Chapter 176 The Rhythm of Remarrying
"So you and Joshua are totally getting back together?"
Ava smiled and nodded.
Isabella couldn't help but clap her hands. "When are you two remarrying? You didn't have a wedding ceremony when you got married before. When you remarry, Joshua has to give you the grandest wedding ever, or I won't agree to it."
Ava smiled lightly. "We're not in a hurry."
With the kids already so grown up, Ava didn't think a wedding ceremony was necessary. Besides, he hadn't even proposed to her yet, and remarriage was still up in the air - a wedding seemed quite far off.
"You're not in a hurry, but that doesn't mean Joshua isn't. I think he's desperate," Isabella found it hilarious and burst out laughing. "Otherwise, why would he want to get physical with you when you're still injured, and you ended up in the hospital because of it."
Ava felt extremely embarrassed and complained helplessly, "Isabella, if you bring that up again, I'm not talking to you anymore."
"Okay, okay, I'll stop."
Isabella touched her chin, planning to feel things out. After all, this was a major life event for Ava — she had to look out for her.
While Isabella was thinking about this, they chatted until noon. Then came two knocks at the door. Ava put down her magazine and looked toward the door. Isabella had already gone to open it.
A man in a suit walked in carrying a large bouquet of flowers in full bloom.
Ava straightened up. "Timothy, why are you here?"
"To see you." Timothy placed the bouquet on the table.
Timothy's sudden appearance made Ava instinctively glance toward the door, as if afraid someone might walk in.
Timothy smiled helplessly. "I'm just here to check on you. The way you're looking around, anyone would think we're having an affair."
Ava pressed her lips together in silence. She was indeed a bit worried Joshua might suddenly show up. If Joshua saw Timothy here, there would be hell to pay.
Ava turned her gaze elsewhere. "Isabella, could you get Mr. King some water?"
Isabella was still absorbed in the visual feast before her. Timothy was the kind of refined, elegant gentleman who radiated mature charm - exactly Isabella's type.
"Isabella?" Seeing Isabella still fixed on Timothy, Ava called out gently to snap her out of it.
"Oh — right." Isabella hurried to get Timothy water, her eyes practically glued to him.
"Mr. King, please have some tea." Isabella handed the cup to Timothy.
Timothy nodded politely and took it. "Thank you."
Isabella's face flushed as she shyly kept her eyes on Timothy.
"I brought Grandma for a follow-up today and tried to call you, but your phone was off."
Only then did Ava remember her poor phone was at the bottom of the pool at Ryan's villa.
"Sorry, my phone broke."
"I figured. Later Thora told me you were hospitalized, so I came to check on you. How did you get hurt?"
"I accidentally fell."
"Accidentally fell into the ICU?"
"..."
Timothy smiled and shook his head. "You don't have to hide it from me. The Howard family incident caused quite a stir. Everyone in our circles knows he picked the wrong person to mess with — and I'm guessing that was you."
Ava said flatly, "He brought it on himself."
"He certainly did."
Seeing the two discussing matters, Isabella left the room. Ava glanced at Isabella but didn't stop her.
"That was my good friend just now. Isn't she beautiful?"
"Not bad."
"Isabella is beautiful inside and out, gentle and generous, independent, has her own car and apartment, and most importantly - she doesn't have a boyfriend..."
Having known Isabella for so many years, Ava could easily read her little thoughts.
Timothy raised an eyebrow slightly. "I know you're not interested in me, but there's no need to rush to set me up with someone else."
"Mr. King, there's no possibility between us."
"Anything is possible."
"Thea's in jail - did you know?"
"I know." Of course she knew - she had personally put her there.
"Isaac's most beloved granddaughter. Isaac won't let her stay in there forever."
Ava picked up the water beside her and took a small sip. "I know."
Ava had expected as much. And given the relationship between the Lu and Fu families, the Thomas family would probably turn a blind eye too, since Thea had already been punished.
