Ava remained sitting on the bed replaying the last words he said. "You can thank me when we see again". Well she wasn't going to see him again for sure,so she thought.

She picked up her phone beside her and saw a lot of missed calls and messages from her best friend, Jane. Jane was the only close friend Ava had,after the incident she called Jane but her phone was switched off, probably because of her work. Jane was an air hostess.

She decided to reply her messages and lucky for her Jane was active.

"Hey girl,are you back?" Ava asked her.

"Yeah,just got back this morning. I saw your calls..I hope everything is fine" Jane replied.

"Hmmm...long story. Let's meet up during my lunch break,I'll fill you in"

"The usual spot right?"

"Yeah.. talk to you later. Need to get to work".

Ava dropped the phone and prepared to leave the hotel. She had just enough time to go home and freshen up for work. When she got out she realised she was at the most expensive hotel in the city. "Who was that man and how was he able to afford a place like this" she thought to herself. He even brought her car from the club to the hotel. She had to find that man,not for any reason but to thank him.

She got into her car and drove off.

****

LIN INDUSTRY

Ava had just gotten settled at her table at the office when she got a message that her father wanted to see her. He must have heard about what happened last night and wanted to speak to her.

Ava sighed, suppressing the pain and discomfort in her. She walked to his office which was on the same floor,knocked twice and went in.

"Father..you wanted to see me"Ava said when she walked in.

"Yes my child, have a seat"Ava's father, Mr Lin said.

"Your sister told me what happened last night and I wanted to apologize to you on her behalf" he felt guilty while he spoke cause he knew it wasn't fair to her.

Ava already expected this,her father always sided with Clara whenever matters came up for one reason or the other without considering her own feelings. He always said it was for peace to reign among them.

"Please can you forgive your sister,she can stubborn and irrational some times" Mr Lin said looking pitifully at Ava. He continued "I can pair you with another man that is far better than Jeff but please..."

"Enough father!" Ava couldn't take it anymore. "I don't need pity from anyone and not from you" she said with a pained voice.

"I've long gotten used to being a push over...I don't care about Clara or Jeff. I just want to be left alone" Ava said angrily and walked away.

This was the last time she was going to let anyone take advantage of her .

During her lunch break Ava went to the coffee shop close to her office to meet up with Jane who was already waiting for her.

" Spill the beans Ava.. tell me everything that happened" Jane said immediately Ava sat down without giving room for any pleasantries.

Ava recalled every thing that occurred in details to Jane but left out the part about the mystery guy. By the time she was done,Jane was already boiling in rage on her seat.

" How dare he do that to you... not even considering that you two are engaged" Jane exploded in anger. "And that slut of a sister..I wish I can just choke her to death. How could she do that to you, she's so evil"Jane said in anger.

Ava sighed in defeat "calm down girl.. there's nothing that can be done to redeem the situation" Ava said.

"You can't just let them get away with this Ava" Jane said barely able to calm herself down.

"I wasn't planning to.. I'll make them pay for what they did to me" Ava replied in pain.

"I support you on this one... how do you want to go about it?" Jane asked

"I don't know yet,but I know I need to get myself a man,I need to prove them wrong"Ava said remembering what Clara said to her.

"I got you on this one..I can arrange a date for you with one of the top socialite in the city" Jane said while she brought out her phone and began browsing through her contact list.

Ava was a little skeptical but decided to play along. But little did she know that this decision of hers will lead to a great turning point in her life

On the other side of the city. Elias had just gotten to his grandfather's villa. He walked in to the living room. The old man was seated on the couch with two nurses attending to him.

"Grandfather...how do you do?" Elias said while he sat down.

"Look who finally decided to show up" Elder Ward said not bothering to look at his grandson.

"You don't look too well grandfather, let's get you to the hospital"Elias said with a frown.

"I'm fine...as you can see I have nurses attending to me" elder Ward said."I asked to see you for s different reason" he continued.

"And what's that" Elias already knew the answer before he asked.

"When are you getting married?" Elder Ward asked finally turning to look at his grandson. "I'm already old and I'm afraid I don't have much time left. I can't bear to leave you alone in this world,I won't be at peace till I'm sure you have someone by your side". The old man continued.

