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!"

demeanor. She seems like the kind

poor Chelly. Her boyfriend

pathetic, but her boyfriend is also not

*****

dazed after listening to the recording. According to it, Bud had broken up with

her like the plague, and now that she had given

felt like a big

I didn't give Bud any hints. Get out of my way!" Ava

calm. It was as if Chelly's words had nothing to

won't be with him even if he comes to you? If you swear

quiet and gentle, her words had a surprising weight that

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

do with you, just take an oath," someone else chimed

held out her fingers.

yanked her away, and pulled her behind him. "Ava,

soon as he arrived, he heard the chatter here and walked over Unexpectedly, he heard Chelly pressuring her

pointing

soon as Bud approached, the people around them whispered accusations, throwing insults

was clear they believed Bud had broken up with

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

the compensation she needed, and since she had accepted it, it made no sense

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

said as tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. Her eyes glared at

two broke up over is none of my business. I already have a boyfriend,"

Ava walked straight out of the company,