Chapter 370

S31 113. Afraid of Losing You

As Ava left, Mrs. Connor looked away. She didn’t want to look at Jeremy. However, Jeremy still faced her. His expression was so firm. His hands were clenched into fists.

“Ava is your biological daughter, but why do you treat her like someone else’s daughter? Don’t you feel sorry for her?”

Instead of feeling insulted, Mrs. Connor raised her chin. “I’m just being objective. It doesn’t matter if she’s my daughter or not, if she’s wrong, she’s still guilty. She must be reprimanded and taught a lesson. She must stop embarrassing her family.”

“But, your accusations against her are not true. She is innocent.”

Mrs. Connor snorted in disgust. “Don’t defend her. That just makes me even more convinced that you two are in an unhealthy

relationship.”

“I’m not defending her. I’m just telling the truth.”

Suddenly, her finger rose in front of her face. “Don’t think that you have paid for my care, you can do whatever you want. Ava is my daughter. It is my duty to educate her. You have no right to interfere.”

Jeremy let out a faint sigh. He realized that the woman he was facing was too stubborn.

“I don’t mind if you hate me, but please don’t be too hard on Ava. She loves you with all her heart. She deserves much better treatment than this.”

“You dare advise me? You guys are the ones who commit sins, but instead, accuse other people of being guilty?” Mrs. Connor raised an eyebrow.

+25 BONUS

“I’m just reminding you. If you keep being like this, you’ll have a hard time bearing the guilt when the truth comes out. Now if you’ll excuse me. Sorry for disturbing your rest.”

Jeremy turned around, hurrying away. He had to follow Ava. That girl definitely needed a shoulder to lean on. As per Vivian and the twins’ suggestion, he should be the one to provide it.

Unfortunately, when he managed to find Ava, someone else had already taken action. The new nurse was holding Ava’s shoulders. His body bent, trying to level his gaze with Ava.

“What’s wrong, Ava? What’s bothering you? Is there anything I can help you with?” Bryan whispered, looking at Ava with pity. Concern was etched into his eyebrows.

Ava shook her head. Her hand brushed the traces of sadness from

her face.

“I’m okay. Can you please look after my mother now? I have other things to take care of.”

“Yes, of course, but what about you? Are you okay?”

Ava was stunned. Other men usually used that question. Thinking of him, pain penetrated her heart deeper.

“I’m fine, Bryan. Thank you for your concern. I have to go now.”

Taking a deep breath, Ava lowered his hand from her shoulder. Then, with bowed head and hasty steps, she walked towards her room. She didn’t realize that behind her back, Jeremy was watching Bryan with cold eyes.

“What happened to her? What made her cry?” Brian muttered as he looked at Ava.

“You seem to really care about Miss Connor. Do you know each other?

Π

+25 BONUS

Bryan flinched at the voice. When he turned around, he met Jeremy’s stiff expression.

“Mr. Harper?” After blinking, his common sense immediately formed an answer. “Yes, we worked in the same agency, but in different departments. We are friends.”

Jeremy blinked with both hands stuffed in his pockets. Then, after nodding, he said and walked away, “Continue with your work.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Without the slightest smile, Jeremy walked after Ava. His chest felt full and heavy. He didn’t like the feeling inside.

When he arrived at her door, he knocked. Initially, Ava opened the door with a tired face. However, as she realized Jeremy’s presence, her eyes widened. His neck was compressed as if something was strangling her.

“Can I come in?”

Ava blinked and shook her head. “Sorry, I need time to calm dow

Jeremy’s eyebrows furrowed. He barged in. Before Ava recovered from her shock, he had locked the door.

“What are you doing here? Get out before people misunderstand.” Ava’s tone rose even though the volume was low.

However, Jeremy’s feet seemed to be glued there. He stood facing Ava, looking at her with a variety of emotions that were difficult to separate.

“Are you okay?”

Ava snorted at the question. “I’m fine. Get out of my room quickly.”

+25 BONUS

Ava tried to open the door. Before she could turn the key, Jeremy grabbed her hand.

“You’re not okay.” He shook his head slightly. His voice was thin and sounded painful. “Have you always been treated like that?”

Ava swallowed bitterly. Part of her heart was touched by the worry, but another part was cracked.

Why was Jeremy still paying attention to her? While in fact, reality had just confirmed that it was impossible for them to be together. Her family was against it.

“My mother’s attitude towards me…

e towards me… it’s none of your business.

Please don’t interfere. Now get out.” Ava urged Jeremy to turn to face the door. “I want to rest. Please don’t disturb me.”

But unexpectedly, he pulled her into his arms. Ava could only gasp with her mouth wide open.

“J-Jeremy? Are you crazy? You want people’s misunderstandings to worsen?”

Ava tried to push, but no distance was created between them. Jerem even hugged her tighter, like a pair of lovers who were about to separate at the airport.

“Please don’t go. Let me hold you like this… just for a moment.”

Jeremy kissed Ava’s temple. Leaning his cheek on her head, he closed his eyes. “Just a moment”

Slowly, Ava’s movements weakened. Jeremy’s sincerity had melted her heart. When she stopped pushing, her hands unconsciously gripped his shirt. Her lips trembled, following the dictates of logic.

“Why are you doing this? If my mother finds out, she will be even angrier.” Ava’s nose flared to match the sound of her breathing.

+25 BONUS

“Because I just realized,” Jeremy rubbed Ava’s head so it rested more firmly against his chest, “Even though I don’t have you yet, I’m already afraid of losing you.”

Ava was touched. A warm feeling flew gently to all parts of the body. However, common sense considered it a threat. Her mother’s opinion of her could worsen if Jeremy still had hopes of her.

“No, Jeremy. This is not right. We’re not meant to be together. You have to understand it. Besides,” Ava separated herself from his chest, “we don’t love each other. How could we possibly be together?”

For the first time, Jeremy looked at Ava with loving eyes. “Can we just stay as usual? Don’t walk away from me. Give me time to fix things- to show you my true feelings, to prove your mother that she was wrong in judging us.

Ava’s tears welled up hearing those sweet words. But still, she shook her head. She was too afraid to dream too big.

“That’s impossible. No matter what, my mother won’t change. I’ve tried to convince her for years. I always fail.”

“We haven’t tried it together yet. I’m sure we can, Ava.” Jeremy hel her hand, reassuring her with his eyes. Unfortunately, Ava still withdrew her hand.

“Sorry, Jeremy. I don’t like dreaming.

Before Ava razed her hopes to the ground, Jeremy interrupted firmly,” I don’t like dreaming either. Therefore, I ask for a chance from you. I will make a reality according to your wishes-a reality where you no longer need to cry or endure disappointment.”

Ava turned still, looking at the pair of eyes full of sincerity. Her heart and logic fought a great battle.