Chapter 71 - 71

Tristan went to his room to check on Ava. A long time had passed and he was wondering why she didn't come down.

He was worried about her and wanted to make sure she was not feeling overwhelmed by his grandparents' sudden visit.

Ava was sitting on the bed with a blanket wrapped around her.

She was still wearing her nightwear so Tristan knew that she had not taken a bath.

"Little one, what are you doing?" Tristan asked as he stood in front of her.

"Tristan," Ava said, hugging his waist.

"What happened," Tristan patted her head.

Ava did not say anything but looked up at him and pouted.

"Are you worried about my grandparents?" Tristan understood what she was thinking.

"Hmm..," Ava rubbed her head on his stomach.

"Look here," as Tristan lifted her head. Ava looked up knowing he was going to say something important.

"My grandparents will definitely like you once they get to know you better. In fact, my Grandma already likes you, she was already planning our wedding.

My Grandpa is a little strict and he doesn't talk a lot, but don't worry, give him some time, he will come around," Tristan said patiently.

Ava believed Tristan since she also felt that his Grandma already approved of her.

"Will you leave me if they ever oppose our relationship," Ava questioned. 

She feared getting parted from Tristan.

When she accepted his proposal she never thought that she would get so attached to him. The thought of not seeing Tristan did not sit well with Ava.

"Never, I don't care what others think. I need you and I'm going to fight for you," Tristan said as if taking an oath. He was never going to leave Ava for anyone. 

It was good that his grandparents agreed to his relationship, but even if they opposed it he would have gone against them to be with Ava.

She was like his breath. The one thing he could not survive without.

"Me too, I will fight for you," Ava said, equally determined.

"Really?" Tristan chuckled. He loved it when she said sweet things like these to him.

"Truly," Ava said happily.

"Tristan, do they think ill of me because I spent the night here," Ava asked nervously.

She wanted to impress his grandparents and she knew she needed their approval.

She did not want them to think that she was loose. Older people usually followed the traditions a lot.

"No, they did not have any problem with it," Tristan said. It was a half-lie.

His grandma did not have a problem but his grandpa did. Ava was already tense so telling her the truth might scare her more.

He was an adult and being with Ava was his choice. He did not need anyone's permission.

Ava got up on the bed and jumped. "Tristan, I am so relieved knowing they are okay with us being together," Ava squealed.

Tristan laughed. "Come down," he said.

"No, carry me," Ava demanded.

"I'll happily do it, but we have to hurry," Tristan carried her in his arms and put her down near the bathroom.

It was already late and his grandparents were waiting to have breakfast with them.

While Ava went to take a bath in the master bedroom, Tristan showered in the guest bedroom.

When they came downstairs his grandparents were already seated at the dining table and the housekeeper was already serving breakfast.

Grandma was keeping a close eye on Ava and noticed that she started eating only when both the elders had taken a bite.

Her etiquette and table manners were exceptional. She felt quite satisfied with her grandson's choice. 

After having breakfast they went to the living room.

"Ava, come sit with me," Grandma said, as she patted the seat next to her.

Ava looked at Tristan and he nodded at her.

Grandma held Ava's hand as soon as she sat next to her.

She started asking Ava questions to which Ava answered politely. Grandpa was sitting next to them with a grim expression.

Ava was slowly getting comfortable with Grandma but was still a little wary of Grandpa.

Grandma noticed Ava's uneasiness and she poked Grandpa with her elbow.

He gave her a small smile and started conversing with Ava. After some time the atmosphere became joyous and they were all happily chatting with each other.

"Tristan, you have chosen the perfect girl," Grandma declared. 

Ava blushed hearing her compliment while Tristan gave them a smug expression.

As each minute passed Grandma got to know her a little bit more, and she thought she was lovely.

Grandpa changed his mind too. They could not help but like her. 

Grandma's opinion was that Ava was a soft-spoken and a very well cultured person. 

She always wanted Tristan to fall in love and she was happy that he had fallen in love with a very nice girl.

