Chapter 1: Five Years

Ava Bennett stared at the tiny candle flickering on top of the chocolate cupcake and sighed "twenty-four" she was officially twenty-four years old most people her age were probably celebrating with friends, posting pictures online, and making wishes for the future.Ava was spending her birthday alone in her apartment almost alone, her phone lit up on the kitchen counter a smile instantly appeared on her face when she saw Noah's name.Noah the call connected immediately "Happy birthday, beautiful." Just hearing his voice made her smile wider "Thank you.""Did you get my flowers?"Ava looked towards the huge bouquet of white roses sitting on the table they arrived this morning she said. You like them? he asked her"I love them." "Good."She could hear people talking in the background he was still at work again a small part of her felt disappointed, but she pushed the feeling away.Noah was busy Noah was always busy that was what happened when someone became the youngest CEO in the city

Chapter 2: Cracks

The next morning Ava woke up with a smile the silver bracelet still rested on her wrist sunlight poured through the curtains, warming her small bedroom for the first time in weeks, she felt hopeful maybe she had been overthinking things maybe Noah really was just busy after all, building a company wasn't easy.He loved her Didn't he?Ava pushed away the uneasy feeling lingering in her chest and got ready for work her phone buzzed while she was waiting for the elevator a text from Noah came.Good morning don't forget lunch today you always skip meals Ava laughed softly yes sir.A second later, another message appeared good girl heat rushed to her cheeks no matter how stressful life became, Noah always knew how to make her smile.The elevator doors opened she stepped inside what she didn't notice was the woman standing across the street watching her building Vanessa Clarke lowered her sunglasses her perfectly painted lips curled into a smile."So that's where she lives."The luxury car

Chapter 3: The Dress

Ava had changed outfits three times already she stood in front of her bedroom mirror staring at herself then she sighed."No."The navy-blue dress came off a few minutes later, another dress followed."No."Then another still no her best friend Mia, sat cross-legged on the couch watching the entire disaster unfold "You know," Mia said, biting into a cookie, most people just wear clothes. Ava shot her a glare this is important you've said that six times in the last hour "Because it is."Mia rolled her eyes dramatically you're going to a charity gala, not the Oscars Ava looked back at her reflection maybe Mia didn't understand for five years, Noah had rarely invited her into his professional world, most of the time it was just the two of them movie nights coffee dates quiet weekends but tonight was different tonight felt important like a step forward like proof that Noah wasn't hiding her anymore.A smile appeared on her face What if he's finally ready? Mia raised an eyebrow ready for

Chapter 4: A Place He Never Noticed

Ava wasn't expecting to enjoy talking to Ethan Brooks after all, he was clearly one of the important guests at the gala his watch probably cost more than her monthly rent yet unlike everyone else in the ballroom, Ethan spoke to her like a normal person no judgment no curiosity no hidden meaning behind his words just conversation."So," Ethan said, leaning against the balcony railing, how do you know Noah? Ava smiled we've been together for five years his eyebrows lifted in shock"Five years?"That's usually how people react anytime I tell them "No, I'm impressed Ethan said.Ava laughed."Why?"Because relationships don't last long these days something about his honesty made her relax they spent the next few minutes talking about work, favorite books, and embarrassing college stories.For the first time that evening, Ava forgot about the whispers inside the ballroom she forgot about the uncomfortable stares she forgot about trying to fit into a world that wasn't hers she simply enjoyed

Chapter 5: The Woman In Red

Ava stared at the rain sliding down her apartment window another date canceled another evening spent alone she told herself it didn't matter Noah was busy his company was growing his responsibilities were bigger now she understood that. At least, that's what she kept telling herself her phone buzzed.Mia.Don't tell me you're sitting at home again Ava smiled weakly maybe the reply came immediately I'm coming over an hour later, Mia was sprawled across Ava's couch with a bowl of popcorn.You need a life Ava laughed I have a life."No." Mia pointed at her you have Noah what's wrong with that?""Nothing."Mia softened but your entire world shouldn't revolve around one person Ava looked down at her hands she hated admitting it, but lately she felt exactly like that whenever Noah called, her day improved whenever he canceled plans, her mood dropped somewhere along the way, she had started building her life around him and now he barely seemed to notice the following friday, Noah's company h

Chapter 6: Coffee and Consequences

Ava hadn't planned on staying long when Ethan suggested coffee she had imagined a quick conversation before heading home thirty minutes at most.Instead, nearly two hours had passed and somehow she hadn't checked the time once.The café was small and cozy, tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop soft music played in the background while people chatted quietly around them.So let me get this straight, Ethan said, shaking his head you once got locked inside your university library? Ava laughed so hard she nearly spilled her coffee It wasn't my fault "It wasn't!"It was closing time, Ava you don't understand he raised an eyebrow Ava tried to explain as he listened I was studying for an economics exam and I lost track of time Ethan laughed, normally people leave when the lights start going off.Both of them laughed for the first time in weeks, Ava felt completely relaxed no pressure no expectations no awkward silences filled with unanswered questions just conversation simple and eas