Episode 4
1317 Words
CHAPTER 4
Ava POV
I was discharged from the hospital and placed under private medical treatment. My body still felt weak, but I was stronger than before.
I stepped out of the car and glanced at the mansion.
The mansion was stunning. Everything about the mansion radiated wealth. I gripped my bag tightly, standing in silent awe.
“This way”
His voice echoed, jerking me out of my thoughts.
I followed him silently as we entered the mansion. He gestured to a maid, who immediately followed us and she led the way down to a quiet corridor. Harrison walked behind us.
When we stopped the maid opened the door.
The room was massive. Soft lighting. Everything looked perfect.
“This will be your room,” he said. “If anything is lacking, don't hesitate.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“You may leave,” he said to the maid.
She bowed and left immediately, closing the door behind us.
The silence felt heavy.
He didn't sit. Instead he leaned against the door watching me as I sat on the edge of the bed.
“What's your full name?” he asked.
“Ava Whitmore.”
His expression changed—just slightly—but I noticed it.
You're related to the Whitmores?” he asked calmly.
“Yes. Do you know my family?”
“No,” he replied sharply.
After a brief silence, he said “Take a quick shower. You'll find clothes in the wardrobe. Then you can join me for dinner.”
He turned to leave, then paused.
“What would you like for dinner?”
“Anything,” I said shyly.
He nodded. “Any preferred drink?”
“Pineapple juice.” I answered. I love fruit drinks.
“Meet me downstairs. I'll be waiting in the dining room.”
With that, he left, closing the door gently behind him.
I stared at the door for a moment.
Why is he so nice to me?” Is this part of the contract?”
The thought faded quickly as hunger took over.
After my shower I opened the wardrobe—and froze.
Clothes filled it. Beautiful clothes. Gowns, dresses, everything neatly arranged.
I picked one casually, dressed and stared at the mirror.
For the first time in a long while, I almost looked normal.
Even beautiful.
When I reached the dining room, he was already seated. He wore a singlet, revealing a tattoo at his right arm.
How did I not notice the tattoo, the night we made out.?
He looked up and smiled faintly.
“You look great.”
“Thanks,” I said blushing.
“That dress,” he added quietly. “It was my mum's favourite.”
For the first time, his gaze lingered on me—longer than necessary. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but I felt it.
The food was already on the dining table.
Mac and cheese.
My favourite.
I swallowed hard.
How did he know it was my favourite? I asked myself.
We dined in silence.
Halfway through the meal, a sharp cough gripped me violently. Harrison was already beside me, one hand supporting my back.
“Silvia,” he shouted “Get water.”
She rushed in immediately.
I drank a lot of water.
“I'm sorry,” he said calmly.
“I'm not a child," I giggled.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. He stepped back and returned to his seat.
“Make sure you don't miss your medication,” he said quietly.
Our eyes locked again.
He was more handsome than I had first thought—striking in a way that made it difficult to look away.
“What's your name sir?” I asked softly, breaking the silence.
“Call me Harrison.”
“Of course,” I replied.
The name kept repeating in my thoughts.
I have heard that name countless times, often repeated by Seraphina.
Does he know Seraphina? My heartbeat stuttered. Or does he have any idea about my family?
Hopefully, he knew nothing.
I pushed the thought aside.
Thank you for the meal, I said after I had drunk the last of my fruit juice.
He nodded gently, his eyes fixed on me.
“Ava,” he called softly.
I gasped.
Hearing my name roll off his tongue sent shivers up my spine. Though it felt unfamiliar, it was wholly welcome.
Would you like to work for my company?”
The suddenness of the question took me off guard and must have shown on my face.
He quickly added “Only when you're better.”
“Yes, I would be glad to,” I replied after I had gotten my wits about me.
“It's settled,” he said calmly. “I'll get you new clothes tomorrow.
My expression changed as I spotted the huge mahogany clock behind him.
“Ohh my God!” I screamed.
“I have got to get going!” I said as I stood up frantically, almost falling over in the process.
“What is the issue?” he asked while coming closer as I steadied myself on the table top.
“My mum,” I said, tears streaming down my cheeks. “She's at the hospital. I have to get to her urgently.”
He pulled me closer as I cried on his shoulders.
“Don't worry Ava, I have got it handled. Your Mum is safe and in good hands. Get some rest Ava,” he said softly. “Tomorrow will be another demanding day.”
I stood slowly. As I turned to leave, my legs wobbled. He held me and led me toward my room.
“Good night Ava,” he said with a sheepish smile and left.
That night, I slept well.
The next morning was cool and calm. His servants attended to me with care. I had toast bread with eggs for breakfast. I didn't eat breakfast with Harrison at the dining table; I ate in my room instead.
When I came downstairs, dressed in a simple but elegant outfit, he was already waiting wearing a tailored suit.
“You look great, Ava,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you.”
He held my hand as we walked out of the mansion and slid into the back seat of the car. The car sped off. Minutes later, we arrived at Maverick Clothings—the store Seraphina constantly shopped at.
As we stepped inside, every head swiveled towards us.
“Good day, sir,” the staff greeted in unison.
Who exactly was he? How influential was this man.
I pick several outfits—casual wear, work clothes. As we approached the counter to pay. I froze.
It was Calista.
Our eyes met. She stared at me in disbelief, before approaching Harrison.
“Hi, Harrison,” she said with a smile.
“Hello Calista,” he replied smoothly. Came to pick up some clothes?”
“Yes,” she replied.
I'll catch up with you another time, he said calmly.
She nodded and left.
I realised at that moment that my problem had begun. She would tell Seraphina that she saw me with a strange man.
“Ava, are you alright?” Harrison asked quietly as we stepped outside.
“Yes,” I lied, forcing a smile.
In the car, my thoughts whirled. His phone rang. He answered on loudspeaker. It was his mum, her voice cheerful.
“Your father and I will be visiting Chicago.”
“His jaw s
tiffened.”
“I'm not meeting him,” he snapped. He can come and go. I don't care.
He ended the call abruptly, anger and frustration written all over his face.
I observed him silently, wishing I could kiss his lips and calm the fire burning within him. But I didn't.
This was just a contract—yet my heart yearned for it.
- Writer
