Chapter 10
1148words
A few months is enough time for a storm to subside, and also enough for entirely new scenery to grow from ruins. Everything about Liam disappeared without a trace, like bubbles melting on the beach after the tide recedes, leaving only a few crooked epitaphs in the digital graveyard of the internet. As for Ava, her life trajectory, due to this precise surgical-like separation, turned toward an unprecedented open space.
"You've really become a life coach now," I leaned on her sofa, scrolling through her Instagram while reading out those cheesy comments, "'Ava, thank you, I finally handed in my resignation letter to that boss who only knew how to manipulate me!', 'Queen, after seeing your story, I dumped that mama's boy boyfriend, and it feels like the air is fresher!'"
Ava was practicing yoga in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, with sunlight outlining her toned and elegant body contours, sweat glistening on her skin. She completed a challenging balance pose before slowly exhaling, her voice coming across steadily, "This is much more meaningful than those 'which lipstick shade is the goddess wearing today' comments from before."
The number of her followers was even higher than before the scandal broke out, but those flooding in were no longer just spectators concerned with her appearance and consumption, but rather a large group of high-quality followers attracted by her power and wisdom. Brand collaboration invitations promoting female independence and strength flew into her inbox like snowflakes, with each offer more astonishing than the last. She had forcefully turned what everyone else would have avoided as a personal disaster into a perfect career upgrade. Bad things had completely transformed into good things.
"Yes, now you're the 'independent female icon who was almost derailed by investment,'" I put down my phone, walked over to her and handed her a bottle of water, "How does it feel, icon?"
She took the water, tilted her head back and took a big gulp, her face showing the healthy flush that comes after exercise. "It feels amazing," she said, "I feel like in my previous life, I was dancing in ill-fitting glass slippers - they looked glamorous, but every step was uncomfortable. Now, I'm finally barefoot, standing on my own ground."
As we were laughing, the sound of an email notification came from the study. Ava wiped her sweat, put on a bathrobe and walked over, and I curiously followed.
It was an official email from her law firm, with a title as brief as a closing argument: "Final Report on Mr. Liam's Asset Recovery Case."
The email content was even more straightforward; the attachment contained all the final confirmation documents for the fund transfers. All legal procedures had been completed, and the money that Liam had once squandered was recovered down to the last penny, and as Ava had promised during the livestream, had been transferred in full to the designated account of that charity—the account named the "Liam Foundation."
Everything was over, without a single unnecessary punctuation mark. This long-running farce had finally reached a clean and decisive conclusion. All promises had been fulfilled, all messes had been cleaned up, bringing matters to a proper end.
Ava stared at the PDF file on the screen representing "closure" for a long time without speaking. Then, I saw the corners of her mouth slowly, gradually turn upward in a genuine smile that came from deep within after complete relaxation. She didn't make a sound, just gently closed her laptop, the motion as delicate as closing a book that had been finished.
"Alright," she turned around, her eyes sparkling as she looked at me, "all the messy accounts have been cleared."
"Congratulations, Ms. Ava," I bowed to her dramatically, "you are now truly a free person, clean in both body and mind."
"To celebrate this freedom," she smiled as she pulled open the desk drawer and took out two gold-embossed envelopes, waving them in front of my eyes, "I think we deserve a little reward."
I took one of the envelopes, my fingertips touching the thick, sturdy paper, and a premonition rose in my heart. I opened it, and an elegantly designed card slid out—prominently printed on it was a first-class ticket to the Maldives.
I looked at her in surprise, while Ava playfully winked at me, those beautiful eyes of hers twinkling with mischievous and joyful light.
"The donation from the 'Liam Foundation' was not a small amount, and after being deposited in the bank, it actually generated some trivial interest," she explained leisurely, her tone filled with barely concealed amusement, "The lawyer asked me how to handle this 'windfall.' After some thought, I decided that as the founders and executive directors of this great 'project,' we deserve a dividend."
I couldn't help but burst into laughter; this was exactly something Ava would do. Using the last trace left by that man to exchange for a celebration just for the two of us. This was absolutely the most perfect revenge loop in the world, the most ironic trophy.
"I absolutely love this dividend!" I rushed over and hugged her tightly, "Your Majesty the Queen, your decisions are always brilliant!"
We jumped and laughed in the study, cheering for the upcoming sunshine, beach, and freedom. The significance of this trip had already transcended luxury itself; it was a medal of victory, a baptism of rebirth.
The final picture of the story is captured in a photo that Ava posted on Instagram a few days later.
The background of the photo is the unique infinity pool in the Maldives, where the turquoise seawater and the clear sky merge into one, stretching endlessly. Ava and I are wearing gorgeous bikinis, immersed in the cool water, each holding a glass of champagne bubbling with fine effervescence. We cheerfully clink our glasses, the golden liquid reflecting dazzling light under the sunshine, while the smiles on our faces are even more radiant and genuine than that light.
It's the kind of joy that comes from deep within, after shedding all defenses and pain.
The caption of the photo is concise yet powerful, like a declaration, and also like a blessing.
"Unlocking new life. To better investments, and the best returns. 🥂 #GirlfriendsTrip #Unlocked"
In the comments section, besides blessings and envy, there's a message from an anonymous user that has been liked to the top.
"Just passed by a fast food restaurant in the city center and saw someone working the night shift. Their uniform was quite neat."
Ava liked this comment, then turned off her phone and raised her champagne glass.
"To those who have used us before," her eyes flickered, "may they get the life they deserve."
We clinked glasses, our laughter dissipating in the sea breeze of the Maldives.
