All Chapters of THE GIRL WHO LOVES SUNSET: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Ava's apartment smelled faintly of basil and roasted garlic, a small comfort as she busied herself in the fixing of dinner. The kitchen was her small sanctuary, where she could lose herself in the rhythm of chopping, stirring, and tasting, letting the world-and her worries-fade away, if only for a little while.She was just putting on the finishing touches to a simple pasta dish when her phone buzzed. A glance told her all she needed, sending her heart to skip a beat.Ethan: I left something. Can I come pick it up?Her pulse raced. She stared at the screen, hands still resting on the pasta bowl. The distance she'd tried to keep was now impossibly fragile.No, she told herself firmly. I can't let him sweep into my life again so easily.But after a moment, she let her pride be overruled by her usual pragmatism. I’ll return it myself.When she arrived at Ethan's apartment, the evening lights cast a warm glow across its sleek interiors. He opened the door before she could even knock well

The city felt light years away. Ava was in her temporary apartment, which was conveniently located near the hospital, the sunlight casting a slanting glare through the blinds on her desk. She had grown accustomed to the rhythm of her new life: the long hours, the mounds of paperwork, the hum of activity at the hospital. but she felt a gnawing sense of distance from San Francisco, from Ethan.She managed to steal moments of solitude in the turmoil: sketching the sunset through her windowpane, scribbling down ideas within the pages of her journal, and even preparing meals reminiscent of home-cooked meals she grew up with. But every night as she settled into slumber, she was very much aware of the fact that she had him right alongside her—the warmth of his space in the room with her."No," she pushed the thoughts away. "I have chosen distance for a reason. I will not let my feelings guide me, even if I want nothing more than he."Meanwhile, across town, Ethan Hart was faced with a realit

The early morning light of dawn crept into San Francisco as Ava's cab approached the street where Ethan's apartment was located. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she fought between the eagerness to see Ethan and the trace of apprehension. It had been three long weeks—weeks of non-stop activities at the hospital—but her love for Ethan was never shaken.She got out of the taxi and the chill morning air filled her lungs. She hastened, her heart pounding with every step. Finally, she arrived at his recognizable door.Before she could even knock on the door, it was flung wide open.And there she was.Serena Blake. Slipping into a silk robe, her hair disheveled, a mug of steaming coffee in her hands, Ava could see the ease with which Serena had once owned this space. Ava’s breath caught.“Serena?” Ava’s voice shook. “What… what are you doing here?”Serena’s lips curled into a slow, smug smile. “Ava. I wasn’t expecting to see you back so soon.” She rested against the doorframe, a gleam

Morning seeped slowly into Ava's apartment.Not gently.The light filters through her curtains as if it were ashamed to wake her up, but Ava was actually awake for some hours already. She was lying on her bed, gazing blankly at the ceiling as the words of Serena echoed in her mind.Some men fall in love with the sunset, and then some prefer to makeShe rolled over to her side and groaned."Why do you always find the right words to hurt me?" she murmured.Her telephone rested next to her, though it remained silent.Ethan had not been calling after midnight.She hadn't read the last messages. She was afraid of how she'd feel if she read them.Finally, Ava managed to stand up.Work wouldn’t wait. Life wouldn’t pause just because her heart felt cracked.She showered, slowly under the warm water, washing away the tears she had no memory of shedding. Dressed, she opted for a simple look: a soft blouse, jeans, and flats. She made no effort to look charming, no effort to make herself attracti

The evening settled quietly within Ethan’s apartment.The sun passed through the glass walls, illuminating the floor with an warm gold hue. Ava stood by the window, watching the city transform with the soft light of sunset. It had always been her favorite moment, the slowing of the world to catch her breath.Behind her, Ethan leaned against the kitchen counter, feigning disregard for his view of the way the light touched her face.“You’re doing it again,” said Ava without turning around.“Doing what?”Ethan was smiling. “Can you blame me?”She smiled. “Yes. CFOs are supposed to be professional.”He moved closer. "Off duty."Ava chuckled.They had talked for hours, sharing stories of her job, his meetings, and experiences from when they were young, and their favorite foods and embarrassing moments. It felt natural, easy, like the storm brewing between them was finally breaking.Ethan offered her a glass of water.“Here. Before you forget how to hydrate while conquering hearts.”Ava rol