Aww Seven Exes Begged Cute Blocked novel Chapter 87

**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time by Dael Rowan Sire**

Back at the hotel, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and lingering tension as the Collins family settled into their room. The silence stretched on, heavy and palpable, wrapping around them like a thick fog. Avery found solace in her mother’s warm embrace, the familiar scent of her perfume offering a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of her emotions. Gradually, the storm within her began to quiet, like the calm after a tempest.

She could feel the weight of her parents’ anxiety pressing down on her, their worry evident in the lines etched on their faces. It was a stark reminder of how much they cared, and it tugged at her heartstrings. In an effort to alleviate their concerns, she mustered a smile and decided to take charge of the evening. “Let’s order dinner, okay? I think we could all use a little something to lift our spirits,” she suggested, her voice light, though she could sense the heaviness still lingering in the air.

“Mom, Dad,” she continued, her tone shifting to one of reassurance. “It’s all over now. I’ve moved on already. Can we please stop with the sad faces?”

Her parents exchanged glances, their hands instinctively squeezing hers, their eyes brimming with a mixture of love and concern. It was a silent conversation, one that spoke volumes about their shared worries.

“Honey,” her mother began, her voice soft yet firm, “since you’ve moved on, I won’t pry too much. I don’t want to dredge up painful memories. But there’s one thing I need to know, and I need you to be honest with me. Did Ethan hurt you in any other way?”

Avery’s heart sank at the question. She paused, her mind racing back through the years, retracing the moments that had led her to this point. The memories flooded her, especially the events that transpired just before she left New York. Where was she supposed to start?

The most profound pain she felt had stemmed from the realization that Ethan had been toying with her emotions, manipulating her affections like a puppet master pulling strings. Yet, emotions were intricate, often defying the simplistic labels of right and wrong.

After a moment of contemplation, Avery recognized that there was one incident that needed to be addressed, one that had been gnawing at her since that night. With a deep breath, she recounted the harrowing experience at the bar, the night before her departure.

As she spoke, her father’s face contorted with rage, his fist slamming down onto the table with a force that echoed through the room. Her mother gasped, horror washing over her features. They couldn’t let this go unpunished. Without hesitation, they booked flights back to New York, determination etched into their expressions.

“I wasn’t thinking straight that night!” she protested, her voice rising in pitch. “Look, nothing bad actually happened to you. Can’t we just forget about this?”

Avery felt a surge of anger at Sophia’s dismissive attitude. “Nothing bad happened? Are you kidding me?” she shot back, her voice steady but filled with disbelief. “You nearly destroyed my life!”

Sophia’s facade cracked further as she realized the gravity of her actions. The thought of being imprisoned, of having her bright future snuffed out, sent her spiraling into a panic. She turned to plead with Avery’s father, her voice dripping with desperation. “Mr. Collins, please! For old times’ sake, just let me off this once! You know how hard I worked to get where I am! Please, have mercy! Give me another chance!”

But Mr. Collins, his heart heavy with disappointment, remained unmoved by her pleas. He looked at her, his expression stern yet saddened. “You’ve completely let me down,” he said, each word resonating with the weight of betrayal.

The tension in the air was thick, the consequences of actions taken and lives altered hanging heavily over them all.