Bound by Desperation

Chapter 3: Three months of Forever

Ava's POV

“Ethan! You're going to make us late!”

I scream as I follow the smell of burnt toast into the kitchen

“It’s only slightly black” he said smiling like nothing happened

God he's so adorable

“No it's not. This is charcoal” I said folding my arms

He pouts

“I really put a lot of work in this”

“Clearly it's not enough” I laughed lightly, “don't worry I'm sure next time you'd get it right”

“I feel you're mad at me”

“No baby, I'm not, I just don't want us to be late” I tip toe and give him a little kiss on his cheek

Unexpectedly, he lifts me and places me on the kitchen counter

“Baby, there's no time for this” I said laughing

“I'm sorry I can't help it, I'm obsessed with you” he pressed his head on mine and stared at my lips

Even if we've been married for three months and dated for more than a year, Ethan still stares and adores me like he's just meeting me

He never misses an opportunity to tell me how much he loves me, how I'm everything he has ever wanted, everything he has always prayed for. I wake up everyday knowing I'm loved and honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world

“Five seconds” he bargained

“For what”

Instead of answering, he stepped closer

“So impatient” he murmured

I rolled my eyes, my face already giving away a smile “you're impossible”

“And yet, you married me”

Before I could say another word, he cupped my chin and brushed his thumb lightly against my skin. His beautiful hazel eyes rested on mine, warm and full of affection like he was silently asking for permission

I didn't pull away making him lean in

Our lips meet in a slow, tender kiss. It wasn't rushed or desperate. He pulled me closer as I ran my hands through his black hair that fell carefully across his forehead

I smiled against his lips before pulling back, just enough to rest my forehead on his

“You are really going to make me late”

“I know,” he said with a grin. He had the perfect smile “worth it”

I laughed, giving him one quick peck before he took me off the counter

“Tonight” I promised and turned to leave

“Tonight” he replied as he watched me walk towards the door

I quickly put our room in order and rush back to the kitchen to do the dishes

Our apartment wasn't much to look at, but I loved every inch of it

It was small enough that Ethan and I were always bumping into each other, especially in the kitchen. The living room could barely fit our old grey couch and tiny coffee table, yet somehow, it never felt cramped. It felt warm

The walls weren't perfect. There were few cracks near the ceiling, and the paint had started to fade in some places. The kitchen cabinets had seen better days, and our washing machine sounded like it wanted to take off whenever we used it

But none of that mattered

Our wedding photo hung proudly on the wall beside the television, and every time I looked at it, I couldn't help but smile. The little dining table by the window only had two chairs, but it had become my favorite spot in the apartment. It was where we shared breakfast every morning, laughed over Ethan's terrible cooking, and dreamed about the future we wanted to build together

The bedroom was my favorite room. It wasn't big, but it was ours. The navy-blue duvet Ethan always complained about was spread neatly across the bed, and our matching slippers were tossed carelessly beside it. His cologne lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of the vanilla candle I'd lit the night before

People probably wouldn't think much of our apartment. To them, it was just another small home in an old building

But to me, it was the first place that truly felt like home

Every laugh, every argument, every hug, and every stolen kiss lived within these walls

And if I had the chance, I would've chosen this little apartment with Ethan over the biggest mansion in the world

“One day we're getting a bigger place” I said tossing the late plate away

“Definitely” he answered trying to adjust his collar

I honestly have no idea why he chose to dress in the kitchen

“How big?”

“One with a washing machine that doesn't sound like it's about to explode”

He answered pulling my waist to give me a kiss on my head

I laugh

“Do you ever get tired of kissing me?”

“Oh never” he smiled letting go of me

I reached for my phone on the counter to check the time and I leave the kitchen

7:30

“You're worried about your boss again?”

I pause and turn

“He'll probably find a reason to yell at me again today”

He smiles

“Maybe today is the day he learns how to smile”

I smile and walk towards the door rushing to the room

I took a quick hot bath and within 15 minutes I was done and slipped into my neat fine cooperate dress

Ethan helps me fix my necklace

I fix his tie

It's our cute little routine

He kisses my forehead “see you later baby. I'd text you during off hours okay?”

“I know love, drive safely”

I watch him leave and for some reason I almost call him back. I'm literally so tempted to call him back

“I'm becoming clingy” I laughed as I watch his car disappear out of sight

I walk back into the house, grab my bag and just as I'm about to leave, call comes in

It's Lily

“Ava where are you?” she said breathing heavily

“I’m leaving”

“You need to get here now”

“I kn…”

“Mr Lockwood is already here and he's in a terrible mood” she interrupts me and hangs up

My heart sinks

“Great, just what I needed”