Ava's p.o.v Something has been off with Liam since last night when he came back in the room from the balcony…he looked tense like he had seen a ghost or something!.

I didn't bother asking him because I didn't want to make the atmosphere more weird than it already was so I let it slide but in the morning as we were getting ready for work,he was panicking and literally not listening to whatever I was telling him like his mind was stuck somewhere I don't know!

His driver came and picked Halsey for school,before coming back this side,my mom helped in registering her in the new school so that by the time we get here,we won't go through that hustle and she just joins.

We kissed her goodbye and after setting off,we also got in our car and Liam had to first drop me off at my new office before proceeding to his.

“Babe,I won't be able to join you for lunch like we had planned earlier…I'm so sorry my love,” he apologized.

“Ohh okay but why the sudden change in programme?” I asked.

“Baby,you know we have been away for a long time so my desk is piled up with work and I would like to utilize the whole of today and reduce the load,” he replied.

“Okay,so that means even in the evening you won't pick me up?” I asked.

“No babe,of course I'm picking you up because we have to go back home together,” he replied.

I leaned in and kissed him on the lips before stepping out of the car.

I moved inside the building and straight to my new office…it was well set up and I loved the view because I could easily see the city from way up here and it was satisfying.

~Liam~

I cancelled my lunch date with Ava because I had to meet up with Alina and it's very much important to do it right away.

Lunch time reached and I told my secretary that I'm stepping out for lunch. Then I picked up my phone from my pocket on the way to the car and dialed Alina's number.

“I'm on my way there,” I said the moment she picked up.

“Yes papi I'm here waiting for you,do you still remember the way home or I pin my location?” She asked.

“Of course I remember Alina,” I replied.

“Good boy,” she said, then I hung up.

I drove to her place but this woman was filthy rich and when I say rich,I mean really rich.

She was living in the castle and it was sitting on ten acres of land with a ranch and about fifty horses with a hundred cattle were kept there.

I reached the gate and stepped out of the car and I put my face on the screen beside the gate and after a few seconds,the gate automatically opened…I knew the procedure here so I did what I was supposed to do.

I drove through the long drive way and it took me like five minutes to reach the castle entrance.

I first took a deep breath before stepping out of the car because it has been nine years of ghosting this woman so I don't know how we are going to look at each other but regardless I had to make this move and meet up with her.

I was about to ring the door bell but the door swung open and I stepped inside the house.

“I see you still remember how things run around here,” I heard her voice and when I turned I saw her coming down the stairs while with each step,my heart's beat increased.

“That was fast though! It's clear you really wanted this meeting to happen,” she said

“There was no traffic on the road,” I replied

She reached where I was standing and moved closer to me with open arms but I stood there like a statue.

“Don't you think I deserve a hug? Don't worry I won't stab you in the back,” she opened her arms wider and I closed in for the hug.

Dammnn! She really smells good! She is a very tall woman to the extent that we are almost the same height so when we hugged,we felt each other's heart beat.

“It's okay go on and take a seat,” she gestured to me and I sat down on one of the velvet couches in the living room. She also sat down next to me,”What would you like to drink or eat?” She asked.

“Uhm just water,” I replied but it was more of a whisper because I wasn't at peace.

“Come on!” She picked up the land-line to call the chef but he said he was busy with something so she stood up from her seat.

“Call your maids to bring you whatever you want.I don't have much time here,” I said.

“Calm down papi,my maids took a day off so it's only me and my chef so I need to go get you something to eat since he's kinda busy…please feel at home,” she said then walked away.

I got my phone to check on Ava and luckily she replied to my message saying she had stepped out to grab some lunch and I apologized to her again for ditching her and said it was okay.

I was still on the phone when a kid from school walked in almost Halsey's age and came where I was seated.

“Hi,who are you?” She asked and I was sterner.

“Uhm my name is Liam,” I replied.

“Okay,so why are you here?” She asked.

“Uhm I'm a friend to miss Alina,” I replied.

“You're lying,my mom doesn't have friends so who sent you here?” She asked.

I was thinking of an answer when Alina walked back and when she saw her,she ran towards her and gave her a tight hug then I saw them murmuring something while staring at me then after I saw the kid running upstairs and Alina came to me with a plate.

It had a piece of lasagna and when she handed it to me,the aroma from it was so satisfying.

“I don't usually eat food here but the chef was preparing food for my girl so here you go,hope you like it,” she said.

“Is that your daughter?” I asked.

“Yes,you clearly saw she got my features right?” She asked

“Yeah I saw the hair colour and the eyes,I mean everything on her face is yours…so beautiful,” I replied while taking in a fork full of lasagna in my mouth.

“Well if that's a compliment then thank you,” she squeezed her lips in a smile.