The Spy Who Stole My Heart

"You smell like strawberry" the man's low and hoarse voice sounded above Ava's head. She blushed shamelessly while wrapping her hands around his neck enjoying the heated moments.

After a passionate night, the morning light shone into the room, waking her up. Quickly pushing the hands away below her waists, and ran towards the bathroom to put on some clothes then dashed out.

She got drunk last night while celebrating her master's degree. Angel, her best friend, convinced her of having fun, probably a one-night stand.

"You're 26, Ava, and still a Virgin. Tonight's your night to change that!" Angel grinned, pushing her towards the crowded bar.

While she scanned the room, Ava's eyes locked with a stunning stranger in a mask, his eyes blue and he had a strong jawline, she quickly approached him with a drunken smile. And that's how she ended up in his bed!

Ava raked her fingers through her tangled hair, frustrated.

After some time her phone began to ring, displaying a familiar number she hadn't spoken to in three years, her father. She answered, her voice barely a whisper. "Dad?"

"It's time to return home," he said, his voice devoid of emotions.

"Why?" She asked, her heart pounding.

Before she could get a reply the caller hung up leaving her more curious. She immediately booked a one way ticket back to her hometown, leaving behind the life she had built in another country as the plane took off. She had a feeling of uneasiness.

When she finally arrived in the city, she hailed a taxi to her home, although as she got closer to her destination, the familiar sights brought back memories, memories she tried to forget for so many years.

Ava was welcomed by her family's butler, Phillips, and her mother's personal maid, Grace.

Grace warmly welcomed Ava with a cookie to eat as she waits for her father.

After some minutes later someone walked in. Mr Adams glad she returned home obediently, he smiled "You came just right in time" he sat down with his legs crossed.

Ava frowned, her father's smile means something is about to go wrong. "Why did you call? She asked with a straight face.

Mr Adams observed her flawless skin and smiled. Ava had grown up to be a beautiful lady. "Meet your sister, Sonia."

Ava noticed the lady who tried to stay invisible, the lady appeared to be close to her age.

"You had another daughter while my mother was still alive?" She smirked although she was not surprised she always knew that her father was cheating on her mother.

Ava's mother chose not to believe her, she was blinded by love and believed that one day her husband will change. It wasn't up to a week after her mother's death when her father brought his mistress into the house.

Ava observed the lady before stretching out her hand toward Sonia for a handshake.

Sonia got irritated by how calm she was. The main reason she came with her father was so she could see the sad reaction of Ava, completely ignoring the hand shake.

"You don't have to pretend." Sonia smiled

Ava's gaze shifted from Sonia to her father, completely confused by what she meant

"Is this why you called me back?"

Mr Adam seeing how awkward it was getting, he quickly changed the topic, "How have you been?"

For the past three years, her father had never called to ask about her well-being, which was strange that he is asking now. " Fine." She replied with a stern expression.

Mr Adams was speechless, knowing she had turned cold towards the family. "Okay, I will just go straight to the point," he said. "I want you to get married, since you are done getting your master's. You're ready for marriage."

Ava recalling the passionate night she had with an unknown man, she quickly frowned, "I do not want to talk about it now," she said, her voice tight. "If this is the reason you called me back, I'm afraid I will have to go."

Mr Adams laughed awkwardly, Ava you don't have a choice. Decide now.

After a moment of silence, Ava finally agreed to his request to marry, but that's when she finds the right person. "I should get going now." Ava said, not wanting to discuss it anymore, she made her way towards the front door.

Mr. Adam clapped his hands and said that since this was settled, he had found the perfect man for her.

Ava's feet froze, her eyes darkened, she knew something was off . "Who?" She asked, meeting his gaze. Mr. Adams smiled and said, "Mr. Tom"

Mr. Tom, he was in his late sixties, her father's childhood friend who had four wives and ten children, possibly it couldn't be him. Ava thought.

She clenched her fists behind her back, returning the smile to him, acting clueless, " You mean your friend or another Mr. Tom?"

"My friend," he replied curtly.

"You want to sell me off to that old man for your selfish interest? Ava asked.

"You should at least have a little shame left in you, marrying me off to an old hag. Do you think I will be happy in that marriage? she said, barely holding up her tears.

"How dare you!" He shouted pointing his fingers at her. "Who cares about your happiness, he is so rich and that is what matters now."

Sonia, satisfied with Ava's reaction, she smiled, "Sister you should be happy, you can use his money as much as you want. Besides, if you don't marry him no one will marry you."

Ava laughed like a crazy person, she was losing it, and grabbed the front door handle to step out . Mr Adam shouted, "if you move an inch,you are no longer part of the Adams family." He was scared she could do something crazy when she steps out.

Ava smirked, glancing at him "l stopped being part of this family the moment you cast my mother out."

After she left the mansion, she could not think straight. She decided to walk to the park. With everything that happened today, she needed to clear her mind. As time went on, darkness covered the night, so she booked a hotel for the night.

Ava, staring at her phone, remembered her father's words, " You're no longer a part of the Adams family." She laughed sarcastically, thinking about everything that had happened in the last few years, she might as well consider herself an orphan. Losing her appetite she slept off.

