The atmosphere in the car was so tense after Jude spoke those words that the silence was almost deafening as if any sound would shatter the quietness.
The air felt heavy, and even the slightest movement seemed to disturb it. The car ride to his house felt like an eternity, with neither of them saying a word. The only sound that could be heard was the rumbling of the car engine, echoing in the empty streets.
Ava felt so sad and lonely already, her heart heavy with the weight of Jude's Words. She just wanted to start a conversation and that's what she got.
She focused on the road ahead, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. When they finally arrived at his home, she noticed the beautifully decorated entrance, a stark contrast to the other parts outside.
As the car entered the main entrance and came to a stop, Ava was so in awe of her surroundings that she didn't notice her side of the car had been opened. She was startled when she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see the driver gesturing for her to exit.
Slowly, she stepped out of the car and followed the driver towards the house. Suddenly, the door swung open, and three women rushed out, their faces alight with smiles as they passed by Ava and Jude.
"Welcome home, Sir!" they chimed in unison, their voices filled with warmth and hospitality.
Ava watched in surprise as they grabbed her bags and carried them behind them into the house. The grandeur of the mansion took her breath away, the vibrant colors and luxurious furnishings made it more beautiful.
She followed Jude as he led the way, her eyes darting around in wonder. But when he turned and stared at her, Ava couldn't help but feel a flicker of apprehension in the pit of her stomach.
"Um, thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, uncertain of what to expect next.
"Whatever, it's your home now, do whatever you want," Jude responded dismissively, his attention already diverted to his phone. "Frida will show you to your room," he added, his voice lacking any trace of warmth as he turned and began to ascend the stairs.
Ava's heart sank at his cold words, but she swallowed her disappointment and nodded, determined not to let his indifference get to her. "Um, okay," she replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she turned to the woman named Frida.
"Ma'am, come with me," Frida said, her tone brisk as she led Ava down a hallway lined with portraits and beautiful sculptures.
Ava stood in her new room which was larger than hers at home, her bags were dropped carefully on the table in the room. She followed Frida as she began to show her around the sprawling mansion.
She followed silently, her eyes wide with wonder as they traversed through the corridors and grandiose halls.
As they walked, Frida pointed out various rooms and features of the house, her voice a constant hum in the background. "This is the dining hall, where Mr. Smith eats alone or with Mr. Sam," she explained, gesturing towards the ornate table set with fine china and crystal glassware.
They passed by a set of double doors, and Frida paused, her expression somber. "This is Mr. Smith's study," she said quietly, nodding towards the imposing door. "He lets no one inside except Mr. Sam," she added, her voice trailing off into a hushed whisper.
Ava's curiosity was piqued at the mention of Sam. "Who is Sam?" She asked.
"Oh, Mr. Sam is Mr. Smith's younger brother who visits from time to time. We expect him any day" She said as she turned to look at Ava with a quizzical look, "Didn't you meet him?" She asked.
Ava's cheek flushed crimson from embarrassment. It wasn't her fault she didn't know who Sam was. She continued the tour as Frida showed her more places and rooms. She even got to know that Jude liked Cats. There were a lot of them.
After the exhilarating tour, she returned to her cozy room and refreshed herself. The comfortable bed beckoned her and she dozed off, exhausted from the day's activities.
The following day, she slept in until the evening, her body and mind craving much-needed rest after the wedding.
****
After waking up the next day in the evening, Ava sat across from Jude while they ate dinner. In Silence.
Ava was not used to that as her family always talked during dinner, They would talk about their jobs, or how she was a failure because she quit school, or about her mother's latest shopping spree. But it was different here.
Suddenly, Jude broke the silence by asking, "How do you find the house and your room?" He avoided eye contact as he spoke, and Ava found herself staring at him before quickly shifting her gaze to the space behind him.
"Your house is exquisite," she replied after a moment of thought. "And Frida is so kind."
"Of course she is," Jude replied dismissively as he wiped his mouth and stood up to leave. "I pay her to be."
Ava watched in silence as he made his way to his study, one of his cats in one hand as he used the other to grab a drink before he entered inside.
As she cleaned her mouth after she had emptied her plate, Ava's thoughts swirled with questions and uncertainty.
What had caused Jude to become so distant and indifferent? With a heavy sigh, Ava pushed herself away from the table and made her way to the library, heading to the novel books section to keep herself busy for the night.
She chose Three books making sure she read the synopsis before she chose them. She then settled on the couch in the library.
As Ava delved into the pages of one of her chosen books, she found herself immersed in it, her surroundings fading away as she lost herself in the world of words.
Lost in the second half of the book, Ava was drawn deeper into its plot, her heart racing with anticipation as she turned each page.
But as the minutes stretched into hours, a faint thirst began to tug at the edges of her consciousness, reminding her of her need for a drink.
With a reluctant sigh, Ava set her book aside and rose from the couch, her muscles protesting after hours of immobility. She made her way to the drink bar, her footsteps echoing in the quiet stillness of the library.
As she reached the bar, Ava surveyed the array of beverages on offer, her eyes alighting on a crystal decanter filled with amber liquid. With a sense of anticipation, she poured herself a drink, enjoying the comforting warmth that spread through her as she took a sip.
Settling back onto the couch, Ava allowed herself to relax into its plush cushions, the weight of the book in her hands a comforting presence.
With her thirst quenched and her spirits lifted by the promise of another sip, she turned her attention back to the pages before her, eager to lose herself once more in the world of literature.
She didn't notice any presence but a voice that was so loud for the quiet library. She was so startled that her glass felt I the floor which had her sitting up.
"You look so beautiful in real life. Your pictures didn't do you any justice" The voice said from the door.