All Chapters of He Rejected Me In Public : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

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

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

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

Noah stared at his phone long after the call ended he was very very sad his grip around the device tightened slightly Ethan Brooks of all people, Ethan Brooks the name refused to leave his mind Noah walked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office and looked down at the glittering city lights looking so bothered and worried. Ava was allowed to have friends she wasn't doing anything wrong yet the image of her sitting in a café laughing with another man made something unpleasant twist inside his chest his phone buzzed again a message from Ava I just got home goodnight Noah stared at the message for a while Normally, seeing it would have made him smile tonight but it only made him feel worse because she had sent the message after spending her evening with Ethan without replying he tossed the phone onto his desk he felt uncertain and Noah Kingston hated uncertainty the next morning Ava arrived at work feeling surprisingly refreshed the coffee with Ethan had done he

Saturday arrived with bright sunshine and clear skies, giving Noah his first free afternoon in weeks—or at least, that was the plan. Standing in front of the mirror, Ava fastened a pair of pearl earrings while wearing a light blue dress Noah had once called his favorite. Today was incredibly special; exactly five years ago, Noah had asked her to be his girlfriend. Every year, no matter how chaotic life got, they celebrated this anniversary. It was never anything extravagant—sometimes just a quiet dinner or a simple walk through the park—but they never missed it. Never.When her phone finally buzzed, a bright smile spread across her face. "Good morning," she answered cheerfully. Hearing his voice, she noted, "You sound sleepy." Noah admitted he had barely slept, prompting a soft laugh from Ava. "Big day today," she reminded him. "I know," he replied. But when she asked what time she should be ready, a heavy pause hung on the line. Then another. Ava's smile slowly faded. "Noah?" she ask