Ava's POV
It was Luna Clara, her grip was surprisingly strong. “Ava, no. You stay,” she said firmly. “I wasn’t telling you to leave.”
I shook my head, forcing a small smile that hurt to hold. “Grandma, my being here only makes things awkward. I’ll come another day.”
“Ava—”
She rose to stop me.
But Jasper darted in front of her, planting himself in my path.
“Great-Grandma, leave her, let her go!” he insisted. “She’s not welcome here anyway.”
The words were knives, but the next ones were worse.
He turned to Victor, eyes bright with conviction. “Daddy, you should end things with her and marry Mommy for real. I don’t want to see her again.”
The room snapped tight.
“Jasper!” Victor’s voice sharpened. “You can’t say things like that—”
Laura rushed towards Jasper and immediately droppe
