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!"

her sly demeanor. She seems like the kind who

Her boyfriend

her boyfriend is also

*****

bit dazed after listening to the recording. According to it, Bud had broken up with Chelly because of her. Knowing

plague, and now that she had given up, he

like a big

it or not, I didn't give Bud any hints. Get out of my way!"

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

him even if

her words had a surprising weight

to do with Bud, just take an oath. It's not like you have anything

Ava, if it's got nothing to do with you,

breath, met Chelly's eyes, and held out her fingers. "I, Ava, swear that

could finish, Bud rushed over, yanked her away, and pulled her behind

anxious. He had come specifically to talk to Ava, and as soon as he arrived, he heard the chatter

pointing at Bud and

as Bud approached, the people around them

they believed Bud had

you have any anger, take it out on me. Why did you come to her?" Bud said, locking eyes

had already given Chelly all the compensation she needed, and since she had accepted it, it

it to find out what's so special

streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks.

over is none of my

the company,