Ava's Pov:
I woke up with a slight headache. I planned to ignore it and stay in bed but a message I received instantly changed my mind.
It was Mirabel. One of my old influencer friends who abandoned me like everyone else in my time of need.
She wanted to meet up.
I had too much going on already and I wasn't willing to add more to it, but I was so bored. Anything was better than being in a close proximity with Leon.
So, I showered, got dressed and told her to meet me at Wine n Dine bar. I wanted to talk to Alicia as well.
She agreed and I left the house with Marvin driving me. I made sure to take the lamborghini this time. Last thing I wanted was for her to think I wasn't in a good place like Nadia did.
A few minutes later, I walked in the bar and saw Mirabel at the far end table. Behind her was Alicia taking orders.
I put on my fake smile and walked over to her.
"Oh my God, Ava"
"Mirabel, it's so good to see you."
"You too, oh my God. How've you been?"
"Not bad. You don't look quite bad yourself."
"Oh I wish."
There it was. Typical Mirabel using me for what I could offer as usual.
"I'ts good to know at least one of us has been living their best lives."
I fake laughed and called for a waiter.
"Listen, I'm so sorry for not reaching out earlier. Trust me I wanted to."
"Was that before or after you heard that I was looking influence?"
She looked too uncomfortable to answer.
"I'm really sorry okay? I had it rough too, I still do."
"What's wrong?" Not that I cared.
"My mom's been really sick. We've spent so much money but she doesn't seem to be getting better."
"I'm so sorry."
"And on top of thar I just got out of a six year relationship with a cheater and abuser."
"What? Matt hit you?"
"Used to."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"I was afraid I'd get judged."
"No, no. I'm here for you okay?"
"I'm sorry I left you, it's just a lot going on."
I could see her eyes start to water. I felt bad for her. She loved her mum so much and Matt was her whole life. It didn't mean that I trusted she had good intentions but still, she deserved a second chance.
I took her number after we caught up on random things. She asked how I was doing and I simply said I was fine. Considering how much of a blabber I used to be, it was shocking for her and me but it was for the best.
After a while, she left and then Alicia came to sit beside me.
"Who was that?"
"An old friend."
"You mean secret hater?"
"I'd take it as you don't trust her."
"Do you?"
I waited. "No."
"Alicia…."
"Stop it. If you're going to apologize just keep it."
She held my hands. "I understand you have you reasons for keeping things from me. I just care about you and thats the only reason why it's a big deal for me but I won't accept an apology if you're not ready to tell me the whole truth."
"Come on Licia."
"I'm not mad okay? Take your time." She gently squeezed my hand and smiled at me. "I have to get back to work."
She left and so did I.
I was going to stay for a while but I couldn't. Max could show up and I couldn't bear watching Alicia pretend not to hate me.
I got back into the car and asked Marvin to take me home.
I saw Noah sitting at the garden area. Like my day couldn't get any worse. I walked up to him and sat besides him.
"Rough day?" he asked.
"Kinda. You?"
"Kinda."
We stayed quiet for a while, then he spoke again.
"Leon's been sleeping properly thanks to you."
"And I get followed kidnapped in return."
"Come on, Leon isn't who you think he is."
"Then who is he?"
"He protects the people he loves, even if it meant him dying."
"Last I checked I was the one who almost died."
"Keyword, almost. Leon would never let that happen."
"Why do you think so?"
"Because it's who he is. If he assured you that he's going to protect you, then believe him."
"How did he get insomnia?"
"Didnt he tell you his story?"
"What story? He just mentioned having it for years."
"I won't be the one to tell you, but it's not just lack of sleep. He's been through a lot. He built his company himself from scratch."
"Oh."
"Just give him some time okay?"
He patted me on the shoulder and stood up as Leon's car pulled up in the driveway.
I watched the two of them till they entered the house.
Maybe Noah wasn't so bad, Leon too.