A FAMILY AFFAIR

CHAPTER 5: DISCOVERED

ALVIN’S POV

I burned with fury every time I saw her with Allen. It took away my peace, and it grew worse, since I had to see them every day, as Allen and I planned the next big project that required partnership.

Despite all my subtle requests for Allen to stop bringing her to all of our meetings fell on deaf ears and the one time he tried to offer any explanation, he said he wasn’t very familiar with the town and, since his ‘Fiancée’ had been resident here, she was the perfect tour guide, while he explored Tennessee.

I had completely lost interest in the deal, and I hated that I didn’t have a lot of choices on my plate, as it was huge enough to get us the international recognition I craved to bring the company to the next level.

‘Stupid.’ That’s how I felt all of a sudden about letting her go.

Avaryl was a beautiful woman and I wallowed in pain, seeing that it took her in the arms of another man for me to see it.

All day, I fantasized about her 5’10”, slender and curvy body. Her enchanting ocean blue eyes, pink lips and pointed nose. What was more, was her brunette hair, striped with gold and her milky, fair skin.

I paced my office, restless, after the third meeting.

What was supposed to last seven days now had the likelihood to run into months, and I was so sure a meeting every day until the month ran out was going to drive me crazy.

I drove behind Allen, as he left the office, a safe distance away, so that they didn’t notice me following them.

They arrive at a coffee shop, where Allen drops Ava off.

After a few minutes, a walked into the coffee shop, and found a young man at the counter.

“Hello Sir, welcome to Aiden’s coffee shop, what would you like to have?” the young man said with a slight smile.

I looked around for a trace of Ava, but found none.

“I’m looking for the lady that walked in here a few minutes ago,” I said,

The young man expressed some confusion,

“Ava,” I said,

“Avaryl Joe,”

“I’m sorry sir, is there a problem?” he asked, expressing concern,

“Not at all,” I responded lightly,

“It’s just…”

“Aiden, you wouldn’t believe what happened today…” Ava walked in, quite excited, but immediately froze when she caught a glimpse of me.

For a few seconds there was an awkward silence in the room,

“Ava.” I broke the silence.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Brown, but the café closes at 4pm,” she said,.

“Aiden here was just about to make an exception for me,” I responded,

“I’ll have two of your best drinks to share with Ava,” I said, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Both Aiden and Ava had no words on their lips and Ava quietly joined me on a seat, while Aiden made our drink.

“Clearly, a lot has changed about you,” I began.

“And not so much has changed about you,” she replied, avoiding any form of eye contact.

“Don’t you have a wife at home to return to?”

Ava wasn’t taking it lightly.

“Of course,” I replied, getting out of my seat.

I didn’t feel very confident anymore.

“Your order is almost ready,” she said,

I dropped a bundle of notes on the table to cover the cost and was just about to leave when the most adorable four-year-old I ever saw ran into the café and headed straight for Ava,

“Mum!” she yelled in excitement, as she threw her tiny arms around Ava.

Ava immediately became uncomfortable, and I couldn’t wave off the striking resemblance between I and the kid.

“Honey, let’s go in, okay?” Ava said to the adorable girl and walked right through the door, to an inner portion of the cafe.

I was pushed and took a few steps after them.

“Sir, that area is restricted from customers,” Aiden said, just before Ava shut the door.

“Your drink is ready, sir,” Aiden said.

I walked out of the café, the most puzzled I had ever been.

‘A child?’

The next day, Allen did not show up with Ava. He said she was ill, but I knew that was a lie to stay away from me, especially since she knew I was suspicious of the child.

I had the best meeting with Allen.

Firstly, because Ava was absent, but more because I now had a solid ground to get Ava back, which was all I was brainstorming about for days now.

I hurried to the meeting, telling Allen I wanted him to take care of his fiancée. I followed behind him and when I noticed he wasn’t headed towards the coffee shop, I hurried there.

Luckily, Avaryl was standing right in front of the café and was greatly distracted by her daughter and by the time she noticed my presence, I was already upon her.

“Princess, go meet Uncle Aiden,” she instructed.

“Princess,” I called to the child,

“I got you flowers,” I handed her flowers and a giant teddy.

I saw Ava’s displeasure, but the joy on the lad’s face didn't allow her to dispute or reclaim the gifts.

“Go inside, Princess,” she said.

“What do you want with my child?” She queried.

“You mean my child?” I asked in a fierce tone.

Ava immediately went quiet.

“I know she's mine, Ava,” I said, “it checks out.”

“I have nothing to do with you,” she argued.

“And neither does my child,” she added, and turned around to leave.

“I want my child,” I demanded.

She paused at the door and would not turn around to look at me.

“And I want you with her,” I added, very bold with my demand.