Chapter 5: The First Crack
The moment Adrian stepped off the stage, he was surrounded by well-wishers. Doctors, donors, and reporters crowded around him, offering congratulations and asking for photos.
Ava stood slightly behind him, smiling politely when required. Her face ached from the effort.
She felt Ethan’s eyes on her the entire time.
Adrian was in his element. He laughed loudly, shook hands, and accepted praise like it was his birthright. Every few minutes, he would reach for Ava and pull her closer, as if displaying a prized possession.
Then it happened.
A young nurse who had worked with Adrian at the hospital approached with a warm smile.
“Dr. Vaughn, your speech was incredible. The work you do with children is truly inspiring.”
Adrian smiled charmingly.
“Thank you. It’s my life’s calling.”
The nurse turned to Ava.
“And you must be so proud of him. I’ve heard you’re his fiancée?”
Before Ava could answer, Adrian’s hand tightened around her waist — right over a fresh bruise.
“She is,” he said smoothly. “Though sometimes I think she forgets how important these events are. She almost missed tonight because of some silly work emergency.”
He laughed, but there was an edge to it.
Ava felt her face heat up.
The nurse looked slightly uncomfortable but smiled anyway.
Ethan appeared beside them before Ava could respond.
“Dr. Vaughn,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight. “Congratulations on the award. Your dedication to pediatric care is… impressive.”
Adrian turned, still smiling.
“Thank you, Mr. Carter. Coming from you, that means a lot.”
Ethan’s eyes flicked briefly to Ava’s arm, where Adrian’s fingers were still pressing into her skin. Then he looked back at Adrian.
“I couldn’t help but notice how attentive you are to your fiancée tonight,” Ethan said. “It’s rare to see such… close protection.”
Adrian’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second.
“I like to keep her close,” he replied. “Especially in crowds like this.”
Ethan took a small step closer. His voice dropped just enough that only Adrian and Ava could hear clearly.
“Sometimes protection can look a lot like control, Doctor.”
The air between them shifted.
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“I’m not sure what you’re implying, Mr. Carter.”
Ethan didn’t blink.
“I’m not implying anything. I’m simply making an observation.”
Ava’s heart was pounding so hard she was sure everyone could hear it. She forced herself to speak.
“Mr. Carter, thank you again for the wonderful speech tonight. We should probably let you get back to your other guests.”
Ethan looked at her. His expression softened for just a moment.
“Of course,” he said. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Dr. Vaughn. Ava.”
He walked away without another word.
Adrian watched him go, his jaw tight.
“What the hell was that about?” he muttered under his breath.
Ava didn’t answer.
May you like
But for the first time that night, she felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Hope.