Elias was tired of having this conversation countless times. Not that he doesn't want to fulfill his grandfather's wish,but he couldn't bring himself to love any woman,not after what happened the last time.

"Alright grandfather I'll do as you have said but you need to take your health seriously. I'll send the family doctor to do a proper check up on you" Elias said. His grandfather was the only family member he had left after his parents died in a plane crash when he was just a child. The old man raised him all by himself and so Elias was fond of him.

"I'll be taking my leave now grandfather" Elias stood up to leave.

"Alright my son take care of yourself" elder Ward said. "And don't come visiting again unless you have a woman to present to me" he continued.

Elias sighed,the old man was being stubborn again. On his way back he turned to Mathew and said.

" I want every information about the lady from last night sent to me" Elias said and got into the car.

"I'll do just that sir" Mathew answered. He had a lot of questions on his mind but dare not asked his boss.

It's been two weeks after the incident, Ava had just gotten to the office and about to get settled when she saw an envelope on her desk, she moved to pick it up and is shocked by what she sees. Inside the envelope was a wedding invitation,her sister was getting married to her ex- fiancee.

A surge of pain rushed through her body,she stared at the invitation with red eyes,she should have expected this from her sister. She sat down trembling trying to calm her raging heart. She looked at the initials on the card "C and J". Her eyes began to sting with tears. It was supposed to be her name on that invitation.

When she recalled the scene from that night the pain in her heart was replaced with anger. She picked up her phone and called her friend.

"Hey bestie what's good" Jane picked the call at the first ring.

" I got an invitation... they're getting married" Ava answered trying to sound calm. There was no response on the other side for a while. Jane finally spoke up.

"I'm sorry for everything that's happening to you Ava,you don't deserve any of this" she said trying to console her. "What are you planning on doing now?" Jane asked.

"Fix me a date... there's no point crying over spilled milk, it's time for me to move on " Ava replied with renewed energy fueled by the hate and anger in her heart. She was going to get her revenge on them.

"That's my girl,I love that spirit" Jane said over the phone. I'll arrange a date for you immediately, I'll send you the details later" she added.

"Thanks Jane.. you're the best" Ava said and ended the call. She got back to getting busy, shoving all other thoughts to the back of her mind.

**WARD INDUSTRIES

Elias was sitted in his office going through some documents when he got a message from his grandfather.

" I fixed you a date with the youngest daughter of the Horace family,Emily. Do not miss it,5pm at crystal restaurant".

Elias read the message with a frown on his face,as much as he hated going on dates he couldn't bear to turn down his grandfather,not that the old man gave him any room to refuse. He sighed and thought to himself,"it's just a date, nothing more".

Ava got a text from Jane about her date. She paired with a guy named Raymond,the son of a business tycoon,they were to meet by 4pm at the crystal restaurant.

Ava looked at the message and for a minute she felt it was a bad idea,but she was going to go anyways. She hurried to clear her desk so she could get ready for her date. She arrived at the restaurant few minutes before the said time,but on getting there the man was not there yet. She decided to order a glass of red wine just to keep herself busy while she waited for him.

An hour passed by and Raymond was yet to arrive. She was disappointed and was just about to stand when she felt a shadow over her,she looked up and their eyes met.

It was him.

The man from the club. She was shocked to see him.

"Leaving already"Elias said while looking down at her. He had been watching her for a while now as his date was not there yet. He only came up to her when he saw she was about to leave.

"Yes... I've been here for a while now" Ava answered."we meet again..I didn't expect us to meet this soon" she continued.

"Well here we are,"Elias said as he moved to sit opposite her."I think you owe me an appreciation"he said with smirk on his face.

"Thanks for helping me ". Ava said "I didn't mean to bother you but I was feeling down that night". She continued.

"Hmm what would have made someone like you to be in that state..care to share with me" Elias said getting interested with the lady at his front.

"Well long story cut short,I caught my fiancee in bed with my stepsister"Ava answered. For some reason she felt comfortable talking to this stranger. There was silence afterwards. She decided to break the silence.

"My name is Ava by the way"Ava said trying to ease of the tension.

