Love In Between

They walked back to Ava’s office, Bruce’s arm around her shoulder, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the halls. As they walked, Ava couldn’t help but notice the way her employees looked at them, the way they were been glared at. She fought the urge to control herself.

The rumours didn’t die down, instead it skyrocketed even.

The next day, Bruce and Ava arrived at Ava’s office, and Roxie excused herself, leaving Ava and Bruce alone. They sat down in front of Ava’s desk, Ava’s hands on her lap, Bruce’s hand covering hers. “I’m sorry for any trouble I might have caused you,” he said, his voice sincere.

Ava smiled at him, her heart full. “It’s okay,” she said.

They sat there for a moment, lost in each other’s eyes, before Ava leaned in for a kiss.

As the day progressed, Ava couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. The employees seemed to be avoiding her and she couldn’t help but notice the way they whispered behind her back. She knew that the rumors of her and Bruce’s relationship had not died down, but she didn’t expect it to escalate to this point.

As she walked down the hallway, Ava couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the space. The sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wood paneling and artwork.

The beauty of the hallway was tainted by the tension that seemed to permeate the air, the atmosphere that was once inviting and peaceful, now felt tense and uncomfortable.

As she reached her office, Ava noticed Bruce standing outside, deep in conversation with some of the employees. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could tell from the way they were gesturing that it was not a pleasant conversation. As she approached, Bruce’s eyes met hers and she could see the fire in his gaze.

“What’s going on?” Ava asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Somw workers have placed bets on how long I’ll last with you,” Bruce said, his voice filled with disgust. “They’re laughing and saying that I’ll be out of the picture in no time.”

Ava’s heart sank at Bruce’s words. She couldn’t believe that her employees would do something so disrespectful and unprofessional. She could see the hurt and frustration on Bruce’s face and she knew she had to do something about it.

As Bruce continued to talk the workers, Mason appeared from behind Ava. “Looks like someone’s getting a little too comfortable,” he sneered, a cruel smirk on his face.

Bruce turned to Mason, anger clear on his face. “I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to stay out of our business,” he said, his voice filled with authority.

Mason’s smirk turned into a scowl. “You think you’re so special just because Ava’s been dating you,” he spat. “But trust me, she’ll never be satisfied with someone like you. She’ll see through your act and dump you soon enough.”

Ava felt her blood boil at Mason’s words. She couldn’t believe that he would talk to Bruce like that, especially after all that they had done for the company. “That’s enough, Mason,” she said, her voice filled with anger. “I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior any more”

Mason’s scowl deepened, but he didn’t say another word as Ava walked away, Bruce by her side.

After some hours, Mason marched into her office and slammed the door shut. Ava and Bruce who were tangled up a kiss, tore apart from the other, looking up in surprise. Mason gazed at them, an unwavering disgust in his face.

“What is wrong with you Mason, can’t you knock?” She asked, returning his steady glare. Mason was silent as he glared at Ava. She would have been dared if looks were layers.

“What is it, Mason?” she asked. He looked like he was going to kick up another shindig, something she wasn’t prepared for.

Mason took a deep breath. “I know what’s going on between you and Bruce,” he said. “I know you’re having an affair.” Ava’s face turned red.

“That’s none of your business,” she said. Mason shook his head. “It is my business,” he said. “I’m disgusted by what you’re doing. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Ava stood up, their light dying out of her face and pointed to the door.

“Get out,” she said. “I don’t want to hear any more of this. What is wrong with you Mason!” She thundered, flaring at him and wondering why he always had to be the cog in the wheel. It was very clear from the foregoing that Mason wasn’t done with his mischief anytime soon. She had to be prepared for moments like this.

“It’s ok, Ava.” Bruce tried to talk to her and calm her down but she stopped him abruptly with a wave of her hand so she could give Nason the bashing he deserved.

Mason left, but not before he had one last thing to say.

“You’re going to regret this,” he said. Ava slammed the door behind him. She was furious.

Ava grumbled before slamming her fist on the table. Bruce reached towards her to calm her down but she wasn’t ready to get calm anytime soon. She tried to push him off but Bruce wouldn’t let her.

As she settled on the table, she grabbed a glass of water and chugged it down instantly.

How dare Mason accuse her of such a thing? She had done nothing wrong. She was left wondering why he was always this Impulsive, why he loathed anything that had to do with her.

As she pondered on what had just happened, Ava knew what she had to do. She would promote Bruce to a higher position in the company, that was the only way that she could be able to throw Mason off his high horse.

And she knew she had to be very fast about it or things would even get worse.