Chapter 9
“Because you needed a friend. Because even strangers deserve compassion, especially when they’re hurting,” I said, my voice softer now.
“But not because I’m still in love with you, Liam. Because I’m not. Not anymore.”
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He slumped back against the wall, his shoulders
shaking.
I turned to leave, unable to bear the sight of his pain any longer. “Liam, if you’ve learned anything at all, please… don’t shut everyone out. The people who care about you… let them in. Don’t let Sarah’s memory be tainted by this.”
And with that, I walked away. As I reached the door, I heard him whisper, “Ava… I love you.”
I paused, my heart clenching at the desperation in his voice. But I continued walking, my
resolve unwavering.
I was finally free.
A few months later, I received a promotion at work. They wanted to transfer me to London. It was the fresh start I desperately needed, a chance to build a life on my own terms, a life free of heartbreak and betrayal.
I packed my bags, leaving behind the remnants of my past, the memories that haunted me. As I zipped my suitcase shut, I noticed a photo of Liam and me, hidden beneath a pile of clothes. I didn’t hesitate. I tossed it into the trash without a second glance.
Some things weren’t meant to be carried into the future.
At the airport, as I waited for my flight, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.
My heart skipped a beat, a strange sense of foreboding washing over me. I answered hesitantly.
“Ava? It’s Liam. Please, don’t hang up.” His voice was hoarse, desperate.
“Don’t leave. Please, I beg you. I know I messed up, messed up bad. But I love you, Ava. I always have. Please, give me another chance.”
I took a deep breath, the familiar ache returning to my chest.
I was at the gate, my boarding pass in hand, ready to start my new life.
“Ava? Ava, say something, I know you’re there. Please, don’t go. I can’t live without you.”
“Liam, I… L
“Don’t you dare say goodbye, Ava. Please. Just tell me where you are. I’ll come to you. I’ll get
my knees, beg for your forgiveness. Just please, don’t leave.”
His words echoed through the phone, a stark contrast to the indifferent tone he used when he told me he’d chosen Sarah. He sounded like a wounded animal, desperate for a lifeline.
“Liam, I… I’m already at the airport.”
“Which one? I’ll be right there.”
I looked around the bustling terminal, at the families saying their goodbyes, at the excited travelers embarking on new adventures. This was my fresh start, my chance at happiness.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and said, “If you can make it in time, then… I’ll be
waiting.”
I hung up the phone and boarded the plane, my heart pounding in my chest.
As the plane took off, soaring into the sky, I realized that I had finally let go. I no longer loved him, not with the all–consuming passion that had once ruled my every thought. And for the first time in a long time, I felt… free.
