Lovers to Enemies

" felt like a lie. And "I miss you"... well, that was the worst truth of all. She turned her phone over, face-down, and stood from her desk. She needed air. Her apartment suddenly felt too

s streaked with gray, pulled back into a bun. "Ava Hayes," Sandra said, not a question, but a weary acknowledgment. "I was wondering when you'd come." Ava blinked. "You knew I'd show up?" Sandra stepped aside. "Come in. We need to talk." --- Inside, the house smelled like lavender and old books. Ava sat stiffly on the edge of the couch while Sandra poured tea with trembling hands. "I was loyal to your father, Ava. For a long time. Too long, maybe," she said quietly. "Was he guilty?" Ava's voice cracked. "I need the truth." Sandra's eyes softened. "He was a visionary. Charming, persuasive. He believed in what he was doing... but he cut corners. Took risks that spiraled out of control. When the truth caught up, he thought he could fix it. He couldn't." Ava looked down, her throat tightening. "He didn't set out to hurt people," Sandra continued. "But when the company started to fall apart, he lied to protect it. To protect you. He always said you were the one good thing he'd done right." The words hit Ava like a punch. She felt tears sting her eyes but refused to let them fall. "And Mr. Carter?" she asked. Sandra gave a small nod. "He did what your father wouldn't. He came forward. He saved others from losing everything... even if it meant destroying Richard's legacy." Silence stretched between them. "You deserved the tru