I watched as Brian’s face paled slightly at the doctor’s words. I could see the worry and fear etched into his features. “What can we do?” Brian asked, his voice tight. The doctor gave him a sympathetic look. “Right now, all we can do is monitor him closely and make sure he gets plenty of rest. We
[AVA] The quietness of the room felt suffocating, almost too heavy to bear. The only sound was the gentle beeping of the machines, marking each heartbeat and breath of Kian. I took a seat beside his bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion creeping up my spine. Brian sat across from me, looking stoic
Brian shifted his gaze at Georgina, his eyebrows furrowed. “I called you as soon as I could; what are you talking about?” Georgina’s face twisted with irritation, she shook her head. “This is happening because of you, you know right? If you hadn’t pushed him away—” “Georgina!” Brian’s voice held a
[AVA] “I think I’m gonna do it,” Sean said, his voice firm and resolute. I could see the determination in his eyes and knew he was serious about coming out to his dad. I couldn’t help but feel excited for him. “Are you serious? What happened to needing more time?” Sean shrugged, absentmindedly ta
I made a mental note to find out more about what had happened and whether any disciplinary action had been taken. This couldn’t be swept under the rug. Kian deserved to feel safe in his environment, and those bullies needed to change their ways if they wanted to remain in the school. Coming back to
It was strange to see him get so worked up about Coraline, especially since he never talked about her in that way before. I wondered if her notorious boyfriend had something to do with it. Sean had never been a fan of him, but it seemed unlikely that he would hold onto such a matter for so long. Se
[AVA] I stumbled backward, my heart hammering against my chest. The sound of my mom's voice, high-pitched and panicked, filled my ears. I could barely make out her words, but the tone was enough to set my nerves on edge. I rushed toward my bedroom, fumbling with the knob as I tried to get inside.
I couldn’t breathe. I sat there, my back pressed against the door, my arms wrapped tightly around myself. I lost track of time as tears flowed freely down my cheeks, blurring my vision. When I finally managed to compose myself and wipe away my tears, I realized that the sky had turned dark. The o
[BRIAN]When I pull up at Ava’s old address, I have only one goal in mind.To find Max and get the hell out.Why? Because this place always gave me the creeps. Not only is it the most notorious part of the city, but it’s also slightly dangerous.When Dean and his family went bankrupt years ago, I di
He walks back to the couch, and for the first time, I notice a camera that’s already been set up.My stomach tightens.He grabs the camera stand with one hand and drags it closer to where I am. Adjusting the angle, he makes sure it focuses directly on me. Then he straightens, his gaze locking onto m
[AVA]I might have lost consciousness because the next time I open my eyes, the bright lights make me wince and squeeze them shut again.“Ah…” I whimper, only then realizing my ankle is badly bruised.“You’re awake.”A deep male voice rings in my ears, and I look up—only to find the same staff guy w
[AVA]Once Brian leaves, I sink back onto the couch, my fingers dialing Max’s number again.Maybe if he picks up, I can convince him to drop by on his own, and Brian wouldn’t have to go.But every call goes unanswered. And the more I try to convince myself it’s no big deal—that Max is just being him
I run my fingers through his wet hair. “Because I can’t stop thinking about what happens next. About who’s behind this. About how this doesn’t just affect me but everyone around me.”“You don’t have to figure everything out right this second, Ava.”“I know,” I whisper, but knowing and believing are
[AVA]I finally feel a little better—enough to let Brian freshen up after his long flight.He kisses me on the forehead and promises to join me soon.Maybe he knows that if I’m left alone, my mind will start spiraling again, drowning me in guilt. And once that happens, I won’t be able to focus on an
I unlock the door and pull the door open, only to find his familiar handsome face looking back at me.He’s dressed in a white shirt and blue denim jeans, and I don’t think he could look any better.I know, I know. I probably sound like some horny bitch, but I don’t care. It’s Brian. And being horny
[AVA]After dropping me off at Brian’s penthouse, Aaron insists on staying until Brian returns.But I can clearly see the disinterest on his face—he can’t stand another bored minute with me. So, I do what I know is right.I ask him to leave.Maybe out of formality, he insists once more that he doesn
[AVA]“I’m sure she didn’t mean it, Ava,” Miranda tries to say, but she might as well accept that her daughter will never see me as someone to be trusted.Whatever I’ve done to piss this woman off, one thing is certain—I don’t care anymore. I neither have the time to bother myself with her nonsense