" We need to talk " Jayden said quietly, his voice heavy with an unusual gravity as he gestured toward the living room. Ava's heart sank as she followed him, feeling a sense of impending doom in his demeanor.
They settled onto the couch, a noticeable distance between them. Ava felt the tension in the air, her heart pounding in anticipation of what Jayden might say next. He remained distant, staring off into the distance, making it harder for her to read his thoughts." What's going on, Jay? " Ava finally asked, her voice tinged with concern.He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair, struggling to find the right words. " Ava, I've been feeling... lost, confused. I've been trying to make sense of it all, but I can't "Ava's stomach clenched, a sense of foreboding settling in. " What do you mean? "" I don't know how to say this without hurting you " Jayden began, finally turning to look at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and sadness. " I think we need some time apart, a break from us "Her heart plummeted, the words hitting her like a physical blow. " A break? " Ava's voice quivered." I need space, Ava. I need to figure things out on my own " Jayden explained, his tone heavy with regret. " I don't want to drag you into my confusion and hurt you in the process "Ava fought back tears, struggling to comprehend his request. " But I thought... I thought we were in this together "" We were, we are " Jayden reassured, reaching out to hold her hand. " But right now, I'm not in the right headspace to give you what you deserve. I need time to sort through my thoughts, my feelings "Suddenly, as though she knew it was all a facade, her voice hardened " Drop the act Jayden, tell me what's really wrong with you "Jayden's previous expression of sadness changed and he smirked " You were quick to figure that out, huh? "She rolled her eyes " I've known you for almost a year so shoot, what's really wrong? "He eyed her, wondering if she was stupid because he just explained " I just told you why I think we should take a break "" We both know that's not true, you've been giving me attitude for the past few months and I need you to tell me what's going on " She said quietly." I need a break, Ava " He said, tired of the conversation already." Why? " She questioned " Don't you love me anymore? Why? Haven't I been a good girlfriend? " She maintained her composure as she threw her questions at him.He laughed scornfully " You might have to answer the second question yourself, darling "Ava's stomach twisted into knots, and she knew things were about to get ugly. Really ugly." Whatever in the world do you mean? " She asked slowly." Have you been a good girlfriend? " He askedShe rolled her eyes the second time, waving off the not so good feeling " Of course. I love you, Jayden "He laughed again, his laughter evil " And how have you managed to prove that, honey? " He mocked." I've always shown you that I care, haven't I? Please Jayden, stop all these " She pleaded but little did she know what Jayden had in store for her.He shook his head " No you don't love me, you have proven it to me "" How?! " She asked in exasperation." You refused to let me make love to you and you're telling me you love me??! No you don't " He shouted.Ava stood still, understanding the whole thing now. He had been asking her for sex but after she told him the story of how she was almost raped which heightened the fear of having sex, he promised to wait until she was ready. Of course there were times when they got intimate but didn't go all the way as Ava would gently push him away and go do other things." So this was it? Sex? " She asked in a disappointed voice.He glared at her " How am I supposed to know you loved me if you refused to have sex with me? "" You're a baby, Jayden. All these months I've always thought you were mature enough to understand what I went through. Now I realize I was wrong, really " She said with a shake of her head.He started talking " Mature you say?? I've been patient enough with you for the past... "Ava cut in " But I told you everything, Jayden! I told you... " She wasn't allowed to finish her sentence because it was Jayden's turn to cut her off." Stop, I don't wanna listen to more trash you want to say " He interrupted, holding up a finger." I want a break " He said with a tone of finality and got up." There's another lady in the picture, right? " She asked quietly, too tired to plead with him." You're damn right, there is " He smirked. At that moment, his phone rang and he looked at his caller ID and a bright smile lightened up his face and his gaze softened." Talk of the devil " He muttered and turned the phone in Ava's direction to see who it was.And it was no other person but her friend, Cassandra.She sucked in a sharp breath " Ca... Cassandra?! "He smiled " She's the woman you can never be, not even if you try. "Tears threatened to flow but she blinked them back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction that he succeeded in hurting her so she listened on in silence.Jayden continued " And one more thing, Ava? No one will ever want you. That's a fact, you're so... " He shook his head, leaving his words hanging. He wanted her to imagine the worst thing anyone would ever call her. " How long has this been happening and why her?? " She asked, still dazed by his revelations. He took a seat again and crossed one leg over the other leisurely " Hmm... I've been sleeping with her for as long as I can remember, you were just too dumb to see it and as for the second question, she gives the best blowjob so why won't I be with her? I doubt you've ever touched a d*ck " He said and his voice held a mocking tone at the end. " So you're sleeping with my friend because I refused to have sex with you?! " She asked in a whisper, feeling sick all of a sudden. " Yup " He answered without giving a f*ck. Ava blinked back her tears quickly, refusing to break down before this son of a b*tch. " But I can stop everything if you sleep with me, I don't really love her.
