Chapter 35

• Edward's words lingered in the air, a mixture of his authority and Ava's suppressed longing for autonomy creating an unspoken tension that pulsed within the room.
• Edward, now seemingly satisfied with his pronouncement, directed his attention to Alexander, his tone shifting from firmness to a sense of anticipation. "Congratulations, son," he declared, his words hinting at a future that seemed to be swiftly taking shape. "We are hopefully looking at the wedding." Alexander's smile, though tinged with a touch of hesitation, conveyed his gratitude as he responded, "Thanks, Dad." Edward wiped his lips with a napkin and rose from the table, his exit punctuating the moment and leaving a lingering sense of expectation in his wake.
• As the table sat in silence, Ava found herself retreating to her room, a realm where her inner turmoil could be confronted without the scrutiny of others. The quiet seemed to amplify her thoughts, a whirlwind of conflicting desires and familial obligations that continued to wrestle within her.