Chapter 42: A Confusing Night (Liam's POV)

Seeing Ava like that, her laughter bubbling over, her eyes sparkling with an almost childlike joy, a strange warmth spread through me. It wasn't the Ava I was used to, the composed, brilliant woman who challenged and intrigued me. This Ava was uninhibited, playful, and utterly captivating.When she reached for me, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through my system, I knew I was in trouble. The way she looked at me, with those wide, innocent eyes, it was like she was seeing right through me, into the depths of my soul.My first instinct was to get her out of there, away from the prying eyes and flashing cameras. I couldn't risk a scandal, not for Ava, not for Aesher Solutions. Tossing the car keys to Sarah, I instructed her to drive, settling into the backseat with Ava.Despite my attempts to maintain some distance, Ava was a force of nature. She giggled, her fingers tracing the lines of my arms, her touch lingering on my biceps and chest. She made bold comments about my physique, her words a mix of playful teasing and genuine admiration.I tried to remain stoic, to keep my composure, but it was a losing battle. Her touch was intoxicating, her laughter infectious. I found myself captivated by her uninhibited affection, my own heart beating faster with each passing moment.Sarah, bless her soul, was having a field day. Her laughter filled the car, echoing Ava's own. I even caught her glancing at her phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I didn't realize then that she was recording the whole thing, capturing every touch, every giggle, every whispered compliment.The drive back to the villa felt like a blur. Ava, unrestrained by her usual inhibitions, moved with the flow of the car like a child on a roller coaster, her laughter echoing with each turn.When we finally arrived, I was relieved. I needed to get Ava inside, get her settled, and try to make sense of the chaotic emotions swirling within me.But as I tried to open the car door, Ava's hand shot out, her fingers wrapping around my collar. Before I could react, her lips were on mine, her kiss passionate, demanding, and utterly unexpected."Liam," she murmured against my lips, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you. I love you so much that I was willing to walk away, to protect you, to protect us..."Her words hit me like a thunderbolt. Ava loved me? The realization sent a shockwave through me, leaving me speechless. I had never expected this, never dared to hope for it.My mind raced, trying to process her confession, trying to formulate a response. But all I could manage was a gentle pat on her shoulder and a weak, "We'll figure it out tomorrow morning."I got out of the car, carrying Ava into her villa. I instructed Sarah to help her change and stay with her for the night, ensuring she was safe and comfortable.As I walked away, the image of Ava, her face flushed, her eyes filled with love, burned into my mind. Her confession echoed in my ears, her words a mix of drunken honesty and heartfelt emotion.My heart ached with a longing I had never experienced before. I had always admired Ava, respected her, been drawn to her intelligence and spirit. But now, knowing she loved me, the intensity of my own feelings was overwhelming.I had spent months trying to convince myself that our connection was purely professional, that our different social standings made a relationship impossible. But Ava's confession had shattered those carefully constructed walls, leaving me vulnerable and exposed.As I walked back to my own villa, the night air heavy with unspoken emotions, I knew one thing for sure: tomorrow morning couldn't come soon enough. I needed to talk to Ava, to understand her feelings, and to finally confront my own.