A Night With The Ceo

CHAPTER-TWO

Ava stepped off the plane at Charles de Gaulle Airport, her heart heavy yet hopeful. The city of Paris spread out before her, a place of dreams and possibilities. She navigated through the airport, collected her luggage, and hailed a cab. The drive to her new apartment in the heart of Paris was a blend of anticipation and sorrow. As the city’s iconic landmarks whizzed by, she felt a flicker of excitement amidst the lingering pain. Paris, with its timeless beauty, offered her a sanctuary to heal and rediscover herself.

The apartment she had rented was a charming studio in Le Marais, a historic district known for its art galleries, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. As she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she was greeted by a cozy space filled with light. The wooden beams and vintage decor gave it an old-world charm, a stark contrast to the modern life she had left behind. Ava took a deep breath, absorbing the comforting scent of lavender from a nearby vase. This was her new home, a place where she could begin to rebuild her life. She knew she had to start something new to earn a living as she left behind everything. She had used all her savings to get this apartment. She thought that painting could be an opportunity for her. Ava asides being a successful business woman was also a good artist. When she was little, she made several paintings with her dad. Paris could be a good place to start painting and earn extra income. Without wasting much time, Ava started to unpack.

After unpacking, Ava decided to take a walk and acquaint herself with her new neighborhood. The streets of Le Marais were bustling with life, the air filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of laughter from nearby cafes. She wandered through narrow cobblestone streets, her heart slowly lifting as she soaked in the sights and sounds of Paris. She found solace in the beauty around her, a stark contrast to the chaos and heartbreak she had left behind.

As evening approached, Ava found herself at a quaint little bistro. She took a seat outside, ordering a glass of wine and a simple meal. The gentle hum of conversation around her provided a soothing backdrop, a reminder that life continued despite her personal turmoil. She sipped her wine, allowing herself to relax for the first time in days. The warmth of the drink spread through her, easing the tension that had gripped her heart since she discovered Andrew and Lily’s betrayal.

While she enjoyed her meal, Ava’s thoughts inevitably drifted back to the events that had brought her here. The image of Andrew and Lily together was still fresh in her mind, a painful reminder of the trust they had shattered. But she was determined not to let the past define her. She had come to Paris to heal and find herself again, and she resolved to embrace this new chapter with courage and hope.

The following morning, Ava woke up early, eager to explore more of the city. She dressed in comfortable clothes and set out with a sense of purpose. Her first stop was a local patisserie, where she indulged in a croissant and coffee. The flaky pastry melted in her mouth, a simple pleasure that brought a smile to her face. She spent the day visiting art galleries and museums, losing herself in the rich history and culture of Paris.

As she strolled through the Jardin des Tuileries, Ava felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time. The gardens were a haven of tranquility, the perfect place to reflect on her journey and the new life she was building. She found a quiet bench and sat down, her thoughts wandering to her future. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to find happiness again, no matter how long it took.

In the days that followed, Ava settled into a routine. She spent her mornings exploring the city and her afternoons in a small café near her apartment, working on her sketches. Drawing had always been a passion of hers, a way to express her emotions and escape reality. The café quickly became her sanctuary, a place where she could lose herself in her art and forget about her troubles.

One afternoon, while she was engrossed in her sketchbook, a tall, striking man walked into the café. His presence commanded attention, and Ava couldn’t help but glance up. He had an air of confidence and sophistication, his dark hair perfectly styled and his tailored suit hinting at wealth and power. He ordered a coffee and took a seat at the table next to hers, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room before settling on her.

Ava felt a strange mix of curiosity and irritation. There was something about him that unsettled her, a sense of arrogance that rubbed her the wrong way. She returned to her drawing, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched. But her concentration was broken when he spoke.

“You’re quite talented,” he said, nodding toward her sketchbook. His voice was smooth, with a hint of an accent she couldn’t place.

“Thank you,” Ava replied curtly, not looking up.

“I’m Nicholas,” he continued, undeterred by her cold response. “Nicholas Thorne.”

Ava finally glanced up, meeting his gaze. There was a spark of challenge in his eyes, as if he was used to getting what he wanted. She felt a surge of defiance.

“Ava Bennett,” she said simply, returning to her sketch.

Nicholas leaned back in his chair, studying her with interest. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“No,” she replied, her tone clipped. “Just moved here recently.”

“Paris is a beautiful city,” he remarked. “Perfect for starting over.”

Ava’s grip on her pencil tightened. How did he know she was starting over? Was it that obvious? She decided to change the subject.

“What do you do, Nicholas?” she asked, trying to keep the conversation impersonal.

“I’m a businessman,” he said with a slight smile. “I have interests in various ventures around the world. But basically, I am a director in my family business firm.”

Ava nodded, not really interested. “Well, I should get back to my drawing. Nice to meet you, Nicholas.”

Nicholas chuckled softly, sensing her dismissal. “Likewise, Ava. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

As he left the café, Ava couldn’t shake the feeling that their paths would indeed cross again. She pushed thoughts of Nicholas aside and focused on her sketch, determined to make the most of her new beginning. Few seconds later, Ava ran after Nicholas as though he took something from her.

“Hey, hey, Nicholas.” Ava screamed at the top of her voice.

The young man turned back only to find the lady he had met earlier running after him. He stood still and waited for her to catch up with him.

“Sorry for disturbing you, can I have your mobile number? Maybe we could talk and get along. I really need help or maybe friends here in Paris. I'm new here. Associating with people might bring opportunities for me.” Ava pleaded.

Nicholas smiled. He gave Ava his mobile number and even his complimentary card.

“I'm always at your service ma'am” Nicholas replied jokingly.

Ava was very happy that she had been able to relate with someone at least. It could get her mind off Lily and Andrew.