Love In Between

Nora strutted hastily to Bruce’s office, she wanted to keep things to herself and let go but on a second thought she wanted to know what it would feel like to see Ava in pains, grovelling at her feet in apologies,

“Hey honey,” she greeted Bruce who was carried away and didn’t notice her presence,

“Honey, are you okay?” She asked as she planted a kiss on his cheeks, she couldn’t wait to finalize the marriage plans and become Mrs. Clayton that would be dream come true for her,

“Nora, is there a problem?” Bruce questioned, surprised by her presence at his office, Nora smirked to herself she was going to use this opportunity to punish Ava,

“Oh Yes there is a big problem, matter of fact I was plainly insulted by one of your employees,” Nora replied tapping her fingers on the table, the way she always does to show irritation, Bruce knew better than waving it off so he decided to play along.

He knew how dramatic Nora could be, she was fond of looking down upon people below her financial status asides other characters she exudes that he can’t stand, it was best he deals with the situation before she takes it upon herself to do it.

“One of my staff, who would dare do that?” Bruce asked calmly,

“Who else, if not that low life, that once upon a time rich girl… Ava!” She thundered, Bruce’s heart skipped a beat.

He wondered what must have happened between the two ladies, Ava wouldn’t do such a thing she wasn’t that way.

Bruce knew Nora must have instigated the fight,

“Are you even listening to what I just said?” Nora inquired, the urge to embarrass Ava overwhelmed her that she didn’t notice Bruce walk away from her and towards the window.

“Are you just going to keep mute?”

“Of course she’s going to get punished for being rude to the fiancee of the CEO CT WINES,” Bruce said, the words difficult to say.

“Very well then, I want the apology now,” she said,

“Now?” Bruce questioned perplexed,

“Yes now, is there any reason why she can’t apologize right here?” She retorted, Bruce knew there was no point trying to defend Ava’s case, he didn’t want Nora to suspect anything,

He walked towards his phone and with each step he took he felt like a coward, after all these years, the only time he’d have a close contact with Ava is to embarrass her and all because of someone he isn’t even attracted to,

The marriage plans with Nora was out of mere obligations than it was of love, he didn’t feel anything since the first day he set his eyes on her and now they’re engaged he feels even more caged but with no escape route,

He gingerly picked up his phone and dialed his secretary number, he glanced over at Nora who looked pleased with Ava grovelling at her feet apologizing to her,

And for the first time, Bruce felt anger towards Ava and more especially towards himself, his leaving her had a part to play in her present state but he wished she was strong—- strong enough to fight for her place at Quinn’s

**************************************

Ava buried her head in her hands sobbing quietly, she didn’t want to draw the attention of the other employees around her, she felt used to say the least—- She was here with a child, wishing to the stars that the man she loved would find his way to her arms and carry his child, their child.

But what did get in return, when he finally did he wasn’t who she thought he was, maybe she was just an object of pleasure she was foolish to let herself get pregnant for someone who didn’t care, she thought of her baby and sobbed even more.

The landline on her desk rang, she wiped her face with the hem of her sleeves and cleared her throat before answering the call,

“Good day Miss Ava, Mr. Bruce sends for you in his office,” A female voice replied when she picked up,

“Okay ma’am I’ll be there in no time,”

“Don’t keep the boss waiting,” the female voice answered and hung up.

Ava quickly adjusted her dress and went to Bruce’s office, Nora was sitting crossed on his desk with folded hands, there was silence when she came in and they barely even acknowledged her greetings.

Ava quickly knew that Nora had said something off the radar to Bruce,

“Miss Ava what did you say to my fiance?” Bruce asked, the word fiance hard for him to say.

“Sir I did noth—-” Ava said in her defense before Nora cut her off.

“Oh are you insinuating that I’m lying?” Nora quickly cut in,

“Such impudence, the audacity, are you tryna paint me a liar in front of my fiancee?” Nora questions, her eyes glaring with sheer hatred for Ava.

“Apologize, this instant!” Bruce cut both the ladies off,

“But I—,” Ava’s voice trailed off as tears rolled down her eyes, she couldn’t even defend herself.

“I’m sorry” she said wiping tears out of her eyes, Bruce looked at her with pity he felt terrible—- he hurt her again.

“I didn’t hear you,” Nora said

“I said I’m sorry,” Ava said at the top of her voice, she felt humiliated by Nora’s actions towards her.

“Umm, let me think about it… Apology accepted,” Nora replied, giggling.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Very well then, you may leave now, shoo away,” she added dismissively,

Even if he wanted to do something he couldn’t without putting Ava on the line, Nora would go all out and make sure she gets severely punished. Nora wanted his love but since he wasn’t willing she was okay being his wife as long as he played along.

Ava left the office in tears, but more with anger and a resolution not to ever be a crybaby in their presence—- the love she felt towards him turned to resentment instantly, his action was all Ava needed to put her in her place— out of his life and she vowed to shut him out of their life, she was going to bring up her daughter without Bruce, he didn’t even know she existed anyways.