Page 21 of Fractured Faceoff

I tried to catch Ava’s eye again, searching for any sign that she still felt what we had between us. But she avoided my gaze and moved to her seat next to Kash without looking back.

I was directed to sit next to Isla. As I settled into my chair, I couldn't help but feel the tension in the room thickening. Ava and Kash exchanged pleasantries, their conversation filled with the kind of practiced ease that only came from years of being together. It grated on me.

"So, how’s work going?" Kash asked Isla, serving himself some mac and cheese.

"Busy," she replied. "I have to deal with a lot of egos, but… I'm used to it."

"Including my big brother," Kash teased.

"Especially him."

Ava focused on her plate, carefully cutting her food into small pieces. Her movements were deliberate, almost mechanical. I could see the lines of stress etched into her forehead.

"Jared," Kash said suddenly, drawing my attention back to him. "How’s training going?"

"Good," I replied shortly, not really in the mood for small talk. "Team's shaping up well."

He nodded enthusiastically. "That’s great to hear."

The conversation drifted into safer territory—work updates, neighborhood gossip, upcoming events—but it felt hollow. The unspoken words hung heavy in the air between Ava and me. Every time I looked at her, she seemed more distant.

As I shoveled some mac and cheese onto my plate, I noticed Ava turning to Isla.

"How's Brody?" she asked. "Why isn't he?—"

"I don't want to talk about Brody," Isla cut in tightly before putting a forkful of macaroni in her mouth.

Ava winced, her face falling. "Sorry."

Isla shook her head, chewing deliberately before swallowing. "Look," she said. "Tonight is not about me and assholes I don't date anymore."

Ava and Kash exchanged a quick glance, the kind that spoke volumes without a word being uttered.

"Right," Kash said, slicing a piece of ham. "Well, why don't we finish dinner. We have anannouncement we wanted to share with you all. I'm disappointed Hazel couldn't stop by, but being a sports blogger, I get why. Anyway. Ham, anyone?"

Isla rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. "Why not just tell us? Why drag it out?"

"She's right," I chimed in. "Ain't no sense in beatin' around the bush. Let's hear it."

Kash looked at me for a moment, probably trying to gauge if I was serious or just messing with him. Ava bit her lip, clearly anxious.

"Okay," Kash said finally, setting down his knife and fork. He reached over to take Ava's hand in his, their fingers intertwining like the perfect couple they always seemed to be.

I felt my stomach twist as I watched them. Whatever this announcement was, it wasn't going to be good news for me.

Kash's face lit up with excitement as he looked around the table. "I asked Ava to marry me," he announced, beaming. "And she said yes."

My world tilted on its axis. "I'm so sorry, brother," I started, but my voice caught in my throat. She saidwhat?

"Congratulations!" Isla stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. She moved around the table and pulled Kash and Ava into a tight hug.

I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. This was supposed to be the moment where Ava and I could finally be together, where she would break things off with Kash. But an engagement? This wasn’t what I had expected at all.

My mind raced, trying to make sense of it. I thought Ava wanted to be with me. We had something real, something that couldn't be ignored. But now… now she was engaged to my brother.

Ava's eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I saw something there—regret, maybe? Guilt? I couldn't be sure. But it didn't matter anymore. The reality of the situation hit me like a freight train. She was choosing him.

Isla released them from her embrace, her smile genuine despite the tension in the room. "I'm so happy for you both," she said warmly.

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