Chapter 5: Trust on the Line

Ava awoke the next morning feeling drained, her mind still tangled with the previous night's events. Victoria’s unexpected arrival at the restaurant had left her feeling unsettled, and though Lucas had assured her that he was done with his ex, Ava couldn’t shake the nagging doubt that there was more to the story. She wanted to trust Lucas, to believe in the connection they were building, but something about Victoria’s words kept echoing in her mind: “Lucas has a way of making promises he can’t keep.” Ava sighed and rolled out of bed, deciding that the best way to clear her head was to focus on her work. But even as she tried to concentrate on her campaign plans, her thoughts drifted back to Lucas and Victoria. She couldn’t help but wonder—was Lucas truly ready to move on, or was he still caught in the web of his past? Later that afternoon, Ava decided to take a break and walk to clear her mind. She headed to the park, hoping the fresh air and the sight of the blooming trees would help calm her restless thoughts. As she walked, she noticed a small café near the park's edge and stopped for a coffee. She stepped inside, inhaling the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso, and sat near the window. She was settling in when she heard a familiar voice. “Ava?” She saw Victoria standing by the counter with a cup of coffee. Ava’s heart skipped a beat, and she felt a surge of annoyance mixed with curiosity. “Victoria,” she greeted, trying to keep her tone neutral. Victoria smiled, though her eyes held a hint of mischief. “Mind if I join you?” Ava hesitated but then nodded. “Sure, go ahead.” Victoria slid into the seat across from her, her smile never wavering. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said casually. Ava shrugged. “I could say the same. What brings you to this part of town?” Victoria sipped her coffee, her gaze never leaving Ava’s face. “Oh, I like this place. It’s a nice spot to think.” Ava nodded, trying to figure out where this conversation was headed. “So, what did you want to discuss with Lucas last night?” Victoria’s smile grew a little sharper. “Straight to the point. I like that.” She leaned in slightly. “Look, Ava, I’m not here to cause trouble. I think you should know what you’re getting into with Lucas.” Ava felt her irritation flare. “And what exactly do you think I’m getting into?” Victoria’s expression softened slightly, almost as if she felt sympathy. “Lucas is… complicated. He’s charming, yes. He knows how to make you feel special. But he has a way of keeping secrets and people at arm’s length. And he’s not always honest about what he wants.” Ava’s heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her expression neutral. “And you think you know him better than I do?” Victoria shrugged. “I know him differently. We were together for a long time, and I saw sides of him that he doesn’t show everyone. It would help if you didn’t get hurt, Ava. You seem like a good person.” Ava studied Victoria’s face, trying to gauge her sincerity. “If you’re trying to warn me off, it won’t work. I make my own decisions.” Victoria smiled, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—sadness, maybe. “Fair enough. But just be careful, okay? Lucas can be… unpredictable.” Ava felt a surge of frustration. “Why are you doing this, Victoria? Why can’t you leave us alone?” Victoria’s smile faded, and for a moment, Ava saw a glimpse of vulnerability in her eyes. “Because, Ava… I’m not sure I can.” With that, Victoria stood, offering a small, almost wistful smile. “Take care, Ava. I hope you know what you’re doing.” As Victoria walked away, Ava felt a knot form in her stomach. She didn’t know what to make of their conversation. Was Victoria genuinely concerned for her, or was she trying to sow doubt? Ava shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered, gnawing at her. As Ava was getting ready for bed that evening, she heard a knock at her door. She opened it to find Lucas standing there, his expression tense. “Lucas,” she said, surprised. “What are you doing here?” Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I needed to see you. After last night… I just wanted to make sure we’re okay.” Ava stepped back, letting him inside. “We’re fine, Lucas. I just… I don’t know what to think right now. Victoria was at the park today, and she talked to me.” Lucas’s face darkened. “What did she say?” Ava crossed her arms, her voice guarded. “She warned me about you. Said you have a way of keeping secrets, of not being honest.” Lucas’s jaw tightened, and he took a deep breath. “Ava, I’m sorry she did that. I know she’s trying to get in your head to make you doubt me. But I swear to you, I’m not hiding anything. I want to be with you, and I’m trying to be open about everything.” Ava searched his face, trying to read his expression. “Then why does it feel like there’s still something between you two? Like she thinks you’re not over her?” Lucas stepped closer, his eyes filled with sincerity. “Because she doesn’t want to let go, Ava. But I’m done with her. I’m done with the past. I want to move forward—with you.” Ava felt a flicker of hope but also a flicker of doubt. “I want to believe that, Lucas. But I need to know you’re being completely honest with me.” Lucas took her hands, his voice earnest. “I am, Ava. I promise. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to improve for you. Please, give me a chance.” Ava looked into his eyes, feeling a mix of emotions. She wanted him to believe he was being truthful, but she also knew she couldn’t ignore her instincts. “Okay, Lucas,” she said finally. “I’ll give you a chance. But if I find out you’re hiding something from me… it’s over.” Lucas nodded, relief flooding his face. “Thank you, Ava. I won’t let you down.” They sat on the couch, and Lucas began to open up, sharing more about his past with Victoria. “We met in college,” he began, his voice quiet. “It was intense, passionate… but also toxic. We fought a lot, broke up, and got back together more times than I can count. We could make it work, but it was always a rollercoaster.” Ava listened, feeling a mixture of sympathy. Wet happened?” Lucas sighed. “She wanted more—more commitment, more control. I wasn’t ready, and I pulled away. She didn’t take it well. We’ve been in this push-pull ever since. But I’m done with that. I’m done with the games.” Ava nodded slowly. “And now she’s trying to pull you back in?” Lucas nodded, frustration in his eyes. “I think so. But I don’t want that. I want something real, something stable. I want you, Ava.” Ava felt her heart soften at his words but still felt the nagging doubt. “I want that too, Lucas. But I need to know you’re ready for it.” Lucas took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “I am, Ava. I’ve never been more sure of anything.” Ava smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Okay. Let’s give this a try.” Lucas leaned in, his voice a whisper. “No more doubts. No more games.” Ava nodded, her heart racing. “No more games.” Ava's phone buzzed just as they shared a quiet moment of connection. She glanced down and saw a message from an unknown number. Her stomach twisted as she read it: “You think you know him, but you don’t. Be careful, Ava.” Ava felt a chill run down her spine. She looked up at Lucas, her expression tense. “Did you give my number to anyone?” Lucas frowned. “No. Why?” Ava showed him the message, her heart pounding. “Someone’s trying to warn me off you.” Lucas’s face hardened. “It’s probably Victoria. She’s trying to mess with your head.” Ava nodded, but the doubt remained. “Maybe. But I need to know for sure, Lucas. I need to know you’re not hiding anything.” Lucas reached out, his voice firm. “I’m not, Ava. I swear. I’m here with you, and that’s where I want to be.” Ava wanted to believe him but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story than she saw. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Okay, Lucas. But I need to know everything. No more secrets.” Lucas nodded, his expression serious. “I promise, Ava. No more secrets.” But as they sat in her apartment's quiet, Ava knew this was far from over. And she wondered if she was prepared for the truth, whatever it might be.