Chapter 4

The next day, I walked into my dead-end graphic design job with a new, chic bob that skimmed my jawline and a fire in my eyes.

My boss, a man whose hands always lingered a little too long on my shoulder, called me into his office.

"New look, Ava? Very... bold."

"It is," I said, placing a small, discreet audio recorder on his desk. I didn't turn it on, but he saw it. His eyes widened.

"I'm here to give my two weeks' notice," I said, my voice even. "I also have some recordings of our previous 'performance reviews.' I'm sure HR would find them very interesting. Or, you could just approve my immediate resignation with a generous severance package. Your choice."

He stared at the recorder, then at me. The color drained from his face.

I walked out an hour later with a signed agreement and a check that would cover my expenses for the next six months.

By the end of the week, I had found a new apartment downtown, a sleek one-bedroom with a view of the city skyline. I packed my things, leaving Liam's boxes neatly stacked by the door. I took the ACL tickets from the drawer. They were in my name, after all. I cancelled them and got a full refund.

I called Maya and told her everything. The haircut, the job, the apartment, the Venmo payment, the DMs.

"The son of a bitch," she seethed. "The absolute, calculating son of a bitch. Good for you. This is not an ending, Ava. This is a goddamn rebirth."

"What about the wedding?" I asked. Her wedding was in three weeks, a lavish affair at a vineyard in the Hill Country. Liam was supposed to be my plus-one. All our old friends from UT would be there.

"You are coming," she said, her voice firm. "You are going to walk in there looking like a goddess and watch him squirm. In fact, I have a plan."

"I don't want revenge, Maya."

"This isn't revenge, honey. This is public relations. His reputation is everything to him. We're just going to... manage it."

I spent the next three weeks building my new life. I painted my apartment, bought new furniture, and started freelancing, quickly landing a few big clients. I felt lighter, freer than I had in years. The dull ache was gone, replaced by a sharp, focused energy.

The day of Maya's wedding arrived. I chose my dress carefully: a stunning, emerald green silk dress that made my new haircut look even more dramatic. I felt powerful.

I drove out to the vineyard alone, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. The ceremony was beautiful. The reception was held in a grand hall with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rolling hills.

I was talking to Maya when I saw them.

Liam and Chloe walked in, hand in hand. He was wearing a tailored suit, looking every bit the successful architect. She was in a pale pink dress, clinging to his arm, laughing up at him. They were making a statement. Parading their new relationship in front of everyone we knew.

Every head in the room turned. First to them, then to me. I could feel the pity, the curiosity.

Maya squeezed my arm. "Don't you dare hide. Let's go get a drink."

We walked to the bar, my head held high. I could feel his eyes on me, but I didn't look.

Then, a familiar voice called my name. "Ava Thompson? Is that really you?"

I turned. It was Dr. Albright, our favorite and most respected professor from the UT School of Architecture. He was a legend, a man whose opinion could make or break a career in Austin.

"Dr. Albright," I smiled, genuinely happy to see him. "It's been too long."

"You look wonderful," he said, his eyes twinkling. "I almost didn't recognize you. I hear Liam is up for that junior partnership at RKH. A big step."

Just then, Liam approached, Chloe still attached to his side. He plastered on a fake smile.

"Dr. Albright, good to see you, sir. And Ava. You're here."

"Of course, she is, Liam," Dr. Albright said, his tone suddenly cool. "She's Maya's best friend. The real question is, who is your... guest?"

The air crackled with tension. Everyone was watching. This was it. The moment of truth.

I smiled calmly, a sweet, serene smile that didn't reach my eyes.

"Oh, this is Chloe," I said, my voice clear and carrying across the quiet room. "She's the intern Liam was sleeping with for months before he broke up with me over text message. He's very generous. He even paid her two hundred dollars for her 'acting skills' to help him stage a fight so he'd have an excuse to leave."

A collective gasp went through the crowd.

Chloe's face went white. Liam looked like he'd been struck by lightning.

Dr. Albright stared at Liam, his expression one of utter disgust. "Is this true, Liam?"

Liam opened his mouth, but no words came out. He just stood there, exposed and humiliated, in the center of the room, as the whispers started all around them.