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

Chelly. Her boyfriend is gone just like

boyfriend is also

*****

up with Chelly because of her. Knowing that Bud

loved Bud, he had avoided her like the plague, and now that she

like a

any hints.

why her emotions were so calm. It was as if

say you didn't give Bud any hints. Do you dare to swear that you won't be with him even if he comes to you? If you swear like

gentle, her words had a surprising

you really have nothing to do with Bud, just take an oath. It's not like you have anything to lose," said

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

a deep breath, met Chelly's eyes, and held out her fingers. "I, Ava, swear that if Bud confesses his love

over, yanked her away, and pulled

he

exclaimed, pointing

as Bud approached, the people around them whispered

clear they believed Bud had

it. If you have any anger, take it out on me. Why did you come

had already given Chelly all the compensation she needed, and since she had accepted it, it made no

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

cheeks. Her eyes glared at Bud, filled

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

out of the company, not even glancing back