Chapter 3: An Unexpected Surprise

Ava stepped out of the house, got into the car, adjusted her seat, and buckled her seatbelt.

Liam looked different—leaner, sharper than before. His chiseled features were even more striking than she remembered, making it impossible not to notice him.

She hated how easily he could still affect her.

"This is for you." Liam handed her a small, elegant velvet box.

Ava hesitated for a moment before taking it. She opened the box to find a beautifully crafted engraving pen resting inside—its sleek black body adorned with delicate golden patterns.

She recognized it instantly. This was a limited-edition artisan tool, custom-made for a world-renowned artist. The precision-cut tip could create exquisitely fine lines.

Ava raised an eyebrow. "An engraving pen? Is this some kind of welcome gift for new employees? Seems a little excessive."

Liam smirked. "You're an art restorer now. Top-tier work deserves top-tier tools. I figured you'd like it." As he spoke, he gently placed the pen into her palm.

His fingertips brushed against her skin, sending a subtle shiver through her.

Ava quickly withdrew her hand, masking her reaction with a casual smile. "Thanks, but let's not make a habit of this… Gifts like these make things complicated."

Liam's smile didn't fade. "It's just a pen, Ava. Don't overthink it."

He started the car.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at his family estate.

As soon as they stepped inside, Grandma Ruth hurried over and pulled Ava into a warm embrace, her voice full of joy. "Sweetheart! You have no idea how much I've missed you! I was starting to think you'd forgotten all about me!"

Ava chuckled and hugged her back. "How could I, Grandma? But Liam said you needed to see me urgently?"

Grandma Ruth shot Liam a glance before waving dismissively. "Oh, never mind that. We'll talk after dinner. Important conversations shouldn't happen on an empty stomach."

Dinner was a feast—steak, roasted vegetables, freshly baked bread, and enough wine to last a week.

As they ate, Grandma Ruth studied Ava with a warm smile. "You know, the moment I first met you, I knew you were the right one for Liam. I told everyone, 'This girl is special.' Look at you—so beautiful, so kind, so patient. You stood by him during his hardest times, and that's something not everyone can do."

Ava felt a slight tightness in her chest. She stole a glance at Liam. He was uncharacteristically silent, his grip tightening around his fork.

Grandma Ruth sighed, her voice softening. "I'm getting old, dear. My only wish now is to see you two happy… and maybe, if I'm lucky, hold a great-grandchild before I go."

Ava nearly choked on her wine. She snapped her gaze to Liam. He never told her.

Grandma Ruth took Ava's hand, looking at her earnestly. "I mean it. You two are perfect for each other."

Ava forced a smile. "Grandma, you're in great health. You'll be around for a long time."

The old woman simply shook her head. "I know my body best. And my only wish is to see you two find your way back to each other."

She pressed a hand to her chest and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh dear, I suddenly feel a little lightheaded. I should go lie down."

Ava immediately stood up to help her.

At the bedroom door, Grandma Ruth turned to Liam and said, "From tonight on, you two will be staying here. No arguments. I want to see you acting like a real couple."

Liam opened his mouth to protest, but she had already shut the door.

Ava took a deep breath and muttered, "She has no idea about the truth, does she?"

Liam rubbed his temples. "No… And with her health like this, now's not the time to break it to her."

Back at the dining table, Grandpa Frank handed Ava another piece of steak. "Eat up, kiddo. You'll need your strength."

Ava accepted it with a smile, though her mind was in turmoil.

Liam set his wine glass down, frowning. "Grandpa, when I last saw Grandma, she was perfectly fine. How did things change so quickly?"

Grandpa Frank sighed. "Age catches up fast. She puts on a strong front, but she's struggling more than she lets on." He looked between the two of them. "So do me a favor—don't upset her, alright?"

Liam nodded, his expression heavy.

That night, they stepped into the guest room.

Ava's eyes immediately landed on the one and only bed in the center of the room. She groaned and covered her face. "Of course. Why wouldn't it be just one bed?"

Liam chuckled. "You've shared a bed with me before."

"That was a long time ago." She rolled her eyes.

"Same concept." He shrugged, tossing his jacket onto a chair.

She folded her arms. "So what's your plan?"

Loosening his tie, he said nonchalantly, "Stay a few days, feel things out, then break the news to Grandma when the timing's right."

Ava sighed, glancing at the bed. "This is going to be torture."

Liam switched off the bedside lamp, his lips twitching in amusement. "Close your eyes and pretend I'm not here."

Easy for him to say.

Just as she was about to get into bed, Liam's phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen, and his smile disappeared instantly.