Chapter Eighteen
Ava’s POV
Months had passed since I took control of my life, and every day, I reminded myself that I was no longer the woman who let heartbreak define her. My company and growth were proof of that
I pressed a hand on my belly as I stepped down the last flight to my office, feeling the soft flutters of life within me, and the warmth it brought to my heart. A small smile tugged at my lips. This baby was my strength, my support ground, a reminder that I was moving, progressing, and doing well. All thanks to my supportive and fierce friend.
My office space wasn’t grand, but it was mine. Nestled just below my apartment, it made commuting easy, especially with my health condition, which had been unpredictable for months. One moment, I was fine, the next, I was battling all sorts of issues, from high blood pressure to unbearable fatigue and all sorts. I had learned to be strong, but I also knew not to push myself too hard. That was why I kept everything structured, from renting a space right below my apartment for easy commuting to ensuring that most meetings were handled virtually. My two efficient employees managed the ones that required a physical presence, with my right–hand man, Elson, taking the lead while Sarah assisted him.
Elson had come into my life at the perfect time, right when I needed support the most. He is sharp, reliable, and brilliant at what he does. He was more than just an employee, he was the backbone of my business. As Creative Director, he handled branding and campaign strategies, ensuring high–quality branding and content, while Sarah, a recent graduate, took care of smaller tasks, still gaining experience in the field.
The moment I walked in, Elson glanced up from his laptop. “You’re here early.”
I smirked, setting down the juice I’d grabbed from the fridge before easing myself into my chair. “You sound surprised.”
“Not surprised. Just concerned. You should be resting more,” He replied, his brown eyes soft with concern. If Phoenix were here, she’d be rolling her eyes and scrunching up her nose in irritation. She didn’t like Elson much, convinced that he harbored feelings for me. Maybe he did, but it was absurd to me because well, I was pregnant with another man’s child, and I looked like a sack of rice at seven months. Not that it mattered. I couldn’t afford distractions, and Elson was good at his job. That was all that counted. Phoenix never liked any
man that showed interest in me any way.
Before I could respond, my other employee, Sarah, rushed in from the restroom, looking flustered. “I don’t think I can make it to the meeting today,” she blurted, clutching her stomach. “I’ve been sick since this morning. It might be something I ate, but I can barely go five minutes without needing the bathroom.” My stomach dropped. I looked from Sarah to Elson, searching for some kind of explanation. Elson caught my stare and let out a sigh. “She’s been in and out of the bathroom more than ten times. The meds she got don’t seem to be helping either.” He explained, not even glancing up from his screen.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my forehead. This was nothing I expected. Today’s meeting wasn’t just important, verything. It was with one of the biggest names in the industry, a once–in-a–lifetime chance to secure a deal that could elevate my business to the next level.
it was
And now Sarah, the person who was supposed to accompany Elson, was backing out at the last minute.
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Chapter Eighteen
“Can you reschedule?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
Elson shook his head. “I’m afraid we can’t. They’ve been calling. Their secretary said the board is already
waiting for us,”
Damn it.
“I could go alone,” Elson said but I ignored him.
My heart pounded as I weighed my options. Elson never handled in–person meetings alone. Not like he wasn’t capable of doing that, but it was part of a business strategy. Having two or more representatives makes a business appear more professional, and more established, as the workload can be too much for a single
person.
That left only one other option.
Me.
But the setback was that I was heavily pregnant.
I glanced down at my belly, pressing my lips together as I weighed the thoughts. I had stayed away from physical meetings for this exact reason. Not that it should matter, but small businesses like mine were already fighting to be taken seriously, and walking into a room full of professionals, visibly pregnant, might make them doubt my commitment and capabilities. But this wasn’t just any deal. It was an opportunity, and opportunities do not wait, especially when it is an important one like this.
However, if they wanted my company and my service, they’d have to accept me as I was.
“I’ll go.” My voice was firm.
Both Elson’s and Sarah’s heads snapped up. “You can’t be serious.”
“I own this company, Elson” I reminded him. “If they want my services, then they should be willing to meet me
as I am.”
“But your health….
“I’ll be fine.” My tone left no room for argument. “We don’t have time to debate this. Let’s go.”
Elson looked like he wanted to fight me on it, but he knew better. This deal was important, and I wasn’t going to let a sick employee or my health or my physical appearance cause me to lose it. Not like I would do much
there, anyway.
Within minutes, we were in the car, heading toward the towering glass building that would determine my business future.
The elevator ride felt longer than it should have. My heart pounded, my mind racing through every possible scenario. What if they didn’t take me seriously? What if my pregnancy made them reconsider? What if I frequently visit the restroom, causing distraction and potentially termination?
With a shake of my head, I pushed the doubts and fear aside. I had come too far to let fear dictate my actions.
I straightened my posture, adjusting the brown wrap–style blazer that clasped under my breast, highlighting my baby bump while keeping my appearance professional. The beige midi dress I wore hugged my form in a way that felt both beautiful and comfortable. My honey blonde hair once cut short, now brushed my
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Chapter Eighteen
shoulders, adding to the look I needed to carry this meeting with confidence.
When the elevator doors slid open, I straightened my posture and tightened my grip on my brown handbag. I then proceeded to step into the boardroom but stopped short at the doorway.
What the….?
The air left my lungs. My heart stuttered, then pounded so violently I was sure the others could hear it if they
tried to listen.
Why is he here?
The world around me blurred, voices fading into the air. My grip tightened on my handbag as I fought to keep my expression neutral, to shove down the emotions threatening to spill over, to pretend that seeing the one person I never expected didn’t just send my entire world spiraling.
Elson must have noticed my hesitation, as I was practically blocking his way from entering. He leaned in slightly. “Ava?” His voice was low, questioning.
I swallowed hard. Focus, Ava.
Pushing my emotions deep where they couldn’t betray me, I forced a calm breath and took a step forward, a smile naturally finding its way on my face.
“I sincerely apologize for the delay” My voice was composed.
But inside, it was rumbling up, unearthing different emotions.
This deal was important, I told myself.
But so was the past I thought I had buried.
And now, both were colliding in an unexpected way.
The oddluna
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