Page 163 of Bonding with the Beta

One month later

As I stand outside Kayden’s house, I tremble. I’m not here to see Kayden. I’m here because Ava invited me over. I’ve been putting it off for over a month, but I want to be active in Aurora’s life.

I suck in a breath and brush my knuckles against the door. It takes a moment for Ava to appear with a bright expression and her hair tied back in a bun. “Ah, Kayleigh,” she squeals before bringing me into a hug. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I told you I’d come.” I laugh softly as I wrap my arms around her.

“I know, I know,” she murmurs. “But after everything…I wasn’t sure if you’d want to come here.”

My throat tenses at her insinuation. “I’m not going to let that stop me from seeing you and Aurora. I don’t want to miss a thing.”

Ava’s expression crumbles into adoration. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I’ve mentally accepted the fact that Kayden lives here. Ava hasn’t told me anything since I was last here, but I didn’t ask. I don’t want to know.

That hasn’t stopped Kayden from messaging me. I don’t reply. I’m not ready. I’ve been focusing on myself for once, including therapy and finding peace in my own company.

“Come in,” she beckons, and I follow her into the house.

We bypass the kitchen, which holds haunting memories, and we walk straight into the living room where Aurora lays on her baby play mat with pretty mobiles hanging over her head.

“Oh my goodness,” I gush as I beeline straight towards her, dropping onto my knees. “Look at this little lady. She’s already grown so much.”

I take Aurora into my arms as she stares back at me with pretty blue eyes and a gummy smile. “I know. I wish time would slow down,” Ava says as she perches beside me and strokes back her dark hair.

“She’s perfect,” I whisper as I admire her all over again.

“How have you been?” Ava asks.

“I’ve been coping. Trying to focus on myself and my happiness.”

Ava beams softly. “I’m so glad. You deserve so much happiness.”

I might be happier, but there is still a gaping hole in my chest.

“I-I don’t want to bring him up if you really don’t want to talk about him, but does Kayden know you're here?”

“No, he doesn't.”

Ava purses her lips and clears her throat. “Oh.”

“How is he?” I ask without thinking.

She pulls back and pauses for a long moment. “Honestly? Not great.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t want to speak for him, but I know he misses you.”

I miss him, too.

“Maybe I needed this,” I admit. “I thought he would break me like Josh did, but this time, I know my worth. I refused to let myself slip back down that hole and fester in self-pity. I had to do better because I knew I’d never get myself back up again.”

Ava’s eyes glisten. “I’m proud of you, Kay.”

“Me, too.” I smile.

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