They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 521: The ’You Let me Down’ Look

"Somto looked like he was in a hurry. I remember watching him leave and then—" she laughed dryly, "I grabbed my bicycle and started trailing his car without telling anyone."

She looked sideways at Nnenna.

"Guess what happened."

"What?" Nnenna leaned in, her curiosity piqued. This was more than gossip, it was a peek into the deeper, tangled roots of the circle she had somehow found herself drawn into.

Ava’s expression darkened.

"I was almost kidnapped."

Nnenna’s eyes widened in horror.

"Turns out, some people were after Somto that day. And there I was, this little idiot, riding straight into danger. They nearly grabbed me. But Carl... Carl was in the kingdom at the time, and by some miracle, he crossed paths with us."

She shivered at the memory.

"If Carl hadn’t been there, if he hadn’t interfered, I honestly don’t know what would’ve happened." She shook her head. "I was scared out of my body, Nnenna. And even then, after everything, Carl didn’t shout or scold me. He just hugged me quietly, drove me home, and said he was glad I was safe."

She smiled faintly, eyes soft with the memory.

"When we got home, I had already calmed down a little," Ava continued, her tone more subdued now. "But I was still bracing myself. My parents and Arthur had already gotten wind of what happened. They were waiting for us at the castle gates the moment we arrived."

she could still feel that

life. I mean, full on thunder and brimstone. I had disobeyed, almost gotten kidnapped, and nearly caused Somto’s mission to fail. I

let out a soft laugh at the image, already

wasn’t even the worst part," Ava said, shaking her head. "It was Arthur. You know that

"Yeah. That look

Ava rolled her eyes at her past self. "I was ready to act pitiful and play the baby card.

the answer in her mind based on what

gave a lopsided

as Nnenna had

entrance," Ava said, her voice now low and reflective. "My family was standing outside, clearly

Nnenna leaned in.

flee the scene with me," Ava said with a short laugh. "But no.

Ava said, her voice quieting, "with those piercing eyes of his. His

stared out

seconds... I couldn’t take

head, a wry smile on her

crying. Not out of fear, but because, in those three seconds, it hit me. The weight of what I had done. The danger I walked

the shift too, even in

scolding of a lifetime." Ava let out a breath. "He didn’t shout. He didn’t insult. But every word cut deeper than a blade. He told me how disappointed he was. How reckless I had been. How I hadn’t just risked myself, but Somto... my parents... even

"Ouch," Nnenna murmured softly.

nodded. "And when he was done, he didn’t wait for a reaction. He just turned the key, started the car again, and drove

A beat passed.