The only one he wanted to be with

"How was your interview?" Ava asked as she walked into the apartment, Lorenzo behind her.

"It went well... I guess," Enzo said with a sigh.

"I believe in you. You'll succeed," Ava assured him.

Enzo went to the sink and was washing his hands when Ava asked, "Have you had lunch?"

He shook his head. He didn't even know if there was anything at home. if it was before, he could stay without lunch but he couldn't starve his wife could he?

"Enzo I bought groceries," she said looking at him. "But..." she looked conflicted. She didn't know if he could manage her dishes; she wasn't a great cook. She gave him the lunch box.

"I've had lunch. This is yours." Ava went to bring plates. She put the food there for him and watched nervously as he took the first bite.

"How is it?" she asked.

Lorenzo's heart was overwhelmed with sweetness. It was only his late mother that cares for him this way. He had always had to do things himself and had no one to take care of him. Even his ex didn't even ask once if he had eaten.

The dish tasted mediocre and was a bit more on the spicy side but he didn't mind. It was the thought that counted.

"It's wonderful. Thank you, Ava."

Ava smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I'm not very good at cooking."

"I don't mind," Enzo said and continued eating.

***

"Ava," Vincent called over the phone. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, second brother. How are you too?"

"I'm fine. I just wanted to tell you that Calvin is returning next week. We are having a get-together to welcome him."

"Third brother is coming back?"

"Mhmm."

"Who is picking him up from the airport?"

"Damien."

"I'll come if I have the time," she said and Vincent hummed.

"Ava, why didn't you come to our last get-together?"

"Oh, I was quite busy," Ava said. Well, she got married that day.

"Okay. I'll see you at the get-together okay?"

"Yes, goodbye Vincent."

In the office, Vincent sighed. He didn't like the distance Ava put between them whenever they spoke. And it all started since she broke up with her fiance.

He planned everything. He framed her fiance; he made sure that there wasn't anything that'll make her trust him again. He even felt very happy when she ran to his house that evening crying that her fiance cheated on her.

But after that day, she became distant from him. He didn't know what went wrong. But he knew that she was the only one he wanted to be with.

***

"Lorenzo, we need money for your dad's medical fees. The rate at which he takes medicine is increasing. Also, we have not paid rent for two months," Mrs. Hales said as Lorenzo walked into the house.

"Good day to you too, Aunt," He greeted his stepmother. He wasn't surprised by her words because all she did was ask for money. He didn't have any.

"Mom, leave brother Enzo alone. He already works hard enough. Give him a break." A young woman of nineteen came from inside the house. It was his stepsister, Noelle.

"Dad is in his room," Noelle told Lorenzo and he quickly went in to avoid listening to his stepmother.

As he approached his father's room, he heard coughing. He entered the room and went to his father's side.

"Dad," he called.

"Lorenzo, my son, how have you been?" the middle-aged man lying on the bed tried to get up.

"Dad, lie down. I'm fine dad, don't worry about me. You should be worried about yourself. Why don't you stay in the hospital? There will be people who will take care of you."

"I'm worried about the bill."

"The bill shouldn't be your concern. I'll pay them when I get a job. But for now, I can borrow money."

"From who?" Mr. Hales asked.

"Your brother, Jason," Lorenzo said.

"No." Mr. Hales refused immediately. He didn't trust his younger brother and his brother had always been a secretive person. No one knows how his wealth was acquired.

"Dad, this is for your good. Please."

"No remains *cough* no."

"Dad, I'm not going to listen. I know you don't trust him but that doesn't matter right now."

He brought some cash out from his pocket. The money wasn't much but it would be enough for medicine for the time being.

"This is for you dad." He put the money in his palm. He knew better than to give it to his Aunt because she usually spent most of it on useless things.

"Take care." Lorenzo left the room and walked towards the entrance of the house. As he went he heard Mrs. Hales loud voice complaining of how she wasn't given any money.

***

One week passed very quickly. Ava had already resumed her work at the office but she hid where she worked pretty well from Lorenzo. Meanwhile, Lorenzo was waiting for a call from Kybers. But the relationship between the two of them was getting better.

Ava left work early and was preparing dinner for the both of them when Lorenzo came into the kitchen smiling.

"Ava," he called and Ava turned to face him.

"I got the job."

"Oh my gosh." Ava ran and threw her arms around him. "I'm so happy for you."

It took a while before Ava realized what she did. "I'm sorry," she apologized.

Enzo coughed. "It's okay," he said with a ruddy face. "I'll begin working the day after tomorrow."

Ava nodded and went back to the kitchen smiling. She was glad that her husband secured the job.