in the hallway, numb,

ming smile on his face, the one

made her s

d, his voice smooth and concerned. "Y

r, but Ava flinch

ce barely a whisper. She clutched her phone

ould sit down. All this party planning must be

rby armchair, his touc

taking her hand. His

art our beautiful future together, Ava," h

All

he continued softly. "No

isy was su

im, her heart a

surprisingly steady. "Do you

, his expressio

lightly. "Never. I have nothing to h

ezed he

everything

lete, hammered the final nai

left but pain and

away. "I think I j