I woke up early. It was Lisa's birthday and I have everything planned for her. Also I have that meeting with Ms.Winston.

I made my way downstairs and heard humming sounds coming from kitchen. I walked towards it and found her face turned around. She was humming a song and swaying her hips rhythmically. Must be the effect of pills. I just stood there watching her for a while and then decided to greet her. I am in a good mood today.

"Good morning." She jumped in surprise as a low yelp left her mouth. I kept my emotionless face intact, though inside I was laughing hard at her reaction. She turned around and was again deep red.

"goo..good morning." Again stutturing. "You woke up early." She asked more like said.

"Hmm." was all my response. I am excited to see Lisa's reaction after she sees her gift.

"Uhmm..today we are going on a picnic, would you...I mean would you like to join us ? You can invite Lisa too." She asked her voice was hopeful, but I already have everything planned for today.

"I have some work, you can go."

A look of disappointment crossed her features, nonetheless she nodded and focused on the breakfast she was cooking. "If you get sometime, you both can join us. We'll be at the NYC orphanage or Manhattan beach."

I gave her a nod and after that we both fell in complete silence She placed my breakfast infront of me and got back to packing stuffs for her picnic.

I was glancing at her every now and then. Once I was done , I stood up while she grabbed my plate and cleaned it. She wrote a note and left it on the fridge.

"See you in the evening." She smiled and after grabbing her things, she dashed out. Well that was fast.

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"Sir your destination." Sean said. My eyes snapped towards the beautiful penthouse apartment. I thanked him and walked towards Lisa's house with a bouquet and keys of a new car that I had bought for her as a gift. Walking to her front door, I opened it. I had a huge smile on my face.

I made my way towards her bedroom and what I saw within seconds boiled my blood. My fist immediately clenched so tightly that it crushed the bouquet I was holding within seconds.

Infront of my eyes was the woman I thought loved me grinding and jumping bare over another man and not just any other man but Neil Davies, one of our biggest business rivals.

I opened the door widely. She instantly turned around. Her eyes went wide. My eyes were burning with rage. She immediately stood up away from him. There was a time, seeing her like that turned me on but right now, I was feeling nauseated.

"You pathetic bitch." I said and glared both of them. That man had a huge smirk plastered on his face. I so wanted to punch him but it was his time. I left that place before she could say anything also I didn't want to be in her presence anymore. I was hurt but more than that I was mad.

I gave her everything-everything she ever asked. I fought my own dad, for that woman.

I was angry with her but I was more angry with myself. Dad was right about her. How couldn't I see that ?

I asked Sean to take a ride back. He obeyed and left while I began to think about everything she told me. She told me that Mr. Harris Milton, a huge business personality also my dad's friend tried to harrass her but she was claimed to be wrong and lost her career. She made me fall for her stupid story. The way she cared about me when we first met. The way she loved me then. I never thought it was all a lie. A big lie.

I sighed and started driving. I didn't know where I was going. I was just driving trying to release my frustration when my phone rang and Stacey (his PA) reminded me about my meeting with Shara Winston. She emailed me her address and I drove to her house.

I masked all my emotions and rang the door bell. A beautiful middle aged lady opened the door.

"Oh good morning, Mr. Knight."

"Hello Ms.Winston." She smiled at me and then invited me in. Her house was beautiful. She lead me to a sofa, once we were settled down, she asked, "What may I get you tea, coffee or something ?"

"No..no I am good. I just want to talk to you about something or more appropriately about someone ?"

"Is it about Ava ?"

"How'd you know ?"

"She came to me a few days ago and told me about her wedding..with you." It would have been really necessary if she had to tell someone about our wedding.

"So, if you know who I am here for, will you please tell me why she takes those sleeping pills ?"

"You don't know ?" She asked surprised. I shook my head.

"That means you both don't live together ?" She didn't tell her.

"We just don't share same room. I mean, we are just trying to know each other first."

"Oh !! she didn't tell me about that.

In this case, I don't know if I am the right person to tell you."

"See, I know what you are trying to say but I also know that these pills are not good for her health and maybe we aren't on the best terms but I don't want any harm to come to her."

"I am sorry, Mr.Knight."

"Ms.Winston, please try to understand, whatever she's going through is..I think is cause of me. She is my responsibility. I mean no harm and I assure you, no harm will come to you as well."

She took a deep breath and thought for a moment.

"You're a reputed man, Mr. Knight. I am trusting you." She said. I gave her a nod of reassurance. "Ava had been suffering from severe sleep disorders. Well, sleep disorders are comman now a days, and can occur cause of taking too much stress or unhealthy eating habits. But in her case, it's her...nightmares."

"Due to some past incidents, she had terrible nightmares when she was a kid. However, over years she overcame her problems but all her efforts are going in vain as it is resurfacing."

"As she told me, you both recently got married. So sudden changes in the environment may have triggered it. But is there anything else she might haven't told me ?" It was when, I remembered every time I insulted her.

"We...got...into some arguments."

There was silence between us as she was thinking something.

"Okay..that may also be the reason."

"Does that explain her not eating caffeinated products ? Her nightmares."

"Yes it does."

"And what incidents were you talking about ?"

"I am sorry Mr. Knight, but I can't tell you about that, you'll have to ask her."

"I understand." I said as I stood up

"Thank you for your help." I added and walked towards the door.

"Mr. Knight " Her voice made me turn

"She is a gem." She repeated my dad's words with a beautiful smile on her face to which I nodded and left.

Once I was in my car, I rested my head on the steering wheel. This explains her dark circles. I sighed and started driving again. I was in no mood to go back to office and then I recalled of her trip, and drove off to the place.

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