Ava drew in a breath and slowly exhaled, feeling her chest tighten as the weight of her decision pressed harder against her.
But Zac remained quiet, watching and waiting. Like a storm holding itself back just for her.
“By now, Zac, I think you should already know the kind of person I am,” Ava began, her voice soft but firm. “I’m not the type who thrives on attention. And honestly, I’ve already received more than I ever bargained for.”
She paused, her eyes flickering with discomfort.
“I’ve become the center of gossip. People at school are taking pictures of me like I’m some kind of celebrity. They’re posting them online, on platforms where even the students who weren’t present can see.”
Ava let out a breath, long and weary.
“I don’t want this life, Zac. It’s suffocating. It’s not me.”
Zac slowly shifted in his seat, angling his body toward her as he fixed his gaze on her face.
“So let me get this straight,” he said, incredulity lacing every word. “You’d rather do your internship at som