"I'm sorry about that,no one deserves to go through that experience"Elias finally said something, feeling sorry for her.

"It's fine... I'm going to get my revenge on them". Ava answered him with determination in her voice.

"And how do you intend to do that?" He asked her. This little woman seemed interesting.

"I haven't figured that out yet, but I intend to get myself a man.. that's why I'm here, I'm supposed to have a date with a guy but he didn't show up.

"Ohh really,I guess we're in the same boat. I also have a date, but she hasn't showed up yet"Elias responded. Let's make a toast to our dates that never showed up",he said while he moved to pour himself a glass of wine.

Ava watched him as his hands moved to pour the wine. She payed close attention to his face and realised how handsome he was. He looked so handsome yet so deadly,his dark eyes seemed to hold a lot of mystery,Thick, dark hair fell in slightly rebellious waves. He looked like an arrogant son of a billionaire. Despite how aloof he seemed Ava couldn't help but gawk at the sight before her. She quickly adjusted just before he could catch her staring.

He raised the glass for a toast. And just as she put the wine to her mouth he uttered a statement.

"Marry me" Elias said while holding the wine glass. Ava nearly choked on the wine in her mouth.

"What did you just say?" Ava said eyes wide staring at him.

"Marry me" Elias repeated the words again.

"Why will you say such out of the blues" Ava said holding herself from pouring the rest of her wine on his face.

"I was just repeating the exact words you said to me" Elias said not minding the look on her face."but I'm actually serious this time. I need a wife and I think you're the perfect person for the position ",he continued.

"And what makes you think I am?", Ava said breathing heavily. She was angry at how arrogant he sounded.

" This is the best way to get your revenge on your fiancée and I also need a wife,so we're both going to gain"Elias said ignoring the angry lady opposite him. "Besides,it will be a contract marriage, we'll both have our terms and conditions. I'm sorry for doing this but I'm left with no choice,I just want to fulfill my grandfather dying wish", Elias sighed and looked out through the window. This is the only way he could go about it and he didn't feel disgusted by the woman before him making her the perfect candidate.

"I might seem desperate to get my revenge but don't expect me to agree to this..I barely even know you,not even your name", Ava replied. She wasn't expecting any of this and was visibly shocked.

"My name is Elias W..."

"I don't care to know your name" Ava cut him short. What gave him the guts to mention this to her.

"Here's my card" Elias dropped the card on the table as he stood up to leave. "You can reach me on that number when you finally agree" he said and turned to leave.

"And what makes you think I'll ever agree to this?" Ava asked just before he walked away.

With turning to look at her he answered.

"I know you will". Then he walked away.

A week flew by so quickly, the days seems faster when you're alone. It was a Saturday morning and Ava planned on sleeping in cause it was the weekend but her plan was disrupted by a phone call. With sleepy eyes she reached for her phone on the bed side table. It was a call from her father.

"Ava where are you" he asked immediately she picked the call. Ava was taking aback,why will her father be calling her so early on a weekend.

"I hope you're not planning on missing your sister's wedding?" Her father asked her when he didn't get a response.

Ava checked her phone and realised that today was her sister's wedding. She showed no emotions at all.

"What does her wedding has to do with me?" She said to her father's feeling irritated.

"Don't be childish, it's your sister's wedding so put every differences aside and be here" he said not giving her any chance to refuse. Ava was used to being treated this way, since her mother passed away mysteriously her stepmother and her daughter has made life a living hell for her, even turning her own father against her.

"I'll be there" she said and hung up the call. She decided to chat up her best friend,jane.

"Hey girl..you there?"

"Yeah.. what's good. Sorry for not checking in on you I was really tied up this past week". Jane replied almost immediately.

"It's fine.. will you be coming for Clara's wedding today,I don't want to be alone" Ava asked.

"Sure I'll be there with you,just text me the address. I forgot to ask, how did your date go?"

"Hmm something unexpected happened, I'll tell you all about it at the wedding"

"Alright then..let me go get prepared" Jane replied and went offline. Ava dragged her sleepy self from the bed and also began to get ready.

