Ava's POV
After the call ended, I just stood there, frozen. My heart burned with confusion and pain. All l ever wanted was an explanation,but Edward was acting like l was the one who'd done something wrong.
I wasn't ready, but I had to face it. I told Kylie I'd be late grabbed my bag,and walked out. I was done running from this.
I was a few miles from campus when l saw him - Edward. Standing at my favorite restaurant, dressed causally,his face so cold l almost didn't recognize him.
We locked eyes.
"Hey", I said, forcing a nervous smile.
He nodded. "Let go inside".
That was all. No hugs. No warmth. Just distance.
We sat down, silence filled the air like a storm waiting to explode.
"So what did you want to tell me about?" I asked, breaking the tension.
His fingers twitched like he was holding something back.
"Ava…" he said softly.
"Hmm?" I leaned in.
"I think we need space…or worse…I'm seeing someone else".
He said it all at once,like ripping off a Band - Aid.
I froze. My heart shattered into pieces. My lips trembled.
"Mmm...Edward…"I tried to speak,but no words came.
"We can work this out",I finally whispered.
"I can try harder. I can fix this.
He shook his head. "No, Ava. We can't.
Trying harder doesn't mean love. Please understand. We need to go our separate ways".
Tears streamed down my face. Was this really our end?
But just when I thought the storm couldn't get worse,a bigger one walked in.
Hailey.
Head held high. Smirk on her lips.
Confidence like she owned the place.
I looked guilty but didn't flinch. He pulled Hailey close, his arm sliding around her waist.
"Ava… this is the woman I'm in love with.
I'm sorry, but I've chosen her. I hope you can forgive me".
My world collapsed.
"With my cousin?
Of all people?" I cried.
"I'm sorry",he whispered again.
"You're sorry", I laughed bitterly. "You cheated. You betrayed me. And now you want forgiveness?"
"You don't deserve me",I said through my tears. "I lowered my standards for a jerk like you. And you call this love?"
He raised his voice too. "Ava, I know I don't deserve you,but please understand. I love her".
"Then go love her", I snapped. "But know this,I deserve better than a cheater".
And with that,I got up. My legs were shaking, but I held my head high. I walked out with confidence on the outside…but inside,l was breaking.
Kylie was waiting. Her face pale, full of worry.
I ran into her arms and finally let myself fall apart.
She hugged me right. " I know everything,baby. It's okay. I'm here".
And just like that…we both broke down in the street.
Hailey's POV
That was it. The moment I'd been waiting for.
I finally had him all to myself.
Was Ava really that dumb? She had no idea what was going on…or maybe she just didn't want to see it. Either way, I won.
I'd always hated how perfect she was. Her looks,her charm, everything. I envied it. I wanted to be her.
And now,I had what she lost. Even if it was just Edward,it felt like victory.
But what is beauty if you can't even keep a man?
I expected her to break down more.
Honestly,her composure disappointed me.
But it doesn't matter. I came this far…and I'm not stopping. Maybe one day, I'll even take her identity.
Who knows?.
Later That Day ( Campus)
Tha air was heavy. Ava and Kylie sat in silence.
"Ava…"Kylie whispered. "That's what l wanted to tell you.l saw them this morning…holding hands. They looked happy".
Her voice cracked, and her eyes were just as swollen as Ava's.
Ava took a deep breath. " Thank you for being here. I'm really grateful". She pulled Kylie into a hug.
"I can't stay here anymore", Ava said. "I need to go home. I need rest".
"Okay", Kylie replied gently.
Ava's POV
When l got home the air felt different.
Heavy- Like it knew everything that had happened.
Was that really my cousin? The same girl I trusted,depended,loved ?
The betrayal was brutal.
It all make sense now, how she acted around him, how her voice softened when he was near. I was too blind,or maybe just too kind.
But now?
Now I'm done.
I whispered to myself.
"I'm done being the broken one".