**Chapter 30** “Are you absolutely certain about this, Ava?” Letty’s voice trembled with concern, her tone laced with genuine worry. I was gearing up for a trip to Noah’s school, a place I really didn’t want to be on a Saturday. Today marked the annual parent-teacher meeting, and I was supposed to meet Rowan there. Letty had called me out of the blue, eager to reconnect since our last meeting felt ages ago. She had just returned from a business trip to Japan with Travis a couple of days prior. “I’m sure. This feels like the best way to move on from Rowan. I mean, how can I expect to fall for someone else if I don’t take the plunge and date?” My heart raced as I thought about Ethan and the progress we had made, even sharing a kiss that hinted at more. “Sure, but don’t you think you might be moving a bit too quickly? How long have you really known him?” She interrupted my thoughts, her brows furrowing with concern. “Just over three months… but why the sudden skepticism? You were pushing me to go out with him a few weeks ago, practically itching to know if we kissed after that first date. What’s changed?” My curiosity peaked; I couldn't fathom her shift in attitude. I slipped on my flats, keeping my outfit casual with a simple pair of jeans and a camisole, hoping to blend in comfortably at the gathering. “Look, Ava, that was before I saw where this was heading. If you’re going to date, do it because you're truly ready and genuinely like him. Not because you're using him as a way to escape the aftermath of Rowan. I fear you’re setting yourself up for a rebound, and we both know how that can end—especially for someone like you.” Her words sliced through my confident façade. “What do you mean, ‘someone like me’?” I snapped, feeling defensively stung. “You’ve basically been in a relationship since you turned eighteen, and it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. I’m afraid you don’t fully grasp what you’re diving into,” she continued, her eyes serious and earnest. “I know what—” She cut me off, her voice rising slightly as she pressed on. “Have you even talked about what you both want? Are your goals aligned for where this relationship is headed?” “Whoa, who’s rushing things now? This is only our second date! Isn’t it too soon to delve into all that?” I felt my irritation bubbling over. Yet, I couldn't deny there was a small kernel of truth in her words. I had plans for dinner with Ethan at his apartment, where he promised to whip up the best meal I’d ever tasted after our kiss. With a soft sigh, Letty continued, “I just want to be sure you’re with him for the right reasons. Using one guy to get over another only complicates things.” “I hear you,” I said, a hint of dismissiveness creeping into my tone. “But I gotta run; I’m on my way out now.” “Fine. We’re still on for Wednesday, right?” “Absolutely.” With a quick goodbye, I hung up, still simmering from the conversation. Glancing at the clock, I cursed under my breath. It was already one in the afternoon, and the thought of a parent-teacher meeting on a Saturday annoyed me to no end. After gathering my things, I secured the house and stepped outside, my mind still swirling with Letty's concerns as I climbed into my car and hit the road. The further I drove, the more her words echoed in my mind. She was right; my dating experience was practically nonexistent. What did Ethan want? Did he seek something serious, or was he just after a casual fling? Was I genuinely interested in him, or merely using him as a distraction from Rowan? An unsettling thought crept in: what if I had inadvertently developed an unhealthy attachment to Ethan? He managed to cloud my memories of Rowan, allowing me a brief escape from the pain I felt, but was that it? Was I merely seeking someone to fill the void? A sudden honk from behind jolted me back to reality. I noticed, with a start, that I'd already arrived at Noah’s school. I navigated the bustling parking lot filled with luxury cars—stark reminders of my own modest vehicle. As I stepped out, I felt eyes on me, some parents casting disdainful glances, their expressions heavy with judgment. It annoyed me more than I’d like to admit. I had grown up among wealth, yet I had vowed to never become like those who valued status over humanity. Finding a seat in the waiting area, I waited, observing the parade of parents and children entering and exiting the building. