After a steamy and passionate night, Ava was all sweaty.
Liam didn't head to the shower like he usually did. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her super tight, like he wanted to meld her into his body.
Ava felt like she was about to dissolve in his embrace. Inside, she was a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a twinge of sadness.
They'd been married for three years, and this was the first time he'd held her like this.
She finally felt truly loved.
Her heart was pounding like crazy. She slowly turned around and hugged him back with all her might, a big, sweet smile on her face, as if she'd just hugged the whole universe.
They stayed like that for ages.
Liam let go of her, got dressed, and sat up. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from the drawer, smoothly shook one out, lit it up, and took a long drag.
Smoke swirled around, blurring the sharp lines of his handsome face. You couldn't tell what he was thinking, and he didn't even notice the cigarette was almost burning his fingers.
Ava coughed softly. "I thought you quit smoking ages ago?"
Liam stubbed out the cigarette, looked deep into her eyes, and after a few seconds of silence, said, "Ava, we need to split."
It was like a bombshell!
Ava froze. Her warm heart turned ice - cold in an instant!
With a pale face, she stared at him in disbelief and asked in a shaky voice, "What did I do wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Then why?"
"Sophia's back. I'm sorry."
Sophia was his ex - girlfriend.
Ava's heart felt like it was being ripped apart. Five years, a full five years of being together day in and day out, and it all came crashing down because of that woman's return!
He didn't love her. That was her biggest mistake!
Ava was hit with a wave of disappointment, defeat, and sadness. She bit her lip hard, and her whole body went rigid.
Her hands shaking, she quickly put on her clothes and started to get out of bed.
Liam put his hand on her shoulder and asked gently, "Where are you going?"
Ava fought back the tears. "To make breakfast."
"You always make it. Let me do it today. You sleep in a bit more." His voice was deep and soft.
Ava mumbled an "okay", lay back down, and pulled the covers over her tear - filled eyes.
As soon as he left, she got up, rushed into the bathroom, and couldn't hold back any longer. She broke down in sobs.
Tears streamed down her face non - stop, like water from a broken faucet.
She never knew loving someone could hurt this bad, like he was a piece of her soul that had been torn away.
The pain was so intense she could barely stand. She leaned against the wall, crying so hard she was shaking.
Not sure how much time passed, but Liam called her downstairs for breakfast.
Ava answered, splashed cold water on her face over and over, trying to get rid of the redness.
But no matter how much she washed, her eyes were still bloodshot.
When she got downstairs, Liam was waiting for her in the dining room.
He was decked out in a sharp - looking designer suit. His long legs were straight as an arrow in his dark slacks, and he just oozed that confident, rich - guy charm. Just standing there, he was the center of attention.
Ava quietly walked over and sat at the table.
Liam leaned in a bit, looking at her red eyes. "Did you cry?"
Ava forced a smile. "Accidentally got some face wash in my eyes. It'll be fine soon."
"Be more careful next time. Let's eat." Liam sat down next to her, picked up the fork and knife, and handed them to her.
Ava took them, looking down at his well - manicured hands holding the utensils.
The delicious - smelling breakfast was laid out, but neither of them touched their food.
She'd never had a meal that felt so gloomy.
Half an hour later, the food was still untouched.
Ava put down her utensils, grabbed the edge of the table, and stood up. "I'm gonna pack my bags."
Liam's hand holding the fork tightened a little. "No hurry."
Ava gave a bitter laugh. With things like this, if she didn't leave now, was she waiting to be kicked out?
She turned and went upstairs, throwing her stuff into the suitcase one by one. After a while, she zipped it up with a loud "zip" and dragged it downstairs.
Liam came over to take the suitcase. "Let me carry it."
"I got it." Ava pulled the suitcase and walked out, her head held high.
Walking through the backyard, looking at the familiar plants and trees, she couldn't help but feel nostalgic. People aren't heartless like plants. How could she not have feelings?
Five years. All that time she thought they were growing closer, but it was all one - sided.
She loved him so much, with all her heart, with passion and a sense of family. But what good did it do?
Time to let go, just let it all go.
They walked one after the other to the front gate. A car was already waiting outside.
Liam handed her a check. "Thanks for the five years. You were great."
Ava stood there, not sure if she should take it.
Liam stuffed it into her suitcase. "Take it. You'll need money. Life's expensive."
"Okay."
Ava replied weakly. She looked up, taking in his strong jaw, straight nose, and those deep, soul - searching eyes.
Remembering how he'd looked at her last night, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. The pain was almost unbearable.
She thought to herself, one day she'd get over him.
Three years? Ten years?
Maybe it would take forever.
Falling in love was easy, but forgetting someone? That was a whole different ballgame.
Liam looked at her for a moment, then suddenly pulled her into a hug. His face was calm, but his eyes were full of emotion. "Life's gonna be tough on your own. If you need anything, call me, okay?"
Tears welled up, but Ava swallowed them back. "Okay."
"I was a mess those first couple of years. I'm sorry I was such a pain."
"It's okay."
"Take care of yourself."
"You too." Ava slowly put her arms around him, hugging him like it was the last time.
Suddenly, she let go.
She pushed him away, quickly wiped her face, grabbed the suitcase, and walked away.
She'd taken a few steps when she heard Liam call out, "Who is Ethan?"
Ava's heart skipped a beat, and the foot she'd just lifted slowly came back down.
Memories from the past came flooding back, hitting her like a tidal wave.
She was too choked up to say a word.
Then she heard Liam say, "He must mean a lot to you, huh? I'm sorry I took up five years of your life. I hope you find happiness."