Ava’s POV

Orion hesitated, his tall frame silhouetted by the harsh hospital light. His usual confidence seemed frayed at the edges, his shoulders tense as though he were bracing for impact. And then, she followed.

Chloe.

Clinging to his arm like a snake curling around its prey, her perfectly manicured nails dug into his sleeve. She wore that smug smile—the kind that promised she already thought she'd won. Her eyes flitted to me, fake concern dripping from her voice.

Seeing them made me realize the extent of human emotions. I loathed them both with an intensity that coursed through my entire body.

“Oh, Ava, sweetheart,” Chloe cooed, her words dripping...