Chapter 3 Midnight Kiss

CHAPTER 3

**Chapter 3: "Midnight Kiss"**

Ethan's eyes sparkled with triumph as Ava nodded, her lips still parted softly.

Without another word, he claimed her mouth, his lips warm and commanding.

Ava's heart soared as she kissed him back, the city lights fading into the background.

Their lips danced together in perfect harmony, the tension between them igniting into a passionate flame.

As they broke apart for air, Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, burning with intensity.

"You will see me again, Ava," he stated, his voice low and authoritative.

"Tomorrow. My place. 8pm."

Ava's heart skipped a beat at his commanding tone, yet she found herself nodding in agreement.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Good. I'll send a car for you," he said, turning to leave.

Ava stood frozen, wondering what she'd just agreed to.

Ava watched Ethan disappear into the night, her mind reeling with the unexpected turn of events.

She turned to enter her apartment, flipping on the lights to reveal a cozy, cluttered space filled with law books, court documents, and memories.

As she locked the door behind her, Ava leaned against it, closing her eyes to relive the day's events...

Her thoughts drifted back to her childhood - growing up in a low-income household with a single mother, Sarah, who worked multiple jobs to provide for Ava.

Ava's drive to succeed was fueled by her desire to escape poverty and create a better life for her mother, who had sacrificed everything for her.

She threw herself into academics, earning a full scholarship to law school, and eventually landing a job at a prestigious law firm.

Ava's mother, Sarah Morales , had been her rock throughout - always encouraging, supportive, and proud of Ava's accomplishments.

Their bond was unbreakable - Ava confided everything in her mother, from heartbreaks to career triumphs.

But Ava's personal life had been marked by heartache.

Her ex-fiancé, Ryan Thompson , had been a fellow lawyer - charming, handsome, and ambitious.

They'd met in law school, and Ava thought she'd found her perfect match.

But Ryan's ambition turned out to be a poison - he'd cheated on her with a colleague, citing "stress relief" as his excuse.

Ava's heart still ached from the betrayal, but she'd channeled her pain into her work, becoming one of the firm's top litigators.

Now, as she stood in her apartment, Ava's thoughts turned to the entire day...

From the disastrous court case to the unexpected encounter with Ethan - her mind replayed every moment, every word, every glance.

She smiled faintly, remembering Ethan's charming smile and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her defenses.

Ava's heart still raced from their kiss, and she wondered what tomorrow would bring - their mysterious meeting at his place...

As she drifted off into thought, the clock struck midnight, and Ava finally snapped back to reality.

She changed into pajamas, poured herself a glass of wine, and sat on the couch, still lost in thoughts of Ethan...

**Ethan's POV**

I stood outside Ava's apartment building, watching her disappear into the night through the window.

My driver, Marcus, cleared his throat beside me, breaking the silence.

"Sir, shall I take you home?" he asked, eyeing me curiously.

I nodded, still fixated on Ava's window.

"Yes, Marcus. But first, dig up everything on Ava Morales - her past, present, everything."

Marcus raised an eyebrow but nodded discreetly.

"Already on it, sir. Her file was flagged weeks ago," Marcus repeated, handing me a thick folder as we arrived at my penthouse apartment.

I took the folder, dismissing Marcus with a nod.

"Goodnight, Marcus. I'll review this tonight."

Marcus departed, leaving me alone in my sleek, modern living room.

I poured myself a whiskey, sat on the couch, and opened Ava's file...

**Contents revealed:**

- Age: 28

- Occupation: Top litigator at prestigious law firm

- Education: Law degree from Harvard

- Family: Single mother, Sarah Morales - former teacher, currently retired and living with Ava.

- Relationship History: Engaged to Ryan Thompson, fellow lawyer, until his infidelity ended their engagement 2 years ago.

- Financials: Ava owns her apartment, has significant savings, and a six-figure salary.

My eyes narrowed as I read further...

**A hidden section was marked "Private Eyes Only"**

- Ava has been investigating a large corporation (mine) for potential illegal activities.

- Her firm has been hired by a rival company to dig up dirt on my business dealings.

My grip on the folder tightened.

Ava Morales was not just a beautiful woman who caught my eye tonight...

She was a potential threat to my empire.

My eyes lingered on Ava's photo in the file - her bright smile, piercing green eyes...

Was I drawn to her intelligence and determination, or was it something more?

My mind replayed our kiss, the sparks flying between us...

I felt a pull towards Ava that I hadn't experienced in years - maybe ever.

Tomorrow night couldn't come soon enough. I would see her again, and maybe uncover what lay beneath her captivating exterior...

My thoughts drifted off to sleep, Ava's face still vivid in my mind