Chapter 12: Chapter 12
The phone buzzed persistently, displaying a name Ava had tried hard to forget – Jayden.
" Oh damn " She hissed. Couldn't he get the message that she didn't want to speak to him?
She hesitated, contemplating whether to answer, her heart racing with uncertainty. After a few deep breaths, she swiped to accept the call.
" Ava, please listen, " Jayden's voice pleaded through the line, his tone tinged with desperation.
" What do you want, Jayden? " Ava's voice was measured, a hint of resignation embedded within.
Jayden's voice wavered as he began his rehearsed apology. " I know I hurt you. I've been reflecting on my actions. I'm sorry for the pain I caused "
Ava's silence spoke volumes, but Jayden persisted. " We had something special, don't you miss it? "
" We had toxicity, Jayden, " Ava responded, her words laden with the weight of past wounds. " I can't go back to that "
Jayden's tone softened. " But I've changed. I promise things will be different this time "
" I can't keep reliving the same hurt, " Ava replied, her voice unwavering. " I've moved on "
" You left me for Cassandra after all " She added.
" YOU left me, Ava. You did " He said frustratedly.
" Jayden, don't start " Ava warned
" Okay fine, I admit it's all my fault and I'm sorry " He said quietly, sounding quite genuine.
" I love you, Ava, " Jayden confessed, his voice carrying a mix of longing and regret.
" Loving someone doesn't excuse repeatedly hurting them, " Ava retorted firmly. " I've made my decision "
" Can't we at least talk about this face to face? " Jayden's voice pleaded, growing desperate.
" No, Jayden, " Ava replied, her resolve unyielding. " I need to let go. I've found peace without you "
" Please? " He pleaded softly.
" I don't want to see you Jayden, not now or ever " She said with a tone of finality.
The conversation dwindled into a silent pause, both grappling with unspoken emotions. " Goodbye, Jayden, " Ava uttered softly, ending the call before emotions could fray further.
**********************
Ava was in the midst of preparing herself to spend a leisurely afternoon at Bella's place when the tranquility of the moment was disrupted by the unwelcome sight of Jayden’s name flashing across the screen of her phone. A surge of emotions flooded her—irritation, frustration, and a tinge of apprehension. With a soft hiss, she swiftly dismissed the call, unwilling to engage in any form of dialogue with him again.
Arriving at Bella's, the two friends delved into the comforting familiarity of their bond, reveling in each other’s company. Laughter cascaded through the room as they exchanged stories and shared moments, momentarily veiling the lingering shadow of Jayden's attempt to intrude upon Ava’s day.
Yet, amidst the merriment, Ava, in a moment of casual disclosure, mentioned Jayden's unexpected call. Bella’s bright smile dimmed instantly, replaced by a sudden storm brewing in her eyes—an amalgamation of anger, concern, and incredulity.
“ What did he say? ” Bella's voice crackled with a mixture of curiosity and outrage, her gaze fixed intently on Ava, searching for answers.
“ He had the audacity to apologize and express a desire to reconcile, " Ava replied, a wry laugh betraying her disbelief at Jayden’s nerve.
Bella’s shock was palpable. “ After everything he did to you, he had the nerve to want you back? ” Her disbelief resonated in her voice, mingled with a surge of protective anger for her friend.
“ And what did you tell him? ” Bella's concern now took center stage, her eyes brimming with worry for Ava.
Ava's response was resolute. “ I said No, of course. " Her words held an unwavering determination, a firmness that echoed her refusal to entertain the mere thought of rekindling a relationship tainted by Jayden's past actions.
Bella's expression softened, replaced by a mixture of relief and admiration for Ava's unwavering stance. “ Good for you, ” she remarked, a proud smile gracing her lips as she silently pledged her support for her friend's decision.
In that moment, amidst the comfort of their friendship, Ava found solace in Bella's unwavering solidarity—a reminder that she had made the right choice, empowered by the strength of her own resolve and supported by the unwavering loyalty of a true friend.
*********************
Bryan sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the seemingly never-ending pile of files that awaited his attention. The morning had been a whirlwind of meetings, phone calls, and urgent emails that demanded immediate responses. His secretary, Lily, a diligent and efficient woman, appeared at his door, her arms loaded with more paperwork.
" Bryan, here are the reports you requested from the marketing team, " Lily announced, depositing the files onto his desk.
" Thanks, Lily, " Bryan said, offering her a grateful smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. The weight of the workload bore down on him, and he couldn't help but sigh at the sight of more files being added to the towering stack.
With a nod, Lily excused herself, leaving Bryan alone with his thoughts and the daunting tasks ahead. The morning rush had left him drained, his mind a chaotic whirlwind of deadlines and responsibilities.
By the time lunchtime rolled around, Bryan's stomach growled in protest, reminding him that he hadn't taken a break since arriving at the office. He decided to use his lunch hour to do something he hadn't done in days – call his son, Jayden.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Jayden's number, hoping for a few minutes of connection amidst the chaos. After several rings, Jayden's voice finally came through, laden with indifference. " Yeah? "
" Hey, Jayden, it's Dad, " Bryan greeted, trying to inject warmth into his tone. " How's it going? "
Jayden's response was curt. " Fine. "