**Chapter 13** Ava The engine purred as Ethan navigated the familiar streets, but the tension hung in the air like a thick fog. “So, about Rowan?” he asked, glancing at me with curiosity etched on his face. My heart sank at the mere mention of his name. After that shocking encounter in the bathroom, I had no desire to be anywhere near him. I had urged Ethan to take me home, wishing to put as much distance between us as possible. “He’s my ex-husband,” I replied, my voice flat and devoid of emotion. The words echoed in the silence that fell over us like an unwelcome blanket. It was hard to grasp the boldness Rowan had displayed—cornering me in the bathroom as if we were still the couple we once were. And the audacity to nearly kiss me! Shock barely scratched the surface of what I felt; it was a whirlwind of confusion and betrayal. His lips had never sought mine, not once during our years together, and yet in that moment, he dared to close the space between us. For a fleeting heartbeat, I almost surrendered to the yearning that had haunted me for years. But then reality crashed in—Rowan was with Emma now. Thoughts of him entwined with her, sharing kisses and whispered secrets, reminded me of a bitterness I couldn’t shake off. That realization pulled me back, fueling the strength I needed to push him away. I was done being used, a mere convenience for his desires. To him, I was just the mother of his son, nothing more. Rowan had never been jealous or possessive about me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he still wasn’t. Back when they were young, I found his jealousy toward Emma endearing. I fantasized about what it would be like if he felt that way about me. But he never did—not until now. Yet today, there was a subtle shift in him. His demeanor told me everything. I could feel his eyes boring into us, his expression locked in a frown, fists clenched as he watched Ethan and me interact. Why was he acting like this? The idea of him being genuinely affected by my actions both thrilled and scared me. Wasn’t it I who lied, presenting a fabricated image of my relationship with Ethan to deflect his pressures? I never anticipated it would push him to this point – his emotions revealing an uncharacteristic vulnerability. Ethan, oblivious to the storm brewing within my mind, asked, “I thought he was with Emma… your sister, right?” His confusion was evident. “He is,” I confirmed, wishing I could shake off the memories of the past. “Then what gives? Just hopping from one sister to another?” he probed, and I winced at his words. Ethan was new to our complicated history, and revealing the truth about my reckless actions from nine years ago was far too painful. “It’s complicated, and I’d prefer not to talk about it,” I replied curtly, battling the urge to keep my walls intact. “Alright, I won’t push you, but know I’m here if you ever want to talk.” His subtle kindness washed over me, breaking down fragments of my guarded heart. No one had ever offered their support like this before. I had always been on my own, grappling with life’s challenges in isolation. The thought of being alone again made my heart ache. “Thank you, Ethan,” I said softly, the warmth of gratitude mingling painfully with my swirling emotions. As we pulled onto my street, a sense of comfort settled over me like the evening dusk. Ethan parked outside my home, and like the gentleman he was, he stepped out to escort me. My nosy neighbor peeked from behind a curtain, but I pushed her out of my mind. “I had a wonderful time, even if it ended abruptly... Next time, I promise we will grab a bite together,” he said, flashing a grin that lit up his face. His grin was infectious, pulling a smile from my lips. In some ways, he reminded me of Rowan—radiating confidence, effortlessly charming. “You’re awfully sure of yourself,” I teased, feeling lighter now that thoughts of Rowan began to fade for the moment. “Not sure—just hopeful… so is that a yes?” His eagerness stirred excitement in me, a spark of anticipation. I nodded, my heart fluttering. Directness was refreshing, and I sincerely hoped he meant every word. “Okay, I’ll see you soon, beautiful… have a wonderful evening,” he said, stepping closer, his lips brushing against my cheek in a soft kiss. Fire spread across my cheeks, and I could feel a rosy blush rising as I whispered back, “You too, Ethan.” “Now get inside, I want to hear you lock the door before I drive off.” He gently nudged me toward the door. I fumbled with the lock, heart racing as I finally managed to shut him out for the night. Leaning against the door, I listened as his footsteps faded into the distance, the unmistakable sound of his car’s engine purring to life before disappearing entirely. With nothing left to occupy my thoughts, I decided to retire early. But sleep eluded me, plagued by the conflicting feelings