Chapter 358 Chatting Companion
"Ava," George's voice was heavy with gloom, "I saw Mia, and she's not in a good mood."
Ava responded, "I'm aware of her mood, George."
"Do you know why she's upset?" George asked, his tone a shade darker.
"I'm afraid I don't," Ava confessed. She had noticed that despite Mia's constant berating and dismissals, George never seemed to protest. He must have grown accustomed to it.
"Didn't you ask?" George probed further.
"I did, but Mia chose not to confide in me," Ava admitted.
George heaved a sigh. "It's all my fault. If it weren't for my past actions, she might be happier now."
"George," Ava began, her voice steady, "sometimes, when she doesn't want your interference, you should step back. Perhaps that's what would truly make her happy."
As Ava spoke, a hint of irony seeped into her heart. Men who erred rarely showed remorse at the time of their missteps. They acted on their whims, hurting those who cared for them. Only when they realized their mistakes did they attempt to revert to their gentle, considerate selves. But could a woman's pain be soothed by a mere apology?
George fell silent. After a while, he ended the call, likely comprehending Ava's message. Ava could only offer a helpless smile. She glanced at her phone screen, noticing a new message from Alexander.
Alexander: [Ava, are you awake?]
Sitting in her car, Ava stared blankly at the message on her phone screen. It was a simple greeting, a common one at that. But it was from Alexander. Why had he suddenly taken an interest in messaging her? Why was he treating her as casually as any other friend?
Ava didn't respond. She tossed her phone onto the passenger seat and drove off.
Upon returning home, Ava hastily packed her belongings. She had already decided on her destination: a small town near the border. The winters there were mild, the scenery breathtaking, and the tranquility ensured no disturbances. She planned to leave in a few days, intending to bring her child into the world without causing anyone any inconvenience.
She had it all planned out. She would continue her studies during her pregnancy and apply for graduate school the following year. She had previously chosen finance as her major for Alexander's sake, but found she didn't mind it. She decided to continue in the same field.
At noon, Ava received another message from Alexander.
Alexander: [Ava, why aren't you responding? Is something wrong?]
Ava ignored the message, setting her phone aside and opening a thick finance book. But she hadn't read many pages before her phone started ringing. It was Alexander. Ava felt a sudden surge of annoyance.
It wasn't that she despised Alexander, but his constant attempts to draw her attention had extinguished any hope she had left. How could she possibly entertain the idea of rekindling their relationship? More importantly, she feared the resurgence of false hope. She was easily deceived.
In a fit of impulse, Ava grabbed her phone, hung up, and blocked Alexander's number. She then opened WhatsApp and blocked him there as well.
Ava had no desire to converse with Alexander. Every time she saw his messages, she felt a wave of irritation. It seemed as though he cared, as though he still thought of her. But it was all a facade. He was merely bored and sought casual conversation with someone familiar.
Ava refused to be his conversational companion.
