Ava Moore rarely rested on Sundays. But early that morning, Nana called her, and Ava dragged herself to the airport, exhausted.
Ava yawned as she stood near the arrival exit. Then she saw someone familiar.
Wasn't that the girl she had seen at Mason Fang's banquet?
But Mason wasn't with her.
The girl looked like she might collapse in the cold wind. Ava felt worried and was about to walk over—but Nana suddenly shouted.
"Ava! Ava!"
Nana waved from not far away and rushed over, pulling her suitcase behind her.
"Did you miss me? Hey—why do you look so distracted? You finally come to pick me up, but you're not even paying attention! Do you have someone else behind my back?"
Nana's voice was so loud that people nearby started looking at them. Ava immediately felt embarrassed.
"Stop talking nonsense," Ava said, covering Nana's mouth. "Why are you still so loud and shameless?"
Nana stuck out her tongue and laughed. "Okay, okay. Let's go!"
Ava led Nana out of the airport. But as they walked, Ava glanced back at the spot where she had seen the girl earlier.
She was gone.
Did I imagine it? Ava wondered.
But the moment they stepped outside, Ava spotted her again—this time arguing with a man near a car.
"Emily, come back with me!" the man said.
"I don't want to!" Emily Zhang shouted. "I'm going to find Mason! Let go of me!"
"Be good. Why can't you understand? Mason doesn't care about you. He'll never be with you!"
"That's not true!" Emily grabbed the front of his shirt, shaking with anger. But then her breathing suddenly became uneven. "You're… lying…"
Ava froze.
Something was wrong.
Ava turned to Nana and said quickly, "Wait here."
Then she ran toward them.
"Ava! Hey—where are you going?!" Nana yelled, but she had no choice except to follow.
Ava reached Emily just in time. She supported Emily's body and pushed the man away.
"What are you doing?" Ava snapped.
She pulled Emily a few steps back and stared at the man, staying alert. When she was sure he wasn't rushing forward again, she looked at Emily.
"Are you okay? Can you breathe?"
Emily glanced at Ava. She recognized her—she had seen her before. Emily shook her head lightly and tried to steady herself.
"I'm fine," she said quietly.
But Ava didn't believe her. Emily's face was pale, and her hands were trembling.
Ava asked softly, "Where is Mason?"
The moment she mentioned Mason, Emily completely broke down.
Tears fell fast. She didn't answer—she just cried silently, like she had been holding it in for too long.
The man leaned against the car door with cold eyes.
"She asked you a question," he said sharply, staring at Emily. Then he looked at Ava.
"Tell her. Tell her how Mason left you and ran off to another woman!"
Emily cried even harder.
And deep down, she knew it was true.
Mason had gone abroad.
And Lana West was there.
Nana couldn't stand it anymore.
"Hey! What is wrong with you?" Nana snapped. "Why are you talking to her like that—"
But before Nana could finish, Emily's eyes rolled back.
She collapsed.
"Emily!" Ava cried.
"N-no way…" Nana gasped.
Ava caught Emily as she fell and slid down to the ground with her. At that moment, the man suddenly lifted Emily up.
He carried her toward the car.
"Where are you taking her?" Ava rushed forward and stopped him.
"The hospital!" he said.
"I'm coming with you," Ava replied immediately.
She didn't wait for permission. She climbed into the car.
Then she turned and called out, "Nana, get in—now!"