Chapter 020

Ava's POV I stormed into my living room, slamming my bag onto the couch. My blonde hair whipped around my face as I paced back and forth, my hands clenched into fists. The room was silent, except for the sound of my ragged breathing. "How dare you!" I exploded, my voice echoing off the walls. I spun around, my eyes blazing with fury as I glared at the empty space where Aiden should have been. I poured myself a glass of wine, my hands shaking with rage as I raised it to my lips. The liquid burned down my throat, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. Memories flashed through my mind - the countless nights I'd spent working late, trying to impress Aiden; the way I'd manipulated events to get rid of Sandra; the triumph I'd felt when Aiden had finally started to notice me. And now, it all seemed like a cruel joke. Aiden was married, and not only that, but his wife was pregnant. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I slammed my fist onto the center table, making the vase on it wobble. "Three months after your breakup, and you're already married?!" I screamed, my voice hoarse from shouting. I snatched up my phone, scrolling through our past conversations. How could he have kept this from me? We'd worked together for years, and I thought I knew him. But now, I realized I didn't know him at all. A stranger stared back at me from the photos on my phone. My anger boiled over, and I started smashing things - the vase, the glass, the wine bottle. The sound of shattering glass was music to my ears. As I stood amidst the wreckage, my chest heaving with exertion, I knew I had to get to the bottom of this. I had to know the truth about Aiden's marriage, and I had to put a stop to it. A cold, calculating smile spread across my face as I whispered to myself, "You're mine, Aiden. And if I can't have you, no one else will." I stormed into the restaurant, my eyes scanning the room for Lydia. I spotted her sitting at a table, sipping wine with a smile on her face. I marched over to her, slamming my bag onto the table. "Miss Ava," Lydia said, her voice dripping with amusement. I glared at her, my eyes blazing with anger. "What do you think you're doing, drinking wine?" I spat, my voice low and menacing. Lydia chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh, please, don't tell me that as your P.I., I can't enjoy myself once in a while." I dragged a chair out and sat down, my face twisted in a scowl. "So, tell me, why did you text me saying 'change of plans, let's meet up'?" Lydia asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. I leaned forward, my eyes locked onto hers. "Well, that's because there's been a change in plans, Lydia." Lydia raised an eyebrow, her expression intrigued. "So, who's the target now?" I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Hailey Kilman. She lives with Aiden." Lydia's eyes lit up with interest. "You see, this is why I like you, Ava. You're always ready with just the information I need before we meet." I felt a surge of anger at her flirtatious tone. "I'm not here for your lesbian self, Lydia. I'm here to talk." Lydia's face fell, her expression turning cold. "Okay, okay, fine. So, this new plan still involves the Brooklyns, doesn't it?" I shook my head, my eyes never leaving hers. "Not for a while. I want you to figure out who that lady is and how long her marriage with Aiden is." Lydia's eyes narrowed, her expression calculating. "So, you want me to investigate Aiden's wife?" I felt a surge of frustration at her slow understanding. "Why are you slow? Of course, I want you to investigate his wife..." I trailed off, my voice rising in anger. Lydia leaned forward, her eyes boring into mine. "Now, be careful there, Ava. You do know the only reason why I'm helping you is your pretty face and that juice you have in between your legs, right? Now, you mess up again and try to insult me? Things aren't going to end well, and you know that." I felt a shiver run down my spine as Lydia's words washed over me. I was intimidated, and I knew it. "Now, remember, you still owe me, and you're still quite in a lot of debt. And I'm the only reason why the law enforcement agencies haven't come knocking on your door. So, be wise." I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of fear. I was in Lydia's debt, and I knew I had to tread carefully. "You don't have to be so cruel with me, Lydia." Lydia's expression softened, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, tell me, Ava, why are you doing this?" I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "What sort of question is that?" I asked, trying to stall. Lydia's eyes narrowed, her expression stern. "It's just a question, Ava." I sighed, feeling a surge of frustration. "You know it because I love Aiden." Lydia raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "No, I mean the real reason." I felt a surge of anger at her persistence. "What are you insinuating?" I spat, my voice low and menacing. Lydia leaned forward, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "I'm just saying that love doesn't seem like a strong enough motivation for you to go to such great lengths." I felt a surge of defensiveness, my eyes flashing with anger. "Because his family took what belongs to me. Now, I want to take it back. But Aiden just turned out to be the lucky one because I love him." Lydia's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes gleaming with interest. "I see. And what is it that belongs to you, Ava?" I gazed off into the distance, my eyes unfocused as I collected my thoughts. A small, enigmatic smile played on my lips as I turned back to Lydia. "You'll know soon, Lydia," I said, my voice low and mysterious. "Just a little more time." I said, making Lydia pull back to her seat with a smirk on her face.