Chapter 78

Ava's shoulders sagged as she stepped into the living room and caught sight of Kim. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and it was clear that her sister was still harboring hurt feelings from their earlier encounter. Kim's silence spoke volumes, a palpable wall between them.

Ava took a hesitant step forward, her heart heavy with regret for her outburst that morning. She had allowed her frustration and pain to spill over, unknowingly hurting the one person she loved and cared for the most. But now, faced with Kim's silent reproach, she realized the gravity of her actions.

"Kim," Ava's voice quivered with remorse, "I'm so sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean it. I was just... upset and lashed out without thinking."

Kim remained seated on the couch, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her silence was a cold barrier, shutting Ava out, and it weighed heavily on her. Ava longed to bridge the gap between them, to mend the fractures in their bond.

"I understand if you're still angry," Ava