When she stepped outside, she saw Ethan waiting.
He stood a few feet away, hands tucked into his pockets. His crisp white shirt was perfectly fitted, sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms, and his ripped blue jeans looked worn in all the right places.
He looked the same. His eyes lifted the moment he saw her.
“Hey, babe.”
Her chest tightened. Of course, he would say that.
“Don’t call me that.” Her voice was calm but firm. “I have a name.”
He gritted his teeth, but he stepped closer anyway. “Avery… I know I messed up. I know. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t fix years of lies.” Avery took a step back, putting space between them.
“I missed you,” he said quickly. “Every day. It’s been hell without you.”
Avery felt her chest ache, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing it
