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.

too. Now, should I wear sandals or sneakers? I’m wearing

I’ll take you rock climbing and archery, Frank

activities were typical to Ava’s liking; they should captivate her. Her

into sportswear,” Ava replied, urgency colored

he replied, unperturbed. The rest of his

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

decorative belt cinching her waist. Her cascading curly hair framed her face, and on her wrist gleamed the

sun. On the feet, a pair of small white

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

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

their gazes once more, adhering to an unspoken rule – if it was not meant to be seen, they looked away. The driver of the Bugatti immediately turned the car around and headed back to the

and she inquired, “How did

I not promise to come see you? Frank replied.

once but twice. How could a

the freshly applied lipstick immediately transferred to his lips. A sweet fragrance lingered between their lips, and as they

kiss concluded, her breathing slightly heavier. She asked. ‘Did you miss

Frank replied lovingly. Ava had become adept at

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

pregnant wife. Her prolonged detachment from the organization made reintegration necessary. To allow Rose some rest, Sherri arranged takeout for

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

posts. In the process, she came across Ava’s post. The photo depicted Ava rock climbing, gripping the ropes, and standing atop the highest point.

captured the

Frank had meticulously planned their trip to Sapphire City, which explained why he had gone

waiting for the food, Natalie sifted through medical records. She glanced up, her suspicion evident, and questioned, “What’s on your mind? You’ve been sighing”

to them, puckered her lips

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

prolonged sigh. Tell me, why is this

replied, “Cranky Franky had ruthlessly abandoned me.

was at

Cut out those fancy characters’ play. It is rather absurd.”

language was less poetic. Rose began sharing the reason behind her sigh. In a sad voice, she said, “It’s just that Cranky Franky had promised to take me to Sapphire City tomorrow, yet he sneaked away without me

see it for yourself in Ava’s post. However, Cranky Franky felt remorse for his actions,

spoke, clearly fond

hai journeyed

been apart for

journey to Artroyland the next day. She