“She died because of depression. She was taking depressant pills, then switched to hard drugs and ended up killing herself.”
Nancy’s voice trembled. “Our friend died right under our noses, Ava. She… she was suffering. And we didn’t see it.”
Ava sat in stunned silence, her heart thudding like it was trying to escape her chest.
“Mia was that one friend who always stood by you, no matter what,” Nancy continued. “She stood by all of us in times of need. But she was always closest to you.”
Nancy broke into tears.
Ava began sobbing too — raw, uncontrollable, like a child. She remembered the last time she spoke to Mia. There had been something off in her voice that day. Something distant. Maybe, just maybe, she could’ve saved her.
There was a long silence.
Nancy stared out the window, then finally spoke.
“I heard you divorced Rowland.” She turned to face Ava. “I saw it coming. You’re the kind of person who never healed from her childhood pain — you carried it into adulthood and became obsessed. Obsessed with being the best.”
Ava opened her mouth to speak, but Nancy kept going, her tone calm but cutting.
“Why marry a man if you’re not going to be there for him? Why build a family if you’re not going to be part of it? I know a lot of what you did came from watching your mom suffer. You didn’t want to end up like her — begging, apologizing to a man all her life. But you know what?” Nancy paused. “I think, in the end, your mom lived a happier life.”
Nancy exhaled sharply. “You, Ava Johnson, were the sweet, brilliant girl everyone admired back in high school — even the teachers, especially Mr. Collins, the math teacher. You always got the equations right.”
She looked her straight in the eye. “But you failed the equation of your own life. And for a first-class Harvard graduate… that’s just sad.”
She checked her wristwatch.
“I’ve got to go,” she said. “I came here to visit my daughter’s grave… She would’ve been twenty-one today.
---
Ava froze. The weight of it all — Mia’s death, Nancy’s daughter, her own regrets — pressed down on her like a boulder.
Nancy gave a faint smile and stepped back. “Since this might be the last time we ever see each other before we leave this world, I just wanted to say this: stay safe, Avi.”
Then she turned and walked away.
Ava sat still — broken, shattered, and full of regret.
Is this really how it ends?
---
Three hours later, after being dropped off by the woman Ava believed was her personal assistant, she lay on her bed, unmoving. Her eyes were wide open, staring at nothing.
A knock came at the door.
“Miss Ava, there’s a package for you,” the woman said softly, placing it on the side table before quietly exiting.
Ava sat up slowly. Her body felt foreign — heavy, distant. She reached for the package, brought it to her lap, and opened it. Inside were two envelopes and a small note:
“Found this in Mom’s room. Said it was for you. —Rowland.”
Ava opened the first envelope.
It was her mother’s handwriting.
> Dear Ava,
By the time you read this, I may no longer be in this world. I know you're probably crying, wondering if you were a good daughter, asking yourself if you disappointed me.
But I want you to know, child — you didn’t. You were the greatest gift I ever received in this miserable life. My knight in shining armor. You gave me hope when I had none.
I watched you grow into a remarkable woman. You never disappointed me — maybe just a little when you divorced Rowlie, but I trust you had your reasons.
I have only one wish for you: always stay happy. After reading this, burn it to ashes and smile, ready for a new day.
Mama loves you.
Ava folded the letter, tears streaming down her face. So many things she wished she could take back. Why did life keep punishing her when all she wanted was to be happy?
She opened the second envelope. This one was from Mrs. Kate.
> Dear Ava,
It took me a long time to gather the courage to write this. I know our relationship has been strained since you and Rowland divorced. But I want to let go of all the grudges.
You had your reasons. And truthfully… I don’t have much time left. I’ve always wanted a daughter. But due to complications, I never could.
When you got engaged to Rowland, I was overjoyed. I thought, finally, I’d have the daughter I dreamed of.
But let’s leave the past behind. I’ve let it all go. I just hope… it would be nice to see you before I go.
Ava pressed the letter to her chest. Her heart felt like it was caving in. She didn’t understand. Why did it feel like the universe was punishing her for choosing her career, for wanting more?
She lay back down and cried, this time louder, deeper. The pain was primal.
“I want my mommy,” she whispered, her voice shaking.
“I want you, Mommy… I’m scared. I want to go home… Mia… Nancy… I… I just want to go home.”
And she cried until she couldn’t
Hi, lovely readers 💙
If you’ve made it this far… thank you. This chapter was a really emotional one for me to write, and maybe a heavy one to read. Ava is hurting, unraveling, and clinging to the pieces of her past while trying to understand her future. If you felt even a little of her pain, then this chapter did its job.
If you connected with Ava, or cried with her, or just want to scream “someone give this girl a break!” — leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts, theories, or even which letter broke you more 😭
Your votes and shares help this story reach more hearts, and every single read means the world to me. Seriously. If you enjoyed this, consider dropping a ⭐ or sharing with a friend who loves emotional, slow-burn stories.
Until the next chapter,.
YOU ARE READING
between dreams and vows
RomancePrologue If someone had asked Ava to describe her life plan, she would've said something articulate-like balance, or fulfillment, or not losing her mind before thirty. Instead, she got a wedding she wasn't ready for, a husband who rushed everything...
