Semua Bab Goodbye, Ex-Husband, Next Please: Bab 51 - Bab 60

JASON'S POVThe moment Ava's lips touched mine, I felt my heart race. It wasn't that we hadn't kissed before but this was so unexpected, so out of character for the Ava I knew. She wasn't one who showed affection in public, so I was confused, at the same time full of joy. For a brief second, I let myself believe it meant something. That maybe, just maybe, she had thought about everything and decided to forgive me. But as soon as Laura stormed out, slamming the door behind her, Ava’s expression changed. The softness that had been there for a moment vanished, replaced by that guarded, cold look I was so familiar with now. “Don’t think I’ve forgiven you,” she said coldly, straightening up and creating a distance between us. Her words hit me like a punch to the face. The warmth I thought was building between us evaporated instantly, leaving behind a deep feeling of regret. "Ava, I know I’ve made mistakes,” I began, speaking with caution and choosing my words carefully. “But

AVA'S POV My pulse tightened, my thoughts still swirling from my encounter with Laura. What now? I opened the message: "Let's have dinner with Grandpa tonight at his favorite restaurant. 7 pm. I'll meet you both there.♥️" I stared at the message, my chest tightening. Dinner at Grandpa’s favorite restaurant? Jason and I had visited the place before and he told me the story behind it. It is owned by a close friend of Grandpa's late wife, his Grandma had loved it so much. I left work early that day, and the events of everything that had happened still weighed on my mind. As I pulled into the driveway of Jason's villa, I tried to push the thoughts aside. Tonight wasn’t about me and Jason. It was about Grandpa. He deserved a peaceful evening, and I wasn’t going to ruin it with my chaos. Walking into the house, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Martha, Grandpa’s caregiver, stood in the kitchen, carefully slicing a loaf while humming an old tune

AVA'S POVThe photo on my screen was like a dagger to my chest. Laura's hands were draped over Jason's shoulder, her lips close to his cheek while Jason's hands were resting on her waist. The intimacy of it was undeniable, and it made me feel sick. My hand trembled as I locked my phone and placed it face down on the nightstand. I wanted to cry, to scream, to throw something. But instead, I sat there in silence, my emotions were a mess inside me. I took a deep breath, telling myself to calm down. What was the point of crying when nothing ever changed? The 10% shares he gave me made me think that maybe – just maybe he values me more than Laura but now I felt dejected again. Jason always seemed to find his way back to her, no matter how much it hurt me. He claims Laura wasn't his first choice yet he stood up both Grandpa and I because of her. I wasn't going to cry, and I didn't, but it still felt like a sharp knife kept piercing my heart all through the night, causing me unbeara

AVA'S POV The days following the jewelry store incident felt like a blur. I buried myself in work and avoided unnecessary interactions with Jason. Grandpa had already returned to his house, though his doctor warned us to still be mindful of his health and to avoid stressing or saying anything that could trigger him. That was a relief, I couldn’t bear pretending everything was fine and the thought of him witnessing the tension between Jason and me. Today, Sally called, insisting I come to her apartment. “I have something to cheer you up,” she said vaguely. I hesitated at first, but Sally’s energy was contagious. If anyone could brighten my mood, it was definitely her. When I arrived, I didn’t expect to see Kevin Tyler lounging on Sally’s couch, holding a glass of wine like he belonged there. “Kevin?” I froze at the door, my mind struggling to process his presence. Kevin Tyler, the professional basketball player, also happened to be Jason’s old friend and someone I had

AVA'S POV I could feel my heart racing as the tension in the room rose. Sally and Kevin kept glancing between Jason and Alex not knowing what to say. I looked at Alex and then at Jason. I was done with the drama with Jason. “Okay, Alex…let's go,” I said, trying to stay calm but my heart hammered in my chest. Jason's fist clenched tightly and his eyes flashed with anger but he didn't say anything. “Ava…” he said finally. “I've made my decision,” I interrupted, keeping my voice steady. Sally gave me a proud wink. “Call me when you get home, okay?” I nodded, giving her a small smile. “I will.” “Let’s go,” Alex said gently, his hand resting lightly on my back as he guided me toward the exit. Behind us, Jason’s jaw clenched, and I could almost feel the fury radiating off him. I didn’t look back. Alex looked surprised when I told him I wasn’t going to Jason’s villa but to Sally’s apartment. However, he didn’t ask why, and I felt relieved. The ride there was quiet at first, but