CHAPTER 30

"Why did you stop?" Ava asked, her eyes still brimming with desire as she ran her hands over his chest.

"We'll wait until there are no secrets between us," Xavier replied, his voice husky. "I don't think this would be special for your first time, and your dad might overhear us if we continue."

He handed her a fresh set of clothes and a towel to dry herself. After a while, they both settled into bed, the air between them charged with unresolved tension.

The following day, Ava and the others bid farewell to her family and departed for Virginia.

Everyone was deeply engrossed in their studies as they prepared for their exams. Xavier and Ava were diligently working on their exam preparations, while Mia and Noah were focused on crafting a sculpture based on their assigned topic. The atmosphere in Xavier's house was one of intense concentration, each person absorbed in their individual tasks.

Suddenly, Noah's phone rang, shattering the silence. He excused himself and stepped out to take the call. Moments later, Xavier's phone also rang, and he too exited the room.

"Why did you call me, Noah?" Xavier asked as he entered one of the guest rooms and found Noah seated on the couch.

"Alexander informed me that the Brookes and the Blacks are planning to wage war against us soon," Noah said, his voice grave.

"We'll see what those minor players can accomplish," Xavier replied, his eyes darkening with determination. "For now, our best course of action is to remain vigilant and protect our loved ones."

"Have you informed Ava about this?" Noah asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I plan to discuss it with her after the exams. I don't want to disturb her studies," Xavier responded.

Noah was aware that when Xavier was enraged, he could appear menacing and intense. He worried about how Ava would react, knowing that while she was a strong individual, she was also highly sensitive. Mia, who was familiar with high-risk situations and willing to take bold actions, was different from Ava in this regard.

"I'm heading back now. You should join me shortly," Xavier said before leaving the room, with Noah following a minute later.

EXAM DAY

The day of the exam arrived, and students emerged from the examination hall, having completed their final papers. They submitted their work and exited the building, chatting and laughing.

"Hey Rose, what was the answer to the 15th question?" Ava asked, hurrying over to Rose, who was known as the class topper.

"It was 59," Rose replied, adjusting her glasses.

"Oh no, I wrote 61! I really messed up," Ava said, her expression one of dismay.

"Thanks anyway. See you at graduation," Ava said, waving goodbye as she set off to find Xavier.

"Hey, how did you find the exam? Don't ask me, I've already messed up one question," Ava inquired of Xavier.

Xavier chuckled and responded, "I think I did well overall, though I suspect I may have erred on a few questions."

"Oh, that's reassuring. Let's head to your guesthouse. I heard Noah and Mia are on their way there," Ava suggested.

"Yes, they are. However, before we meet them, there's an important matter I need to discuss with you," Xavier said.

Upon arriving at Xavier's guesthouse, Ava noticed the heavy security presence. "Why are there so many people here, Xavier?" she asked, observing the bodyguards stationed around, their weapons clearly visible.

"I'll explain inside," Xavier replied, unlocking the door. He invited Ava in and told her to make herself comfortable while he went to fetch something for her to eat.

As Ava settled in, Noah arrived, carrying Mia in his arms.

"What happened?" Ava exclaimed, rushing toward Mia.

"Nothing serious; she just fell asleep. Please, keep your voice down," Noah said, and he took Mia to the guest room.

While Ava was left alone in the mansion, her father's call came through.

"Hey, Dad—"

"Ava, don't speak. Just listen to me carefully. You and Mia are not safe. Is there anyone with you?"

"No one is with me right now, but what do you mean, Dad?" Ava could hear the urgency in his voice and the blaring of car horns in the background.

"I'm on my way to your location. Where are you?"

"We're at Xavier's house. What's going on? I'm really scared," Ava said, her anxiety mounting.

"Honey, I'll explain everything soon, but first, you must follow my instructions," Marc said, his voice tense as he drove.

"Okay, Dad."

"Both of you need to leave the premises without drawing attention. Do not disclose anything to your boyfriends," he instructed.

"Alright, but please, tell me what's happening."

"I promise I'll explain everything, but your safety comes first."

"Okay, Dad. I'm going to hang up now," she said, her voice trembling.

"Stay safe," Marc replied before the call ended.

As Ava approached the room where Mia was resting, she was startled by a series of gunshots. Before she could react, Noah swiftly pushed her into the room, instructing her to stay put and not open the door for anyone until he returned.

Inside the room, Mia was already awake, visibly shaken by the commotion.

"What in the world is going on?" Ava demanded, her fear palpable.

"A Mafia attack," Mia whispered, her voice quivering not only from fear for herself but for Ava, Xavier, and Noah.

"A what?" Ava's eyes widened in disbelief.

As the reality sank in, Ava connected the dots from Mia's expression. "Oh my God," she breathed, her heart racing.

"They are involved in the Mafia," Mia revealed, a wave of terror washing over Ava.

"No," Ava said, feeling a momentary relief that Mia wasn't directly involved, only to be devastated by Mia's next words.

"They control the entire Mafia."

Ava was rendered speechless. "You knew about this?" she asked, her voice betraying a tumult of emotions.

Mia could sense the torrent of feelings in her best friend's voice. "I only discovered the truth two weeks ago. But, Ava, believe me, they are not the villains here."

"Let's remain silent for now. You're not the one who owes me an explanation," Ava said flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. She recalled the day Xavier had insisted that there be no barriers, no secrets between them, only to realize he was speaking of himself. The revelation left her feeling foolish.

After an indeterminate time, the house fell eerily silent, and neither Ava nor Mia moved from their places. Eventually, Xan opened the door, surveying them with a resigned sigh. He appeared relieved to see they were safe. Ava was taken aback to find that he, too, was entangled in this grim reality.

Her fear escalated as she observed the armed men with blood-soaked hands. Mia hurried out of the room and embraced Noah, her tears mingling with the blood on his clothes. Ava slowly emerged from the room; the scene appeared deceptively calm, yet the acrid scent of blood was unmistakable in the air.