My Guardian's Fall, My Empire Rises

Chloe stayed the night.

Ava lay in her bed, the thin walls unable to block out the ambiguous sounds coming from the next room.

Sleep was impossible.

She got up and went to the balcony, lighting a cigarette. She had secretly learned to smoke a long time ago.

The bitter taste filled her mouth, just like the bitterness in her heart.

The next morning, she went downstairs with dark circles under her eyes.

Chloe, looking refreshed and glowing, pulled her over to the sofa.

Ava, Ethan's birthday is coming up. What kind of party do you think he'd like? A seaside theme?

The faint red marks on Chloe's neck were just visible above her collar. They were like needles, pricking Ava's eyes.

She remembered walking with Ethan on a beach one evening. She had told him she loved the sea.

He had promised her that from then on, every one of his birthdays would be celebrated by the sea.

Back then, his eyes were full of her.

Now, he avoided her like the plague. He had forgotten everything she liked and disliked.

Just as Ava was about to speak, Ethan interrupted from the kitchen. "If you want to know about my affairs, you should ask me directly."

Chloe pouted playfully. "I just thought Ava would know you better."

Ava forced a smile, her heart aching. "I don't know him that well."

She stood up to leave, the bitterness in her heart threatening to overwhelm her.

Where are you going so early? Ethan's voice, suddenly cold, stopped her.

Ava's heart trembled. "I have an appointment to get my visa."

Chloe looked surprised. "A visa? Are you going on a trip? With your boyfriend?"

Ethan's brow furrowed, his tone sharp with disapproval. "Ava, I don't want you getting involved with anyone until you're settled in college."

His cold condemnation hit her heart. She didn't even have the strength to explain.

Chloe smoothed things over with a smile. "Oh, Ethan, don't be so strict. Ava is a big girl. It's normal to fall in love."

Ethan and Chloe left together, hand in hand.

Ava stood in the living room, her hands slowly clenching into fists.

She had only one eighteenth year, and she had given it all to him.

She would not let her youth be buried in a swamp of unrequited love.

She walked out of the house. A light drizzle was falling, and the air was cold.

She remembered how Ethan used to personally pick her up and drop her off on rainy days, holding an umbrella over her. He used to say she was his sheltered port in a storm.

She told herself to get used to walking alone.

She opened her umbrella and walked into the rain.

After getting her visa, she was about to call a cab when she instinctively clicked on Ethan's profile, which she had set as a special notification.

He had just posted a new update.

A rainy day is perfect for an official announcement.

The accompanying photo was a wedding picture of him and Chloe. He was smiling, his eyes full of tenderness.

The comment section was flooded with congratulations.

The left side of her chest didn't ache with that familiar pang anymore. It was numb.

She calmly typed a comment.

A match made in heaven.