Chapter 1 1.

CHAPTER 1

The room felt too quiet, too still. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to block out the thoughts that wouldn't leave me alone. Raymond. His name was a whisper that echoed in every corner of my mind, refusing to fade. No matter how hard I tried to forget, every moment with him came rushing back, each memory sharper than the last.

I could still feel his fingers intertwined with mine, the way his thumb would lightly stroke the back of my hand. The way he smiled-God, that smile-it used to make everything else disappear. Now it was a ghost that haunted me. I shut my eyes tight, hoping the darkness would swallow the memories, but it didn't.

"I thought he loved me." The words slipped out, bitter and cold. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. My chest tightened as the pain clawed its way back to the surface. I bit my lip, trying to hold it in, but it was no use.

A sob escaped me, louder than I intended. I clutched my pillow, pressing my face into it as if that could muffle the sound, but it only made the ache worse. Before long, I was crying uncontrollably, the hurt pouring out of me like a dam that had finally burst.

I didn't even hear the knock on the door before it opened.

"Ava?" Mia's voice was soft. I felt her presence before I saw her. She and Sophie stood in the doorway, concern written across their faces.

"What do you want?" I snapped, not bothering to wipe the tears from my face.

Sophie stepped forward. "We heard you crying and just-"

"I don't need you hovering over me," I cut her off, sitting up abruptly. "I'm fine. Just leave me alone."

Mia exchanged a glance with Sophie. "Ava, we're worried about you."

I couldn't take it. The pity in their eyes, the way they were looking at me like I was some fragile thing about to break. I was already broken.

"I said I'm fine!" I shouted, shoving past them. I grabbed my car keys off the dresser and stormed out of the room, not bothering to look back. I needed air. I needed to get away from their worried eyes, from the memories that suffocated me.

The cool night air hit my face as I climbed into my car. I sat there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel, trying to catch my breath. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn't shake ths weught off my chest. Raymond's name still echoed, taunting me.

With a shaky breath, I started the engine and drove aimlessly through the streets, hoping the movement would distract me. It didn't. I wasn't sure how long I'd been driving when my phone buzzed beside me. It was Sophie.

I debated ignoring it, but something in me relented. I picked up the call.

"What?"

"Where are you?" Sophie's voice was gentle. "Look, Mia and I are at this lounge. It's quiet. We thought maybe you'd like to join us, just for a drink. Nothing serious."

"I don't know..." My voice trailed off. The last thing I wanted was to be around people, but the thought of being alone with my thoughts was worse.

"Come on, Ava. It'll be good for you to get out. No pressure, just us girls."

I hesitated, but eventually, I caved. "Fine. I'll stop by. But I'm not staying long."

"Perfect! See you soon," Sophie said, sounding far too excited.

The lounge was dimly lit when I arrived, a warm contrast to the cold emptiness that clung to me. I spotted Mia and Sophie at the bar, waving me over.

"Hey," I muttered as I approached, sliding onto the stool beside them. The music was soft, the kind that filled the space without overpowering it.

"You made it!" Mia said, her smile too bright, too forced. She handed me a drink, and I took it, not really caring what it was.

As I took a sip, I looked around the room. More people than I expected were arriving, laughter and chatter filling the air. My grip tightened on the glass. "I thought you said this was just going to be a chill night."

"It is!" Sophie said quickly, exchanging a glance with Mia. "Just... a few more people showed up than we expected."

I narrowed my eyes at her, suspicion creeping in. "You could've told me it was a party."

Mia waved her hand dismissively. "It's not a party, Ava. Just relax. Let's have some fun."

I wasn't in the mood for fun. I wasn't in the mood for any of this. Something wasn't right, and I could feel it. My patience was wearing thin, and I could tell they were hiding something.

After a few forced attempts at conversation, I'd had enough. The walls were closing in on me again, the noise, the people-it was all too much. I pushed back my stool.

"I need some air," I muttered, standing up abruptly.

As I turned to leave, I collided with someone, my drink sloshing out of my glass and spilling all over their suit.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I gasped, reaching out to brush the liquid off his jacket. My hands moved instinctively, trying to fix the mess.

Before I could finish, a firm hand grabbed mine, halting my movements. The grip was strong but gentle. My breath caught in my throat as I felt myself being pulled closer. My heart raced, my skin prickling with unease.

"It's okay," a deep voice said, calm and steady.

I froze. That voice. It was familiar in the worst way. My eyes traveled up slowly, from the hand holding mine to the face that sent a shiver down my spine.

Raymond.

His eyes locked on mine, a faint smile playing on his lips. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. He hadn't let go of my hand, and I couldn't pull away.

"Long time no see, Ava," he said, his voice low, almost mocking.

The air around me felt thick, heavy with tension. I stood there, weak and helpless, unable to look away from the man who had shattered my heart.