intertwining Rowan and Ethan into a chaotic knot in my heart. The piercing sound of the doorbell jolted me from a restless sleep, my annoyance boiling just beneath the surface. I squinted at the alarm clock—it was only seven-twenty on a Sunday morning, far too early for visitors. Groaning in protest, I threw on my bathrobe and stomped down the stairs, ready to unleash my frustration on whoever dared disturb my peace. With a swift motion, I flung open the door, and my mouth dropped open at the sight before me. Emma stood there, her expression a mix of fury and determination—a picture of wrath that was all too familiar. “What do you want, Emma?” I snapped, irritation coloring my tone. “I’m here to warn you to stay away from Rowan. He’s mine, and I won’t let you steal him from me again,” she growled, eyes narrowed and ablaze with intensity. I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. “You came to my house at seven in the morning to warn me away from Rowan? You’re barking up the wrong tree, Emma.” I was no longer the naive girl she once left behind. I refused to let her trample over me again. “Rowan is mine, Ava! He’s always been mine. I lost nine years with the love of my life because of you, and I won’t allow you to take your away from me again,” she spat, venom lacing her words. “I’m not trying to take him from you! Keep him for all I care, just leave me the hell alone!” I couldn’t fathom that I was standing face-to-face with her, arguing over a man who had made it clear he had chosen her. Had she not realized that the only connection Rowan and I shared was Noah? “I saw him looking at you yesterday, and I saw him follow you into the bathroom,” she accused, her tone accusing and fierce. “And how’s that my fault?” Her expression was a mix of hatred and desperation, as if she were about to do something reckless. It was frustrating to watch someone so stunningly beautiful wield such fury. It confused me—how could she be so perfect and yet have such a dark side? “You’re trying to seduce him again,” she seethed, jealousy dripping from her voice. “Emma! We were married! We’ve had more intimate moments than I can count, and I don’t need to seduce him. You have my permission to keep my sloppy seconds.” The harshness of my words hit me immediately. Regret washed over me, but I pressed on, fueled by bitterness. “And he would have been mine if you hadn’t clung to your obsession with him! Now I feel like scum,” she shot back, her voice cracking with emotion. The guilt of my past weighed heavily on my chest. I knew how much I regretted those years, but convincing her of that was a lost cause. “Emma…” “No! Just stay away from him! Look at us—look at you and me. I’m a lawyer, and you’re just an underpaid teacher. You have nothing, Ava. No wealth, no status. I fit the mold of the perfect wife for Rowan Woods, a business mogul, and you don’t. You never have, and you never will.” With those cutting words, she turned, strutting away as though she had delivered the final blow, slipping into her pristine red Tesla and driving off. I sighed deeply, her harshness rolling off me like water off a duck’s back. Words like hers were nothing new, a harbinger of the judgments I had faced for years regarding Rowan and me. They were opinions that shaped the shadows of our past but would not dictate my present. Retreating inside, I buried myself in student reports, trying to distract myself from the emotional whirlwind that had become my life. As the clock approached nine, I pulled myself together, opting to attend church—if only to escape the chaos of my own mind. Driving felt liberating, a small notion of normalcy in a swirling storm. Yet even the service was an endless blur, my thoughts fragmented by the previous day’s encounters and now, Emma’s anger still echoing in my head. As the sermon rolled over me, I could barely absorb a single word—then suddenly, it was time to leave. With a faint wave to familiar faces of fellow congregants, I made my way to the parking lot, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. My phone vibrated, pulling me momentarily from my stupor. I answered without glancing at the screen, digging through my bag for my car keys. “What the hell did you tell Emma?” Rowan’s voice cut through, icy and filled with anger enough to freeze the air around me. I wasn’t surprised that Emma had run off to him with her tale of grievances. But I knew she would have spun it in a way that favored her and twisted my actions. “Rowan, wait—” A sudden, violent boom shattered the calm of the moment, an explosion that tore through the air with a heatwave that knocked the breath from my lungs. I was thrown backward, landing hard, the world spinning into chaos. The last thing I registered was the deafening ringing in my ears and the horrified screams of those around me, blending into an inescapable darkness.