Chapter 14
During their first month in Spain, the Collins family completed all the paperwork and moved into their new home.]
After nearly two months of immigration hassles, everyone was exhausted.[]
Once everything was settled, the family planned a beach vacation.]
It was a perfect fall day. Avery lounged on a beach chair watching the waves roll in and out as her mood gradually improved.]
She casually checked her phone and found it flooded with messages.
“MAJOR GOSSIP! Avery, Ethan and Sophia’s wedding crashed and burned LMAOOO!“[]
“You missed it! Sophia’s face was twisted with rage and Ethan got slapped TWICE! Epic!”
“Told you rushed marriages never last! Hahaha they broke up ON their wedding day! I’m dying!“]
Message after message, all saying the same thing.]
Avery found it all so meaningless now. 0
Just as she put her phone down, her mom sat next to her with two glasses of juice, handing her one with a cheerful tone.]]
“You’ve been sitting here forever without moving. Is this your idea of a vacation?“]]
Avery took a sip, her voice relaxed.]]
“Hell yeah. Sitting here watching hot people walk by? Perfect day.“]
Her mom agree with that.[]
After chatting for a bit, her mom gave up trying to convince her to swim and left her phone behind as she headed to the water.
Avery adjusted her sun hat and was about to apply more sunscreen when her mom’s phone rang.
Seeing Mrs. Miller’s name, she hesitated before answering.
“Avery? We’re in Madrid. Are you home?”
Madrid?
“We“?
Avery’s eye twitched as a bad feeling crept over her.
But out of respect for her parents‘ friend, she answered politely.[]
“Auntie? Why are you in Spain? We’re in Barcelona right now.”
v.“]
Hearing Avery’s voice, Mrs. Miller’s tone immediately softened with regret.[]
“Oh Avery, dear. Where in Barcelona are you? Could you send us your location? We’d like to come talk to you about something.“]
The details were unclear, but with the news about Ethan and Sophia canceling the wedding, Avery’s instinct told her it was definitely related to her.
After just a moment’s thought, she responded.]
“Is something wrong?“]
There was a brief silence before a familiar deep voice came through.
“It’s me. Sophia and I broke up. My parents know about us now. They want to talk to you and your parents. To apologize.
Apologize
Hearing that word from Ethan’s mouth made Avery want to laugh.]
“Don’t bother.”
Those two words shut down whatever else Ethan was about to say.[]
As his breathing quickened, Avery spoke again, her tone cold and unforgiving.
“We were done a month ago. We’ll never speak to each other again. Tell your parents I don’t want to discuss this and they don’t need to apologize. They’ll always be like
Chapter 14
family to me no matter what–even you.”
Her words stabbed Ethan’s heart, tearing open endless pain.]
But he knew better than anyone that he had only himself to blame for all of this.]
He had no right to be angry with anyone but himself.[]
Now he couldn’t say a harsh word, only beg with humility.
“Avery, please, don’t be angry. I swear I can explain everything. Just one more chance, please? I’ll make it right, I promise.“[]
The first time she heard him sound so pathetic, Avery was thrown off balance.[]
Though she had no idea what new game Ethan was playing, she was done being part of his act.]]
“We have nothing to talk about. Just tell your parents we won’t be in contact anymore, then go back home.“]
