Chapter 5

Ava’s POV

As Amanda and I stood at the bus stop, my mind was in turmoil. Seeing Logan again was baffling at most. Why did I get to meet him here or all places? I struggled to understand why I reacted so strongly to his presence.

Amanda must have noticed my confusion because she turned to me with a curious look. "Ava, are you okay? You seem a bit off."

I forced a smile, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind."

She nodded, but I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. "You know, there are rumors about Logan. They say he only has secret lovers and that many people know about his breakup, but no one knows who the woman is. It's a hot topic because everyone's curious about his choice of a girlfriend."

The mention of secret lovers and the mystery surrounding his relationships made me surprised. I didn't think that such rumors are all related to me. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but I could not help to have my eyes a bit widened.

Amanda glanced at me with a knowing look. I could feel she felt excited for a second there. "You went to the same school as Logan, right? Did you know anything about this back then?"

I shook my head, doing my best to seem indifferent. "No, not really. We were in different circles. I don't know much about his personal life."

Amanda’s gaze lingered on me, searching for cracks in my facade. "Really? Nothing at all?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Sorry to disappoint."

Amanda seemed to accept my answer, though I could see the curiosity lingering in her eyes. "Well, it's all just rumors, I suppose. Everyone’s curious about who he’ll end up with next. A guy like him always draws attention, especially after a breakup. Whoever she is, she’s probably going to have the world watching her." Amanda gave me a knowing look before walking away, leaving me alone with the weight of her words.

I nodded, thankful that she didn't press further. The last thing I wanted was to dredge up old memories or reveal the truth about my past with Logan. As Amanda’s car arrived, Amanda gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Take care, Ava. See you tomorrow," she said with a smile before getting in the car.

I watched her go, feeling a huge relief off my shoulders. The conversation had left me a little bothered, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my past with Logan was far from over.

As I waited at the bus stop, my mind and mood were becoming sour because of the swirling thoughts of Logan and our past. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more complicated, I saw him again.

Logan emerged from a women's luxury store, carrying a beautifully wrapped Valentine's Day gift box. The design was exquisite, clearly customized, which meant it had been ordered at least six months in advance. My heart clenched at the sight, but I reminded myself that this was his world now—one of wealth and extravagance.

My stomach tightened as I remembered Valentine’s Day was just around the corner.

As Logan turned to leave, the store clerk rushed out after him, waving a piece of paper, calling after Logan. "Sir, please wait! We made a mistake with the customer information. Could you confirm the name again?"

Logan turned back, a slight frown on his face. "It's for Cassie," he replied, his voice carrying effortlessly across the distance.

Cassie. The name didn't surprise me. She was another wealthy socialite, someone who fit perfectly into Logan's world. I couldn’t help but to physically roll my eyes when I heard it.

I also know that Logan would like to earn Cassie’s gaze and smile, and so he will work hard for it; so hard that he even would cheat on others’ feelings for his own benefit.

She embodies the kind of perfection that fits seamlessly into his world of luxury and privilege. However, the very qualities that make Cassie a perfect match for Logan also highlight the stark differences between his world and mine.

I do not need to see this. I turned away, focusing on the steady rhythm of cars passing by. I shouldn’t have been watching in the first place.

Logan handed the clerk the necessary information, his movements smooth and unhurried. He looked up, scanning the area. For a moment, they seemed to lock onto mine, or maybe it was just my imagination. And I felt a sudden rush of panic. I couldn't let him see me, not like this.

Just at that moment, the bus arrived, providing a timely escape. I hurriedly boarded, keeping my head down as I found a seat by the window. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Logan through the glass, relieved to see him turning back towards the store.

As the bus pulled away, I sank into an empty seat by the window, my reflection merging with the blurred cityscape. I checked my phone, scrolling absentmindedly through social media. The polished lives of influencers, coworkers, even casual acquaintances filled the screen. Dinners at high-end restaurants, vacations that cost more than my yearly rent, designer outfits flaunted with casual ease.

Social media gave everyone the illusion of closeness. A like here, a comment there, and suddenly, you felt connected. But no amount of curated photos or witty captions could bridge the chasm between social classes—one where luxury wasn’t a splurge but a given, and connections weren’t made but inherited.

My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag as I replayed the scene in my mind, though I knew I shouldn’t. I couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast between our lives.

We’re not in the same world.

The thought echoed, firm and unyielding. Logan’s life was built on luxury, wealth, privilege, influence, and a kind of effortless charm that seemed to draw people in. My life… it was simpler. Unremarkable.

I knew in my heart that we were not meant to be together, that our paths were never supposed to cross again.

"It's best if we don't meet again," I whispered to myself, feeling a mix of sorrow and resolve. I had to move forward, to focus on my own life and leave the past where it belonged.

And it was better that way. Safer.