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.

should I wear sandals or sneakers? I’m wearing a dress today,” Ava pondered

I’ll take you rock climbing and archery,

activities were typical to Ava’s liking; they should captivate her. Her delight already radiated through

few more minutes. I’ll change into sportswear,” Ava replied, urgency colored

he replied, unperturbed. The rest

gate swung open. A Bugatti emerged,

shorts, and a beige decorative belt cinching her waist. Her cascading curly hair framed her face,

rested atop the head, providing shelter from the warm sun. On the feet, a pair of small white shoes

Frank could not help but sigh inwardly. It

hands found rest at his waist, and she looked up at

averted their gazes once more, adhering to an unspoken rule – if it was not meant to be seen, they looked

Ava’s face, and she inquired, “How did you arrive?”

promise to come see you? Frank replied.

on Frank’s lips, not once but twice. How could a man who had missed someone so

A sweet fragrance lingered between their

her breathing slightly heavier. She asked. ‘Did

adept at deciphering this automatic

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

meals for his pregnant wife. Her prolonged detachment from the organization made reintegration necessary. To allow

next day, and Frank would cover the expenses. She could indulge herself. Holding her phone,

The photo depicted Ava rock climbing, gripping the ropes, and standing atop the highest point. Her triumphant gesture

captured

their trip to Sapphire City, which explained why he had gone without her.

Natalie sifted through medical records. She glanced up, her suspicion evident, and questioned, “What’s

to them, puckered her lips and said, “You are nursing a heartache, aren’t you?”

questioned, “Sherri, I have not even been in a relationship. How can I have a broken heart? I don’t even know where

sigh. Tell me, why

an actress and dramatically replied, “Cranky Franky had ruthlessly abandoned me. Spare

this, Sherri was at

both communicate using the modern language? Cut out those fancy characters’ play. It is rather

less poetic. Rose began sharing the reason behind her sigh. In a sad voice, she said, “It’s just that Cranky Franky had

bed at the Sapphire Hotel. You can see it for yourself in Ava’s post. However, Cranky Franky felt remorse for his actions, so he got a ticket

she spoke, clearly fond of her brother’s straightforward and

Rose’s words, Natalie reviewed their essence. Frank hai journeyed to Sapphire City in search of Ava.

the timeline, the couple had been apart for nearly a

Sherri’s primary concern was not Frank’s trip to Sapphire City but Rose’s impending journey to Artroyland the next day. She