**Natalie’s POV**
"Why did you really leave me?"
Gavin’s whispered question hung in the air between us, heavy with raw pain and a lingering suspicion that cut straight through my heart. The warm breath fanning against my lips sent a violent shiver down my spine. His eyes—deep, dark, and searching—demanded a truth I couldn't afford to give him.
My throat tightened, a sudden lump of fear catching in my breath.
"I didn't leave you, Gavin..." I whimpered, my voice breaking as I raised a trembling hand to touch his cheek. "Look at me. I'm right here. I came back to you."
His jaw flexed, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "Then why did you vanish that day? The exact day Ava showed up at the house... you disappeared."
A cold wave of panic crashed over me, turning my blood to ice.
