The Assistant director of Education Bureau

The after-party started and everyone was enjoying the party when a black Mercedes Benz stopped at the door of "Pure Music Academy". The driver jumped out of the car and opened the back door and a handsome man wearing a deep brown designer suit and a pair of expensive sunglasses came out of the car and stood straight. He walked toward the academy with confident and elegant steps.

Ava was standing in the hall and talking to some of the guests when she heard the girls around her whispering in excitement.

"My God, isn't it the assistant director of the Education Bureau?"

"Yes, he is. He took over the responsibility two years ago. He is definitely the youngest and the most handsome assistant director of the Education Bureau in this city."

"Well, can't argue with that."

"I can't believe he is here. He hardly attends any social gathering, looks like it's my lucky day, today."

Hearing the hushed noises Ava got confused and curious at the same time. She turned her head to look at the person who was so famous among the girls around her. However, the moment her eyes fell on the person she was taken aback.

Sam!

Samuel was looking as handsome as ever in his tight-fitting suit, leather shoes, and sunglasses. Ava had no idea that he has become the deputy director of the education bureau. That was one of the most honorable positions for someone on the education board.

Samuel saw Ava, he took off his sunglasses and walked toward her with a bunch of lilies in his hand. His eyes still looked at her with love and affection and there was a charming smile hanging on his lips. "Hello Ava, long time no see."

Ava smiled and said in a soft tone, "Sam, yeah it's been really long."

"These are for you." Samuel held out the flowers to Ava.

"Oh! Thank you." Ava took the flower and smiled a little embarrassed.

Daniel was beside Ava, so she quickly introduced the two. They all went to the same school so of course Daniel and Samuel knew each other. However, they were not particularly friendly to each other. Daniel knew Ava's relationship with Samuel so after the introduction he excused himself and walked away to greet other guests to give them some space.

Samuel stared at Ava, his eyes were burning. Over the years the woman has become even more beautiful, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked more mature, more composed, and collective which was making her more attractive now. A lot of things changed over the years but the love he had for Ava never really decreased a bit.

After Ava left without any news he knew something must have happened between her and Oliver. He already predicted that Oliver and Ava will not last. He tried to look for her but couldn't find anything useful. It was not until the news of Mackie he realized Ava was back. He was in Shanghai at that time when he saw the news, he immediately asked his assistant to book the ticket to Beijing but he got held up by the education board meeting which delayed his return.

Samuel made his assistant run an investigation on Ava and found out she was indeed married to Daniel and has an adopted daughter. It wounded his heart and ego to know that even when Ava decided to part away from Oliver, she still didn't come to him, and instead he chose another man. That night he got drunk and broke everything that was around him. Anger, bitterness, sadness everything took over him. And now seeing her in front of him his heart felt a pang of hurt again but he knew she was always out of his reach.

Samuel asked in a deep voice "Ava, do you have some time, so we could talk?"

"Sure, let's go inside and sit in my office," Ava said with a smile and led Samuel to her office. Ava and Samuel had made up a long time ago, she didn't want to remember those bitter days so she decided to move on and be friends like they used to be.

After they sit down in Ava's office she asked, "So, how have you been? I heard you have become the youngest assistant director of the education bureau. "

Samuel chuckled and said, "Well, it's all because of the girl, Erika. I guess she felt guilty after getting back with Arvin and wanted to make up to me. So she arranged an interview for me and I luckily got selected."

"Well, that's not a surprise; after all, you are very capable. You are indeed suitable to be the deputy director. I am really happy for you." Ava said with admiration in her eyes. She knew Samuel was a brilliant mathematician and definitely was worthy of this title.

Ava looked at Samuel carefully, time can really change someone a lot. She still remembered Samuel as the boy next door with a sunny smile on his face but now his personality was elegant and reserved. She thought, maybe being in a high position makes people change their attitude for others to respect them.

"Ava, how have you been all these years?" Samuel asked in a soft voice. He still would have heartaches whenever he would think of her. She was like an old scar in his heart that never healed.

"Good actually, Very good. I hope you are doing good as well." Ava said with a bright smile. She wasn't lying, she has been good, only her heart was dead, which she didn't need to share with anyone.

"Good to hear that. I am happy for you. Yeah, I am good too." Samuel said in a light tone but he looked away from Ava, probably to hide his lies. He could never let Ava go. Since he took over the responsibility of deputy director his family has been pressurizing him to get married. They even made him go on blind dates, but his dates were so terrible that his parents were very angry at him at that time his ex-girlfriend Annie helped him. His parents thought they were together so they didn't pester him to go on any more dates. Samuel made it clear to Annie that he may never be able to give her the love she deserved but that girl was too persistent and has been waiting for him ever since. However, Samuel's stubborn heart still wants Ava.

Ava didn't miss the sadness in Samuel's eyes, she felt bitter in her heart. But she decided to keep a straight face and said with a light smile, "that's good to know."

"So you came back for good this time or planning to go back again?" Samuel tried to divert the conversation.

Ava smiled again and said, "I am not sure yet."

"Why Ava? This is your home. You can't keep running like that." Although Samuel didn't know if Ava was running but knowing Oliver he just assumed that was the case.

"I don't know Sam, things have changed a lot in these three years. Maybe I will stay, maybe I will leave. But for now, I am here." Ava said bitterly. If Oliver didn't leave her alone she will probably leave again. However, she didn't know if this time Oliver will let her leave that easily. His behavior these days was very confusing which was making Ava's heart even more chaotic. In fact, tonight Ava was scared, she will see him at the inauguration but to her relief, he didn't show up.

Samuel stayed silent for a while then he looked at Ava intensely and asked in a low but firm voice, "Ava, are you and Daniel really together?" When Samuel heard they had an adopted daughter, he started to doubt that they were just nominal husband and wife. So he had to ask to clear his doubts.

Ava was thinking about how to answer his question when she was saved by a phone ring. However, the moment she saw the caller ID, her face changed. She frowned thinking why was he calling now?