She had no objection and was satisfied with his choice. 

After spending some more time together, Grandma and Grandpa left.

They had wanted to spend the whole day with Tristan, but they decided they wanted to give these love birds some space and time to spend together.

Ava and Tristan spent the rest of the day together. Tristan dropped her home that night.

At the cafe.

PA Jack was persistent, he continuously sent Kelly messages every day.

She would reply to one or two of his messages but he did not lose hope. He will try his best to get closer to her. 

When he learned that Kelly came back from her hometown and was going to resume her work at the cafe, he visited her every day.

He sat in the same chair and ordered the same thing from the menu every day.

After some time Kelly was questioning his motives for being there. Then again, anyone can come to the cafe and she was just a waitress, so why bother.

Every day he would wait for her shift to be over so he can offer her a ride. He mustered enough courage today and thought of finally asking her.

"Kelly, how about I drop you off," PA Jack asked a little nervously.

"I hope it's not a problem for you," Kelly said.

"What, do you mean you will come with me?" PA Jack asked, astonished, he couldn't believe that she agreed so easily.

"Yes, well it's already late, and I know you, so I know I'm safe," Kelly stated the facts.

Today her shift ended an hour later and it would be difficult to get a ride at this hour. That was the only reason she agreed to go with PA Jack.

"Uhm, how about I drop you off every day?" PA Jack asked excitedly.

"Don't push your luck," Kelly warned.

"Okay, just wait here while I get my car," PA Jack said as he ran. He thought one of these days she would agree. Agree to let him pick her up and drop her off at work every day.

During the car ride, PA Jack asked a lot of questions.

He wanted to know everything about her.

He didn't notice that Kelly gave him vague answers. Sometimes she didn't even answer.

When they reached the dorms Kelly couldn't get down from the car fast enough. "Thanks for the ride," she said. 

"Wait!" PA Jack screamed, getting down the car and running to catch up with Kelly.

She stopped and waited for him. They were standing in front of each other and staring into each other's eyes.

Kelly's face showed confusion while PA Jack's face showed anxiety. It looked like he was having an internal battle inside him.

"I love you!" PA Jack blurted out.

He didn't know what came over him. Why he decided to just blurt it out like that.

He panicked, he saw her get out of his car and he knew she was slipping away.

"What?" Kelly said, surprised. She did not expect him to drop a bomb like this.

"I don't know when, why, or how I started to like you. I don't even know how to propose to anyone. But one thing I can promise you if you marry me. I will treat you better than I treat myself," Jack said truthfully.

Kelly felt thrilled for a second when she heard his proposal. Then she remembered her goals and all her responsibilities.

"Go home and sleep it off, you will forget what you said tomorrow," Kelly said.

"I haven't forgotten you the last few months you were gone. What makes you think I can forget everything in one night?" PA Jack said, exasperated.

He missed her terribly when she went back to her hometown.

"Jack, love is not on my list right now. I have a lot of things to do," Kelly took a deep breath.

"I can wait, and I will never disturb your life, I will make sure you reach all your goals," PA Jack said eagerly.

"You don't understand," Kelly said helplessly.

"Then make me understand," PA Jack challenged her.

"I may go to this rich, fancy college but I am not like them. My parents have struggled a lot to support my education. I need to get a good job, support my parents and fulfill my photography dream," Kelly said.

"I will support you, I did not come from a well to do family as well. I also had my fair share of struggles to get a job at the Ambrosio group. I understand your struggles," PA Jack said.

"I am sorry," Kelly said in a low tone.

"All I am asking from you is to give me one chance," PA Jack begged.

Kelly lowered her head. It hurt PA Jack seeing her refusing him.

"Take your time, but I am not going to give up on you," PA Jack said and turned around.

He knows there will always be obstacles whenever you want to achieve something.

He was going to convince her until she gave him a chance to prove himself.

Kelly stood there even after his car left.

She felt like someone stabbed her heart when she saw his sad face.

She felt guilty for rejecting him even though she had no compulsion to accept him.