Chapter 2
1164 Words
It was a wedding video, not just any video, but one which contained Henry Cooper, Ava's husband-to-be and Emily White.
The sight of Henry sent a wave of shock to everyone.
All the guests were stupefied, including their close relatives and friends. And as soon as Daniel saw it, he collapsed to the ground, clenching tightly on his chest, while gasping for air.
“No, Daniel, No…!” Nora shouted, quickly rushing towards him.
“He's having a cardiac arrest!” The priest called out.
“Someone call an ambulance!” Nora screamed at the top of her voice while she held onto Daniel.
“Look at what you've caused with that wretched lover of yours.” Valerie spat at Ava.
Shortly after, the ambulance arrived. They dropped the stretcher and gently placed Daniel on it.
Ava fell to her knees, all she could hear were muffled sounds of the siren and people leaving. She looked at her father, barely breathing, and tears began welling up her eyes again.
The one person who loved her and was willing to sacrifice anything for her was invoked by the pain she had caused. She heard the muffled voice of Valerie as she kept scolding her.
“Look what you did to Dad!” Valerie spat.
Ava's body trembled upon hearing those words, she covered her face with her hands, releasing heart-wrenching sobs and wails.
“Ahhhhh—!” Ava let out an outburst, her eyes were red and puffy, and tears caused her mascara to smudge and stream down her cheeks. Her heart, once full of hope and love, now lies in pieces, like shattered glass.
At that instant, she felt a warm manly embrace, one of his muscular arms wrapped around her carefully, while the other kept stroking her hair.
Ava didn't resist but tucked into it. She remembered his cologne, his warmth, the feeling, it was quite similar.
“Come on, let's go.” Jake Howard voiced sullenly, lifting her into his full embrace.
Jake has been her best friend since her childhood days. One who saw them would think that they were couples and they loved each other.
Meanwhile, Jake had just returned from his program in Canada, he couldn't miss her wedding on any occasion. Even if it had ended tragically.
“I–I don't know what I did wrong Jake, I'm…I–” Ava kept sniffling.
“It's okay, Ava. It's not your fault.” Jake said, walking her out of the event space.
They got into his car, and he began driving her home. Ava stared mindlessly through the window, she didn't mind how uncomfortable the dress had gotten. She just lay lifeless.
After a while, her phone beeped, it was a text message, she was unbothered, and after a moment, it rang and she ignored it.
It rang for the second time, she outwardly ignored it again.
“Ava! It could be important, I suggest you answer it.” Jake commented.
Ava shrugged, letting out a sigh.
As soon as it rang the third time, she picked up the phone. The name of the Caller ID sent chills down her spine. She was filled with mixed emotions. She couldn't believe it was him, or her eyes had betrayed her.
She didn't know if she should take the call or not, Jake insisted not knowing who it was. And so she did.
“Hello, Ava” Henry's voice, once warm and soothing now cold and emotionless.
“You Bastard!” Ava yelled, her voice breaking.
Jake was shocked as soon as he realised what was going on.
‘That son of a b***h,’ He muttered. He noticed fresh tears streaming down her cheeks again.
“Meet me by 7 pm at the Davis Restaurant,” Henry added, before ending the call ignoring whatever she had to say.
“What makes him think that he can call me whenever he wants?” Ava yelled, and her eyebrows furrowed even more.
“What did he say?” Jake asked and his face darkened.
“He wants me to meet him by 7 pm,” Ava stated briefly.
“So…What are you going to do now?” He asked with concern, pulling over to the side of the road.
There was a moment of silence, and she felt reluctant for a bit.
“Ava, don't tell me you're going to–”
“You can't be serious, why would you say that? After what he did to me?” She said, rather displeased by his words.
** 7:00 PM **
Davis Restaurant
Ava walked into the restaurant casually. She looked around and saw a man who wore a black leather jacket, he was the only one who sat alone.
She slowly walked towards him, and as soon as she got closer, she recognised him. He wore a black cap, keeping a low profile.
Earlier that evening, She had gone to check on her dad after several hours of crying. When she got there, he was sleeping, as an oxygen mask covered his mouth and monitoring cables were attached to his chest.
Right at the hospital, all she could think of was what went wrong between her and Henry and why he left her. Momentarily, she remembered his request to meet her. Even if it sounded stupid to meet him, she sure needed answers.
“What do you want, Henry? Where did I ever go wrong?” She asked, clenching her fingers into fists.
Henry sat quietly, taking a sip from his wine glass. He signalled the waitress to serve them.
‘This is so absurd! Who does he think he is?’ Ava thought to herself, casting a death stare at him.
“Let's eat.” He said coldly, staring at the food served in front of him.
“You can't be serious?” Ava said, She was about to stand up when Henry stopped her.
Ava furrowed her brows as her face etched with disgust, she felt an ache in her heart and instantly regretted agreeing to meet him.
“Ava, I know you probably hate me, but here's the twist.” He said, swirling his wine glass.
As soon as he noticed Ava's interest, he continued.
“I married Emily White for Fame and political power since she has a more wealthy background than I do.” He paused for a while, looking at Ava who was stupefied.
“Consecutively, I want to be with you, that's why I came back for you so we can be together again.” He added.
“Nonsense!” Ava yelled, slamming her fist on the table, feeling extremely irritated.
“You can't be serious, Henry!” She voiced aggressively.
‘How can she react this way after hearing such good news? She should be happy I even came back for her, yet she's being agitated.’ Henry thought as he stared angrily at Ava.
“Or have you found someone?” He asked, curiously.
- Writer
