Ava's POVThe laughter died in my throat, the playful atmosphere evaporating as Liam abruptly pulled away. My heart plummeted, the warmth of the moment replaced by a chilling wave of rejection. Confusion clouded my mind, questions swirling like a tempest within me.Had I misread his signals? Was it something I did? Was he having second thoughts about us, about this budding relationship that felt so fragile, so new?I stared at him, my eyes wide with hurt and bewilderment, as he mumbled an apology and practically fled into the bathroom. The sound of the shower echoed through the apartment, a stark contrast to the playful banter that had filled the space just moments before.I felt a deep pang of insecurity, a familiar ache that whispered doubts about my worthiness. Was I not attractive enough? Was I too forward? Had I misread his desires, his intentions?The silence that followed was deafening, amplifying the questions swirling in my mind. I felt a tear trace a path down my cheek, a solitary tear that reflected the sudden shift in my emotions.I had been so caught up in the moment, the joy of our shared laughter, the thrill of his touch, that I had allowed myself to believe that we were on the same page, that our connection was as strong and undeniable as it felt.But Liam's abrupt retreat shattered that illusion, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. The playful chase, the accidental fall, the hungry look in his eyes – had it all been a game to him? Was I just another conquest, another fleeting moment of amusement for the billionaire bachelor?The thought stung, a sharp pain that pierced through the bubble of happiness I had been enveloped in. I had bared my soul to him, confessed my love, and now, it seemed, he was rejecting me, pushing me away.I couldn't bear the uncertainty, the unanswered questions that gnawed at my heart. I needed answers, explanations, but Liam was locked away in the bathroom, hiding from me, hiding from himself.A wave of anger washed over me, replacing the hurt and confusion. I wouldn't let him do this to me, wouldn't let him play with my emotions, toy with my heart. I was strong, independent, and I deserved more than to be treated like a fleeting amusement.With a newfound resolve, I rose from the couch, my movements stiff and deliberate. I wouldn't wait for him to emerge from his self-imposed exile, wouldn't beg for explanations or apologies. I would leave, reclaim my dignity, and show him that I wasn't a toy to be picked up and discarded at his whim.I grabbed my purse, my fingers tightening around the strap, a physical manifestation of my determination. I slipped on my shoes, the click of the heels against the marble floor echoing the finality of my decision.With one last glance at the closed bathroom door, I turned and walked away, leaving behind the warmth of Liam's penthouse, the lingering scent of our unfinished dinner, and the shattered remnants of my hopeful heart.As I stepped out into the cool night air, a wave of sadness washed over me. I had thought we were building something special, a love that could withstand any challenge. But Liam's sudden retreat had cast a long shadow over our future, leaving me with a bitter taste of disappointment and a renewed sense of caution.