Slowly opening her eyes to the random footsteps outside the room, she glanced at the clock. It was only 7am, unconcerned who it could be, she went back to sleep but the noise became loud every passing minute.

She walked lazily to the door, still yawning to check where the noise was coming from. As she opened the door, she was pulled into an unknown darkness. The last thing she remembered was the sound of the door closing.

"You rascal! You should've covered her at least, the boss will be angry at us for exposing her body, get something to cover her before he comes." Jack said, instructing Noah.

Hearing two men talking so loudly behind her back, It was obvious that she was kidnapped by someone she knew. Ava's eyes covered in darkness, she felt a large hand above her shoulder, covering her cleavage.

Suddenly, everywhere became quiet, footsteps approaching, "Welcome boss," they said in unison. "Did she get hurt?" A deep voice asked, but Ava could not recognize the voice. "No boss," Jack replied.

"Good, get her ready for the event," he glanced at Ava before walking out. "Yes sir," Jack replied while they stepped out.

After several attempts to untie the rope binding her hands. Ava gave up, her body was weak and trembling. Though it had only been a day, it felt like two weeks lost in total darkness and she was starving.

"Untie her then take her to the dressing room," Jack instructed Noah.

She was brought into an unfamiliar room, surprised by the set of wedding gowns and high brand heels. "Who are you and where am I?" she asked, meeting her gaze at the girls in maid uniforms.

"Sorry Miss, but we can't disclose the location," Kate smiled. "Hmm.. You're the head maid right?" Ava asked, tapping her foot.

Kate nodded with a broad smile, unaware why she asked. Ava leaned forward with her staring deeply into her soul, she asked again, "Okay... then who is your boss?"

Kate stepped back with fear, "I can't disclose that either," "Get out," Ava said loudly, clenching her fists.

"But miss, we have to dress you up," Kate said, lowering her voice. She can't afford to offend the new mistress or else the boss will fire her. Ava gave her a warning look, Kate and other maids left the room with their heads bowed.

Ava was left in the room alone, whoever is behind all these will surely regret it, she murmured to herself. Although her mind was messed up glancing through the mirror, she rushed towards the bathroom to freshen up, then applied light makeup on her face.

"Miss, please come down quickly to have your meal before wearing your wedding dress," Kate called out from the dining hall.

Ava walked down the stairs only to meet unfamiliar faces dressed in black with cold expressions. All eyes were fixed on Ava, none of them touched their meal, which made her uncomfortable. After some minutes she finally relaxed. She was starving so she cared less if they kept staring at her.

"Miss, please come up and pick one design," Kate said, breaking the silence. Ava was not pleased by the designs, she was forced to marry with outdated designs. "Y'all leave the room, let me test the dresses, except for the lady with green eyes."

"Okay Miss," Kate replied, giving Milly a dirty look.

Ava looked at the lady with green eyes, her hair is brown, the same height but she has a shy look. She smirked, "What's your name?"

"Milly," She said, with her head bowed. After a moment of silence, "Are you smart?" Ava asked, glancing at the clock.

She nodded.

Ava closed her eyes, leaning towards the chair, then smiled and said "Then, you're good to go."

As the wedding ceremony started, Ava walked down the aisle with her face beneath the veil.

After the exchange of vows, the groom reached out to lift the veil from the bride's face but to his shock he found himself staring at his maid's face.

Meanwhile, Ava slipped away during the ceremony without being caught.

The mansion was in an isolated area, where one can hardly find a taxi. Ava walked down to the junction to see if she could find someone who would help her.

"Sir, you have a meeting with Dr. Matt by 10pm" Elvis said.

"Four hours left, drive to the airport," Michael said, flipping through the document without glancing at him. Suddenly the car stopped . "Why did you stop?" Micheal asked.

Sir.. Sir we have a problem," Elvis said, stuttering.

Ava stood on the road, spotted a car approaching and ran towards it, "Please help me, I need to get out of here." She pleaded, rubbing her palms together

Elvis got out of the car, looking at the lady with maiden dress, "Miss, we are not heading to the city please can you leave the road."

But Ava was desperate. "Anywhere you are going to please...please help me" Tears formed in her eyes as she begged.

Micheal stepped out, smirking , "Are you sure? You don't care if we are dangerous?"

Ava nodded. Micheal's eyes darkened, "Get in."

Time flew so fast, she found herself in an unknown city with the little money she had, she went to the nearest payphone booth to call Angel, after several attempts the line was not reachable.

She hailed a taxi to the nearby park to take a rest, people staring at her like a poor girl who was lost, while she quietly sat down on the bench under the tree.

An elderly man who sat behind her noticed how lost she looked and sighed " If you are lost, kindly go to the police station for your own safety, this city isn't a safe place, you can get robbed."

Ava heard a voice behind her, she looked at the elderly man who was reading a book.

Ava had nothing left on her, so would rob her? She thought then sighed, thanking the elderly man as she asked him the name of the city.

