Chapter 28
Colin was at Ava’s side until she reached the hospital, where she found out the good news: a sprained ankle and some scrapes. That was a close call.
Sitting in the hospital bed. Ava looked small and breakable. Then her eyes lit up when she spotted Caleb talking to Colin, his back turned to her.
“Caleb'” she called out.
With the conversation interrupted, Colin got the hint and quietly left the room.
“Caleb, I was worried you were too mad to come, Ava said, her voice quivering as she tried to grab his hand. But Caleb was just out of reach and didn’t seem keen on getting any closer.
Ava’s voice was mixed with pain and pleading. “Caleb, my foot’s killing me. Could you rub it, please?”
Caleb didn’t respond right away, but eventually, he sat down beside her and started massaging her ankle gently.
“How did all this happen?”
T-I really don’t know how I fell. And this morning, when I tried to talk to you, you just ignored me.”
**** her tear-
The sadness in Ava’s voice made Caleb think back to the chilly morning-he had been pretty cold. Now, looking at streaked face, he saw the same beautiful features that once made him fall hard for her.
Caleb pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped away Ava’s tears. “Tm sorry, Avy, I was cranky this morning. Don’t cry. okay!”
Ava’s sobs grew louder as tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked at Caleb, her voice shaky, “Caleb, can we just get married? I hate being seen as the homewrecker. I never wanted to cause trouble. I love you so much, and all I want is to be your wife”
She was a mess of tears, clutching Caleb’s hand tightly. “I was so scared when I fell. I thought I might never see you again,” she cried.
“Don’t be silly,” he said.
Caleb felt a pang of guilt as he saw her cry. He’d been so cold recently, not at all like the supportive partner he’d promised to be. Now he doubted himself.
“Avy, you’re going to be okay. I’m here for you, he reassured her. But Ava needed more than words.
She looked at him with hopeful, tear-filled eyes, “Caleb, do you regret it now?”
A flicker of something passed through Caleb’s eyes. “Regret? About what?”
“Caleb… Do you regret meeting me? Leaving Evelyn? If you hadn’t married her so suddenly, I wouldn’t have gone overseas. Are you blaming me for that? Is that why you won’t propose?” Ava’s tone was desperate, herexpression tense as she gazed at him and waited for his response.
The fog cleared in Caleb’s mind, and a mix of impatience and disdain briefly marred his face. It wasn’t Ava’s fault; it was Evelyn who had trapped him with her deceit years ago. If not for Evelyn’s trickery, he wouldn’t have spent that night with her and all this wouldn’t have happened.
“Why would I regret leaving someone as manipulative as Evelyn Calebs said, as if a weight lifted from him. With a new resolve, he pulled Ava close. “Give me a little more time, Avy. 11 talk to my mom. I promise, we’ll get married soon.”