The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 60

“Good afternoon, ma’am,” the butler nodded as Ava entered the kitchen. “May I get you anything?”

“N-no. Sorry.” Ava backed a step. “I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to come here.”

“I beg your pardon, ma’am?” Duncan approached. “I can assure you there is no place here you are not allowed to go.”

“…I…”

“If you are hungry please allow me to prepare anything you wish.”

“N-no. That’s all right,” Ava shook her head. She and the kids had already enjoyed an extravagant lunch so she certainly wasn’t hungry. “I was just going to get a glass of water.”

“Of course, allow me.” With a nod Duncan took out a glass, placed it under the ice maker and poured Perrier before giving it to her with a gentle smile.

Ava hesitantly accepted. She wasn’t used to being waited on. Normally she was the one serving. It felt nice to be treated with consideration but also made her self-conscience. This was Silas’s home and she was only a guest yet the staff was treating her like the mistress of the house.

To an outsider it might look like they were merely being considerate but to someone who had grown up with servants Ava recognized the subtle nuances, little gestures that separated how staff treated family from guests. But why would they give her that courtesy? The children she understood since Silas was their father but that had nothing to do with her.

“Ma’am? Is there anything else I can give you?”

“…No. You don’t have to do any of this,” Ava quietly said still holding the glass. Tap water would have been just fine.

“I’m afraid you are mistaken, ma’am. We are merely giving you the courtesy you deserve.”

“…But why?”

“It is not my place to say. If you wish to know the answer to that you’ll have to ask Master Silas.”

Ava flinched at the thought. How could she? How could she face him after what she had done? Wasn’t he disgusted with her? Would he take the kids away from her and leave her out in the cold like her father intended to do? Her greatest fear was being left alone…was that her destiny? To be forgotten?

“Ma’am? Are you all right?”

Ava blinked back tears and looked to see the butler looking at her with concern. Ava stepped back retreating from the kitchen clutching the glass as she went. Her thoughts were swirling. What did the butler mean by this was no less than she deserved? She wasn’t the Lady of the House. She had no status even as the mother of the triplets so it did not benefit the staff to even notice her.

Lost in thought her wandering eventually brought her to the study. The walls were lined with oak bookshelves laden with hardbound novels to suit just about any preference. There were also paintings Ava was certain were originals and not cheap copies. At one end was a large table perfectly serviceable for someone wanting to work. On the other end was a seating area with comfortable, richly upholstered furniture all situated in front of a tall picture window that let in plenty of natural light. But what caught her attention was the piano.

A baby grand piano sat near the seating area. It gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the window. Silently she crept up to it hesitantly sitting on the bench. Setting the glass aside she lifted the lid covering the ivory keys. Ava let her fingers slide over the flawlessly smooth surface. How long had it been since she played?

She couldn’t remember, probably not since teaching Alexis. Ava wondered if Alexis still played. It had been awhile since either dragged out the keyboard hidden away in a closet. Ava missed those days watching Alexis learn Twinkle Twinkle and eventually Für Elise. Sometimes they played side by side having fun with a Chopsticks duet as well as Heart and Soul. But any piece could be made into a duet if the ones playing had the skill and talent to work together. If they did the piece would become a living thing adapting and changing according to their moods and whims.

Alexis had skill and talent. She would certainly blow minds away on stage but she would never get the chance. Even with the right connections it was hard to enter the music world and Alexis had none. Was there a point to dreaming something impossible? Ten years ago Ava learned the answer was no. With a sigh she closed the lid and stood. Dreams like that belonged in the closet: out of the way and forgotten.

“Ava, why don’t you play?”

She froze at the deep, gentle voice. Spinning she found Silas watching her from the doorway. There was a look of concern on his face, almost pained. Ava bit her lip. She had been avoiding him ever since their shopping excursion. All the clothes he bought her hung neatly in her closet but she hadn’t worn any of them besides the coat. She couldn’t afford to annoy him or take advantage of his generosity. As long as the clothes stayed pristine they could be returned.

“And why don’t you wear the clothes I gave you?” Silas slowly approached as she struggled to hold her ground.

Ava hugged herself. The sweater she wore had seen better days but despite its faded color and frayed edges it was good enough for her. It had always been good enough but standing in front of him she felt shabby and inadequate, ashamed she couldn’t afford better.

“Ava.”

She flinched realizing how close he suddenly was. When had he approached? What should she say? What did he want from her?

His expression was soft nothing like the stern one he always used for pictures and certainly nothing like the enraged voice from ten years ago. Gently he raised his hand brushing her hair from her face before stroking her cheek. Ava blinked not certain how she should take his kind gestures or the smoldering desire in his gaze.

“You are so beautiful,” Silas softly said.

Ava’s brow furrowed. Did she hear him right?