The restaurant fell silent. Adam froze, his mind spinning with Tara's warning echoing in his ears. Was Dawn trying to replace Ava? His gaze snapped back to her, but the warmth he once felt now tangled with confusion and guilt.
"I'm sorry… but I don't feel the same way," Adam said, his voice low, almost pained. Then he pushed back his chair and walked out, leaving Dawn shattered in the middle of the room.
Her world tilted. The first time she had ever fallen in love, her heart was broken into pieces. She forced a smile for her siblings, calling them to head home, but her legs felt too heavy, too numb to move. Every step was agony. Still, she gathered her courage and walked them back, hiding her storm of pain behind a fragile mask.
* * * * * *
At home, her siblings chattered happily about the evening, but their eyes kept flicking to her. Sadness clung to her like a shadow.
"You don't look happy," Jason said, concern soft in his voice.
"I am. I'm just tired," Dawn replied, her smile thin and unconvincing.
"Okay. Good night," Leslie said, though her doubtful glance lingered.
When they went to bed, Dawn dropped her bag and collapsed onto the floor, sobbing into her hands. Her phone buzzed—Alex. For a moment, she almost answered, desperate for a shoulder to lean on. But then the sting of betrayal burned through her, and with trembling hands she hurled the phone aside. It hit the floor with a crack.
* * * * * *
At the Manchester house, Adam stormed in, his face tight with anger and confusion. Daphne hurried over, alarmed. "Adam, what's wrong?"
"I'm fine," he muttered, brushing past her to his room.
But Daphne knew better. Something had happened. She reached for her phone to call Dawn, only to hear the cold, lifeless tone: switched off.
* * * * * *
The next morning, Dawn sat on her bed, staring blankly at the keys in her hand. The deal was done. Adam was happy again—without her. Tears stung her eyes. Where would they go now? She had no real job, no one to turn to. Paige and Alex were gone. What's left for me?
"Good morning, Tinkerbell," Leslie teased, dragging her out of her spiral.
"Good morning. How was your night?" Dawn asked, forcing a smile.
"Fine," Amy answered.
"No breakfast," Jason grumbled. "You banned us from cooking. Otherwise, we would've made something."
"It still stands," Dawn replied, mustering a small laugh. She led them into the kitchen, prepared quick toast, and sent them off to school with hugs and goodbyes.
Her hand went to her pocket, searching for her phone, only to remember it lay broken. She picked up the cracked device from the floor, set it aside with a sigh, then hurried to change. With a deep breath, she headed to the Manchester house.
* * * * * *
Daphne was setting the breakfast table when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find Dawn, her smile dim but polite. "Come in, my dear," Daphne said warmly, ushering her inside. She dished another plate and gestured for Dawn to join her.
"I wanted to ask about Adam," Daphne began, studying her closely, "but you look moody yourself."
"Me? I'm fine," Dawn said, her lips curving weakly.
"Define fine," Daphne pressed gently. "Tell me what's wrong."
Dawn hesitated. "Will you be mad at me?"
"Confide in me," Daphne assured her. "You are my daughter, because I consider you as one. I'll hold you when you stumble, and correct you when you make a mistake."
Tears brimmed in Dawn's eyes. "I… I'm in love with your son. I'm sorry. It's foolish."
"No, it's not," Daphne said, her voice firm but kind. "You can't control your heart. And truthfully, I'm happy for you. Did you tell him?"
"Last night," Dawn whispered. "He rejected me."
"Adam rejected you?" Daphne's brows shot up. "That's impossible."
"Yes," Dawn replied, her voice breaking.
Daphne leaned forward, her eyes softening. "My dear, maybe he doesn't want to admit it. But I've seen him. He worries over what to wear before meeting you. He borrows my perfume—my Adam, who hasn't cared about such things in years. He even practices what to say before seeing you. If that isn't love, then what is?"
Hope flickered in Dawn's chest. Could it be true? Was Adam fighting his feelings because of Ava?
"But… what about Ava?" she asked, guilt heavy in her voice.
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment, sadness passing across her features. Then she squeezed Dawn's hand. "She will be fine. But until then, Adam deserves happiness. And you—" she gave her a meaningful look "—you bring him that."
Dawn's lips curved into a fragile smile. The hope she thought was buried yesterday slowly stirred to life.
"Why don't you go talk to him?" Daphne urged.
Dawn shook her head gently. "He needs time. I'll wait."
She gathered their plates and carried them to the kitchen despite Daphne's protests. After washing up, she mentioned Leslie's school trouble, assuring Daphne she'd handle it. With a quick kiss on Daphne's cheek, Dawn left the house with lighter steps. No matter what happens, I have Daphne. She's my ally.
Upstairs, Adam sat on his bed, fists clenched. He had heard Dawn's voice. He had wanted—so badly—to rush out, to beg her forgiveness, to admit his heart was no longer his own. But cowardice chained him. His chest ached at the thought of how he'd hurt her, yet the ghost of Ava whispered in his mind. He couldn't forget her. I belong to Ava, he told himself. And because I can't control my heart, I must stay away from Dawn until these feelings die.
* * * * * *
Later that day, Dawn walked the bustling New Year Street, her thoughts heavy. What if the fragile hope she carried shattered again? She was lost in her fears when she spotted Tara. She almost called out, but froze as she saw Tara heading in Paige's direction. Suspicion flared, and Dawn instinctively followed—only to lose sight of her.
Unseen, Tara stepped from the shadows, her lips curling into a grin as she watched Dawn walk away. Her eyes gleamed with secrets. What is she plotting?