The man studied her before replying "Lakecity."

What!! LakeCity. A city known for its exclusive lifestyle, high standard of living and cooperate capitals.

This can't be happening to me! Ava inner self screamed. "Okay, Ava , calm down. You just have to find a place to sleep tonight. By tomorrow you'll be alright," She tried to comfort herself.

With the little money she was given by the unknown man who helped her, she quickly left the park to find a cheap motel.

The receptionist greeted her with a warm smile."Good evening ma'am."

"Good evening, please do you have any available rooms ?" Ava asked, her eyes scanning the environment. "One minute.... The receptionist said. "Yes, we have room 103."

"Thank you," Ava smiled, collecting the key from the receptionist.

The room was dusty all over, with spiders on the wall. Ava never thought she would sleep in a place like this. She slumped to the bed, so tired she drifted off to sleep.

Ava temporarily checked out of the motel in search of a job, running her hands through her hair, unsure what the future holds.

After two hours of searching for a job, Ava sighed, fidgeting with her feet as she walked into the cafe nearby to order a cup latte as she asked the receptionist if she could speak with the manager.

The lady worried that Ava wanted to complain, quickly asked Ava if the latte was not to her taste. Ava explained everything to the lady, the lady sighed in relief , "Okay!! Please sit down, let me call my manager."

A few minutes later she arrived with the manager. "Good day ma'am, how can I help you?" Mr Ken asked, smiling.

Ava apologized for the disturbance and asked if he was hiring a new employee.

"Yes, please let's go to my office and discuss," Mr Ken said, gesturing towards his office. "Come in, please.Take a seat," he offered. Once she was seated, he asked, "What's your name?"

Ava, unsure if she could say her real name, decided to use her fake name and replied, "Nina."

"Okay, Nina, I have a job offer for you but you have to sign a contract before you get employed." After they discussed the contract for about half an hour, she headed back to the motel.

Ava's mind wandered back to the discussions she had with the cafe manager, replaying his words like a broken record: "You can get this job after signing this contract, and you will be provided with a place to stay for a day. After you're done you can work for me in the cafe. Although Ava doesn't know the nature of the job.

Making up her mind, she needs to start working to be able to rent a house. With a sense of determination, she called the manager to accept the offer, he informed her that she will start work on Friday, promising to send the location of the event.

The next few days went smoothly for Ava. On Thursday night she got stopped by an old lady near the motel, she had a luxury look and a smooth skin. Ava wondered what an old lady would be doing in the street all alone, wandering in a place like this. "How can I help you ma'am?" She asked.

"What's your name Miss?" the old lady asked. Ava, afraid someone might recognise her she quickly told the old lady her fake name with a suspicious look.

"Can I borrow your phone? I need to call my grandson, my driver's car broke down on my way and my phone is not with me." The old lady smiled.

Ava hesitated before giving the old lady her phone. After she made the call, she insisted on taking Ava's number to repay her back which Ava refused to give but she kept on insisting, which Ava finally gave in.

Friday afternoon, Ava started preparing for the job, which she was told begins at night.

After dressing up, she applied light makeup. Then hailed a taxi straight to the given destination. Arriving at the destination, Ava was surprised by the entrance, which was a masterpiece in elegance, confused by the kind of work she will be doing tonight in this mansion.

An old man approached her, "You must be the new lady ? Welcome." he said, leading her through the back door. "Miss!?" He asked.

"Nina," she replied, still in awe about the interior inside the house.

"Okay, we don't have much time. Go change." He said giving her a black knee length skirt, a white shirt and a pair of black low heeled shoes.

Ava looked at him in amazement and she asked, " What exactly am I doing tonight?" He smiled and told her she will be working as a waitress tonight.

The house party started, showing no signs of slowing down. Ava balanced the tray of drinks in her hands, walking through the crowd. Just as she was about to get another set of drinks, a voice called out her fake name.

"Nina! Nina, is that you?" Ava turned around, scanning the room until her eyes landed on the old lady she met on the street.

The old lady approached her with a smile and said " What a coincidence! She asked, "Did you come with someone?"

Ava returned the smile and replied that she had come to work. Then her eyes caught sight of a group of people and her expression changed.

Jack, Ava's father's right hand man, greeting a group of people. If Jack was present, her father would also be here, she thought to herself.

"Nina, if you are free after the party, we can have a coffee together," The old lady said, breaking Ava's train of thoughts. Ava nodded and the old lady left to attend to other guests.

Thankfully Ava saw a facemask close to the counter, wearing it. She scanned the crowd for Jack's silhouette until she spotted my father and Mr. Tom happily chatting, but could not spot Jack.

Ava, eager to hear their conversation, got closer to them.

She heard Mr. Tom laughed then shaked Mr Adams hands, "I'll sign the contract after the wedding. You have just three months to find her, otherwise, the deal is off, for old time's sake. We can't mix business and personal issues." Mr Adams nodded, his eyes lit up.

After some minutes passed, Ava saw Jack walking towards her father with a young man in a buzz cut, wearing a dark green suit. Ava quickly changed her position to avoid being seen.