Without waiting for Jace Kingsley to answer, she quickly said, "Whose friend could possibly have a birthday today?" "In this modeling industry for ten years, Ava has indeed met many people, but truly close ones are just me and Eric, and maybe Little Yi whom she can trust. But none of us have a birthday today, so whose birthday is she celebrating?" "Could it be... a work-related friend?" "Well... there are some, but usually those relationships aren’t close enough to warrant celebrating a birthday. Ava wouldn’t go." "Unless... there’s some private party where she needs to model or something, and there’s income involved. Only then would she go, but now that she’s injured, how dare she go? Does she want to risk her life?" "Then... did she lie to me?" Lauren immediately denied it, quickly saying, "Ava already considers you a friend; she cares about you as a friend. She wouldn’t lie to you, and Ava isn’t someone who lies either." "If she said she’s attending a birthday, then she is. As for who it is, you really need to ask her." Jace Kingsley’s expression changed, and he said, "Miss Halloway, it’s , we both know Ava’s personality. She seems strong and domineering, but she’s kind-hearted and innocent, making her easily deceived by others." "People in this world can be malicious. With Ava’s nature, if someone truly wanted to deceive her, it’s absolutely possible." "But you also know her attitude toward marriage. I don’t dare get too close to her right now; I can only maintain the proper distance so she doesn’t feel annoyed." "Still, I’m worried about her being deceived and getting hurt. I don’t know what to do, so I can only ask you for help." Lauren clearly heard the worry and care in Jace Kingsley’s voice, along with helplessness and sadness. It made her heart ache. The more one cares, the more it becomes . Young Master Kingsley truly cares too much for their Ava. "Young Master Kingsley, don’t worry. Starting tomorrow, I will observe Ava closely, figure out what’s really going on, and ease your worries." "However, don’t worry too much. While Ava is simple-minded, she’s not foolish. She’s been in the modeling industry for ten years—if she didn’t have some intelligence, how could she have gotten to where she is today?" "You need to have faith in her about that." Jace Kingsley gave a bitter smile, "No matter what, I can’t feel at ease right now. I don’t even know what’s going on with me, just constantly worried and anxious." "You’re just too in love with her; I understand that, I really do. People in this world all have soft hearts, especially Ava. She’s someone who responds to kindness but resists force. If you treat her sincerely, she can feel it." The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel✶fire.net "It might seem hopeless now, but who knows, maybe one day she’ll be willing. Believe me." At this moment, a slight smile appeared in Jace Kingsley’s eyes. He believed these words because she had said it before; not now, but maybe in the future. This belief was what sustained him all along. "Alright, thank you, Miss Halloway." "You’re welcome, don’t mention it. You rest well. Tomorrow, I’ll be on high alert and update you anytime." "Thank you for your effort." The call ended, and Jace Kingsley’s heart settled down. He looked up at the stars in the sky, a twinkle appearing in his eyes. Ava, as long as you are willing to give me the chance, I can endure anything. The next day arrived quickly. Ava Sterling almost slept until dawn, and she woke up with a smile. As she opened her eyes with a smile, Ava saw a large amount of light shining on her face. She squinted, raised her hand to block the light, and furrowed her brows. Daybreak? The sun shone brightly into the bedroom. A brand-new day had quietly arrived, and a scene suddenly appeared in Ava’s mind. Then, she was stunned. She seemed to have had a dream where she gave birth to a chubby son who was incredibly adorable, especially with a beautiful smile and eyes resembling crescent moons, looking very festive. He sat on the carpet, plump and wobbly, yet he still laughed happily and brightly. Did she... did she actually dream of having a child? Instinctively, Ava touched her own stomach. At that moment, warmth emerged in her heart, spreading throughout her body, and her heartbeat unconsciously quickened. She had never considered getting married, nor had she ever thought about having children. She always imagined living her life this way, happily and simply, unburdened by many restrictions—a life of freedom. But last night, after seeing Erin Quincy’s adorable little girl, for the first time, she had the thought of wanting to have a child. If she had a child as adorable as Erin Quincy, how much fun would that be? For the first time, she felt that having a child might not be a scary thing. And she hadn’t expected to actually dream of herself having a child. Even with the fake marriage to Poe Vaughn, although she liked Poe as a person, she had never dreamed about marrying him. But she did dream of having a child. It seems she genuinely wanted to have a child. No marriage, no man, just a child. At this moment, Ava’s heart thumped loudly, her eyes shining brightly. She was very sure, she just wanted a child, not a man. In a flash, a cold, noble face appeared in front of her, and Ava’s blood boiled. To have a child, it must come from good genes. Poe Vaughn, he’s the most suitable! Ava had always been the type to take action on her thoughts, but at this moment, she was extremely calm. Even though her heart was surging and turning, she remained still. She lay in bed, her mind rapidly churning with thoughts. She was still young and could work for a few more years, save enough money to cover her lifetime expenses, then have a child, and live a heavenly life. And this child, it must be Poe Vaughn’s. His genes are too good; whether in looks or talent, their combined child would surely be excellent. It’s him, Poe Vaughn! But, not now. She wasn’t ready yet; in all aspects, it wasn’t the time to have a child. She had to wait, preferably three years. In three years, she would get pregnant, then have the baby and start a new life. But would Poe Vaughn maintain their marriage relationship for three years? It might be tough to even last a year. At this moment, Ava sat up, looking serious. Getting pregnant and having a baby within a year wasn’t feasible; it’s truly infeasible. Her financial condition, current life, and various aspects were all unstable and not good for the child. She should tough it out for at least two years, right? Ava frowned deeply, her thoughts running even faster. During their few intimate moments, he always used protection, which she knew. The first time at Crestwood Manor, later in the Maldives, he always used protection; he was very cautious about this. Even this time at the old house, where the old lady deliberately didn’t prepare condoms, he still avoided finishing inside. It’s obvious, he doesn’t want a child. Before, she never thought of having a child, so she was very satisfied with his actions, thinking it was particularly good. Of course, she knew that she wasn’t fit to give him a child, but his voluntary contraception, not forcing her to take pills, made her feel that he was very excellent and respectful, a decent person. But now, it’s not working. If she intends to have a child with him, how can she do it if he keeps using contraception? Ava frowned even more tightly. Some things are better not thought about—thinking just brings various problems. In the past, Ava definitely wouldn’t have thought anymore, but now, she kept thinking until she had a plan in mind. She quickly got out of bed, washed, got dressed, and went downstairs. Downstairs, Poe Vaughn, in a full suit, was sitting at the dining table having breakfast. He didn’t make a sound; his every move exuded elegance and nobility. Ava stopped at the staircase as she walked down.