The Queen's Back

"You and I have nothing to talk about. Get out of the way. I want to go home," Ava said coldly.

"Ava, you heard me. I broke up with Chelly. It was an accident that I got together with her. I realize now that the person I truly love is you. I regret it, and I'm wondering if there's still a chance for us," Bud said, looking into Ava's eyes with sincerity. These days without Ava by his side, he always felt that something was missing. He couldn't even eat or sleep well.

Ava heard the words she had always dreamed of hearing. But now that they finally reached her ears, they fell flat, stirring little emotion within her.

It wasn't even as shocking as when she realized Joseph loved her.

Ava exhaled deeply. "Bud, do you remember what I said the last time I saw you?"

Bud frowned as Ava's words echoed in his mind. "So you have a girlfriend? I get it, Bud. In the meantime, I've decided to stop loving you, so you can relax."

Seeing Bud's expression, Ava knew he recalled what she said before. "When I said I gave up on you, if you had chased after me at that time, I would have changed my mind and continued to love you. But you didn't. The fact that you didn't come after me means the bond between us was severed from that point onward."

With those words, Ava felt a sense of relief, as if a heavy stone that had been weighing on her heart had finally shattered.

Bud met Ava's serious gaze, and all he felt was regret.

That would have been great if only he had caught up with her that day, disregarding any so-called criticism for being a scumbag.

"Ava, can you give me another chance? I'll make it up to you," Bud said, reaching for her hand.

But before Bud's hand could touch Ava, she stepped back, creating distance between them.

Ava's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she shook her head. "There's no chance. That was my last opportunity. Since I've decided to let go, I have to commit to that decision completely."

paused and added, "Besides, Mr. Ray, have you forgotten that I already

she walked around Bud and continued on her

on her arm

hand pulling on her arm. With a heartfelt

was missed, and what was decided was

days and nights alone, but that painful period was

no longer needed

stubborn back, feeling as if the most important thing in his heart was slipping

hadn't wanted to stop her, and this time, he desperately wanted to keep her

Mona learned that Ava had been slapped,

called to find out what had

nothing.

what Maxwell had said to her, she couldn't help but ask, "Ava, can you

replied, "I've really let him go, Mona. You know me I am

and you're my best friend. But if I broke up with Joseph and got back together with Bud, I don't think I'd

had become a thing of the past

pang of sympathy for both Ava and

a missed connection was

conclude that Ava and

good that you're happy," Mona

Ava's best friend, Ava's happiness was what mattered most, no matter who she was

to herself whenever Ava was in a bad mood, Mona hung up the

message from Nigel about Chelly and fell deep