Ava got the venue of the party two hours later, it was held at an event centre at the middle of the city. She wore a navy blue silk gown that hugged her body, accentuating the curves on her body,she didn't bother to wear make up and just let her hair fall. She didn't want to draw any attention to herself. But none of that could help the situation,as soon as she walked into the hall all eyes fell on her,she could hear whispers as she walked in.

"Is that not the first daughter of Mr Lin?" Someone said.

"I thought she was engaged to Jeff"

"I heard the engagement was called off. Maybe she cheated on him"

"The bitch deserves it, she's just like her mother "

"I heard how miserable she has been since she lost her mother"

"I kind of feel pity for her. The poor girl has no one to run to"

Ava endured the pain she felt as she heard the words,she shouldn't have come here. Just at the centre of the hall she could see her stepmother greeting the guests with a smile while Clara said Jeff stood together lovingly. She felt the pain and anger building up in her, trying so hard to hold her tears she walked out of the hall to find the rest room to calm herself down.

Just as she left the hall a tall figure walked in. All eyes fell on him,his aura sent a chill down the hall. He walked in with large strides ignoring the eyes on him,he had guards surrounding him. Just as he was about to go sit Mr Lin walked up to him.

"Mr Ward, it's a pleasure to have you here sir. I didn't expect you to grace us with your presence". Mr Lin said as he smiled foolishly, trying so much to please the man in his front. If he could get him on his good side his family will be set for life.

" I didn't plan on coming either, I'm having a meeting at the next building and just decided to stop by" Elias said while looking round the hall to find that little woman.

"Please meet my daughter and son in-law" Mr Lin said as he brought them to greet him.

"Nice to meet you sir" Clara said sounding innocent and sweet and almost drooling at the handsome man before her Elias completely ignored her. She felt angry but quickly hid it with a smile. She didn't know the identity of this handsome man but she wanted him for herself. Jeff felt uneasy with the way Clara looked at the man but couldn't say anything.

Just then Ava walked back into the hall and their eyes met. It was him again. "Why was he here?" Ava thought to herself as she stared at Elias. His words still lingering in her mind. Elias kept staring at the little woman across the hall not minding the people trying to talk to him. Clara noticed his gaze and quickly walked over to meet Ava just before Elias could make an attempt.

"Big sis.. thanks for coming,I didn't think you'd come" Clara said to Ava trying to look innocent.. Ava tried to ignore her but she wouldn't back down.

"I know you're still angry with me but it's not my fault that he left you" Clara said trying to provoke her. Ava eyes turned red from anger but didn't utter a word. Clara continued speaking seeing her plan was working.

" It's not my fault he likes me more than you..I guess you're not his type" Clara continued.

"That's enough Clara" Ava finally exploded,by then everyone was watching them including Elias.

"I didn't mean to cause you pain,I know you hate me big sis" Clara said faking tears and trying to make Ava look bad"if you want I can call of the wedding and leave him for you but please forgive me" she continued while crying. Everyone around started to feel pity at her and threw accusing fingers at Ava, calling her all sort of names.

Ava was about to break down from all the things she heard so she moved to walk past Clara. Just then Clara let out a cry and fell to the ground.

"Big sis I know you're angry with me, you can push me however you want if that will make you feel better"Clara said still crying trying to make it seem that Ava pushed her. Ava looked at Clara with anger,she knew her sister was trying to humiliate her. Just then her stepmother,Rose,walked up to them and gave Ava a slap that resounded across the hall. Everyone was shocked as they didn't expect this.

" You Wicked bitch are you trying to paralyze my daughter,you want to ruin her wedding out of your jealousy. You're just like your mother!" Rose shouted.

Ava wanted to defend herself but just before she could speak up Rose emptied the glass of wine she held on her face. Ava felt so humiliated and pained,her dress was soaked from the wine. She ran out of the hall crying.

Elias watched all this unfold and didn't move until Ava ran out of the hall, he went after her without anyone noticing. When he got to her he saw Ava crotched on the floor crying. For some reason he became angry seeing her in that state.

Ava looked up when she heard footsteps beside her,she turned and met his face with teary eyes. At that moment she made the decision that will forever change the course of her life. She stood up wiping the tears from her eyes and said to him.

" Let's get married".