~Liam~“Would you like something to drink?” She asked.

“Yes please,a bottle of water is enough,” I replied.

She stood up and went to the fridge and picked up a water bottle for me.

I thanked her after handing it to me,” Thank you,”

She sat there quietly while scrolling through her phone and glancing at me randomly as I emptied my plate.

“Thanks for the food,your chef is really good,” I complimented.

“You're welcome,” she replied.

She wanted to stand up and take the plate to the sink but I stopped her,” it's okay I can handle it,” I stood up and moved to the kitchen which was after the long corridor and I first washed the plate before heading back to meet her.

When she heard me walking back,she lifted her head and looked over at me but I almost forgot how to walk because her gaze made my legs numb and I was about to reach the couch when I knocked the table beside it and I nearly fell down.

She quickly stood up and came to where I was then held my hand from the elbow and helped me get up.

“Are you okay?” She asked with her eyes locked on me.

“Yes yes, I'm perfectly fine…thank you,” I fixed my clothes then we sat down on the couch.

“So I came here to talk to you and I have less than thirty minutes to be out here,” I said.

“Liam,last time I checked,you were the boss…so why are you in the hurry to leave when you feel like we have so much to talk about?” She asked.

I was about to come up with an answer when her girl came back down and walked towards us.

“Is the driver here already?” Alina asked her after pecking her on the cheek.

“Yes moma,he texted that he is waiting outside,” she replied.

“Oh okay good,you take good care of yourself please,” Alina told her while cupping her face.

“Yes moma,” she smiled at her.

“Okay baby,I love you,” Alina kissed her in the forehead.

“I love you too moma,” she also kissed Alina on the cheek.

Based on her outfit,I think she was going out to play tennis or golf…not sure though!

“So Liam, why did you in your correct mind decide to ghost me for nine years after everything we went through together?” She asked and when I lifted my head to look at her,her eyes were already watery.

“You blocked me everywhere and shut me out completely like a stranger and I accepted the defeat but when I heard about your grand opening,I decided to pass by and you should be thankful for your fiance Ava because she trusts you completely and very loyal…she didn't give me a chance to break the ice because she walked out on me and I believe she told you about me then you freaked out and gave me a call in the middle of the night,” she leaned back and crosslegged with her hands folded over her chest.

“I'm so sorry Alina for everything and if you can't forgive me,I won't blame you because I don't deserve your forgiveness but please I'm begging you to stay away from Ava and my girl,” I begged her.

“Liam,so you think I didn't look for you or reach out to you just because you blocked me on all your socials? Liam,you and I know that no one,absolutely no one can hide from me unless I don't want to find them…so isn't it concerning that I managed to know about the grand opening?!” She asked.

“And if I wanted to talk to Ava about you and me,I would have told her straight up but I first wanted to pass her through a loyalty check which she passed,” she replied.

“So what do you want?” I asked.

“Are you sure you can afford my demands?” She frowned.

“At this point, I can risk everything if my family is at stake,” I replied.

“Liam, wait,you think I suddenly came back into your life to hurt you and your family?!” She asked.

“I didn't say that but I'm just worried because lately everyone has been after me and Ava so don't blame me if I see you as a threat,” I wiped off sweat from my forehead using my palm because I had started sweating.

“Liam I'm not your enemy for crying out loud so count me out,” she replied.

“Liam,it's okay you can go back to work. We will find some other time to talk.” She stood up and left me there alone and I didn't stop her because my mind was a mess now.

My phone started ringing and it was my secretary so I picked up immediately,

“Yes, what's up?” I asked.

“Sir lunch break got done like twenty minutes back and we had a brief meeting so I called to check on you,” she replied.

“Ohh I had forgotten about that,thank you so much for reminding me…I'm on my way back now please prepare everything,” I replied.

“Uhm sir one more thing before you hang up,” she said.

“Yes, tell me,what is it??” I asked

“Your fiance is just from here,” she said in one go.

“You mean Ava?” I immediately stood up from the couch.

“Yes sir,” she replied.

“When did she come and were you able to know why she dropped by?” I asked while pacing back and forth.

“She came after thirty minutes when you had left and she has just left now before making the call because she has been here with me,” she replied.

“Oh damnnn!!!” I slapped myself in the face.

“She had brought for you lunch that you told her you won't be leaving the office since you have a lot of work on your desk,” she said.

“So what reason did you give her why I wasn't there?” I asked.

“That you had gone out to meet some associates because it wouldn't make sense that you had gone out for lunch when she had carried you lunch herself,” she replied.

“Pheeew well done…let me come back right away,” I hung up then left Alina's house and moved to my car.

There was too much traffic on the road and I was banging the steering wheel out of frustration but all in vain because that wouldn't make any difference on the road.

I don't know if Ava bought the lie my secretary sold to her because if she didn't then I'm doomed…she's going to start doubting from today and it won't be a good call.