Strength After Him

Chapter 15 - Still in My Past

I had drifted so far into my thoughts that I didn’t notice Ivy tapping my arm. “Mom, I need to use the restroom,” she whispered. Before I could answer, Charles tapped my shoulder lightly. “Are you sure you’ll be fine?” he asked, his tone gentle, making me look up at him.

I nodded at Charles. “Everything’s fine,” I said calmly. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated, closing it again. I could see the thought lingering in his eyes, but he didn’t push. I felt very uncomfortable at the restaurant because of the message I had just received. I stood up, ready to leave. Charles looked up, concern etched on his face. “Ava, why are you leaving already? We had planned to stay longer,” he asked, his voice calm but worried. I stood up, explaining that I had a lot to do and would communicate with him later on the phone. Charles nodded, his concern clear, but he didn’t press further. I gathered my things and left the restaurant, the tension from the message still lingering as I stepped out into the fresh air and drove home.

From that evening, Andrew had called me countlessly. This time, when I finally picked up, his voice came firm and certainly over the line. “Seeing you today made me happy,” he said slowly, “I confirmed that you are the woman for me.”I was left in shock, the phone pressed into my ear, but my mind was far away. So Maria was right after all, I thought, remembering her laughter when she said he was falling in love. I never believed her words would turn out this way, at least not this soon.

“Are you there?” he asked, his voice steady.

It took me a moment to respond. “I… I really don’t understand what you mean. But if it’s actually what I think it is… then I’m not ready.”

There was a pause on the line, and I could hear him take a slow breath. “I understand,” he said finally, his voice calm but tinged with something I couldn’t quite place. “I’m not asking you to decide right now, Ava. I just needed you to know how I feel.”

“Could we please meet again?” he asked.

I screamed, “Never!” just as I had expected that question. My voice echoed louder than I intended, and I could almost feel Charles’s shock through the line. It was clear I hadn’t healed from my past. Without another word, I ended the call. I sank into the sofa, whispering to myself. This is how George started… so loving and caring. But what happened next? The moment he got what he wanted, he vanished. My hands clenched slightly as anger bubbled up at the thought of George. Now I think Charles is possibly married. He has a daughter. So why is he pestering me, disturbing my life? Having a child doesn’t make me a second option. I ran my fingers through my hair, frustration tightening in my chest as I tried to understand. If he disturbs me again, I’ll have no other option than to block him from my personal number, I thought firmly, as I made up my mind.

At the studio, I made it very clear to my receptionist again. “Do not give out my personal number,” I said firmly. “Whenever Charles calls, all business conversations must be done here,” I added, pointing at the office phone on the counter. She nodded quickly, clearly understanding the seriousness in my tone.

As I was about to leave for my office, I remembered the private number that had been calling even before I met Charles. I turned to my receptionist. “Did you give anyone my number months ago?” I asked. She paused, chewing her lip, as if trying to remember. But no answer came, just a quiet shake of her head.

I figured that even if she had given someone my number while I was out of London, she probably wouldn’t remember. I let it go for now, shaking my head slightly as I walked into my office. Dropping my bag on the table, I switched on my laptop and pulled out my sketchbook. There was still so much to get done, new clients waiting, unfinished drafts staring back at me. I sighed, brushed the thought of strange calls aside Charles, and buried myself in work.

That afternoon, I was already drained, my head heavy from hours of sketching and arranging, and I was just about to step out for lunch when the door opened. Charles walked in, his usual calm demeanor wrapped around him like a suit.

“I came to pick up the remaining frames,” he said, his voice steady, “and I wished to speak with you.”

I paused, adjusted the files in front of me, and gestured toward the chair across my desk. “You can have your seat,” I said firmly, “but please, discuss business only.” His eyes searched mine for a moment, like he wanted to push further, but I held my ground.

“Why are you acting this way?” Charles leaned slightly forward, his brows knitted. “I told you earlier, I’m not pushing things too fast. Let’s just… take our time to get to know each other better.”

I cut in sharply, my voice carrying more bite than I intended. “That’s what you men say all the time. But once given the chance, you just mess up.” The room fell quiet for a moment, the weight of my words hanging between us. He shifted back in his seat, surprised, maybe even a little hurt, but I didn’t flinch. He was shocked at my statement, his eyes widening a little as he leaned back in his chair.

“Are you shocked?” I asked, my voice steady but my chest tight. “It’s just the truth. I’ve been heartbroken before, and I’m not ready to go through it again.”

He drew in a slow breath, his gaze softening. “Please… you need to heal, Ava,” he said gently, almost like a plea.

“Heal, you say? Well, I have healed, Charles,” I replied, folding my arms. “But I am just not ready to go into a relationship.”

He raised his brows. “And who told you I’m forcing you into starting one?”

Charles sat up straighter, his voice calm but firm. “Ava, I just want us to take things easy. There’s no rush, only time for us to understand each other better.”

Something about the way he said it sounded different this time, softer, more genuine. I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to calm down. But I didn’t fail to finally ask him the one question that had been bothering me. “Talking about getting to know each other, Charles…” I leaned forward slightly, my eyes fixed on him. “You are married, and you have a child.” Why then do you want to know me better? I am not ready to become a side chick.”

For a moment, his face froze, like I had just thrown ice water on him. He cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Ava,” he said slowly, “who told you I am married?”