The Queen's Back

Ever since Ava and Bud said she had given up on Bud, it wasn't just words-it was concrete action.

After returning from her trip abroad, Ava even had a boyfriend. Now that Chelly and Bud have broken up, to say that Ava had anything to do with it would be completely wrong. "It's because of you that he broke up with me!" Chelly sobbed, glancing at the crowd gathered near the entrance.

She then took out her cell phone and played the recording of her conversation with Bud from the night before.

As the phone connected, Chelly spoke first, "Bud, why are you calling me so late today?"

Everyone around could hear that it was Chelly's voice, slightly quavering.

After that, there was a long pause without anyone speaking.

No one knew how long it took, but finally, Bud's voice came through. "Chelly, let's break up. I'm sorry."

Again, there was a long silence, until Bud added, "It's my fault. I'll make it up to you materially. I'm hanging up now."

As Bud prepared to end the call, Chelly cried out, "But can you tell me why? Did I do something wrong? Didn't you say you would be responsible for me?"

Bud sighed on the other end and then said, "It's not your fault. You're fine. It's my problem. I love someone else."

"Is it Ava?" Chelly asked.

Bud responded with a soft "yeah" before hanging up.

When the recording ended, Chelly pointed at Ava and said, "You said it wasn't because you that I broke up with my boyfriend. Then what was that just played? We were both going to get married! If you hadn't given Bud any hints, he would not have resolutely broken up with me! Everyone judge for yourselves-does this have anything to do with Ava? Is it okay for me to confront her?"

Once Chelly's words hung in the air, combined with the earlier recording and Bud's last response, it was clear that most people sided with Chelly.

A few gossip-loving coworkers whispered among themselves, "Can you believe it? The new coworker is a homewrecker!"

sly demeanor. She seems

poor Chelly. Her boyfriend

her boyfriend is also

*****

broken up with Chelly because of her. Knowing that Bud loved her made her feel a

had avoided her like the plague, and now that she had

like a big

not, I didn't give Bud any hints. Get out

It was as if Chelly's words had nothing to do with

be with him even if he comes to you? If you swear like that, I'll believe you," Chelly said, glaring

her words had a surprising weight that made people feel

to do with Bud, just take an oath. It's not like you have anything to lose," said a coworker who was working in the same

if it's got nothing to do with you, just take an oath," someone else chimed

and held out her fingers. "I, Ava, swear that if Bud confesses his love to

away, and pulled

talk to Ava, and as soon as he arrived, he heard the chatter here and walked over

exclaimed, pointing

as Bud approached, the people around them

they believed Bud had broken up with Chelly

broke up with you, Chelly, and Ava doesn't know about it. If you have any anger, take it out on me. Why did you come to her?" Bud said, locking eyes with

since she had accepted it, it

Well, why did I come to her? Isn't it to find out what's so special about her that made you ditch me, the

uncontrollably down her cheeks. Her eyes glared

up over is none of my business. I already

of the company,