The Space Between The morning sun poured through the tall windows of Ethan’s office, bathing the room in a warm golden glow.
Ava quietly pushed the door open with a folder tucked beneath her arm.
She paused at the entrance.
“Good morning, Mr.
Hawthorne.” Ethan looked up from his laptop.
The moment their eyes met, the corners of his lips lifted into an effortless smile.
“Good morning, Ava.” She nodded politely before placing the day’s schedule on his desk.
“Your nine o’clock meeting has been moved to ten.
Mr.
Brooks also requested that you review the renovation budget before noon.” “Thank you.” She gave another small nod and turned to leave.
“Ava.” She stopped.
“Yes?” “Have breakfast with me.” She blinked.
“…What?” “The hotel’s restaurant opens in five minutes.” “I know.” “I haven’t eaten yet.” She folded her arms.
“So?” “So, my secretary should make sure I don’t skip breakfast.” Ava narrowed her eyes.
“You just want someone to eat with.” Ethan smiled shamelessly.
“I do.” She let out a quiet sigh.
“I already ate.” “Liar.” Her eyes widened slightly.
“How did you know?” “You always carry yogurt when you’ve had breakfast.” He looked down at her empty hands.
“You aren’t carrying any today.” Ava glanced at her hands before quickly hiding them behind her back.
“…That’s unfair.” “I pay attention.” She looked away, pretending not to notice how warm her cheeks suddenly felt.
“…Fine.” “But only because someone has to make sure you eat.” “I was hoping you’d say that.” — The restaurant had only just opened.
The dining room was peaceful, with soft instrumental music drifting through the air.
Several employees smiled politely as Ethan and Ava walked in together.
They chose a table near the large windows.
A waiter approached.
“What would you like this morning, Mr.
Hawthorne?” Ethan looked at Ava instead.
“You choose.” She frowned.
“For you?” “For both of us.” “You trust me that much?” “I do.” She thought for a moment before closing the menu.
“I’d recommend a vegetable omelet with grilled tomatoes, avocado toast on whole-grain bread, fresh fruit, and Greek yogurt.” She looked at the waiter.
“And fresh orange juice instead of coffee.” The waiter nodded before walking away.
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
“No coffee?” “You already drink too much.” “You’ve been watching me?” “I have eyes.” He chuckled softly.
“I like that.” She immediately realized what she had admitted.
“I…
I only noticed because I’m your secretary.” “Mhm.” “It doesn’t mean anything.” “Of course.” His teasing smile only made her more flustered.
Before she could think of another excuse, her phone began to vibrate.
She glanced at the screen.
Dad.
Her expression softened.
“If you’ll excuse me…” Ethan nodded.
“Take your time.” — Ava stepped onto the quiet terrace outside the restaurant before answering.
“Hello?” “Princess.” A smile appeared despite herself.
“Hi, Dad.” “How are you?” “I’m okay.” “Are they treating you well at the hotel?” “They are.” “I heard the Hawthorne family has an excellent reputation.” “They do.” Her father hesitated.
“…I’m glad.” There was a brief silence.
Then he asked the same question he always did.
“You’re eating properly, right?” She laughed quietly.
“Yes.” “You aren’t skipping breakfast?” “No.” “You promise?” “I promise.” Another pause settled between them.
“Ava…” “Hm?” “I’m proud of you.” Her heart skipped.
Those words were so rare that she almost forgot what they sounded like.
“You’ve built a life for yourself.” “You’ve worked hard.” “I know I wasn’t always there…” His voice grew quieter.
“But seeing the woman you’ve become…” “It makes me proud.” Ava looked out across the city skyline.
“…Thank you.” “I’ll try to visit you soon.” “I’d like that.” When the call ended, she remained standing there for another minute.
The little girl inside her still wished things had been different.
But perhaps…
People really could change.
— Back inside the restaurant…
Lucas casually slid into the seat opposite Ethan without asking.
Ethan didn’t even look up.
“You know there are other tables.” “I like this one.” “You only like it because it annoys me.” “Correct.” Lucas looked around dramatically.
“So…” “Where’s Ava?” “She took a phone call.” “Mhm.” Lucas leaned forward.
“You miss her already?” Ethan calmly buttered a piece of toast.
“No.” “Liar.” “No.” “You’ve smiled more in the last week than you have in the last five years.” “I’ve always smiled.” Lucas burst into laughter.
“You’ve always looked like someone forced you to attend your own birthday party.” Ethan rolled his eyes.
“I hate you.” “I know.” Lucas grinned mischievously.
“So…” “When are you asking her out properly?” Ethan nearly choked on his orange juice.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Oh, come on.” “You’ve already confessed.” “You’ve kissed her.” “You practically stare at her every five minutes.” “You are one step away from writing Mrs.
Hawthorne in your notebook.” Ethan pointed toward the exit.
“Leave.” “I’m serious!” “Lucas.” “I can’t wait to tell Mom.” Ethan looked up sharply.
“You wouldn’t.” Lucas smiled innocently.
“I absolutely would.” Ethan sighed.
“You really are the worst younger brother.” “And yet…” Lucas stood up with a proud smile.
“…I’m still your favorite.” Before Ethan could answer, Ava walked back inside.
Lucas immediately cleared his throat and straightened his jacket as though nothing had happened.
Ava looked between the two brothers suspiciously.
“…Why do I feel like you were talking about me?” Lucas smiled far too quickly.
“Coincidence.” Ethan quietly hid the smile threatening to appear on his face.
For some reason…
Breakfast suddenly tasted much better.