Chapter 4: Doubts and Decisions

The next few days were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions for Ava. She found herself constantly replaying the moment Victoria had shown up at her apartment, the look on Lucas’s face, the tension in his voice. She wanted to believe him when he said he was done with Victoria, but how he had reacted—so guarded and conflicted—left her uneasy. Ava tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing on her work and her friends, but every time her phone buzzed, her heart would skip a beat, wondering if it was Lucas or if it was some new surprise that would throw her off balance again. She hated feeling this way—unsure, unsteady—but she also couldn’t ignore the pull she felt toward him, the way he seemed to make everything else fade into the background when they were together. On a particularly restless evening, Ava decided to confide in her best friend, Sophie Mitchell. Sophie was her sounding board, her voice of reason, and the one person who always knew how to put things in perspective. They met at their favorite coffee shop, a cozy little place filled with the rich aroma of roasted beans and the soft hum of chatter. As they settled into a corner booth, Sophie gave Ava a knowing look. “Alright, spill. I can see something’s been eating at you.” Ava sighed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. “It’s Lucas,” she confessed. “I like him, Sophie. A lot. But his ex, Victoria… she’s still in the picture, complicating things.” Sophie’s brow furrowed. “Complicated how?” Ava explained the encounter with Victoria, how she had shown up unannounced, the tension between her and Lucas, and the doubts that had started to creep in. “I want to trust him,” Ava said, her voice tinged with frustration. “But I can’t shake this feeling that there’s more going on than he’s telling me.” Sophie nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I get it. It sounds like there’s some unfinished business there. But Ava, you must decide if you’re willing to see where this goes or if you need to step back and protect yourself.” Ava bit her lip, torn. “I just don’t know, Sophie. Every time I’m with him, I feel this connection like we’re meant to be… but then something like this happens, making me doubt everything.” Sophie reached across the table, squeezing Ava’s hand. “Trust your instincts, Ava. If you feel like there’s something real between you and Lucas, maybe it’s worth giving it a shot. But don’t ignore those red flags, either. Just… be careful.” Ava nodded, feeling a little better for having talked it out. “You’re right. I’ll try to be careful.” Sophie grinned. “And if he messes with you, I’ll handle him myself.” Ava laughed, feeling some of the tension ease. “Thanks, Soph. You always know how to make me feel better.” The next day, Ava’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was Lucas. “Hey Ava, I know things have been weird, but I was thinking… maybe we could have a proper date? Just us. No surprises. How about dinner tomorrow night?” Ava’s heart fluttered at the invitation. She hesitated for a moment, then typed out her response. “I’d like that. Where and when?” Lucas replied almost instantly. “How about 7 p.m. at La Belle Vie? I’ll pick you up.” Ava smiled, a sense of anticipation building inside her. “Sounds perfect. See you then.” Ava took more care than usual to prepare for the date the following day. She chose a simple yet elegant black dress that made her feel confident and beautiful. She told herself not to overthink things or let her doubts overshadow the possibility of something real and meaningful. When Lucas arrived, he was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his smile warm and inviting. “You look stunning,” he said as she opened the door. Ava felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.” He laughed, offering his arm. “Shall we?” La Belle Vie was a charming, intimate, softly lit restaurant with a romantic ambiance that immediately put Ava at ease. As they sat down at their table, she felt some of her anxiety melt away. Tonight was about them, just the two of them, without the shadows of the past lurking around. They ordered wine, and Lucas raised his glass with a smile. “To new beginnings,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. Ava clinked her glass against his, feeling a rush of warmth. “To new beginnings.” Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and for the first time in days, Ava felt herself relaxing, enjoying Lucas’s company without the weight of doubt pressing down on her. He was charming and attentive and made her laugh in a way she hadn’t in a long time. “So, Ava,” Lucas began, leaning in slightly, “if you could do anything right now—no limitations, no responsibilities—what would it be?” Ava thought for a moment, smiling. “I’d travel. Just pick a place on the map and go. I’ve always wanted to see the world and experience new cultures and people. What about you?” Lucas’s expression softened. “I’d probably do the same. I’ve been so caught up in my career, in building things… sometimes I forget there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored.” Ava felt a connection, a sense that they were both searching for something more. “Maybe we could go together someday,” she said impulsively. Lucas’s smile widened. “I’d like that.” For a moment, everything felt perfect. But just as they finished their meal, Ava noticed Lucas’s eyes flicker toward the entrance. She turned to see what had caught his attention and felt her stomach drop. Victoria stood just inside the door, her eyes scanning the room. Ava’s heart clenched as she watched Victoria’s gaze settle on their table. Victoria strode over, her posture confident, her smile cool and composed. “Lucas,” she greeted, her voice smooth. “Fancy meeting you here.” Lucas’s expression tightened, and Ava could see the frustration in his eyes. “Victoria, this isn’t a good time.” Victoria glanced at Ava, her smile unwavering. “Oh, I’m sure it isn’t. But I needed to talk to you, and you haven’t been answering my calls.” Ava felt a wave of irritation rise within her. “Victoria, this isn’t appropriate. We’re in the middle of something.” Victoria’s eyes flicked back to Ava, her expression amused. “Oh, don’t worry, Ava. This won’t take long. I need to clear a few things up with Lucas.” Lucas stood, his voice firm. “Victoria, I told you we’re done. There’s nothing more to discuss.” Victoria’s smile faded slightly, and she took a step closer. “Lucas, you and I know it’s not that simple.” Ava felt her heart tighten. She hated how Victoria seemed so sure of herself and her place in Lucas’s life. She looked at Lucas, searching his face for some sign, some reassurance. But Lucas seemed conflicted, torn between anger and something deeper. “Victoria, please. I’m asking you to leave.” Victoria hesitated for a moment, then turned her gaze back to Ava. “I hope you know what you’re getting into, Ava,” she said, her tone almost pitying. “Lucas has a way of making promises he can’t keep.” Ava’s jaw tightened, but before she could respond, Lucas stepped forward. “That’s enough, Victoria. Leave.” Victoria studied his face for a moment, then shrugged. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that, she turned and walked away, her exit as dramatic as her entrance. Ava watched her go, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned back to Lucas, her emotions swirling. “Lucas… what is going on?” Lucas sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’m sorry, Ava. I don’t know why she’s doing this. She just won’t let go.” Ava felt anger and confusion. “And what about you? Are you done with her?” Lucas reached for her hand, his grip firm. “Yes, Ava. I’m done. I want to be with you. But Victoria… she doesn’t seem to understand that.” Ava searched his face, trying to gauge his sincerity. “I want to believe you, Lucas. But I can’t deal with this drama. I need to know if you’re all in or not at all.” Lucas nodded, his expression earnest. “I’m all in, Ava. I promise.” Ava felt a flicker of hope but also a flicker of doubt. “Okay, Lucas. I’ll give this one more chance. But no more surprises, okay?” Lucas smiled, relief washing over his face. “No more surprises. I promise.” But as they left the restaurant, Ava couldn’t shake the feeling that Victoria wouldn’t disappear quietly. And for the first time, she wondered if she was ready for the storm that was about to come.