Chapter Thirteen

Noah took three steps towards the door and then whirled around so suddenly that Ava didn't expect his next action.

All she felt was a feather-like touch on her lips, and then it was gone and she was staring into mysterious green orbs.

"I keep pushing you away, but this time it's you who is pushing me away," Noah sighed.

Ava parted her lips to speak, but Noah silenced her with a finger. She was grateful for that because she had no idea what she would say.

"This time, Ava, I'm not going anywhere," Noah finished.

Ava shook her head, strands of hair falling over her face.

"No."

Noah gave her a wide smile. "Don't say a word. This is my decision to make, and I'm deciding to stay beside you."

Ava shook her head again, tears streaming down her cheeks. "That's what you've always said, and yet you never seem to fulfill your promise. I don't need you to stay beside me again. Just stay the hell away from me."

Noah smiled. "Guess you're gonna have to push me away from your life."

Ava slumped to the floor as the tears and exhaustion of the last few days took their toll on her.

"Please, don't cry. I'm here for you."

This was all she ever wanted. Someone who would be with her at her worst. Scratch that—she needed Noah.

"I'm so tired. I have been through a lot these past few days, and I just feel so lonely," she cried.

"You don't have to feel lonely again. I'm here for you, always," Noah promised, caressing her hair.

He had no idea how long they sat on the ground with him rocking her fragile body as she bawled her eyes out.

Finally, she dozed off in his arms, and he laid her down on her bed, taking a moment to tidy her room. He wasn't going to allow her to slip into depression.

He watched her sleep as she breathed softly, a soft smile playing on her lips and dried tears on her cheeks. She wasn't the same Ava who had walked into his company weeks ago, and it was all because of him.

But this time, he wouldn't leave her and run just like he always did. He would stand by her side while hunting down those motherfuckers.

"Is she asleep?"

Noah glanced at Daniel, who was standing in the doorway, and he nodded.

Daniel heaved a sigh of relief. "She's finally sleeping comfortably after all these days."

Noah gave him a grim smile. "I'm sorry."

Daniel raised a brow at him. "Sorry? Nonsense, Noah. I should be thanking you for coming. With your presence, she'll get better."

"I'm glad I was able to help. I just avoided her because I didn't know if she wanted to see me," Noah explained.

Daniel nodded. "That's understandable."

"Any update from the police?"

Daniel and Noah turned to see Julus standing before them.

"Maybe we should take this conversation to the sitting room," Daniel suggested, and Noah nodded.

When they got to the sitting room, Julus repeated his question.

"There's no lead on who kidnapped her," Noah replied with a painful expression.

"I'm wondering why someone would want to hurt you and go through Ava," Julus mumbled.

Noah heard him loud and clear, and he winced slightly, reminded that she was in this condition because of him.

"I'm doing everything in my power to find out who hurt Ava," he said.

Daniel nodded. "It's not your fault, Noah, but maybe it's time you stop pushing her away."

"It was for her own good, Daniel," he said.

"Look where it landed her!" Daniel yelled.

Noah looked taken aback at Daniel's outburst.

"I'm sorry, Noah. I know you were just trying to protect her, but these past few days have been so stressful I've barely had time to focus on my work, and she won't let me call our mom. It's exhausting."

Noah listened to Daniel's ranting and watched as he heaved a sigh wiping a stray tear.

"Feeling better?" Julus asked.

"God, yes! I needed that," he chuckled.

Noah observed him quietly. The smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I'm doing everything in my power to find out who did this, but it seems impossible. Every lead we get, the person ends up dead," Noah explained.

"If someone would go to the extreme of harming your family and friends just to get to you, then you must be very careful because if that person gets you, then it will be dangerous," Julus commented.

Noah smiled. "I wish the person would come for me instead."

"Why don't you try to bait this person?" Daniel suggested.

Noah shook his head. Whoever was doing this seemed like a psycho. He had no idea what would happen If he made a plan that didn't work out.

"I can't think of a single thing the person wants from me, so how do I bait them?"

Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "I know you're doing your best, and it's not your fault, but please, I wouldn't like a repeat of what happened to my sister. I hope you can keep her safe."

Noah smiled. "I will protect her with my life from now on."

Daniel clapped his hands. "Perfect. I'm sure Ava is in safe hands."

Noah glanced at his wristwatch and rose. "I can't be here till Ava wakes up. Give her my best wishes. I'll be back to see her soon."

Daniel nodded. "I will be careful, Noah. Either way, Ava will be hurt if something happens to you."

Noah nodded.

Julus spared him a smile. "Stay out of trouble, Noah."

He smiled at them and left.

***

Ava woke up with a smile on her lips as she snuggled her pillow.

I just had the happiest dream of my life, she mused the moment her eyes fluttered open.

She yawned and stretched leisurely on the bed without a care about anything. Today was perfect, and she was happy even though It was just a dream.

Her phone beeped, and she frowned before picking it up. She hoped it wasn't a text to spoil her mood.

She unlocked her phone and saw a text message from Noah?

I hope you had a wonderful rest. I'll come to see you later.

Ava read the text again, and suddenly, she realized it wasn't a dream. Noah had indeed been in her room. He had comforted her and made her feel at ease since she returned.

He had been the reason for her good mood when she woke up. She didn't know if she should be pleased by this revelation or upset. After all, it was his fault she had gotten into this predicament.

Ava sighed and ran her hand through her now smooth hair. She could vividly recall Noah combing through them with his fingers.

He was such a sweet guy when he wanted to be, but she didn't know if she could trust him, especially after everything she'd been through.

A soft knock on her door jolted her from her reverie before her brother poked his head in.

"You're awake," he commented.

"Well, duh!" She rolled her eyes playfully at him.

He chuckled and rushed to her bed. Ava frowned when she saw tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Since when did you become a cry baby?"

Daniel swiped at the tears. "I'm just so happy to see that you're smiling and being so playful."

Ava gave him a sad smile. "I'm so sorry that I've been a burden to you. I know I should have gone back to Mom, but I just couldn't do so because...you know how she is."

Daniel nodded, chuckling lightly. "Mom can be a pain sometimes."

"Tell me about it."

Daniel stared at her like she was a new person, and honestly, she felt new.

"I guess you owe this new glow to Noah's visit," he teased.

She blushed slightly. "I find it hard to believe that he was here and I wasn't fully aware. When I woke up, it felt like a dream."

"Do you recall what you guys talked about?" he asked.

"He just kept telling me to give him a second chance," she replied.

"Are you planning on doing that?" he asked.

Ava noticed how he furrowed his brows in concern. "Don't be worried about me. I'm sure Noah means no harm."

"That's the point," Daniel groaned, running a hand through his hair, "I feel like you both are toxic to each other."

"In what way?" She asked, confused.

"He makes you happy just as much as he makes you sad," her brother replied, "And that worries me. You won't be able to stay away from him for long."

Ava sighed. There was no doubt that what he said was right, but at the same time, she knew there was nothing Daniel could do. She'd lost her heart to him a long time ago.

"I'll try my best to always remain happy," she promised.

"I think you should see a therapist," he suggested.

Ava nodded. "Whatever convinces you that I'm fine, I'll do."

Ava stood up and took his hands. "Come, let's go for a walk."