Chapter 164

Ava’s POV

I couldn’t stop smiling. My face felt permanently frozen in the grin I’d woken up with two days ago, after Grayson and I nearly burned down the kitchen. The charred remains of our attempted breakfast were long forgotten, though, because I’d heard those words: “I love you.”

I didn’t care if he’d said it impulsively. I didn’t care if he hadn’t repeated it. Grayson Blackwood had said he loved me, and I’d heard it. That was all that mattered. The memory alone made my heart flutter.

“Ava?”

I blinked, snapping out of my reverie, and looked up to find Dr. Griffin staring at me with a deep frown. His serious expression instantly wiped the smile from my face. I cleared my throat and sat up straighter.

“Sorry, Dr. Griffin. I zoned out,” I said quickly, hoping to regain my composure.

His frown deepened. His sharp eyes scanned my face. “So, you really expect me to believe that you disappeared without a word because you were kidnapped for ransom? Not for money, but for personal reasons relating to your billionaire husband that you cannot disclose?”

His dry, incredulous tone made the situation sound even more absurd. I winced inwardly. When he put it that way, it did sound like an elaborate lie.

“Well,” I began, my voice faltering, “it wasn’t something I could control. I—”

“You left without explanation, Ava,” Dr. Griffin interrupted firmly. “You left your patients, your colleagues, and your responsibilities. And now you’re asking me to believe this story?”

I swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably. “You know how seriously I take this job. I wouldn’t have left if it weren’t unavoidable. Circumstances were beyond my control.”

He leaned back, crossing his arms. “And was Grayson Blackwood kidnapped as well?”

“No, he wasn’t,” I admitted reluctantly. “But I can’t say what happened to him. It’s…”

“Personal reasons that you cannot disclose,” he finished, his skepticism evident.

I sat up straighter, meeting his gaze with as much sincerity as possible. “Dr. Griffin, I know how this sounds. But please believe me when I say I would never have left if I had any other choice. This job means so much to me. Medicine means so much to me.”

He sighed heavily, rubbing his face. “Ava, I became a doctor because saving lives is what I care about. I expect the same level of commitment from the doctors I work with. I can’t have a team member disappear without a word and then show up weeks later with this story.”

“I understand,” I said, almost pleading. “I made a mistake, but it won’t happen again. Please, just give me a chance to prove myself. You know how much I love working here—the patients, the work, the team, everything. My parents may have pushed me into medicine, but it became my passion. This hospital is my second home.”

Dr. Griffin’s expression softened slightly, but he remained wary. “This isn’t just about you, Ava. Your patients depend on you. Your colleagues depend on you. When you’re gone, it creates chaos.”

“I know,” I said, my voice trembling. “And I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. Please let me make it right. I’ll do whatever it takes to regain your trust.”

He stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, he sighed deeply, leaning forward.

“This is your last chance,” he said firmly. “I’m only giving it to you because you’re a damn good doctor, and it would be a waste to let that talent go. But no more drama, Ava. No more unexplained absences. Do you understand me?”

Relief flooded me, and I nodded quickly. “I understand. Thank you, Dr. Griffin. I promise you won’t regret this.” He sighed again, relaxing slightly. “You’ll start on Monday. But there’s one thing you should know—Crystal stopped coming in for her appointments while you were gone.”

I frowned, guilt twisting my stomach. I knew she’d come to see me spitefully, and what happened was an accident, but I still felt guilty. I was also relieved I wouldn’t see her again. Dr. Griffin continued, “But I’m assigning you a new patient to make up for the time you’ve been away.”

I nodded, swallowing. “I understand. Thank you, Dr. Griffin.”

He eyed me, gauging my sincerity, then waved dismissively. “Go on. I’ll see you Monday.”

I stood, grabbing my bag. “Thank you again,” I said quietly but earnestly.

Dr. Griffin nodded slightly.

As I left his office, the weight of the conversation lifted, replaced by determination. I would prove to him I was serious. No more drama.

But my thoughts were interrupted as I spotted a familiar figure in the parking lot: Grayson.

Even from a distance, he took my breath away. He always left me lightheaded and slightly off-balance. He leaned against his sleek black car, his hands in his pockets, but his presence was anything but casual. His broad shoulders, sharp jawline, and piercing gray eyes drew attention. I noticed women glancing at him, and I fought the urge to tell them to stop staring at my man.

My man.

Grayson’s eyes met mine, and his smile made my heart skip a beat. He walked toward me, his confident stride weakening my knees.

By the time he reached me, I was breathless—not from walking, but from his presence.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, breathlessly tilting my head up.

He didn’t answer immediately. He pulled me close, his hands on my waist as he kissed me lightly.

“I’m here to take you to lunch,” he said, his lips brushing mine.

I smiled, my conversation with Dr. Griffin fading. “Lunch? Don’t you have a lot of work to catch up on?”

He gently tugged me along. “I’m taking you to lunch.”

He opened the car door for me. I slid in, intrigued by his air of mystery. He closed the door, circled the car, and slid into the driver’s seat.

I tilted my head. “I hope you’re not planning to take me to another country. I just told Dr. Griffin I’m committed. I can’t risk disappearing again.”

Grayson chuckled softly, cutting me off. “Ava, I’m not taking you to another country… at least not today.”

His pause and the blush on his neck caught my attention. Was he nervous? Grayson Blackwood, the ever-confident man, was shifting like a schoolboy. My heart fluttered.

He cleared his throat. “I just thought… well, I was going to grab something for lunch, and I figured…”

His trailing voice and the redness on his neck made me smile. He was flustered. I decided to help him out.

“I’m starving,” I said softly. “Thank you for coming, but where are we going?”

He smiled slyly. “You’ll see,” he replied cryptically, brimming with satisfaction.

He turned the key, and the engine hummed. My grin widened. The happiness from that morning intensified.

I leaned back, watching him drive. The tension from our recent return seemed to have vanished, leaving a serene moment where everything felt right. No chaos, no danger. Just the hum of the car and Grayson beside me.

I didn’t realize I’d drifted off until the engine cut off and he spoke.

“We’re here.”

I blinked, shaking myself from my reverie, and turned to the window. The moment my eyes landed on the location, I gasped.

“Grayson, you didn’t…”