As they strolled towards the garden, Granny leaned heavily on Nathan's arm, her eyes filled with suspicion. "A maid, you say? She looks more like a wife, doesn't she?"
Nathan chuckled, a nervous edge to his voice, " Granny you're overthinking, she's just helping out around the house." He knew what she meant by more like a wife but Nathan wasn't ready to talk about it.
He subtly glanced back at the kitchen window where Ava stood frozen, her hands still clutched in her hand. He could practically feel her gaze burning into his back.
In the kitchen, Ava finished dishing out the meal. She walked towards the garden, a sweet smile plastered on her face. "Mr Nathan," Ava called out, her voice dripping with false subservience. "The meal is ready." I will be leaving now, she thought, shooting Nathan a dangerous look.
"Join us for dinner," Granny said, pulling Ava towards the dining table. Ava was led by Granny, while Nathan followed from behind.
"Nina, are you single?" Granny asked, piling dishes onto Ava's plate. Nathan silently glanced at Ava, waiting for her reply.
Ava smirked, "Yes, I divorced my husband."
Nathan's eyes darkened, and he dropped his spoon harshly. Walking out of the dining room without finishing his meal.
Granny kept asking her questions like nothing happened after eating, she left to meet an old friend while Ava did the dishes.
That night Nathan did not return home early. While waiting for him , Ava tried sending messages to Angel,later that night Nathan arrived completely ignoring her as he strode towards his study room with documents in his hand.
Ava quickly followed him. "We need to talk," she simply said, before he finally glanced at her. "I am busy, later," he replied curtly, disappearing into his study and closing the door firmly behind him.
Ava stood there speechless for a moment, frustrated she headed back to her room, the next day she would talk to him.
Nathan stayed in this study room all night, burying himself in a pile of documents. He sighed in frustration until it was 9 a.m the next day, Ava walked into the kitchen, drawn by the smell of grilled meat. She licked her tongue, ready to devour the meal,when an old lady walked out of the kitchen.
"Granny!" Ava shouted, shocked. She nearly fell down.
Granny noticed her nightwear and frowned, "Nina, l did not know that maids these days can wear such revealing nightgowns," Granny remarked. Realizing that Ava was sleeping at her grandson's place, she shouted. "No way! Are you dating Nathan? Are you sleeping with him? Granny bombarded her with a lot of questions, not giving Ava a chance to defend herself.
Hearing the commotion, Nathan came out only to see Ava wearing a transparent gown, he frowned. What is this woman trying to do? Nathan did not notice another pair of eyes glaring at him, his gaze focused on Ava remembering that night. He quickly asked, his voice husky, "What are you wearing?"
Granny chimed in, "Are you two dating?"
"Yes.." "No.." Nathan and Ava said in unison.
Ava frowned. What has gotten into him? He said the marriage should be a secret or was he already being seduced? She has not started her plan, and he is already tempted. Tsk, tsk. This would be easier than she thought.
Nathan, still dazed by Ava's appearance and Granny's sudden arrival, managed to say, "Actually, we are not dating…." Ava sighed in relief, glad that he was still sticking to his words. "We are married," he smirked, glaring at Ava as if he could read her mind.
Ava's expression turned sour. She wasn't angry that he had told Granny, she was angry that he had forced her to lie.
Granny glanced at the two figures, speechless. She smiled not caring how they met, but her grandson was finally married. "When will you give me a great-grandchild?" she blurted out, her gaze focusing on Nathan.
Ava chuckled to herself, not for at least seven years, she thought.
Nathan smiled half, " Very soon. But for now, you need to leave. Nina and l have things to discuss." He glanced at Nina with a warm smile.
After Granny left, his eyes darkened, "My room, quickly." He stopped as if he had forgotten something. " First, change your gown."
Ava changed her gown to something comfortable, then went to his room.
Nathan stood close to the vanity with his eyes closed, inhaling the summer breeze. As Ava closed the door behind her, silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of their breathing.
Then Nathan's expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Very well, Nina," he said, his voice strangely calm. "Let's talk,"
"Do you remember me?" he asked, staring into her eyes, searching for something.
"..."
Ava rested her hands on her hip, staring at him, confused. What has gotten into him, she thought. Before she could utter a word, the door widely open.
Leo dashed inside, breathing heavily , "Sir, we have a problem! Your mother is not responding."
With Nathan's heart pounding, he quickly raced towards the car and sped off to the hospital, without glancing at Ava and Leo
Leo was still catching his breath when Ava cornered him, "What happened to his mother?" she demanded.
" He knows nothing about your family, why do I care about him?" her inner voice, questioned.