Chapter 67 : Ava got hurt.

Ibrahim maneuvered his elegant car to a stop in front of the 'Malacca Royale'. The "Malacca Royale," standing tall with its pristine white walls, exuded a regal charm accentuated by intricately designed golden motifs. The driveway, adorned with manicured gardens on either side, led to the grand entrance, where the hotel's name glistened in golden letters.

Exiting the car, Ibrahim effortlessly gathered all the shopping bags from the backseat. 

"It's giving a kind of royal vibe." Ava commented. Ibrahim held Ava's hand as they approached the hotel entrance. The automatic glass doors opened, ushering them into a foyer adorned with majestic chandeliers that dangled from the high ceiling. The subtle fragrance of fresh flowers added a touch of sophistication to the air.

They entered and the lobby unfolded its splendor—a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and timeless allure. Plush, upholstered seating areas adorned with velvet cushions beckoned guests to indulge in comfort. Ava noted the polished marble floors, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. "Malacca Royale" was one of the five star luxurious hotels in Malaysia.

Workers, Staffs offered cordial welcomes to both Ibrahim and Ava. Ibrahim, responding with a poised nod, subtly commanded the respect that came with his role. He asked by presenting Ava with a choice, "Dinner in the room or the dining room?"

"Let's eat in the dining room. I'd love to see," she responded.

At the reception desk, Shazia, the receptionist, greeted them with a nod. Shazia handed over the key to their room. Ibrahim had different room as a owner, and whenever he used to come to stay he stayed in that hotel.

Turning to Ava, he conveyed, "Wait in the lobby. I'll be back after putting these bags in our room. Then, we'll head to the dining room."

Ava nodded. She didn't have the energy to went to room then came for dinner. It was best to wait in the lobby afterthat she will go to the room after dinner. 

When Ava settled into a plush seat, Ibrahim turned to Shazia and conveyed, "Take care of Ava until I return. If she needs anything, ensure swift assistance—no delays."

Shazia nodded, "Yes, sir. You won't receive any complaints."

With a final glance at Ava immersed in her phone, Ibrahim made his way to the room. The lobby was a mosaic of activities. Some guests were checking in, some were gossiping and others leisurely sipping coffee from porcelain cups adorned with the hotel's logo. 

And there was Ava who was trying to contact Elara. She didn't talk with him the whole day. Elara didn't even know she was in Malacca now. Yet, the elusive network bars denied her the satisfaction of a successful message. She approached Shazia at the reception. "I'm trying to send a message, but the network seems to be playing tricks on me."

Shazia suggested, "You could try the balcony, ma'am. The network signal is usually better there. Alternatively, we have WiFi in the lobby; I can provide you with the password."

Appreciating the offer but opting for the balcony's allure, Ava declined politely, "No problem, Shazia. I'll take a moment to enjoy some fresh air as well."

With a nod, Ava made her way to the circular balcony adjacent to the lobby. The transition from the vibrant buzz of the lobby to the balcony's oasis of tranquility was immediate. As Ava stepped onto the balcony, the ambiance transformed. The hum of activity from the lobby faded, replaced by the soothing sounds of the surroundings.

The circular balcony, adorned with intricately designed wrought-iron railings, embraced an enchanting panorama. Pillars adorned with intricate carvings encircled the space, providing both structural support and an aesthetic touch. Flowing curtains danced lightly, carried by the gentle breeze. And the soft glow of decorative lights framed the balcony.

However, her focus shifted abruptly as she became an unintentional spectator to an unfolding drama. A couple, standing near the balcony's edge, drew Ava's attention. The man's gestures and raised voice indicated an escalating argument. The woman, pregnant and visibly distressed.

Ava, far enough not to intrude but close enough to perceive the anguish. Though she didn't want to hear anything. 

"You never listen, Noureen! It's always about what you want!"

"You don't understand, Daniel. This isn't just about me. It's about us, our family!"

"Our family? You mean your family! I'm tired of it, Noureen. Always your family, your problems!"

"Daniel, please. We can't keep doing this. We're hurting each other."

The man, Daniel - his voice grew larger and larger every time. Ava shook her head and was about to take a step further when a sudden, sharp sound arrested her movements – the unmistakable slap of flesh against flesh.

