Chapter 33 The Unluckiest Girl
Ava turned her head and saw Laurent wearing just a T–shirt. It wasn’t tight, but le still dulled his build
When he wore his uniform, she’d only thought he looked fit and upright. But seeing him in casual clone made her realize just how broad and solid he really was. His shoulders were massive, probably wider than both of them combined. The muscles on his exposed arms were stiff and well–defined, the kind that come from years of real training, not the ugly bulk that steroids give someone.
It wasn’t hard to imagine how incredible the muscles under his clothes must be.
Ava suddenly realized she had a little bit of that mischievous curiosity in her. She quickly looked away, forcing herself not to stare at him. It was way too tempting.
“Looks like the rain’s letting up,” she said, glancing out the window.
“Yeah.” Laurent stood beside her, looking out as well.
In this rare, quiet moment, he didn’t say a word to interrupt. She could hear his breathing and smell the faint scent lingering from him. One of his hands was clenched behind his back.
“Time’s up.” Laurent noticed the dryer had finished, and there was a flicker of disappointment in his expression. He stepped out, grabbed Ava’s clothes, and said, “Go change. I’ll head downstairs first.”
By the time Ava changed and came down to the first floor, Laurent was wearing a jacket. She walked over and asked, “Where’s Great–uncle Jonathan?”
Laurent replied, “They’re playing chess. Want to go check it out?”
“Can I? Wouldn’t it be a bother?”
“No…”
Jonathan saw Ava and Laurent coming and had just placed his last piece. He stretched and said, “I’m done for now. My old bones can’t keep up with you young folks.”
“You’re joking. You’re still as sharp as ever. No less impressive than back in the day.” Liam said this while casting a glance at Laurent before turning his attention to Ava. He caught a subtle whiff of magnolia from her clothes, the same scent from the laundry detergent Laurent had loved as a kid.
Liam was surprised, his mind racing, but he ́didn’t say anything. Over the years, as Laurent had grown up, the father–son relationship had become distant and polite.
Jonathan looked out the window. The rain was about to stop. “Let’s call it a day. I’ll take Ava back. You and Laurent don’t see each other often, so we won’t intrude.”
Liam tried to protest, but Jonathan was firm and took Ava up to the hovercar.
Liam and Laurent stood in silence for a long moment before Liam finally said, “You bullied her, didn’t you? I can smell magnolia on her clothes.”
Laurent gave him a half–smile, his eyes sharp with mockery. “So in your eyes, I’m some lowlife? Or is it just because I’m her son that you think I’m a sewer bug too?”
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11:12 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 33 The Unluckiest Gul
5 Pearle
Liam’s expression darkened. “Whatever you do is your choice. But one thing–I don’t care what you decide just don’t tarnish the Caswell reputation.”
Laurent snorted, stood up, and started heading upstairs. “My life, my rules. You should get back before Lyara waits too long.”
Liam watched him walk away without looking back and let out a heavy sigh.
Once a rift forms, it becomes an almost impossible gap to cross.
#
Back at the Morrens, Ava felt utterly dr much of an appetite.
Her body and mind were worn out, and she didn’t even have
Everyone was home. Elias‘ eldest son, Geffrey Morren, and his second son, Keifon Morren, had both returned, which was not a common occurrence. They discussed work–related matters among themselves, and not a single one of them asked how Ava had handled things.
After a rushed meal, Ava made an excuse about being tired. She wanted to rest and headed upstairs to bed early.
Asher’s eyes rolled around, then he sidled up to Geffery. “Ava seems a little down,” he said.
Geffery gave him a silent, exasperated look. “If you’re really curious, go ask her yourself.”
Asher felt a bit deflated. Suddenly, he missed Jane.
If she’s home today, she’s definitely curious too.
“You got nothing to do? Come to me. I’ve got some work to hand off,” Keifon said.
Asher hugged a pillow tight. “Come on, cut me some slack. You treat people like workhorses. I want to live a couple more years, you know.”
That night, Ava barely slept. Her dreams were a mess. Ethan and Ryan appeared in her dreams one moment, while Laurent was the next. In her dreams, she was this little helpless thing, running around with
no escape.
When she got up the next morning, she nearly jumped out of her skin seeing her pale face. She looked like someone had sucked the life out of her. She ran through a set of Patrick’s martial arts routines, took a shower, and did some basic skincare. Finally, her cheeks regained some color.
The thought of having to visit the Holcombs and the Heisers today made a wave of helplessness wash over her.
I am probably the unluckiest girl in the history of time travel.
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BRIZ Wed Jan 7
The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride
