Ava’s POV
Aria's words hung in the air, and I could feel their weight settling into my chest. I laughed again, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that was creeping over me.
"Disappointed in me?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disdain. "You think my mother cared about me? Ha! She used me and threw me away like trash. And now you're telling me that she would be disappointed in me? Please. I don't care what she thinks."
Aria took another step closer to me, her eyes never leaving mine. "Ava, please listen to me. You're not alone. We can work through this together."
I felt a surge of anger at her words. How dare she try to reach out to me? Did she think I was some fragile little bird that needed rescue?
"I don't need anyone's help," I snarled, my voice growing louder. "I'm fine
