A Rose Among Ashes

Chapter Fourteen

AVA's POV

I can't go back to bed after the call; I am now fully awake. I get dressed and head downstairs, wondering if there's any breakfast being prepared.

On the dining table, there are several appealing meals that look absolutely delicious. The enticing aroma wafts through the air, and I immediately know my stomach will be pleased to welcome these delightful dishes as visitors.

Just as I'm about to sit down and serve myself, I hear someone say, "Hey, who invited you?" Startled, I turn around and see Leo. I clutch my chest, shaking my head, relieved that it isn't a ghost or something else my mind conjured from the unexpected sound. It's funny; he didn't scream or sneak up on me, so why did I get frightened?

"What is it? Do you want me to faint?" I retort, still a bit shaken.

"Excuse you. You don't just sit at a table you aren't invited to. Where are your manners?" he says, obviously joking.

"Look who's talking about manners," I reply, glancing at the man standing there in nothing but boxer shorts, dripping with sweat. "What would it cost you to put on a shirt?"

"Ma'am, I was just working out, so..." He turns to leave.

"Eat up. I'll freshen up quickly and be back," he says while jogging off.

I laugh off his silliness as I dig into the amazing meal in front of me, devouring every bit of it.

*****

When Leo returns, I approach him, unsure of how to ask for what I want. I need to attend Thalia's welcome party tonight, no matter what. But... Ryan instructed me not to leave this place until he says it's okay.

Searching for the right words, I stammer, "Hey, I... I would like to request something. Umm... I don't know if you can help me with it."

He doesn't respond, his attention still locked on his phone.

"Please," I say, my irritation growing at the silence.

"What do you want?" he asks, still focused on his screen.

"Thalia is coming back to the country. There's a welcome party tonight, and I really want to attend it. Pleeeeeease."

He remains silent, which only frustrates me more. Why can't he respond without me having to repeat myself? He probably doesn't even know who Thalia is.

"Thalia is an award-winning film actress. I've been watching her films for years, and I love her so much. She's amazing. Actually, she went to Italy to make a film a few months ago, and she's flying back to the country today. She's like a role model to me, and I really want to meet her. You'll love how beautiful she is," I tease him.

"I already know how beautiful she is and love the sight of her," he finally looks up, locking his gaze with mine. I quickly look away, puzzled. Maybe he does know her. The thought that he might be into movies makes me giggle; I didn't picture him as the type.

"So, can we go then?" I ask hopefully.

"No. If you want to see her, I'll bring her to you."

I burst into laughter, unable to control myself. Does he really think he's important enough to summon Thalia? He thinks he is some kind of important figure. I scoff at his stupidity. I know he isn't going to let me go, so I let the conversation drop.

******

KIERA'S POV

I'm in the bedroom engrossed in a book when I hear a swift knock at the door. I open it to find Arya standing there, most likely having come here straight after being dropped home from school.

"Hey, Arya."

"Hi, sister-in-law. Hope you haven't been bored without me," she says as she sits beside me.

"I really have, but with you here now, I know I'll be better."

"Of course! I'm a load of entertainment. Thalia will be back today, and there's a party tonight. I need to get ready, but I came here first because I want us to go together."

"Wow, Thalia is back? That's amazing!" I've always been a fan of Thalia, influenced by Ava, who made sure to watch every film she acted in, and I joined her all through.

"Yessss! Do you have a dress ready? A very pretty one? Or maybe I should just ask Sara to order you one quickly. Mine is on the way already."

"I better get a new outfit."

Arya makes a call to Sara for the outfit.

"So, Ava, you really are married to Ryan?" she asks, surprisingly serious. It's the first time I've seen her with such a serious expression since we met earlier today.

"Umm... I suppose I am," I respond casually, trying to sound carefree.

She glances at me suspiciously, prompting me to ramble to diffuse the awkward tension. "I mean... we are married. It was something I had been desiring, and I finally got it." I laugh, but Arya's expression doesn't change; she grows even more serious.

"Hmm, so you two really are in love?"

"Very much in love."

"Wow, I thought it was some kind of arranged marriage. Especially because he didn't spend the night here yesterday. He still isn't around, or did he come and leave while I was out?"

"No, Arya. He didn't come home. But you know your brother. It's always work, work, work."

"Haha, Ava. Is that a joke? Ryan isn't the type to be overly serious about work. Dad always had to pull him back and force him to focus. I'd say he lives a more carefree and sloppy life than a serious one when it comes to the company."

I realize I've messed up. I know nothing about Ryan's work ethic or family dynamics.

I had just messed up. I knew nothing about Ryan, so why hadn't I just kept my mouth shut and sought information instead of rambling on about things I clearly didn't understand?

"Right! He is working towards getting better and taking it seriously," I quickly scrambled to amend my statement.

"Of course, Dad's will wasn't for joking around, was it?"

"Will? What will?" I asked her, perplexed.

Just as she was about to respond, we heard a call for her from outside the room.

"I'll be back, Ava. Your outfit will be here soon. Get dressed, and then we can continue our conversation on the way there." I finally see that beam on her face again as she speaks and then leaves.

****

My outfit arrives, and it turns out to be the most gorgeous one I have ever seen. I get all dressed up and had asked Ava earlier to come by to rate my appearance and help me with my makeup. While struggling to zip up my dress, I don't 't even hear the door open until I feel a hand assisting me with the zipper.

"Ava, how do I look?" I ask, assuming it is her.

The hand moves to my neck, adjusting the position of my necklace. It doesn't feel like Ava. I glance up at the mirror, and the image staring back at me frightenes me.

"Ryan," I call out, immediately turning around to face him and stepping back from him a bit.