Chapter Thirteen
Ava’s POV
What the hell was she thinking? I wondered in my head. My body still trembling from the lingering adrenaline rush, my mind racing with disbelief.
Why in the world would Phoenix do something like that? I know she’s bold, reckless even, and willing to take risks for the people she loves, but going to Kyle’s office and doing that was completely out of line. For one, he could have been injured, and she could have been arrested for that, or worse, had her reputation ruined. And that was the last thing she needed right now.
A frustrated groan escaped my lips as I pressed a hand to my forehead, pacing the living room restlessly. My eyes flickered to the wall clock every few seconds, anxiety biting at my insides. To make matters worse, I hadn’t been able to reach her. I had no idea where she was or what kind of situation she might be in. I had bolted from the hospital before anyone could recognize me, and now, I was stuck waiting for her.
There was the option of going to Kyle’s office, but that was a terrible idea with reporters swarming around him like flies on a cow’s tail. Calling him wasn’t an option either, not after everything. My pride wouldn’t allow
- it.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
I let out another groan, pacing back and forth between the sofa and the center table.
Just then, the sound of the door buzzer rang before the lock clicked open, revealing Phoenix standing there,
locking as calm and composed as if she hadn’t just gone full Taekwondo on one of the richest men in town.
“What the hell, Phee?” I snapped, my heart still hammering in my chest.
She barely spared me a glance before rolling her eyes. “Oh, don’t tell me it’s already on the news.”
Seriously?
“It’s everywhere!” My voice came out sharper than I intended, my hands gesturing wildly. “Why would you even
do that?”
She didn’t answer nor spare me another glance. Instead, she walked past me, tossing her bag onto the couch before heading straight into the kitchen. I followed, not ready to let it go.
“I know you did it for me, but you didn’t have to,” I continued, thoroughly bothered. “You could have landed yourself in serious trouble. And God knows you don’t need that right now.”
“Well, I didn’t,” she said with a shrug, pulling a water bottle from the fridge. “Friends” privilege.” She winked before tilting her head back to take a long gulp.
“I’m not joking.” I scowled, my arms crossing tightly over my chest. As much as that was pleasing to watch, she could have gotten herself into trouble.
She swallowed and leveled me with a pointed look. “And neither am L”
Setting the bottle on the counter, she leaned forward, her expression turning serious. There’s no way in hell i was going to let that bastard sit comfortably in his fancy office, enjoying his new marriage while you’re being humiliated. He deserved a taste of his own damn medicine.
N
Chapter Thirteen
Something inside me cracked at her words.
I felt a lump rise in my throat, goose bumps rose on my skin as warmth spread through my chest it wasn’t just what she said, it was the way she said it. Like my pain was hers, like my humiliation was something she
refused to let slide
I wasn’t alone.
I had someone willing to stand beside me, to fight for me, even when I felt too weak to fight for myself, even when fighting for me could hurt them
The realization was comforting. It felt good. But at the same time, I knew I couldn’t rely on that forever Because if Kyle had taught me anything, it was that nothing lasted forever. Not security. Not promises Not
even love
I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “Still My voice wavered slightly. I took a deep breath and tried again. “You didn’t have to go that far for me.”
“How else was I supposed to break a world record for flipping a billionaire off his feet?” She smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. Honestly, it was exhilarating. You should have seen the way he went down Embarrassing for him, satisfying for me.”
Despite everything. I found myself smiling. I bit my lip to hold it back, but the grin broke free anyway. “I did
see that.
We burst into laughter, the sound foreign yet comforting even to my ears.
God! When was the last time I laughed?
My lips felt stiff like it was unused to the movement. But it felt good.
“Still,” I shook my head after our laughter subsided. “You really didn’t have to go that far.”
I know I’d said that before, but I felt the need to remind her. This is my burden to bear, and I don’t want anyone else carrying it for me. Maybe it was the fear of being let down again, or maybe it was something deeper eating at me. But I knew better than to get Phoenix involved; she wasn’t just short–tempered, she had a habit of hitting people, especially men when provoked. And the last thing she needed right now was to be dragged into a situation as provoking as mine.
“I would do it again,” she said simply, her gaze holding mine in place. “And I’ll do more if I have to.”
Phoenix wasn’t just saying it. She meant it. And somehow, that meant everything.
Emotion welled up inside me again, and I mentally swore it was my hormones getting to me.
She gave my shoulder a light squeeze, her expression softening. “I’d do anything for the people I love,” she murmured. “And lucky for you, you’re in that category. Now stop being emotional, we have a flight to catch.”
Hours Later
Phoenix and I walked across the tarmac, our suitcases rolling softly behind us. Our disguises – a loose maxi dress, a scarf wrapped securely around our heads, our hair tucked in, and the dark shades helped us blend into the crowd, making us look like ordinary travelers.
“They won’t expect you to dress like this,” Phoenix had said earlier.
I hadn’t believed her. But as we moved through the airport without drawing attention, I realized she had been
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ChaMer Thirteen
right. Even so, I couldn’t shake off the blanket of anxiety embracing me, my eyes constantly scanning my surroundings, convinced someone, somewhere, was watching me.
But that wasn’t the worst part.
My heart felt like it was being ripped from my chest.
I was leaving.
Really leaving.
I had spent years in this country. It wasn’t just my home, it was where my parents had lived. Where they had died. Where Kyle and I had shared lovely memories and where he had shattered me.
Staying here had felt like holding onto them – my parents. Like they were still close, still with me even in
death.
But leaving?
Leaving felt like saying goodbye to them forever.
My heart did that painful squeezing of a thing again and I squeezed my eyes shut, my throat burning as I fought back tears.
The airport speaker rasped with an announcement.
“That’s our flight,” Phoenix said, already reaching for her suitcase.
I exhaled shakily and nodded.
Soon, we were seated in first class, strapped in, and ready to take off. My hands instinctively cradled my stomach as the engines roared to life.
This was it.
The end of my past. The start of something new.
The thought terrified me. Because I didn’t know if I was strong enough to survive it. I’m accustomed to my past life, so much, that the thought of starting fresh feels terrifying. But giving up? That wasn’t an option.
My parents may be gone. Kyle may have turned his back on me. But I had a friend. And I had my child. And that had to be enough.
All I had to do… was find the strength to keep going.
The oddluna
Cheers to a new start!
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