against her chest. Her vision swam with unshed tears as she looked into the eyes of the man she had loved for three years. The man who had o

what are you saying?" Her voice cracked, barely a

rms like a man who was done pretending. "It's not a joke, Ava. I've f

alance. Her world felt like it was tilting. "You... found someone e

ent. She's a billionaire's daughter. Her f

lips, bitter and broken. "After three years together, this is what you're tellin

yes. "I'm sorry, Ava, but let's be honest here

t him, compl

oth broke. Always scraping by. And now... now I've got a chance to build something real wit

people. She didn't care that her mascara was probably running. "So, I wasn't real to

honestly, Ava, maybe you should find someone rich as well. This who

his voice struck

offer a final glance. No apology. No remorse. He simply walked away, leaving her alone

ring at the empty seat across from her like it

. She didn't even notice the waiter nervously approaching with the check, or the way the older couple across the room w

uld leave. She should run out of the restaurant with wha

to say. And worse,

r heart crumbling under the weight of betrayal. The world around her continued spinning as waiters passed by, the couples continu

er pho

d fumbled for her phone in her purse, her fingers still trem

, her voice unrecogni

sister's teacher. "It's Ms. Hill, from

tomach

ked quickly, her breath

ying with the other kids and just collapsed. The nurse said she had trouble br

dly as she jumped to he

clacking against the polished floor, her tears now fueled by sheer panic. Patrons paused mid-bite, waiters turn

ate prayers whispered between shaky breaths. Ava stared out the window, chewing on her l

it for the automatic doors to f

the front desk, nearly

mall girl rushed in here? Her name is Lily M

she repeated as she typed. "Yes. She was admitted a little wh

va muttered, a

in her nose. Machines beeped in the background, nurses whispered to on

or with a bold 2

hesi

he braced herself emotionally, phy

nearly sha

s the pillow, a nasal cannula feeding oxygen to her tiny lungs. Her arms looked even t

orward, choki

. Her wh

ed and gently brushed a strand

eeling beside her. "I'm here. I'm he

knew she couldn't promise that. Be

e couldn't

n left in her life...