Chapter 51: Without Her

Isaac’s mind raced, searching for something, anything that could change Gregory’s mind. But the more he looked at Gregory’s expression, the more he realized that there was nothing he could say. Ava was gone. And it was his fault.

"I didn’t mean to hurt her," Isaac said quietly, more to himself than to Gregory.

Gregory’s face softened, just for a moment.

"Maybe you didn’t. But you did. Over and over again. And now, she’s had enough."

Isaac’s eyes dropped to the floor, his thoughts a tangled mess of regret and guilt. He had never intended for things to get this bad. He had always thought that, no matter what, he and Ava would work things out. But now, standing in this cold hospital hallway, he realized how naive he had been.

Gregory watched him for a moment, then let out a sigh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

"Look, Isaac, I don’t hate you. But you have to understand... Ava needs to move on. She needs to be happy. And she can’t do that if you’re still around, dragging h