Chapter 17

I felt a weight lift from my chest as I realized he was okay and safe.

"Omg, where have you been..your mom and Dalia were worried.” I said

Andrew turned around and looked me in the eyes with his mesmerizing green eyes. His deep greeneyes, muscular physique, and unkempt hair.

"Thank God, he wasn't hurt."

I was furious after experiencing a sudden surge of rage. How could he leave his family for two weeksand then walk right back in?

"Andrew, where have you been?" I asked

"Why should you care?" He responded

"You didn't answer my question, you abandoned your family, you didn't even call Dalia." "What thehell happened?" I said, raising my voice just loud enough for him to hear me but not loud enoughto wake Dalia.

"It's none of your business where I am or what I do; you work for my mother.” You don't have to beconcerned about me or what I do. And please don't yell at me." He spit back at her.

"What does it matter to me?" Andrew, you're so funny.” I said this as I approached him

"Ava, don't tempt me.” He warned.

At this point, I didn't care because he had left without telling anyone. He simply decided to returnafter abandoning Dalia, the one person who loved him. He was selfish, and I couldn't stand it anylonger.

"You walked away. Do you understand, you left Andrew. Dalia has been asking about you every day,and you have never sent her or your mother anything. They had no idea if you were safe or not. Andnow you've decided to grace us with your presence? I don't think so." I hissed loudly.

"For God's sake, I left to calm myself down." I left so I wouldn't have to see you every day. I left so Ididn't have to scream at you every day.” He stated

He left because of me? I wondered

"Don’t you dare turn this against me; I'd rather have you scream at me every day, if not every hour,if it means you're here for Dalia." She adores you, Andrew, and for what?" I grumbled.

I began to walk towards the front door because I was so angry that he left for him and then tried toblame his leaving on me. He attempted to pin Dalia's sadness on me. I remembered the letters as Iopened the door.

"Oh, and before you make her seem worse, you've been writing her letters every other day. You'vetraveled to places like China, Thailand, Florida, and France.” As I stormed out of the house, I said.

I heard the door open behind me and hoped it wasn't Andrew.

"Ava, come here." Andrew ordered

I didn't have the energy to argue with him, so I walked over to where he was standing.

"What do you mean by "letters?" he inquired.

I exhaled a sigh. "On the second day, Dalia became concerned that you had forgotten about her,and she began crying, believing that you no longer loved her. I informed her that you had sent her aletter, which had simply gone missing. She trusted me, so I began writing her letters every otherday. I pretended to be you." I answered looking at my shoes.

"I'm sorry; please do not be offended.” I just didn't want her to be depressed.” I tried not to meethis gaze.

"I'm not angry, just surprised.” Andrew stated

"Why are you surprised?” I asked, choosing to meet his gaze.

When I looked up, I saw his eyes, which were filled with regret rather than anger.

"I didn’t think you were that concerned about her..." He responded

"About who? I inquired.

"Dalia," he said.

"Is that why you despise me?" I asked, hoping he'd say "yes" so we could get past him invading mypersonal space and calling me a "whore."

He did not respond.

"Look, I really care about Dalia, and no matter how much you despise me, she makes it allworthwhile.” So, if you want to continue to insult and judge me whenever you want, I don't care.Good night.” I said this as I walked away from him.

I couldn't get past Andrew's bewilderment as I walked home. I knew I could count on him to yelland hate me before he left, but now I'm not sure what to expect. But there was one thing I wasrelieved about: I knew Andrew Jayson wasn't all bad

Ava's POV

It was Friday, and I had never been less eager to get to work. I didn't want to face Andrew becausehe was confusing and seemed to be the only thing on my mind. I wished he'd just start screaming atme again so I could convince myself that I despise him.

As my alarm clock continued to ring, I made the decision to get out of bed and go to work. I rolledout of bed, entered my bathroom, and turned on the water, waiting for it to become scorching hot.I entered the shower, allowing the boiling hot water to scorch my body, and stayed in the showeruntil my skin turned red and I became numb to the water. My bathroom was completely fogged updue to the temperature of the water. I walked out of my bathroom and into my closet, looking forsomething to wear.

I dug through my closet and discovered some jean shorts and a red tank top, but I didn't want toappear unprofessional, so I wore a leather jacket to cover my shoulders. I zipped up my black bootsand wore my hair in a messy bun. I finally put two small silver hops in and attempted to put onmakeup.

I dashed to the subway and arrived with only 10 minutes to spare before walking to Jayson's house.I jumped off the subway and dashed to the house. The guards let me in when I arrived at the gate. Ichecked my phone and was relieved to see the time was 7:58 AM. Emily was the first person togreet me as I entered the house.

"How are you, Ava, darling?" She inquired.

"I'm fine, Emily, and thank you for asking.” I said.

"Veronica and Dalia are in the kitchen." She stated

"Thank you once more, Emily." I said

I hugged Emily and proceeded to the kitchen.

Veronica and Dalia were both eating pancakes on the stools by the kitchen island.

When Dalia saw me, she exclaimed, "Ava!"

"Hello, Princess!" I said

"Ava, guess what?" She laughed as she clapped her hands.

"What?" I inquired.

"Andrew is backkkk." She yelled.

"Oh yeah," I said, trying to forget what had happened the previous day.

"Yeah! He surprised me with the biggwest dolphin toy because I missed him so much.” She stated

I looked over at Veronica, who looked calm and happy now that Andrew has returned. Even thoughhe troubled and enraged me, I was relieved he had returned. Veronica was overjoyed, and Dalia feltloved.

"Ava I'm going to take the day off work, so you can go home if you want.” Veronica explained

"All right, I'll just leave then.” I said

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.” Veronica said

I went over to Dalia and hugged her, "I'll see you tomorrow, Princess.”

"All right, Ava, I'll miss you." She said while hugging me.

I let go of her and began walking towards the front door.

"Are you leaving already?" Emily asked

When I turned around, Emily was standing in the hallway.

"Veronica is taking the day off and said I could come.” I responded

"All right, darling, have a nice day.” She stated

"Bye, Emily; I'll see you tomorrow." I said while turning towards the door and opening it.

"Wait a minute, darling..." Emily began

"Yeah, Emily?" I inquired.

"I know how you feel about Andrew, and I've heard him talking to you, but he's not really like that.”I've seen him grow up, and he just tends to push everyone away because of his work." She stated"What about his work?" I inquired.

Right, his "work," being a Mafia boss and all.

"It is not my place to tell you; all I ask is that you refrain from passing judgment on him right away.”She stated

"Emily I've been here for about a month, and all he's done is insult me and push me around.” I burstout laughing. I knew he wasn't perfect, but I needed to remind myself why I don't want him around.I needed to push him away; he was still a domineering alpha male, and I didn't need him in my life.Despite telling myself all the reasons why I despised Andrew and why he couldn't be in my life, Iwanted to get to know him. I was drawn to him because he was a puzzle with which I only had a fewpieces. While walking home, I felt conflicted because when I first saw him, he only gave me reasonsto avoid him; he hurt me and judged me. But, in the end, I was judging him as well because I didn'tknow him.

When I arrived at my apartment, I realized I had the entire day off. I used to despise going outbecause I was so stressed out, but I decided I needed to let go. I only had two people I trusted to goout with, so I texted them.

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