Chapter 7

Reflections

Ava sat in her apartment, her mind reeling after the confrontation with Ethan. She couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal.

As she gazed out the window, memories of the past two years flooded her mind. The laughter, the adventures, the quiet nights spent together.

She remembered the way Ethan used to hold her hand, the way he'd look at her with adoration. But now, those moments seemed tainted.

Ava thought about the times Ethan would cancel plans at the last minute, the times he'd dismiss her concerns. She had brushed it off as love, but now she saw the red flags.

Their trips together, the romantic getaways, the sweet gestures – all seemed like manipulation.

Ava's eyes welled up with tears. How could she have been so blind?

She stood up, determination burning within her. She would not let Ethan define her. She would rise above the heartache.

With newfound resolve, Ava began to sort through her belongings, separating memories from reality.