"Thea has been spoiled all her life and never lets a grudge go. After you taught her such a harsh lesson this time, she won't let you go. You need to be careful going forward. Also, from what I know, Lika Ellis is back too."
Ava's eyes narrowed slightly. "Lika?"
"Thea's sister, and the future head of the Ellis family. The Ellis family took a major hit because of Thea this time. She's always doted on Thea and won't just stand by."
"Also, Thea refused my request to break off the engagement." Timothy's tone was heavy - clearly this matter was enough to anger him.
Ava smiled slightly. "Then how does Mr. King have time to sit here with me?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've got trouble on your hands. Shouldn't you be thinking about how to handle it?"
"Don't you think you'll have trouble too?"
Ava's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, not denying it. That day when Thea saw her having dinner with Timothy, she had made a big deal out of it.
She clearly had feelings for Joshua, yet she refused to break off the engagement with Timothy. Why?
"Thanks for the reminder, Mr. King."
"Next week is the King Group's anniversary gala. Grandma wants to invite you. You won't refuse Grandma, will you?"
Ava's brow twitched. Timothy really knew how to use Briar to get what he wanted, knowing she couldn't refuse her.
The anniversary gala would be attended by King Group employees, executives, and business partners. King Group probably had ties with Thomas Group too. Ava thought for a moment and said, "Then thank you for Mrs. King's invitation. I'll come with Joshua."
"You really couldn't be clearer about turning me down. Do I really have no chance at all?"
"I'm truly sorry, Mr. King," Ava said lightly.
"It's okay. I've always been the type who gets stronger with each setback."
Ava blinked lightly, somewhat helpless with Timothy, and didn't respond.
Timothy stood up. "I won't disturb your rest. See you next week."
"Okay."
As Timothy left, Isabella came back in, and the two ran right into each other.
Isabella, always a bit clumsy, almost crashed right into Timothy's arms. Timothy instinctively reached out to steady her.
Isabella's pupils widened as she looked up at Timothy's handsome face, her heart pounding. "I... sorry..."
"It's fine. Be more careful next time."
Timothy nodded slightly and left.
"He's really so handsome." Isabella gazed at Timothy's retreating figure with infatuation.
Ava pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling somewhat troubled.
"Where did you just go?" Ava asked.
Isabella came in holding an unopened phone and handed it to Ava. "Didn't your phone break? I went out and bought you a new one."
Ava's heart warmed. She didn't stand on ceremony with Isabella. "Thank you."
"So tell me — how did you meet this Mr. King?" Isabella leaned in close, clearly trying to butter her up.
Ava casually began unwrapping the phone. "It's a long story. His grandmother is my patient."
"Does he like you?"
Ava's hands stilled, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes as she looked at Isabella.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not that petty. You don't like him, right? If you don't like him, I'm going for it. He's exactly my type."
Isabella was overjoyed — his voice had been so gentle when he spoke.
But while Isabella was thrilled, Ava's expression clouded. "Isabella, he has a fiancée!"
Isabella was thunderstruck. Was her love story going to end before it even began?
"Thea — you've met her!"
"The one we ran into at the restaurant that day?"
"They were going to break off the engagement before, but now Thea has changed her mind."
Regardless of whether he and Thea had feelings for each other, until the engagement was broken off, he was still a man with a fiancée. Ava made this clear, and Isabella naturally understood. "Don't worry, I'll only pursue him after he doesn't have a fiancée anymore."
Joshua got off work early today and went to pick up Finn and Cleo before going to the hospital to get Ava. Ava had just finished changing.
Because of her injuries, Ava chose a loose, comfortable silk dress. The flowing fabric draped over her tall, slender figure. Her hair was half pinned up, and milk tea-colored lipstick brightened her complexion. She looked lazy and relaxed, but her presence was exceptional.
Joshua's eyes lit up as he stepped forward and gently wrapped his arm around her waist. "Beautiful."