Her gaze snapped toward Daniel and Noureen, only to witness the scene she dreaded. Daniel's aggression had escalated, and he was physically hurting Noureen. Shock and anger surged through Ava, compelling her to intervene. 

"Why are you doing this?" Ava's voice cut through the tension. Her gaze fixated on Noureen's tear-streaked face. "She's pregnant, for goodness' sake!"

Daniel turned his gaze to Ava, eyes ablaze with hostility. " Hey Girl. Who are you? Mind your own business. This is between us."

Ava responded, "I was minding my own business until I saw you hurting her. That's not something I can ignore."

Daniel spat, "Who invited you to this show?" 

But Ava refused to be silenced, "What gives you the right to treat her like this?" She stood infront of Noureen as a shield. 

"Please, just leave. It will only make things worse." Noureen whispered while sobbing. 

Ava looked at her, "I can't just stand here while you hurt her. You need help. You don't have to tolerate all that. There are people who can help you." 

Her empathy clashed against the brick wall of Daniel's hostility. Daniel retaliated with a venomous retort. "You think you're some savior? Mind your own damn business woman!"

Ava countered, "Sir, whatever the issue is, resorting to violence won't solve it. Think about your wife, especially now."

Daniel, unmoved by Ava's plea, scoffed, "She deserves it. Always testing my patience."

Ava, refusing to back down, continued, "Violence is never the answer. Talk to each other. Figure out what's wrong."

Daniel snapped back, "My wife doesn't need help from anyone. Certainly not from you. So, stay out of it." 

"I'll report this to the police," Ava declared.

Daniel's anger intensified. In a brutal, heart-wrenching motion, Daniel lunged towards Ava, his fingers seizing her delicate hand with an unforgiving grip. The strength of his hold was suffocating, his nails digging into her skin as if attempting to claim dominion over her.

With a force that seemed to defy the laws of physics, Daniel swung Ava aside, propelling her towards the balcony's railing. Ava caught off guard and collided with the sharp, iron decor adorned the edge of the railing. The impact was as sudden as it was brutal, and the echo of her pained gasp filled the air.

The once-sturdy railing, now an instrument of harm, left its mark on her hand—a deep, gaping cut that immediately began to bleed. The sound of impact reverberated in the air, accompanied by Ava's gasp of pain. The entire scene unfolded in slow motion as blood began to trickle from the wound, staining the once pristine floor of the balcony. 

She crumpled to the ground and her hand instinctively clutching the fresh wound. And Daniel was enjoying to see Ava. It was like a joyous moment for him to see a result of 'Tit for Tat.' 

Noureen stood there trembling. She couldn't do anything for Ava. The girl who tried to take her side now became a victim. In the meantime, Ibrahim came to the balcony while searching for Ava. Shock and fury mingled in his eyes as he took in the scene—Ava, wounded and bloodied, her distress mirrored in the expression etched across his face.

His eyes widened at the sight of Ava, the one he cherished, tossed aside with ruthless disregard. He rushed to her, "Are you alright?" 

Ava was visibly shaken and in pain, managed a nod, affirming her resilience. In the meantime, Daniel's voice echoed, "Hope now you'll mind your own business,"

 Ibrahim's gaze shifted from Ava to Daniel, a storm brewing in his eyes. 

Ibrahim's fury ignited like a flame, and his voice thundered through the balcony. "How dare you touch my wife?" he demanded, each word laced with an unmistakable threat.

 Daniel's insolent reply only fueled Ibrahim's anger, "Then tell your wife to stay out of people's business."

Ibrahim, unable to bear the audacity, grabbed Daniel's collar with a force that threatened to tip the scales of restraint, "Bastard, How dare you. You're playing with fire, my friend." 

But Daniel was unmoved. He smirked, "Let go, tough guy. Your wife needs a lesson."

Noureen was watching in shock. Her hands were covering her mouth in shock. 

"You'll regret laying a hand on her," Ibrahim warned in a low, menacing tone. Daniel though trapped, attempting to wriggle free.

Ava came towards Ibrahim, "Leave him, Ibrahim. It'll only cause more trouble for Noureen later."

Ibrahim, torn between his protective instincts and Ava's plea, released Daniel's collar. He shot Daniel a final, seething look, his words a chilling whispering promise, "This isn't over." I was only heard by Daniel as Ava and Noureen were stood at a distance.