Page 22 of Fractured Faceoff

I forced myself to stand up, plastering a smile on my face that felt like it might crack at any moment. "Yeah," I managed to choke out. "Congratulations."

Kash's grin widened as he looked at Ava with adoration. "Thanks, Jared," he said, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside me.

Ava's hand rested on his arm, and for a second, I saw her squeeze it just a bit too tightly. Maybe she was trying to send me a message or maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part.

The room buzzed with conversation and congratulations as Isla continued to gush over the newly engaged couple. But all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart and the echo of Ava's words in my mind: She said yes.

I sank back into my chair, feeling utterly lost and betrayed by this unexpected turn of events. Everything I thought I knew about Ava, about us—it all seemed like a cruel joke now.

But there was no going back. Not anymore.

Dinner dragged on, every bite feeling like gravel in my mouth. The clinking of silverware and forced laughter filled the room, but I was lost in my thoughts. I kept glancing at Ava, hoping for some sign that this was all a mistake.

When we finally finished eating, Isla stood up and offered to help Kash clean up.

"Youdon't have to?—"

"I want to," Isla insisted, glancing at me briefly. It almost felt like she was trying to help me, but that didn't make sense. Things were always tense between us. She disappeared into the kitchen with Kash, leaving Ava and me alone at the table.

I leaned across the table, lowering my voice. "What the fuck, Ava?"

She stiffened, her eyes darting to the kitchen before meeting mine. "Don't do this, Jared."

"I thought you were breaking up with him," I hissed. "You told me you were going to break up."

Her expression hardened. "Things changed."

"Changed how?" My voice rose slightly before I forced it back down. "You can't just?—"

"Jared, stop," she interrupted, her tone sharp but low enough not to draw attention from the kitchen.

I shook my head in disbelief. "You said you loved me."

"And I do," she whispered fiercely. "But it's not that simple."

"It should be," I shot back. "You can't marry him if you love me."

Her eyes filled with frustration and something else. "You don't understand."

"Then explain it to me," I demanded, leaning closer. "Make me understand why you're choosing him over us."

She looked away, her jaw tight. "It's not about choosing."

"Bullshit," I snapped.

Ava's eyes flashed with anger as she met my gaze again. "I can't hurt him like that," she said quietly but firmly.

"And hurting me is better?" The pain in my voice was undeniable.

She sighed heavily, looking defeated. "Jared…"

Before she could say more, Kash and Isla returned from the kitchen, their presence forcing us back into our roles of polite family members. The conversation shifted back to safe topics, but the tension between Ava and me simmered just beneath the surface.

As we pretended everything was fine for Kash and Isla’s sake, all I could think about was the promise Ava had made—and broken.

I was a fool for falling for it. All those years I had given up, waiting on her, believing every word she said.

“Kash,” I said, my voice steady but sharp. “Can I ask—what made you ask Ava to marry you?”

---