Ava, Do you love me?

Chapter 3

“Are you even listening to yourself, Henry?” She stood up, pulling away from his grip as he tried to reach out to her.

“I can't believe I wasted two good years, hoping to get married to someone as filthy as you are ” She sneered.

She quickly picked up her purse and left, leaving him lost in his thoughts. She couldn't believe that he was the same person she would have ended up with.

After hearing all he had to say, She didn't regret her tragic wedding but embraced it. There was more to life than Henry could offer.

She felt a heartache when she remembered her ailing father, she quickly clenched onto her chest. Tears began welling up in her eyes. She felt heartbroken when she realised that it was all because of him, her father was in that condition.

The following day, she got an email from G.T.X Corporations, she was hired. Ava was skilled in the tech world, and she had always wanted to own a high-tech company. She had to apply to different companies around the city.

That morning, Ava arrived at the entrance of the tall building. She walked into it, feeling a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness. She was about to walk into a new chapter of her life.

She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and approached the receptionist with a confident smile. She was assigned to be a project manager based on her experience.

When she got to her office, she was exhausted because of the never-ending tour and orientation about the company and its values. She closed her eyes, reminiscing about her life.

“Miss Ava.”

“Miss… Ava!”

Ava snapped back into reality and turned towards the pretty young lady standing right in front of her. She held some paperwork and documents.

“How can I help you?” Ava questioned.

“I'm Victoria, your assistant.” She said, solemnly. “I was sent to hand over this unfinished project from the previous manager.”

“Okay, let me have a look?” Ava said, taking it over from her, while gently glancing through it.

“That's not a problem.” She replied, putting it to the side.

“In addition, you will be in charge of the presentation. The CEO, Mr. Edward, wants you to present it to a wealthy investor in three days.” Victoria said.

“Okay? What about him?” Ava asked.

“He's one tall, handsome, wealthy investor, Miss. He's said to be the richest in the country.” Victoria said, giggling with delight.

“It's a privilege to present it to him.” She added.

“Was that part necessary?”

“I'm sorry, ma'am,” Victoria said, before leaving.

Ava thought about the project carefully, she wouldn't want to disappoint this ‘wealthy investor’ Vicky talked about. She took out her laptop and scanned through the soft version of the projects, making various adjustments.

***

The day had arrived. Ava took a deep breath and walked into the company's building, she checked in at the receptionist and headed to her office.

“Good morning Miss Ava,” Victoria said, handing her a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

“Good Morning Vicky, how's it going?” Ava responded.

“Nothing much, But I did manage to get a headstart on some of the tasks you assigned me yesterday,” Vicky said, glancing at Ava's outfit for the day.

“Excellent, I appreciate the initiative, what's my schedule today, aside from the presentation?” Ava asked, placing her bag on her desk, before taking her seat.

“Well…, nothing else aside from seeing a handsome, rich man by noon today.” Vicky chuckled.

Ava had been used to Victoria's adoration towards the wealthy investor, “Doesn't he have a name?” She asked.

“I don't know, but I heard he's called the Young Master.”

“Hm…”

“Alright, set a reminder by 11:45 am, so I can leave,” Ava added.

“Okay ma'am, besides, you're looking really beautiful today,” Vicky giggled, raising her eyebrows playfully.

Ava's lips curved into a smile, “Thanks.”

“I guess it's because of the young master, uh?” She chuckled.

“Get out!” Ava shouted, playfully.

** 11:50 AM **

Ava was on her way to the conference room when she noticed some workers rushing to look out through the window. Her curiosity caught up with her, and so she joined them.

She was in awe when she saw three luxurious vehicles that had pulled over. At the centre was the latest Rolls Royce Phantom.

‘It must be the wealthy Investor Vicky talked about.’ She guessed.

She noticed that her CEO had gone down to welcome him. ‘How can just one man humble this massive corporation's CEO to go down and welcome him.’ Ava thought to herself.

Journalists and paparazzi filled the area, and in less than 5 minutes, the whole entrance was crowded with people.

The chauffeur opened the passenger door and a tall man came out majestically. Mr Edward welcomed him, and as they walked in, everyone was on their best behaviour.

Whispers could be heard amongst female staff about how single and handsome he was, almost everyone was talking about him. ‘Who could he be?’ She muttered.

He was a force to be reckoned with.

Ava walked into the conference room, sitting with other high staff and managers, they all stood up as soon as the domineering man walked in. He had an intimidating aura to him.

Everyone bowed their heads to greet him, including Ava. It was her first time witnessing someone so powerful. And as soon as he took his seat, everyone sat down.

His aura was so intoxicating, it felt like every wrong move could lead you straight to your death. After the CEO introduced everyone and spoke for a while about the project, he turned towards Ava.

“Miss Ava, you can continue from here.” He signalled Ava.

The sound of her name made her heart sink, even if she was prepared and had checked the PowerPoint several times, she still felt intimidated by his aura.

Everyone stared expectantly at her. She took a deep breath and stood up, sweat bulbs rolling down her face, even with the air conditioning system running, her legs were vibrating as she walked over to the big screen.

Ava stood facing everyone while avoiding the terrifying gaze of the wealthy man. She started the presentation, trying to get her composure in.

She went on for a while, exuding self-confidence, this made Mister Edward proud, he was certain that he was going to get a contract with the Young Master, and it would be a new phase for his company.

As soon as she finished, all the managers and staff gave a round of applause to her, and Ava felt pleased. And soon, all eyes stared at the Young Master, awaiting his Verdict.

His face showed no emotional fluctuations, no one could tell what he was thinking. He stood up and tilted his head towards Mr Edward, who stood up spontaneously as all the other managers.

“I must commend, Mr Edward, this young employee has done nothing but waste an hour of my precious time.” He stated, condescendingly.

“...”