The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 164

-Ava’s POV-

I couldn’t stop smiling. It was as my face had been permanently frozen in the same smile I’d woken up with two days ago, after Grayson and I had nearly burned the kitchen down. The charred remains of our attempted breakfast had been forgotten, though, because I’d heard the words-those words.

“I love you.”

I didn’t care if he’d said it in the heat of the moment. I didn’t care if he hadn’t repeated it since. Grayson Blackwood had said he loved me, and I had heard it. That was all that mattered.

The memory alone made my heart flutter.

“Ava?”

I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts, and looked up to find Dr. Griffin staring at me with a deep frown. His serious expression instantly wiped the smile off my face, and I cleared my throat, sitting up straighter in my chair.

“Sorry, Dr. Griffin. I zoned out,” I said quickly, hoping to regain some semblance of professionalism.

His frown deepened, his sharp eyes scanning my face. “So, you really expect me to believe the reason you disappeared without a single word is because you were kidnapped by men who held you for ransom? And not for money, but for other personal reasons relating to your billionaire husband that you cannot disclose?” The way he said it-his tone so dry and incredulous-made it sound even more absurd than it already was. I winced internally, When he put it like that, it did sound like an elaborate lie.

“Well,” I began, my voice faltering as I tried to find the right words. “I mean, it wasn’t something I could control.

I___”

“You left without any explanation, Ava,” Dr. Griffin interrupted, his voice firm. “You left your patients, your colleagues, and your responsibilities. And now you’re asking me to believe this story

I swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. “You know how seriously I take this job. I wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t unavoidable. Circumstances were beyond my control”

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied me. “And was Grayson Blackwood kidnapped as well?”

“No, he wasn’t,” I admitted reluctantly. “But I can’t say what happened to him. It’s…”

“Personal reasons that you cannot disclose,” he finished for me, his tone still dripping with skepticism.

I sat up straighter, meeting his gaze with as much sincerity as I could muster. “Dr. Griffin, I know how this sounds. But please believe me when I say that I would never have left if I had any other choice. This job means so much to me. Medicine means so much to me.”

He sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. “Av, I became a doctor because saving lives is what I care about. It’s what I’ve dedicated my life to. I expect the same level of commitment from the doctors I work with. I can’t have one of my team members disappearing without a word and then showing up weeks later with a story like this.”

“I understand.” I said quickly, my voice almost pleading. “I made a mistake, but it won’t happen again. Please, just give me a chance to prove myself. You know how much I love working here. I love the patients, the work, the team-everything. My

parents may have pushed me into medicine, but somewhere along the way, it became my passion. This hospital has become my second home,”

Dr. Grittin’s expression softened slightly, but he still looked wary “This isn’t just about you, Ava. Your patients depend on you. Your colleagues depend on you. When you’re gone, it creates chaos.”

“I know,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “And I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. Please let me make it right. I’ll do whatever it takes to regain your trust.”

There was a long pause as he stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk.

“This is your last chance,” he said firmly. “I’m only giving it to you because you’re a damn good doctor, and it would be a waste to let that talent go. But no more drama, Ava. No more unexplained absences. Do you understand me?”

Relief flooded through me, and I nodded quickly. “I understand. Thank you, Dr. Griffin. I promise you won’t regret this.” He sighed again, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he leaned back in his chair. “You’ll start on Monday. But there’s one thing you should know-Crystal stopped coming in for her appointments while you were gone.”

I frowned, my stomach twisting with guilt. I knew she had come here and asked for me just to be spiteful and what happened was an accident so I shouldn’t feel guilty but I did. But I also felt relieved that at least I won’t be seeing her again. Dr. Griffin continued, “But I’m assigning you a new patient to make up for the time you’ve been away.”

Inodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I understand. Thank you, Dr. Griffin.”

He eyed me for a moment longer, as if trying to gauge my sincerity, and then waved a hand dismissively. “Go on. I’ll see you Monday.”

I stood up quickly, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. “Thank you again,” I said, my voice quiet but earnest.

Dr. Griffin didn’t respond, but the slight nod he gave me was enough.

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