprised. Noah wasn't one of the social business men. He always minds his business and anybody who crosses him would always have themselves to blame.

Ava quickly followed him, one question lingering in her mind.

"Does he remember or not?"