The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

I felt sad when I woke up.

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It was the kind of weight that came from the restless thoughts that had been bothering me all night not from the actual sleep. I had been tossing and turning unable to get rid of the worry that had been bothering me for days.

Beyond what she was revealing there was a problem with Ava. The terror and the dreams seemed all too real. In an attempt to dispel the fog of the restless night I combed my hair as I got up and left my room. The morning light was still fading and having trouble peeping through the curtains in the dimly lit hallway.

My intention was to go downstairs and get a coffee but I stopped myself before I could move. Ava.

She was standing with her back to me gazing at nothing specific outside the window. She wasnt the only thing that surprised me though.

was something completely different. It was the poised manner in which she stood so… different.

No

She reminded me a lot of Fiona. As my breath caught in my throat I took a step closer my heart thumping. Everything about her appeared remarkably familiar like a ghost from my past including the way the light caught the edges of her hair and the curve of her body. However no. No this was Ava. She exuded her own vitality and presence. And she appeared to be someone else at that precise moment.

Somewhere in the distance. I was still frozen my thoughts racing and I couldnt get Fionas smile out of my head. For an instant I couldnt tell the difference between Ava and myself even though I hadnt seen her in years. Then Ava turned back.

Although her smile was gentle and sincere her eyes had a newfound intensity, a force. I had only ever witnessed this type of power in those who had mastered the art of commanding attention without even trying.

I saw her as more than just the woman I loved at that precise moment. She was… another person. Someone I couldnt identify.

With a blink I brought myself back to the present. I had to stop thinking of her as Fionas look alike. It was Ava. She existed. And she was

present.

Ava’s voice brought me back with her question “Are you okay?”

Even though her eyes were gentle she gave me a worried look as if she could sense my distress. I started to say something but for a moment I was at a loss.

Although I wanted to assure her that I was alright I wasnt. Still plagued by my own thoughts I was a complete mess on the inside. Instead I noticed that I was staring at her once more while experiencing an odd knot in my chest. Before I could stop them the words came out.

As I said “You look… beautiful”

I surprised even myself with how sincere my voice was.

With a faint smile teasing the corners of her lips Avas face softened. “Thank you” she said in a kind voice.

16:47 Wed, May 6

Chapter 69

But behind her eyes there was a glimmer of something that I couldnt quite identify. She seemed to be waiting for something more as evidenced by the brief silence she had and the weight of her eyes on me.

My heart was beating steadily in my ears but I couldnt tell for the life of me whether I was still in awe of her beauty or if I was clinging to something I couldnt quite understand.

“Where did you go yesterday?” she inquired in a quiet yet interested tone. “You didnt show up for the makeover. I thought we were planning something.”

My stomach turned over. I didnt want to lie to her but I wasnt ready to tell her the truth yet. Not when everything seemed so difficult.

I said “I had an important meeting” letting the lie slip out all too easily. It went longer than anticipated.

She nodded after slightly furrowing her brow but she didnt seem to question me. “I see” She answered but there was a tone in which I questioned whether or not she actually believed me.

I detested not being able to tell her the truth. A moment later she said “Well breakfast is ready. Lets eat come on.”

I tried to force the ponderous thoughts from my mind by nodding. “All right.”

The silence between us as we descended the stairs was not awkward but it was full of unsaid words. Ava seemed to be moving with intention and to have a clear idea of her destination. She was so elegant and calm but there was a tension about her that I couldnt quite put my finger on.

She seemed to be keeping something from us something she wasnt prepared to reveal. I listened to her as we went downstairs the faint sound of her footsteps on the wood floor blending with the houses soft hum. Soft shadows were created on her features by the morning light that came in through the windows.

She seemed so different almost like she had changed overnight that I couldnt help but notice it. I had known a woman who was insecure and occasionally vulnerable but that was no longer the case. The confident and strong Ava in front of me seemed to have discovered something inside of herself.

Was it merely the dream was I still in shock from last nights events or was there more to it? As we arrived in the kitchen I was astounded by how homey everything felt. With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm eggs filling the air Ava had already set the table.

The kitchen window allowed sunlight to filter in softly illuminating everything. Everything seemed safe and normal for a brief while. However my mind continued to race unable to break free from the whirlpool of confusion. Ava moved around the kitchen with such ease and confidence as I sat at the table and observed her movements.

I tried to break the silence and re–establish my presence by asking “Have you been up long?”

A faint smile played on her lips as she looked over her shoulder at me. Not long was her response. “Last night I had trouble sleeping.”

I stiffened not knowing what to say. Was it the nightmare or was there another issue bothering her? Had she been plagued by the same

anxieties that I was?

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