CHAPTER FOURTY-SEVEN

Ava sat in the living room, watching a romantic movie on TV. She had prepared lunch, but Jerome was still asleep, so she didn't want to disturb him. As she watched the movie, she squealed with delight, getting caught up in the romance.

Just then, Jerome woke up and stood by the door, observing Ava's reaction to the movie. "Is this what you always watch?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Ava quickly turned her head, startled. "Oh, Jerome, you're awake!" She patted the couch beside her. "Come sit down, I've prepared lunch."

Jerome walked over and sat beside Ava, changing the channel as he settled in. Suddenly, a breaking news report flashed on the screen.

The newscaster's serious voice filled the room. "We have shocking news. David Engan, CEO of TM Corporation, has been found dead in his home."

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. Jerome's expression turned grave.

The newscaster continued, "According to reports, Mr. Engan's body was discovered with multiple stab wounds to the chest. The identity of the perpetrator remains unknown."

As the newscaster spoke, a graphic image of David's body appeared on screen, sending a chill through Ava and Jerome.

Ava wondered aloud, "Who could have done that?"

Jerome thought for a moment before responding, "Maybe he had a competitor who snapped."

The mention of competitors reminded Jerome of Julian, the former CEO of TM Corporation. "Julian hasn't been caught yet?."

Ava's eyes widened. "That's right! It's been two years now."

Jerome's expression turned speculative. "What if Julian was involved in David's murder? Maybe he sent someone to kill him, or did it himself."

Ava considered the possibility, but they couldn't jump to conclusions. "We don't know that for sure."

Jerome nodded. "You're right. Anyway, come have lunch. Then, you're coming with me to my place. You'll stay at my place for a few days."

Ava smiled, knowing she couldn't refuse Jerome's offer. "Fine, I've said yes."

As Ava and Jerome were about to eat, a heavy knock on the door interrupted them. Jerome offered to answer it.

When he opened the door, he found an elderly woman standing there. "Who are you?" Jerome asked.

The woman explained, "I'm the landlady of this house."

Ava joined them at the door, greeting the landlady warmly. However, the landlady's tone was stern. "Where's my rent?"

Ava explained, "I've been telling you, I'm struggling financially. I've been using my money for other necessities."

The landlady was unsympathetic. "I don't care. Pay your rent, or leave my house."

Jerome intervened, "She's leaving tonight. We just need some time to pack."

The landlady's expression changed from anger to shock. "What? You can't just..."she was broke and needed money,she didn't expect that ava would leave.

Jerome firmly closed the door, shutting out the landlady's protests. Ava looked at him in surprise.

Jerome turned to Ava. "You shouldn't let her disrespect you. We can arrange for someone to pack your belongings and move them to my place."

Ava nodded, accepting Jerome's solution. "Okay, fine. Do as you wish."

*************************

After Jerome's call, a big truck arrived, and a team of movers began packing ava's belongings. The landlady stood outside, shocked and surprised. She hadn't expected ava to leave, especially since Hava was her only tenant.

As the movers efficiently packed everything, the landlady watched, feeling helpless. She relied on ava's rent for her livelihood, and now she faced an uncertain future.

Hava, accompanied by Jerome, bid the landlady farewell. "Thank you for everything," ava said. "I'm grateful to be leaving."

Jerome drove off in ava's car, leaving the landlady to contemplate her empty, quiet compound. With ava gone, the landlady worried about finding a new tenant, fearing it might take years.

After a long journey, ava and Jerome finally arrived at their destination.Jerome instructed the movers to unpack everything and store it away, as ava wouldn't be needing it immediately. The movers obliged, and after Jerome paid them, they left.

ava's eyes widened in wonder as she stepped into the beautiful home. "Wow, I'm finally back in this paradise," she exclaimed.

As they entered, ava wrapped her arms around Jerome's neck, her gratitude evident. "I'm really grateful for everything. If not for you, I don't know what I would have done. That landlady would have been breathing down my neck."

Jerome's moment with ava was interrupted by a phone call. He picked up, and Ryan's voice boomed from the other end. "Hey, bro! You didn't tell me you were released!"

Jerome chuckled. "Where are you? Your background is noisy."

Ryan laughed. "I'm at a club, having the time of my life!"

Jerome shook his head, smiling. "You'll never change, will you?"

Ryan's laughter echoed through the phone. Jerome asked, "How did you know I was released?"

Ryan replied, "ava told me. I'm so glad for you, bro."

Jerome smiled, feeling grateful for his friend's support. He ended the call, returning his attention to ava.

*********************************

Monday morning arrived, and ava woke up feeling refreshed. Jerome had prepared a delicious breakfast for her, and they enjoyed a lovely morning together.

As they finished up, Jerome offered to drove her to work. When she arrived, she was beaming with happiness. She excitedly shared the news of Jerome's release with her coworkers.

The office erupted in cheers and congratulations. Chief Michael smiled, relieved that the case was closed and the Shadow Killer was no longer a threat.

"I'm so glad this case has been solved," Chief Michael said, nodding in satisfaction. "No more Shadow Killer to worry about."

Ava smiled, feeling grateful and pleased.