Chapter 17: Staying the Night
However, Nathan Ford did not drink the water, nor did he show any signs of leaving. Instead, he made his way upstairs directly.
"What are you doing?" Despite her own discomfort, Ava Sterling hurriedly followed him.
To her astonishment, Nathan Ford brazenly walked into her bathroom.
"Hey, Nathan Ford, get out of there now. It's late, and I'm not in the mood for games. Time for everyone to go home," Ava Sterling yelled, pounding on the bathroom door.
"Do you realize I could charge you with breaking and entering, Nathan Ford? Get out here."
She had no idea what Nathan Ford intended to do. This man always had a knack for the unexpected.
After a while, the sound of water came from the bathroom. Was Nathan Ford actually taking a shower?
What the heck?
Could it be that he planned to stay the night?
Aside from that one night, they had never shared a bed or even stayed together at her place.
The thought sent a shiver down Ava Sterling's spine. That night was a nightmare she dared not remember.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Ava Sterling rubbed her hands together, waiting for Nathan Ford to emerge so she could have a proper conversation with him.
Soon, the sound of water stopped, and Ava's nerves grew even tighter.
Nathan Ford came out wearing a bathrobe, his body still damp, and his hair wet. His skin was a healthy bronze, his abs defined.
Under normal circumstances, Ava Sterling might have teased him, but she was not in the mood.
"Nathan Ford, now that you've had your shower, you can leave," Ava Sterling said bluntly.
"This is my house. Why should I leave?" Nathan Ford countered.
Ava Sterling was at a loss for words.
Indeed, this was his house, and she had no right to ask him to leave.
If he wanted to sleep here, then so be it.
Ava Sterling gathered her belongings and made her way to the adjacent living room, determined to maintain a clear boundary between her and Nathan Ford, especially with unfinished business at "Serenity Tea Haven" still hanging over her head. After an entire day of clashes with Nathan over work, not a single task had been addressed.
However, the guest room was far from prepared; Ava hadn't expected any visitors, assuming anyone who did show up would be an unwelcome surprise, certainly not someone to accommodate overnight.
In her mind, Nathan Ford was merely being stubborn, a nuisance she could simply ignore until he left of his own accord.
Yet, upon resolving her matters and returning, Ava was shocked to find Nathan Ford sprawled on her bed.
"Nathan Ford…" Ava felt a surge of anger at the sight.
"I thought you might not come back. I've been waiting here for you for quite some time," Nathan said, his gaze fixed intently on Ava.
"Have you had your fill of this nonsense? If so, then leave already," Ava glanced at the clock, realizing it was past midnight, and she was exhausted.
"Did you forget what the elders said today? We need to work hard to fulfill their wishes of seeing a grandchild soon. Isn't that what you agreed to, Ms. Sterling? I'm not pleased with your current attitude. I believe I'm helping you, yet you show no gratitude," Nathan chided.
Ava was astounded by Nathan's shameless persistence, his ability to remain unembarrassed and audacious truly opened her eyes.
"Do you actually take those words to heart?" Ava tried to maintain her composure.
"You dare deny it when it was spoken directly by the elders? Who was it that promised, after all? I'm not one to defy the wishes of our elders, and since a promise was made, shouldn't we strive to keep it? If I don't help you, can you get pregnant on your own? Would you rather defy our elders, just like me?" Nathan countered, seizing on Ava's earlier statement.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone