Page 75 of Billionaire's Second Chance

I wished I could bring Ava. But knowing what I knew now, I had to protect our privacy even more.

“Not yet, Mom. Not until we’re done with the movie,” I frowned, avoiding my father's scolding gaze.

“That’s right.” She stood to her feet. “I guess that’s all, gentlemen. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a dinner to plan. You coming?”

"Not till later tonight, I have to get to the set," I explained.

“Not before you drive your father home,” my father ordered, walking shakily toward the door, refusing anyone's help.

Startled by his request, I strolled beside him, ensuring I was there if he tilted to the side or tripped. My driver and I helped him to the back seat of the Range Rover, and I sat next to him on the drive home.

"Don't you feel brand new, Dad?" I joked.

"Damon, listen—" He stared at me and cleared his throat. "This kind of thing really shakes you. Makes you rethink your life, you know."

I nodded, but my brows gathered.What was he getting at?

"I've been too hard on you," he continued. "I thought I was doing you a favor, but I'd like us to start fresh. What do you say?"

It took Francis Alexander almost losing his heart to make him have one in the first place.

"I'd love nothing more, Dad," I confirmed. "And you did do me a favor. For the most part."

He knew I understood him. He knew I appreciated everything he had done for us. And I knew the past was behind me now. I'd soon make him proud in more ways than one.

"Alright, Dad," I hugged and pecked the top of his head as I handed him off to my mother at their house. "I'll see you later, and take it easy, OK?"

"Next stop, the set," I informed my driver and exhaled. I finally had a little time to myself. I stared out the window, a smile etched on my face. Who knew that two little pink lines would bring so much joy? Or was it the fact that Ava was the owner of those pink lines?

I stormed into the tent to Sandy's loud voice penetrating the air. "Action!"

Ava was staring into the mirror. Her eyes were puffy and red, her hair dangled in tangy locks over her face, and her lips quivered as she stared. She held on to a sink and gasped for air.

“What is—what is wrong with you, Rose?”Her patchy voice stuttered as she stared at her reflection.

The sink shook as her grip tightened. Sweat mixed with tears dripped down her face. She took a deep breath. I let out the lungful I had held.

“What. Is. Wrong. With. You?”

Her voice was more of a whimper, yet it resonated throughout the set. She screamed at the mirror, then fell to the floor, clutching her hair. Tears streamed freely from her eyes.

My jaw dropped. Ava’s voice echoed in my head. My eyes moistened while goosebumps spread over my body. I blinked, but it wasn’t enough to deter the pool that had gathered in my eyes.

“And cut!” Sandy exclaimed and started the applause. Everyone else followed.

I blinked and swallowed.

“That was perfect,” Sandy flashed his teeth at me.

I squeezed his shoulders and walked onto the stage. Everyone was on their toes. Camera lights flashed. Voices echoed, and applause rang in the background.

“That was brilliant,” I smiled at her. “You killed it.”

She forced a crooked smile, still clawing herself out of the intensity of her character. Stray strands of hair draped across her eyes from the emotional scene she had just enacted.

I brushed my fingers against her cheek and swiped the messy hairs behind her ear.

She looked around nervously but then pressed my hand into her cheek with hers. Everyone else was concerned with each other. They shook hands and chuckled.

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