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was three, but Rowan was still a no-show. Growing impatient, I pulled out my phone and dialed him. The call went straight to voicemail. Each tick of the clock only served to amplify my frustration. After a two-hour wait, I reached my breaking point and called Gabe. “Hello?” His gruff voice answered, reflecting the annoyance I felt. “Hi, Gabriel, it’s me, Ava…” I barely started before he cut me off. “I know it’s you, Ava. I have your number,” he stated matter-of-factly. I paused, taken aback. Surprised he even had my number after all that had gone down between us. “Uh, okay,” I managed, trying to gather my thoughts. “Listen, I’m searching for Rowan. Is he with you? We were supposed to meet for Noah’s teacher. He’s not here yet, and his phone is off. I’ve been waiting for three hours. Mrs. Smith is nearly done with her meetings.” “He’s not with me. He took Emma somewhere,” he responded, a hint of regret coloring his voice. “Okay, thanks.” I hung up before he could add anything else. I felt a fog settle over me, replaying the moments that led Rowan to forget something so important. Moments later, Mrs. Smith called me inside the classroom. Clearly, Rowan was not coming. Since Noah wasn’t there like all the other students, we opted for a video call. His excitement waned quickly when he realized his father was absent. As Mrs. Smith praised Noah for his commendable performances, my heart sank; I couldn’t bear to witness my son’s disappointment etched on his face. By the time the meeting wrapped up, I was livid. “Why didn’t he come, Mommy? He promised me!” Noah’s voice cracked, tears brimming in his eyes. I longed to reach through the screen and comfort him, but the distance felt agonizing. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart... Perhaps he got caught up with work,” I managed to say, despite the knot in my throat. “But he promised!” His anguish was palpable. “He said he would never break his promises!” My heart shattered as I watched him cry, longing to hold him, to reassure him that everything would be okay. Joyce and Mother, Rowan’s mom, stepped in to console him. I felt utterly helpless, trapped so far away from my own child. “He’ll make it up to you, sweetheart. Remember, he loves you,” I tried to soothe him, but his eyes remained empty, filled with silent tears. Joyce assured me they’d look after him before the call ended. Fuming, I stormed out of the classroom, heading toward the parking lot where most cars were already departing. Just as I reached my own car, I caught sight of Rowan’s black Mercedes pulling in. He got out, rushing toward me, his expression panicked. “I’m so fucking sorry I’m late... Did I miss the meeting?” His casual attire was a stark contrast to his usually polished appearance. “Obviously, it’s almost six-thirty! You’re four fucking hours late!” I exploded, every ounce of frustration boiling over. My anger pulsated in my veins—murderous thoughts crossed my mind as I glared at him. “Ava, I know you’re angry, but—” “Angry doesn’t even begin to cover what I feel right now, Rowan!” The words erupted from my lips, raw and uncontrolled. “Ava—” “No! Do you understand that I had to call Gabe? Imagine my shock when I learned you were out with Emma! I don’t care who you were with! You promised you’d be here! I waited like a fool while you waltzed off with her during a meeting our son was so eager for!” I raked my fingers through my hair in frustration. As a teacher passed us, offering a small wave, I forced a smile that couldn’t mask my fury. “You’re right, and I’m sorry,” he replied, his voice heavy with remorse. “What happened, Rowan? You’ve never forgotten something so vital concerning Noah. Now that Emma is back, does she take priority? Is that how it’s going to be from now on?” I demanded, my voice steady but simmering with unspent rage. “It’s not going to happen again,” he vowed, his fists clenched in determination. “That’s the thing—it’s already happened! What’s stopping it from happening again?” I challenged, staring him down fiercely. He fell silent, his expression a mix of anger and confusion that only fueled my fury. “I won’t let you hurt my son, Rowan, whether intentionally or not. Noah comes first! If you can’t prioritize him, then give me full custody. I had to watch his heart shatter when he realized you weren’t coming. Let this be the first and last time you let him down, because if you do, I will fight you. Noah is my son, my entire world. Hurt him again, and I’ll make you wish you never crossed paths with me. Don’t fucking mess with me.” My voice dripped with quiet rage and unwavering determination. Rowan stared at me as though I were a stranger, taken aback by my outburst. I pushed aside any second thoughts and climbed into my car, leaving him standing there, grappling with my final warning. I drove away, my heart pounding, seeking the one person I believed could help me navigate through this storm of pain and anger.