Chapter 40. Saying Goodbye

Ava

The next morning, I woke to the smell of coffee and the faint clatter of dishes downstairs. My room was a mess, clothes on the floor, sheets twisted, phone dead on the nightstand.

I hadn’t slept much, just tossed and turned, Adrian’s words looping in my head, Which stepdaughter seduces and fucks her stepdad?

My stomach churned, a mix of shame and anger, but I shoved it down, dragged myself out of bed, and pulled on a hoodie and leggings.

I was brushing my teeth when Mom knocked, soft but firm, and pushed the door open.

She stood there in a loose sweater, hair up, looking tired but calm, her hand resting on her stomach like it was already a habit.

“Hey,” she said, voice gentle, stepping inside. “Can we talk?”

I spit into the sink, rinsed, and leaned against the dresser, arms crossed. “Sure.”

She sat on the edge of my bed, smoothing the blanket like she needed something to do with her hands. “Adrian and I… we’re taking some ti