The Discarded Woman's Rise

t Ethan provided fel

nsive furniture, the art he' d chosen,

ed her own small touches, but it al

gave her the keys, how overwh

roblems with a wave of his

he money, Ava," he'd

he ha

e a trap she' d wi

fa, the silence of the apa

e' s dismissive glance

ce for Chloe in his life, and Ava wa

ache reminding her of the d

dition, the doctor had said. Ma

han, not wanting to seem w

ed wea

as a physical wei

y in the door la

ng handsome and unboth

s tone light, as if she'

than," Ava said

setback. We'll find you something else. Or you

tated, needing him to

tment was overstaffed." He avoided her eyes

e knew it

rt is back," A

ck to her. "Yes. She

unreadable. "Don't make th

ing. His tone, his evasio

bed, the distance be

ouch possessive, almost a

d still, he

mpatience when she didn't respond to him. "Still

g, just stared

stand. A message from Chloe.

small smile playing on his lips

't ment

r. He was already living a separat

he next mornin

ughing, close. The headline read: "Tech Mogul Ethan Va

declaration. Ava

er reflection,

anger, someone who had allowed h

simmer beneath the su

t be erased