Chloe’s POV
Orion left without so much as a backward glance, ignoring my desperate plea. My heart clenched, and a deep, hot jealousy burned through me. I had begged him not to go. I had told him I was scared, but he hadn’t cared.
And for what?
To chase after Ava.
The realization was humiliating, but humiliation wasn’t something I wore well. Fury suited me better.
Mrs Miller’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Chloe, dear, are you all right?”
I let out a shaky breath, blinking back tears that weren’t entirely fake. “I—I’m sorry. It’s just… everything’s becoming too much.” My voice cracked, and I made sure to sound as pitiful as possible.
She immediately leaned forward, her face etched with concern. “What do you mean, my dear?”
I hesitated, carefully crafting my response. “It’s Ava.” I lowered my head, letting my voice tremble. “She’s ruining everything, Mrs Miller. I don’t know how much more I can take.”