Chapter 21

• Meanwhile, amidst the revelry, a distinct knock echoed through the bustling house. Ethan, intrigued and somewhat taken aback, swung open the door, only to find himself face to face with none other than his former flame. Surprise flickered across his features, a blend of curiosity and a hint of exasperation coloring his reaction. Despite his initial bewilderment, he motioned for her to enter, unable to completely deny her presence.
• Once inside, Ava's eyes met Ethan's, the gaze they shared brimming with unspoken history and emotions. The room seemed to hang in suspended silence for a moment, as if time itself had paused to acknowledge their reunion. Ethan's voice broke the stillness, his words carrying a blend of frustration and intrigue. "Why do you finally have to come back?" he inquired, a touch of exasperation laced with an undercurrent of unresolved feelings.
• Caught in his gaze, Ava felt a weight settle within her, a mingling of vulnerability and determination. She hesitated, her response measured and steady as she met his searching eyes. "I needed help," she admitted, her voice soft but resolute. The vulnerability she held in her eyes mirrored the honesty in her words. The gravity of her request hung in the air, as if the past and present converged in that single moment, offering a chance at closure, redemption, or perhaps something entirely unexpected.