Chapter 28

Ava's POV

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the city as I strolled down the bustling streets of New York. The gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter and conversation, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It was a picture-perfect evening, yet an uneasy weight settled in my chest, knowing that the tranquility was merely a prelude to the storm that awaited.

As I approached the entrance of the elegant café where Adrian and I had arranged to meet, my mind was consumed with conflicting emotions. We had built a relationship upon trust, love, and shared values, but now we stood at a crossroads, each facing individual opportunities that could alter the course of our lives forever.

I pushed open the glass door, the tinkling of a bell announcing my arrival. The cozy interior was alive with the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly baked pastries. I scanned the room, my heart skipping a beat when I spotted Adrian sitting at a