AFTER THE HEARTBREAK

k and uninviting. She swallowed, pushing down the nagging feeling from earlier that something was wrong. After all, this was

k on her face was as icy as ever, the slight curve of her lips more a smirk than a smile. She hadn't changed in all the years Ava had known her.

ttempting a polite smile

led over Ava, lingering for a moment as if appraising her appearance. "Jam

of discomfort crossing his face. "Yeah, it is, Mom.

their picnic basket still on the counter. "Well, I'm sure Ava has

ounced their engagement, Evelyn had insisted it was impulsive, questioning whether Ava was "the right fit" for him. Though she had tried to hide her disapproval, A

that's what she told herself. Now, standing in front of her mother-

es. "A moment alone with my

Forcing a smile, Ava excused herself, retreating to the kitchen to give them space. She busied herse

rom their anniversary breakfast. As she wiped them away, s

should be leading. You and Ava...you were better as friends. Marriage is a serious commitment, not just a continuation

e. It was no secret that Evelyn believed Ava wasn't "good enough," but to

ys believed that if she loved James enough, his mother's disapproval would eventually fade. But standing there in the qu

No, she wouldn't let Evelyn's words ruin this d

wiped her hands and looked up to see James com

he asked, trying to

his neck. "Yeah...you know how my

a thin veil over Evelyn's tru

e. You know she just worries that I'm...missing out on certain things. But it

ldn't drive a wedge between them. But Evelyn's influence was undeniable, a constant shadow lingering over thei

Evelyn's thinly veiled criticisms slipping into conversation like knives, subtle but sharp enough to leave Ava

th an almost condescending curiosity. "Do

ng a polite smile. "I enjoy it.

know, with James working so hard, perhaps it would be more appropriate for you to focus

was Evelyn's way. She had spent years honing the art of subtle criticism, veiling

om Ava's work. But the damage was done, and Ava's heart felt heavier with every passing mo

it, releasing a shaky breath. The day, which had started so beautifu

her close. "I'm sorry, Ava. She'll come

of doubt. How much time would it take? How many m

her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't quiet. She replayed Evelyn's words over and over, feeling her i

eyes grew heavy. She slipped into a restless

ed back at her, unanswered. Shadows loomed around her, and she felt a cold chill run down her spine. Th

ding shivers down her spine. "You should h

d. The darkness around her grew thicker, suffocating he

tried to call out, to reach him. But just as she took a step forward,

heart racing, her body