Chapter 15

Ava p.o.v

I walk down the stairs mindful not to miss a step and fall down embarrassing myself, seeing as there are many servants walking around carrying out their duties. Some even sneak stares at me, some in amazement, others curiously, While some blantly avoid staring or contact with me like a plague. I shrug and continue my walk.

I had just step on the last stair when I felt a soft tug on my hand, I turn to see Marco already dressed for the day. He had a toothy grin on his face and I couldn't help myself but smile back at him.

"Good morning Mom." He smiled genuinely at me, I Pat his head in acknowledgement. "Mom you didn't went home yesterday?" He asked, you could here the excitement in his voice. I am somewhat conflicted, how long was this kid yearning for a mother.

"No." I replied, by now we had started walking to the kitchen.

"You look beautiful Mom." He complimented, I wasn't sure what to reply. This the first time a kid has complimented me, to say a blush has reveal itself on my face would make a total fool of me, But I was blushing like a teenager girl and that too to a kid too.

I answered with a Thanks and also appreciated his looks, He's really handsome in his black jeans trouser and a plain white Polo. We walk into the dinning to see everyone already present, they were all engaged in groups talking among themselves. All turn to us when they noticed our presence, eyes followed me as I help Marco on his chair before taking my mine.

I had contemplated going to give him a kiss on his cheek, it's only fair that I get to kiss him too because he does it to me at every given chance, but I decided against it not wanting to embarrass myself.

"Good morning sleeping beauty." Tricia teased, I just rolled my eyes at her, I then greets everyone and series of mornings and 'how was your night'. I helped Marco dish out his foods, I placed two pancakes on his plate and a reasonable amount of bacon and eggs, and fill a glass of milk for him.

"Thanks" He grinned, stuffing the food down his throat, I don't know why but I felt obligated to do that for him. I sat watching him eat his food happily, his free hand grasp on my right hand, I smile inwardly at this kid quick acceptance, most women don't do well with there step kid.

"You're not eating." Much to my dismay, Lola, Vince mother asked me. I was quite enjoying the quietness between Marco and I.

"She not a breakfast person." Tricia spoke up for me.

I do not quite have appetite in morning, perhaps it's gets used to me when I would hurriedly leave for school without breakfast. My mom would always complain about me falling sick, or worst have ulcer but I guess it was already too late then. I have lost my morning appetites, I can't even bring myself to eat in the mornings even if I'm hungry.

"Ava, you should eat." Vince said sternly joining in the conversation, I almost did an eye roll but resist the urge to.

"I'll grab something to eat later." I said in a dismissal tone, the bang on the table did not only startle me but everyone else. They stare wide between Vince and I, I saw him wave two fingers beckoning a maid to the table. "Serve her food." I watch in utterly silence as she serve food on my plate.

"Eat." It was a command, I shudder at the coldness of his voice. I eat slowly, I don't like someone that isn't my Mom telling me what to do, it annoys the hell out of me. But with him, I won't dare say a word of objection, I would not like to be the next person he harms.

Surprisingly, I ate all the food on my plate, I don't know where the appetite came from, but it's a good thing I guess. I carried my bag and wave goodbye to them before following behind Vince.

Vince kissed my head before letting me get down from the car, he insisted to drop me off and I still a bit shaken up from the incident at breakfast, I didn't agrue with him.

Who would refuse a free ride, and save some cash.

The hall is packed with students, yet lesson is yet to start. The Prof. is still arranging his papers for the class. I walk further inside the hall and took my seat beside Nate.

"Hey friend, good to see you today." He grinned cheekily, I did an roll.

"Good morning to you too." I grimace. "What is taking him so long to start the lesson." I just want this class to finish already, I have to go to work. I completely forget about work yesterday, I can bet that smoke is coming out of my boss head right now, he is going to be mad.

"You can ask Mr Bald." Nate joke causing those sitting around to laugh, the whole class turn to look at us confused. Did I forget to tell you Nate is a joker, or maybe a funny bone.

let's stick to funny bone, that suit him more.

"Whoa, Ava where did you get that." Nate shriek, staring and pointing at the Ring on my finger.

Oh boy.

That's a nice way to bring a girl back to her nightmares, actually, I'm not angry nor sad that I'm getting married anymore. I guess meeting his family did came in handy, but I'm sure as hell still scared of him.

"I'm engaged." I whispered so only him could hear.

"Fvck, Where, When Ava." The surprise was clearly in his voice. let's just say we spent half the lesson talking about my engagement.

The walk to the cafe is short, as it is close to the university. I entered the cafe and stop by the counter.

"Hey Mason." I greets.

"What's up Ava."

"Is Mr Williams in." Okay, that question is not necessary because he would be here for sure, but I still need to ask to confirm.

"Yes." He reply handing a milkshake to a customer.

"He must be mad, Right?" I asked nervously.

"You guess right."

I knocked on the wooden door expecting the worst reply, but guess what. A soft come in Was heard, He's change, not that grumpy old man that he use to be, more like a calm and reserve person. Guess he can't change completely that easily.

"Good afternoon sir." I greets.

"Ava, my dear, what are you doing here at the cafe." What's more shocking is not him calling me 'my dear' but him asking me why am I here. Aren't I suppose to be here? or, I gasped, did he fire me because I didn't come to work yesterday.

I should have taken permission, but somehow it slipped my mind. With everything going on in my life why won't it slip, I'm both mentally and physically exhausted.

"I'm sorry I didn't came to work yesterday, I promise I will make up for it" I rushed out defensively.

"I thought you resigned." He chuckled. I resigned, when was that, and how. I didn't not resign, he most be mistaking.

"Sir that can't be true, I didn't resign."

"No, you didn't, It's was him"

Him? I should have known, why does he always wants to control my life. Why must he do things like this without telling me first, I don't like be told what to do. I'm an independent person, I love my freedom.

Is he going to take that from me too.