She doesn’t want me anymore.

On the other hand, Dylan instantly grabbed the phone, his heart leaping with hope that it was a message from Ava. But the name on the screen made him pause.

"Ethan? His brows knitted in confusion. "Why would he text me?"

With a mix of curiosity and unease, Dylan opened the message. His posture stiffened when he saw the photographs of Ava celebrating her birthday with her friends and family. But it was the picture of her standing beside Nicholas, smiling warmly at him, that struck Dylan like a blow to the chest.

"What is she doing with him?"

He read the accompanying message, each word sinking into him like a dagger. He couldn't believe that Ava had celebrated her birthday without him. A painful weight settled in his heart, his hand moving to his chest.

'She didn't want me there. She doesn't want me anymore.' The thought was like poison, spreading through his veins, making it hard to breathe.