"How can I have faith in you when you're defending him?
Cameron reached out again, his hand cupping her cheek, but this time she didn't pull away. His thumb gently brushed away a tear that had slipped down her face. "I'm not defending him, Ava," he said softly. "I just don't want you to carry this anger for the rest of your life. Not for him, not for me—but for you."
She closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hand against her skin. She was torn, trapped between her hatred for her father and her love for Cameron. Every part of her wanted to walk away, to ignore his plea and hold onto her bitterness.
But her mother's tear face flashed in my mind which she could not erase all these years.
She controlled the soft side for Cameron in her heart.
"I think …. it was a mistake to give us another chance," Ava said, her voice sharp with frustration.