Ava forced a polite tone. " It's alright, Hunter. I was just heading out for some grocery shopping "" Perfect timing! Listen, I know you've been busy lately, but I was wondering if maybe you'd like to grab dinner tonight? There's this new Italian place I've been wanting to try, and I think you'd really enjoy it " Hunter proposed eagerly. " I appreciate the offer, Hunter, but I'm not sure tonight works for me. I've got some things to take care of " she replied, hoping he'd take the hint." Come on, Ava! It'll be fun, I promise " Hunter persisted, undeterred by her polite refusal." Maybe another time " Ava tried to let him down gently. " I've really got to get going now, though. Take care, Hunter "" Alright, I'll catch you later then. Have a great day, Ava " Hunter said with a hint of disappointment before hanging up.The journey to the grocery store was a short walk from her apartment. She strolled along the sidewalk, relishing the freedom of the day. The streets were alive with th
As she vanished into the crowd, Bryan felt a pang of frustration. Her swift departure and the invisible barrier she erected around herself only fueled his desire to unravel her mystery. He was attracted to her, yeah but there was something else. He signaled discreetly to his discreetly positioned bodyguard, instructing him to tail Ava without raising any suspicion.With a steely determination, Bryan decided to delve deeper into the enigma that was Ava. What lay beneath her composed exterior? What secrets did she conceal behind that inscrutable facade? There was an undeniable pull, a magnetic force that drew him toward her, despite the barriers she erected.It wasn't just her captivating presence or the elegance that radiated from her being. It was the flicker of sadness that momentarily clouded her eyes, the hidden sorrow that she tried so hard to mask. Bryan couldn't help but wonder about the cause of her guarded demeanor, a past perhaps etched with pain or loss that made her retrea
" Yayyy! My friend is in love! " Bella screamed on top of her lungs. " Hey, are you crazy?! Why are you screaming?? " Ava's eyes widened as she tried to stop Bella . Bella's voice went calm in an instant " Yeah I'm crazy, this is crazy, Ava! "Ava rolled her eyes " How? "" This is literally the first time you took an interest in a guy " Bella explained calmly but the excitement was still evident in her voice. Ava's mouth curved, and a hint of smile appeared. She expected nothing less from Bella. " The first time? You keep forgetting that I once dated someone " Ava replied." Okay okay, first time in a long time " Bella corrected herself, and Ava could imagine her swaying her hand in demonstration. " But come to think of it, " Bella continued thoughtfully " The guy you dated was a douchebag and I think you dated yourself, not him " She bursted into laughterAva rolled her eyes " Shut up, that doesn't change the fact that we dated and I loved him " She said quietly. Bella seemed t
" I'm afraid that's not possible as I have other things to attend to " She said politely. " You're sad and lonely, aren't you? " He blurted out, staring deep into her eyes. Ava felt he could see through her soul. Her eyes flickered, a subtle interplay of emotions dancing within their depths. She seemed to wrestle with conflicting impulses, torn between letting him in or maintaining the barrier she had carefully erected." I appreciate your concern, but I can't... " Her voice trailed off, a veil of reticence settling over her features." I won't push if you don't want me to " Bryan assured her, sensing the fragility of the moment. " But know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be here " Ava looked confused, how did he expect her to find him even if she wanted to open up to someone? Oh, this was someone who got her place easily so that wouldn't be difficult for him, she thought. She started to talk " How do you... "But Bryan interrupted her " It's okay, Ava. There will a
" Well, life has a way of surprising us " Bella remarked, her optimism infectious. " Maybe this is your moment "Ava mulled over Bella's words. Maybe it was her moment, a chance for something new and unexpected. But the uncertainty gnawed at her. What if this encounter led to nothing? What if it was just a fleeting moment in time?" I'll be here for you no matter what happens, Ava. You know that, right? " Bella's voice softened with genuine care.Touched by Bella's unwavering support, Ava felt a surge of gratitude. " Thank you, Bella. You're the best friend anyone could ask for "" Anytime, Ava. Now, go on, think about what this could mean for you. And call me the moment you have any updates! " Bella teased, injecting a note of lightheartedness into the conversation.Ava chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. " I will, I promise. Thanks again, Bella "As the call ended, Ava sat back, the whirlwind of emotions slowly settling into a sense of cautious hope. With a newfound optimism, she allow
As the night enveloped the city, Bryan made his way back home. Despite the day drawing to a close, his hope burned brighter than ever. He couldn't explain it, but he felt a strong sense that their paths would intertwine again.Back in his villa, Bryan settled onto his balcony, gazing at the stars sprinkled across the night sky. Thoughts of Ava lingered, her presence almost palpable in the quietude of the night." I'll see her again " Bryan whispered into the night, a quiet promise to himself. He closed his eyes, a sense of anticipation and longing filling his heart.With a hopeful sigh, he drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with visions of a future encounter with Ava, hoping that fate would bring them together once more. **********************The morning sun streamed through Bryan's window, gently coaxing him awake. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, his mind immediately drifting back to thoughts of Ava. She was the first thing on his mind, just as she had been
They settled into a cozy corner, poring over the menu with animated discussions about their preferences." So, Ava, have you heard anything new about that project you're working on? " Bella asked, sipping her coffee.Ava nodded, a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes. " Yes, we made some significant progress yesterday! I'm really excited about the direction it's taking "" That's amazing! You've been killing it lately, " Bella praised, her genuine admiration evident in her voice." And you've been a fantastic support, as always " Ava replied warmly, grateful for Bella's encouragement.Their laughter echoed through the café as they indulged in their lunch, savoring every bite of their sandwiches and sharing anecdotes about their day.As they finished their meal, Bella glanced at the time. " Back to work, huh? "Ava nodded, a contented smile gracing her lips. " Back to the grind. But hey, at least we had this amazing lunch break! "Together, they made their way back to the office, their step