Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 379

It was 11 o’clock in the morning.

The sun cast its brilliant light upon Sapphire City, scorching everything in its path, mirroring the fiery heat that consumed.

Frank’s heart.

His car was parked at the entrance of the estate. Instead of entering, he dialed Ava’s number. He rested his head against the car seat, gazing skyward at the expanse adorned with a sun ablaze in fiery red.

Swiftly. Ava’s cheerful voice answered the call “Frank,” she said, “Are you awake?”

Her voice infused him with an unexplainable joy. Frank’s lips curved slightly as he responded, “Where are you going today?”

Ava’s tone held a touch of despair. With Alex on vacation and unable to visit Athana, time was constrained, and her words were tinged with resignation. “Reading at home and painting. There’s nowhere to go, she replied dejectedly.

In reality, her disappointment stemmed from not having a companion. She believed engaging with someone of vastly different perspectives would lead to mundane conversations. Coordinating activities with them would also be draining; she opted not to squander her time

Misaligned viewpoints gave rise to a lack of common ground – that’s what it boiled down to. They would never be on the same page.

Naturally, Frank discerned traces of disillusionment and languor in her words. “Come on out, he urged.

“Huh? What?” Ava, on the other end, queried in confusion.

Frank chuckled and said, “I am outside your residence. Get the driver to send you out. Let’s hang out for a while today”

The young girl seemed perplexed. Silence lingered on the line momentarily, and then Ava regained her bearings with a surprised tone. Her voice increased, and she asked, “Frank, are you outside? In Sapphire City? When did you arrive?”

Ava asked questions, but Frank did not find it bothersome. Her words tickled his heart, leaving it as light as a feather. He urged. “Step out, and I’ll explain.”

“Of course, I’m on my way. Stay on the line. I’ll put you on speaker. I’m dressed, and I will have to do my makeup. Wait for me. Ava responded, her words flowing without intent to end the call.

Frank did not disconnect either, and he agreed, saying, “Sure.”

Ava hurried to the bathroom, beginning her makeup routine. Gazing at her reflection, she realized her chosen attire was ideal for a date. Yet, facing a drawer overflowing with lipsticks, she wavered. She murmured to herself, “Which color should I opt for? Peach pink, cherry pink, subtle orange, apricot, or carrot?” 1

The abundance of lipstick choices ignited the struggle to decide.

Sometimes, an excess of options was not necessarily beneficial as it complicated the decision-making process.

Frank resolved her dilemma, albeit unsure himself. “Subtle orange,’ he suggested.

I’m fond of that shade too. Now, should I wear sandals or sneakers? I’m wearing

I’ll take you rock climbing and archery, Frank said.

typical to Ava’s liking; they should

minutes. I’ll change into sportswear,”

The rest of his

the estate’s gate swung open. A Bugatti emerged, coasting alongside Frank’s

sleeveless black and white striped top, white high-waisted shorts, and a beige decorative belt cinching her waist. Her cascading curly hair framed her face, and on her wrist gleamed the bracelet he had gifted her, its sparkle dancing with each

the head, providing shelter from the warm sun. On the feet, a pair of small white shoes radiated youthful energy

spotting her, Frank could not help but sigh inwardly. It appeared fitting

walked into his embrace. Her hands found rest at his waist, and she looked up

to an unspoken rule – if it was not meant to be seen, they looked away. The driver of the Bugatti

and unbridled surprise adorned Ava’s face, and she inquired, “How

come see you? Frank

surprise, Ava respondeil cheerily. She tiptoed and planted a kiss on Frank’s lips, not once but twice. How could a man who had missed someone so deeply restrain

the freshly applied lipstick immediately transferred to his lips. A sweet fragrance lingered

softly against Frank’s chest as the kiss concluded, her breathing slightly heavier.

become adept at deciphering this

established their itinerary: they would start with rock climbing, followed by archery. They intended to explore a haunted house and engage in

pregnant wife. Her prolonged

mood because she would travel the next day, and Frank would cover the expenses. She

she came across Ava’s post. The photo depicted Ava rock climbing, gripping the ropes, and standing atop the highest point. Her triumphant gesture radiated

evidently captured

explained why he had gone

sifted through medical records. She glanced up, her suspicion evident,

to them, puckered her lips and said, “You are nursing a

and questioned, “Sherri, I have not even been in a relationship. How can I

Tell me, why is this beauty heartbroken? Natalie asked poetically.

her role as an actress and dramatically replied, “Cranky Franky had ruthlessly abandoned me.

at a loss

the modern language? Cut out those fancy characters’ play. It is rather absurd.” Sherri commented

sad voice, she said, “It’s just that Cranky Franky had promised to take me to Sapphire City tomorrow, yet he

for yourself in Ava’s post. However, Cranky Franky felt remorse for his actions, so he got a ticket for me to go

spoke, clearly fond of

hai journeyed to Sapphire City in search of

timeline, the couple had been apart for nearly a month and

but Rose’s impending journey to Artroyland