Ava's Resolve

" —Grow up!"

Ace flinched at Ava's words but stood his ground, locking eyes with her, unwilling to back down. His voice was calm but firm as he replied, "Since you already know my answer, let's just part ways and stay acquaintances, like in the past."

For a moment, Ava stared at him, her fiery determination flickering with hurt. Ace held her gaze steadily, refusing to take the coward's way out. Despite her beauty, loyalty, and the fact that she had stood up for him, too much history stood between them—wounds that hadn't fully healed and scars he couldn't ignore.