Chapter 83

As Hunter nervously tapped the numbers on his phone, his heart raced. Memories flooded back—laughter echoing through the woods, whispered secrets shared under the stars as children, and the moment he betrayed it all.

The phone rang twice before Ava's hesitant voice answered, " Hello? "

" Ava, it's... it's Hunter " he stammered, his voice strained with guilt.

There was a moment of shocked silence before Ava replied, her tone guarded, " What do you want, Hunter? "

" I... I know I've hurt you " he began, the words tumbling out in a rush. " But please, I need you to hear me out. I never wanted to betray you. They forced me into it "

Ava scoffed bitterly, memories of their shattered friendship fresh in her mind. " Forced? That's the excuse you're going with? "

" No, no, it's not an excuse " Hunter pleaded, desperation evident in his voice. " I was cornered, threatened. They targeted my family. I didn't have a choice "

Ava's anger simmered, but a part of her softened at the sincerity in Hunter's voice. "Why should I believe you now, after all this time? "

" You literally tried to kidnap me! " Ava said angrily.

" I've been living with this guilt every single day " Hunter confessed, his voice breaking. " I've been trying to find a way to make it right, to make amends. Please, Ava, I need your forgiveness "

There was a long pause as Ava processed his words, conflicting emotions swirling within her. " I don't know if I can forgive you, Hunter. You hurt me deeply "

" I trusted you even after 7 years Hunter, and you betrayed that " She added bitterly

" I understand " Hunter said, his voice heavy with regret. " But I'll do anything to make things right. I'll prove to you that I'm on your side now. I'm so sorry "

Ava hesitated, torn between the pain of betrayal and the flicker of hope for reconciliation. " I need time to think about this "

" I'll respect that ” Hunter replied, relief evident in his voice. " Just know that I'm truly sorry, Ava. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust "

" Don't get your hopes up, i can't erase that day from my memory " Ava said, trying to discourage him

" I get it, thank you " He replied, the relief still evident in his voice.

The line went silent as both Hunter and Ava grappled with the weight of their past and the possibility of healing the wounds inflicted by betrayal. Hunter held onto a sliver of hope that one day, perhaps, he could regain Ava's trust and mend their broken friendship.

********************

Several days passed since Hunter's unexpected call, each moment weighed down by the echoes of their conversation. Ava found herself lost in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, grappling with the memories of their once unbreakable bond and the subsequent betrayal that fractured it.

One chilly evening, as dusk settled over the horizon, Ava sat in her favorite spot by the window, sipping a cup of tea. The ringing of her phone startled her, and upon seeing Hunter's name flashing on the screen, her heart skipped a beat.

" Hello? " she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

" Ava, it's me again " Hunter's voice trembled with apprehension. " I don't want to pressure you, but I was wondering if we could meet and talk face-to-face. Please, just give me a chance to explain everything "

Ava hesitated, torn between her desire for closure and the fear of reopening old wounds. After a moment of silence, she replied, " Okay, Hunter. Let's meet "

They agreed upon a neutral location, a quiet café tucked away in the heart of the city. They said their byes and Ava cut the call. Right that moment, Maggie entered, and with her were some fruits in a tray.

" Are you going out? " She asked, taking a seat across from her.

" Now? No " Ava replied, taking an apple from the tray she brought. " Why did you ask? " She asked, staring at Maggie intently.

" I thought I heard you arrange a meeting with someone " Maggie said casually.

" Yeah, that's true " Ava confirmed and flashed her a small, quick smile.

" That's cool. An old friend? " Maggie asked, becoming curious now.

" Nah " Ava answered with her mouth full.

" Don't tell me it's Alex! " Maggie exclaimed and feigned a surprised look.

Ava chuckled " I wouldn't talk to Ava that way "

" So, who was it? " Maggie, probing her for answers.

Ava hesitated for some minutes and stuffed her mouth with fruit to prevent her from talking immediately.

Maggie knew her trick and waited patiently for her to be done chewing the content in her mouth.

" Done? " She asked for the upteemth time, it seemed.