CHAPTER 42

After sending Mia home, Noah and Xavier rushed back to Xavier's residence, determined to uncover any leads regarding Ava's sudden disappearance. The sight that greeted them was unsettling: Ava's essential belongings had vanished, and the security footage provided a chilling account. They watched Ava reading a book before she left for her doctor's appointment—and never returned.

"She must have deleted the footage," Xavier said, his voice tinged with frustration. He was well aware of Ava's resourcefulness and intelligence.

"We should check her old house. She can't have gone too far," Noah suggested, attempting to comfort Xavier, though he was unaware that Ava had actually traveled to another state.

Arriving at Ava's previous residence, they were informed that it had been leased out to new tenants. All of Ava's possessions had already been removed. The sight of the empty rooms and the absence of her belongings only intensified Xavier's anger and confusion. He was tormented by the thought of what might have driven her to leave so abruptly.

In a desperate bid for answers, Xavier called one of his trusted operatives, instructing him to retrieve all transportation records from the previous day in the city. As they reviewed the data, Xavier made a critical observation.

"She must have used the airport," he said decisively.

Noah, utilizing his hacking skills, accessed the airport's database and discovered records for four individuals named Charlotte Jones. Of these, two had departed for Chicago, one for France, and the last for Barcelona.

"She's always had a fondness for Barcelona," Xavier noted, his mind racing as he considered the possibilities.

He instructed his men to search all three destinations. "Why check all three locations?" Noah asked, puzzled by the expansive search.

"If she has a preference for Barcelona, she would likely choose it," Xavier replied, frustration evident as he ran his hands through his hair. The sense of urgency and unease was palpable—nothing felt right without Ava by his side.

"We need to visit the hospital," he decided, urgency in his voice as he and Noah rushed to the facility Ava had visited the previous day.

At the hospital, they questioned Dr. Drake, who, following Ava's instructions, had falsely reported that Ava had asthma rather than revealing her true medical condition.

Noah's skepticism was evident. "Asthma wouldn't drive her to leave like this."

Xavier's eyes narrowed in response. "What are you suggesting?"

Noah quickly backtracked, "Sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything. It just seems like an extreme reaction to a condition like asthma."

As Xavier pondered the situation, a sudden realization struck him. He rushed out of the room and called Claire, the receptionist who had interacted with Ava.

"Claire, did you see Ava yesterday? Did anything seem unusual?" Xavier asked urgently, putting the call on speakerphone.

Claire's response was revealing. "Yes, I saw her. She appeared to be crying, but she told me it was due to period cramps."

"She was crying?" Xavier pressed. "At what time did she come? Send me the footage now."

"Unfortunately, the cameras were down at that time," Claire explained.

Xavier's mind raced as he connected the dots. Ava's distress and her decision to leave were likely linked to a misunderstanding of what she had witnessed. The realization that she had misconstrued the situation and left in a state of panic made the entire situation clearer.

"Fuck" that was the only thing he could say now.

In the heart of Chicago, within the comforting yet somber walls of her grandmother's house, Ava lay on a bed that seemed to bear the weight of her heartbreak and the precious life growing inside her. Her hand rested gently on her abdomen, a canvas of her complex emotions—a month and fifteen days of intertwined pain and hope. Each day, the lingering ache of betrayal from the man she once adored gnawed at her, yet her heart clung desperately to a faint thread of affection. Tomorrow, she would face a pivotal moment: her first ultrasound.

The night before, she had spoken with Dr. Drake, who had painstakingly detailed the gravity of her condition. His words were a sobering reminder of her dual battle against cancer and pregnancy. The cancer treatments she needed were too risky for her unborn child, creating a cruel dilemma between her own health and her baby's safety. Dr. Drake's compassionate tone did little to ease her anxiety, and the weight of his words settled heavily upon her shoulders.

As she gazed out of the window, lost in her turbulent thoughts, Greta, her devoted forty-year-old maid, entered the room. Greta's presence was a comforting balm, a steady anchor amidst the storm. With a warm smile and a tray of simple snacks, she offered Ava a momentary reprieve from her overwhelming stress. The familiar, nurturing presence of Greta provided a fleeting but cherished escape from the relentless churn of her fears.

Ava had secured a modest job at a small company, where she was known by her middle name, Charlotte. This anonymity allowed her a semblance of peace, shielding her from unwanted attention while she grappled with her circumstances. The small victories of her daily life were bittersweet, each one underscored by the harsh realities she faced.