Page 112 of Knot a Thief

Chapter 33

Max

I stand at a discreet distance, watching Ava as she waits in the business class lounge at Boston airport.

She’s sipping a fruit smoothie, one hand resting gently on her belly. I can’t help but smile as I see her lips moving, clearly having a silent conversation with our baby about the nutritional benefits of her drink.

It’s hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. Especially as this is the same Ava who once declared she’d never have children.

A lady in an official-looking uniform approaches Ava, and I tense, knowing what’s about to unravel. I watch as the woman informs Ava that she can’t leave because her Omega Movement Visa has expired.

Ava’s face contorts in confusion and then anger. She argues that she’s just arrived, and the visa was valid then.

I admire her fire, even as it’s directed against my plan.

Ava fumbles for her passport, flicking the pages before she triumphantly shows the visa to the official. But the lady shakes her head, insisting that the system has flagged an expired visa.

“You’re mistaken.” I lip-read as the conversation escalated. “No.” Ava’s voice rises in frustration when the official gives her a sorrowful gaze.

The lady opens her hand and points at a room to her right, a gentle gesture that they move to the private room to discuss the matter further.

With an aggravated huff, Ava pushes out of her seat and follows her.

I make my move, slipping into the private room through a side door just as Ava takes a seat. Her back is to me, shoulders tense with irritation or possibly worry.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s coming.

“I own your Omega Movement Visa,” I say, my voice calm but firm.

Ava whirls around, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in anger.

“I should have known.” Fury laces her voice.

My heart clenches at the bitter resentment in her eyes, but I stand my ground. This is for her own good, for our baby’s good. I tell myself this even as a part of me acknowledges the manipulative nature of my actions.

“Ava, we need to talk,” I say, taking a step towards her. “About the baby, about our future. About us.”

She stands up, crosses her arms over her chest defensively. “There is no ‘us’, Max. And you can’t keep me here against my will.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’m not trying to keep you against your will. I just want a chance to explain, and to make things right.”

The tension in the room is thick as we stand facing each other. I know I’ve crossed a line with this stunt, but I’m desperate. I’m desperate to keep her, to build a family, to show her that we can be good together.

My heart thuds as I look into Ava’s fiery eyes. I know that this conversation could go either way. It could be the beginning of our reconciliation or the final nail in the coffin of our relationship.

I have no choice.

Either way, I’m prepared to lay it all on the line for her, for our baby, for the future I desperately want us to have together.

But the anger in Ava’s eyes cuts through me, and suddenly, all my carefully laid plans crumble. I realize that I’ve been going about this all wrong. With too many games and manipulation. It’s time for the truth. It’s time to lay my heart on the line.

“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice cracking before I start again. “I’m so sorry for everything. For trying to control you, for not listening to you, and for making you feel trapped.”

“For kidnapping me?” Her voice hitches with the question.

“Especially that.”

“And claiming me?” she adds.

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