Chapter 35
LONDON, ENGLAND
S omething had shifted drastically. Something Ava couldn’t fathom and hadn’t anticipated. Something that was wounding her so deeply that she felt like her walls had crumbled down.
Rowan had gone from spending nights with her, stargazing and sleeping together, to not talking to her anymore.
She didn’t know what she had done wrong.
She had sensed that something was happening inside his head, though. That he was combating some demons. She hadn’t braced herself for this cataclysmic tempest—one that had obliterated her.
But she should’ve held his hand. Should’ve encouraged him to open up instead of giving him space to lose himself in his detrimental thoughts.
She was adamant about communicating all sorts of sentiments—whether they were negative or positive. She knew Rowan struggled with words, with opening up, but he had shut himself off in the blink of an eye, and it was hurting her.
It had been nearly a week since she last heard from him. At first, she had given him space because that was maybe what he needed. Perhaps he was starting to feel overwhelmed by those new feelings consuming him.
Ava knew he reciprocated her sentiments. Those deep, unwavering, affectionate feelings.
So, what happened?
“You okay?” Gabe asked softly, rubbing her shin as her feet were resting in his lap.
She swallowed the thick lump inside her throat and nodded, keeping her absent stare on the television screen. “I’m fine.”
She wasn’t okay, let alone fine. Gabe knew it, but he didn’t push her.
Perhaps Tate would be able to help her.
Ava
Is Rowan okay?
Tate
I think so? He’s in the room next door. I can check on him.
We went out for drinks last night and he seemed more than fine. But you know him, he keeps to himself and smiles even when something bothers him. I did sense him being pensive, though.
The fissure she felt pierce through her vital organ left her internally bleeding. She wiped the rivulet of tears that had escaped, tapping her response rapidly. Gabe’s touch was still soothing, but she couldn’t manage to find the strength and embrace his comfort with her spiralling thoughts.
Ava
Was he with someone else?
Tate
Another woman?
Jeez, Ava. Of course not. He’d never do that.
Why? What’s going on?
She decided to text Rowan directly. Because she was tired. Because she would fight for him just like he’d normally fight for her.
Maybe Rowan was bored of her. Maybe he wanted to stop everything and see someone else. Either way, Ava needed closure. Needed answers.
Ava
I don’t understand what happened.
Can you please answer me? At least tell me you’re okay.
I’m worried and I can’t act like I don’t care about you because you know damn well you’re my entire world and beyond.
Talk to me, Rowan. Please.
His answer was immediate, but instead of sending a torrent of relief towards her, his message left her agonising with an unfathomable pain.
Lover boy
You should go out with another man. Anyone else.
I’m not the one you want.