Chapter 4 Camille meets Ava

The kids ran to her calling her "Mommy, mommy, mommy, this man here is scary, "The man looked at Ava as she removed her shades and then she asked "What were you doing with my kids" the man apologized as she took her kids and they trolled their things outside the airport.

When they got out, the kids smiled as they looked at the beautiful scenery, then her daughter Avery smiled and said "You know what mom, I love it here, when will dad be joining us" her son Alexis smiled as he said "Yes mom, when is dad coming?" she smiled as she said "Well your dad has some work to do, but when he is done he will definitely come here to be with the both of you".

The kids were super excited as a car drove in front of them and when the window was wined down, as the driver a female said "You need a ride" they all smiled as the kids shouted, "It's aunty Emma" she smiled as she came out of the car and she hugged the kids and then she welcomed them to the city of Queens. Then she helped them put their things in the car as she turned to her friend Ava and with a smile they hugged each other and then she said "Welcome back my friend", Ava sighed as she smiled and said "It's good to be back home" then she got into the car and they went home.

As they drove to Ava's new home, the twins chattered excitedly about their new adventure. Ava had bought the house while abroad, and Emma had helped with the decorating. The kids' room was a delightful surprise – a shared space with bunk beds, colorful curtains, and a play area filled with toys. After settling in, Emma introduced Ava to the nanny, Mrs. Jenkins, a kind-faced woman with years of experience. Ava felt reassured, knowing her children would be in good hands when she returned back to work.

That evening, Ava received a special invitation to a party hosted by the influential businessman, Marcus Thompson. She had worked with him on several projects abroad and was honored to be included and invited to such a prestigious party. The party would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry contacts and make new connections.

As she prepared for the party, Ava's mind wandered to the challenges ahead. She would be working for a new company, and the thought of starting over was daunting. But she was determined to succeed, for herself and her children. She got into her room and when she was done getting ready; she came out in an emerald long gown with sleet, and a beautiful silver choker necklace and accessories. She had her stiletto sandals on as she came out of her room to the living room where her kids and her friend were.

They smiled as her kids ran to her and gave her a hug, and then she handed her phone to her friend as she took a photo of her and the kids together, as they both gave her a kiss on her cheek as she left the house, got into her car and her driver took her to the venue of the party. When she arrived, she was looking so beautiful her photos were taken, she hasn't been in the limelight despite having her name in the limelight as she is MUSE, the famous interior designer everyone was talking about, but all people knew was her name and not her face. She even won the designers award twice in two years and yet no one had seen her face as her team would always get the award on her behalf.

Ava arrived at the Thompson estate, a grand mansion with sprawling gardens and a fountain show. She was greeted by Marcus himself, resplendent in a tailored tuxedo.

"Ava, darling! So glad you could make it," he said, kissing her cheek.

When she got in, she caught the attention of a lot of eligible bachelors, one of which was Javier Lombardi, when he saw her, he was speechless as he smiled and said to himself, "I have found my wife". He tried to go over to her but he kept being distracted by people as they would always call him or drag him aside for a conversation.

As she entered the ballroom, Ava's eyes widened at the sea of faces. She spotted a bar and made her way through the crowd, ordering a glass of champagne. That's when she saw him – a tall, dark-haired man with piercing green eyes, standing by the window, sipping a drink.

Their gazes met, and Ava felt a jolt of attraction. She couldn't help but wonder who he was. She turned away as she ordered a glass of her favorite wine when she felt a presence close to her; she turned and saw the handsome gentleman standing beside her.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, as she nodded towards the empty space beside him. "Sure you can" he sat with a smile as he said "Can I have the pleasure of knowing you my lady" she smiled as she said extending her hand to him "Nice to meet you, hand. "I'm...A."

He replied, smiling. "Oh! I see, well I'm...J."

They chatted about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Ava found herself laughing and feeling at ease with this stranger. They spoke a little about work as she said she just came in with her family for work, he smiled as he asked "I know this might seem too forward, but are you married?" she laughed as she said "What do you think" he smiled as he said "Well I don't see a ring on your finger" she smiled as she said "Well there you have it".

She smiled as she stood up and excused herself as she said she need s to go to the restroom to freshen up, he smiled and nodded as he watched her elegantly leave to the restroom. While she was there touching up, she came back to him as he teased her saying "I thought you ran away from the restroom" she smiled as she sat down back, then she heard a voice cut through their conversation, "Well, well, well. Look what we have here."

Ava turned to see a stunning woman with long, curly hair and a red dress that hugged her curves.

"Camille," J said his tone neutral. "Always a pleasure."

Camille's eyes narrowed at Ava. "And who's this? Your new plaything?"

Ava's instincts prickled, but she kept her cool. "Just a friend, I think," he said, smiling sweetly.

The tension was palpable, but J intervened before things escalated.

"Camille, why don't you go find someone else to...entertain?"

Camille's lips curled into a snarl, but she stalked off, leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.

J turned to Ava. "Sorry about that. She can be...prickly."

Ava laughed. "No worries. I can handle myself."

As they continued talking, Ava noticed a man watching them from across the room – Alessandro Lombardi, his eyes fixed intently on her. Ava stood alone at the edge of the room, lost in thought. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Alessandro Lombardi, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"You look like you're a million miles away," he said, his deep voice low and smooth. "Everything okay?"

Ava's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. "Just enjoying the music," she replied, trying to sound casual. Alessandro's eyes lingered on hers, his expression thoughtful. "I know the feeling. Sometimes I find myself getting lost in the crowd."

Their words hung in the air, a spark of connection forming between them. Ava felt a flutter in her chest, unsure what to make of this chance encounter with the enigmatic stranger who had unknowingly shared a night with her.