The warm scent of herbal porridge still lingered in the room when Dominic finally stood from his chair, rolling his sleeves down and glancing once more at Ava. "You should rest more," he said, his tone low but firm, before retreating through the glass doors he took a last look at her and moved towards his private suite.
Ava watched him go, unsure whether the flutter in her chest was from lingering fever or something far more dangerous. Once the door clicked shut, silence swept the space again.
She stood slowly and walked barefoot across the marbled floor toward the suite's expansive balcony. As the door slid open with a soft hush, a gentle breeze greeted her. The dawn was just beginning to bloom in shades of gold and lavender over the horizon.
The sky was a canvas, painted with soft pastels that melted into one another. Cool air kissed her skin, but instead of shivering, she felt it soothe her nerves like balm.
Ava's eyes landed on the wooden swing chair placed at the edge of the balcony. It swayed faintly, beckoning her.
She sank into it slowly, letting her body relax against the soft cushions as she stared out into the slowly awakening skyline. Buildings glimmered in the faint morning light. The world was so quiet, so peaceful—it felt almost unreal.
Her hand reached for her phone.
A moment passed.
And another.
She hesitated.
Should she call?
Her finger hovered over the contact labeled Mom ❤.
She bit her lower lip.
A deep breath. One tap.
The phone rang once. Then twice.
Before the third, a voice—calm, smooth, and velvet-laced—cut in with a tone of mock offense:
"So, Miss Ellis finally got time to call her mother now?"
Ava froze. Panic bloomed in her chest.
She knows.
Screaming internally, she squeaked out, "M-Mommm…"
"Yes, Miss Ellis," her mother continued, dramatically emphasizing the name. "So you do remember that you have a mother?"
Ava shifted uncomfortably on the swing, eyes darting toward the sky. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hide it from you, really—"
Her mother cut her off, a hint of sternness now lacing her voice. "But you did hide it. When your father and I found out about your secret bet with your brother—God, Ava—we were shocked."
Ava winced.
"Do you know how hard it was to calm your father down?" her mother continued. "He looked ready to hop on a plane and drag you back home by the ear."
"…Yeah," Ava said, her voice softer. "I know, Mom. I know I messed up."
There was a sigh on the other end.
"Ava," her mother said gently but firmly, "I've told you before. Love isn't something you go out searching for. It finds you, when the time is right."
Ava let out a short, bitter laugh. "Yeah, well… maybe some people just aren't meant to find that kind of love."
Her gaze drifted to the horizon again, where sunlight now filtered between clouds like golden lace.
"That's wrong, sweetheart," her mother replied, her tone softening. "You remember what I told you when you were little? Everyone who walks this Earth has a destined partner. They might arrive in this world alone—but they're never truly alone. Someone out there is meant to find them. And when they do, the connection will feel like home."
Ava's chest tightened.
A lump formed in her throat as she rose from the swing abruptly, brushing imaginary dust off her lap. "Forget it, Mom," she muttered. "Let's not talk about this now."
She tried to shift the subject. "How's Dad doing?"she paused before continuing "Is big brother in rouble because of me?"
Her mother chuckled. "Your brother? Oh, he's in huge trouble. Imagine sending your father's darling daughter to an unknown city, completely alone."
Ava laughed softly, finally.
"I miss you guys," she said, hugging the phone to her ear.
Her mother's voice turned warm. "Then come home quickly."
Ava smiled, eyes misting. "Just a few more months, Mom. Then I'll be back. And honestly… it's not so bad here. I've got my own little shop now. And it's peaceful. Simple. For once, life feels quiet."
"I know," her mom replied knowingly. "You even named your shop after our old nicknames."
Ava groaned, burying her face in one hand. "Mom, did you send someone to spy on me?"
"I didn't. But I did receive photos."
"What?!"
"You're not a child, I know. But your father was losing sleep worrying about you. And your brother assured him not to worry—because he had someone in place."
Ava went still.
"But don't panic," her mom added. "I know you hate being followed. So Ethan didn't assign someone to tail you. But if something goes wrong, there are people around who will help. At least let us have the peace of mind that you're not alone out there."
Ava swallowed hard.
"I'm okay, Mom. Really," she said quietly. "Tell Dad not to worry. I'm his daughter, remember? Did he forget how stubborn I am?"
Her mother laughed. "He didn't. In fact, that's exactly why he's so worried."
"I'll call more often. Promise."
"You better."
There was a pause. Both women sat in their respective corners of the world, soaking in the comfort of the bond only a mother and daughter could share.
"I love you, Ava," her mom finally said.
Ava smiled, tears brimming. "Love you too, Mom. Take care of Dad and yours, okay?"
"I always do."
Ava ended the call and held the phone to her chest for a moment.
The sun was now fully risen. The city bathed in its golden light.
And though her heart still carried secrets, it also carried something warm.
Maybe….her mother was right things that are meant to be will happen eventually.
She didn't felt sleepy so she decided to go for a morning walk.