CHAPTER 37

Two years had passed since Ava became Xavier's personal secretary at his company. Their lives were seamlessly intertwined, both professionally and personally, as they shared an office and a home. Each day was a delicate dance of balancing their work responsibilities with their deepening relationship.

That morning, as they arrived at the office together, Ava was already mentally preparing for the tasks ahead. She settled into her office, meticulously arranging her files before picking up the sleek, leather-bound diary that contained Xavier's meticulously organized schedule. With a composed and purposeful stride, she made her way to his office, knocking gently before entering.

"Come in," Xavier's voice resonated with authority from behind the door.

Ava stepped inside, her demeanor poised and professional as she relayed the day's agenda. "Today's schedule is as follows: you have a meeting with the Davens at 11 a.m. Afterward, there's a two-hour break, followed by introductions with the new candidates who joined the company yesterday. Finally, at 5 p.m., you're scheduled to meet with the delegates in Chicago to discuss last week's stock performance." She closed the diary with a soft thud, her eyes meeting his as she awaited his response.

Xavier leaned back in his chair, his sharp, businesslike expression softening as his gaze lingered on her. His lips curved into a slight smile. "Cancel the meeting with the delegates and reschedule it for the day after tomorrow."

Ava's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "But isn't that meeting important?"

Xavier's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "If you've forgotten, I happen to have a girlfriend who deserves some attention. I'm taking her out on a date today. And do me a favor—inform her to get ready quickly. She has a tendency to be a bit lazy," he added with a playful grin before leaning forward to place a lingering kiss on her lips.

Ava couldn't help but smile in response. "Sure, Mr. Knight, I'll be sure to pass on the message. But what about tomorrow?"

Xavier sighed, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a more serious expression. "There's a meeting with the mafias tomorrow."

Ava's shoulders tensed at the mention, but she quickly composed herself, nodding in understanding. "Understood. I'll take care of everything. See you at lunch?" she asked, pecking him lightly on the cheek before heading back to her office.

As Ava returned to her work, a sense of unease settled over her. She'd been experiencing persistent chest pains and a nagging cough lately, and while she planned to see a doctor, she decided to wait until after Mia and Noah's wedding next month. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her tasks.

After sharing a quiet lunch with Xavier, Ava joined him in welcoming the new candidates. She was taken aback when she spotted Victoria among them, a woman with whom she had a complicated past. Despite their history, Victoria greeted her with an unsettlingly friendly smile, as if they were old friends.

Xavier noticed Ava's discomfort and leaned in, his arms wrapping protectively around her from behind. "Do you want me to fire her?" he asked, his voice low and reassuring.

Ava shook her head, keeping her voice steady. "No, not unless she does something to warrant it. This is a workplace, and I trust she knows how to behave professionally."

Xavier nodded, his embrace tightening slightly as if to convey his unwavering support. Together, they turned back to the task at hand, the unspoken bond between them stronger than ever.

*

After a night filled with passion and intimacy. Xavier and Ava left with each other's friends. Xavier and Noah departed early the next morning for their meeting with the other Mafia families, leaving Ava and Mia to embark on a day of wedding shopping.

As they strolled through the bustling streets, Ava glanced over at Mia. "Did you and Noah pick out the rings yet?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Mia smiled brightly. "Yes, we did. They're absolutely stunning," she replied, her eyes shining with excitement. "It still feels like a dream," she added, her smile growing even wider.

Ava returned the smile, her heart warming at her friend's happiness. "That's love," she said softly.

"Definitely," Mia agreed, nodding.

"What about the wedding dresses?" Ava inquired, her excitement evident in her voice. As the bridesmaid, she was eager to be involved in every detail of her best friend's big day.

"Don't worry," Mia reassured her. "We're going this Sunday. Everything's planned out perfectly. Just make sure you don't forget the date and time. And for one day, can you please focus on me instead of your ridiculously hot boyfriend?" Mia teased, her tone light and playful.

Ava laughed, shaking her head. "Says the girl who used to forget all about me during college because she was too busy going on dates with her boyfriend."

The two friends continued their shopping, bantering and laughing as they moved from store to store. After a while, they took a break and sat down in one of the booths, enjoying some food.

"So, are you planning to wear them tonight?" Mia asked mischievously, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

"Wear what?" Ava asked, pretending to be oblivious as she munched on a slice of pizza.

"The lingerie set you bought," Mia replied, her smirk widening.

Ava's cheeks flushed slightly, but she remained composed. "Yes, he likes it, and so do I," she said, her voice calm, though her thoughts drifted back to their fiery night together, her thighs clenching involuntarily at the memory.

"Ohhh," Mia teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Stop it," Ava retorted, rolling her eyes playfully. "You and Noah are at it almost every hour, and do I ever complain? And you're getting married at just 24. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy my bachelorette days a little longer," she added with a smirk.

Mia chuckled, taking a sip of her smoothie. "We just want to take it to the next level. Plus, with all the art exhibitions piling up, I doubt we'll have time for a honeymoon next year."

Time flew by, and soon enough, the day of Mia and Noah's wedding arrived.