's

against my chest loud enough for all in

cy or eye-catching, nor was it expensive. It was my au

ything I'd need, I had rejected his offers. "We would need the money after the

els made their way to my ears. I turned around quickly

zed at my dad, who had just been pushed into

u're all grown up now," Dad expressed,

ilt hit me hard. He thought I

sister were doing to me, knowing his fragile heart woul

came home after so many years, and now I'm l

ll smile appearing on his face. "S

are a strong girl, Ava. You know how I felt when your mot

r reason would she give to a man for his seven-

ver seven years before I finall

d the last thing I could

d,

me finish,"

ed to be around your family, friends, and loved ones to achieve that he

t as if it were mine. I had a tough time dealing with

r therapist had declared you trauma-free. You we

a

g its way to my face. My mother was desp

had pleaded and cried, but she had told me to get over

Did I say something wrong?" Dad question

. So shaking my head, and putting on a fake smi

me but didn't argue. Thank heav

you think. Never let anyone walk over you. You are your own p

if only

ew my arms around him, savoring the feeling. I

Patel, it's time to go. Mrs. Charlotte and

ready to end this moment. "Are you sure you and

a good opportunity to save money and still be with Dad, I couldn't do that

be hurt if he saw them every day. I also wante

I want our own place. But we'll come visit as much

t along, so it wasn't a surprise when he found out we wer

down the aisle, but I refused, knowing what m

whispered, a soft smile

you too,

yself. Bertram's voice sounded once aga

ying on my lips, I said, "Yes, Un

alked out to the car and to the little church where only

as becoming Mrs. Na

ing Mrs. Av

Liam, I knew that I'd do all I could to keep them and be t

to destroy me, but they didn'

They didn't know it now but they would soon.