If You Can't Love Me, Then Let Me Go

"Congratulations, Avaline Rossell! You've made it as our top graduate and earned the Reach Oxford scholarship to London."

It was my graduation day, but my boyfriend—Jason Brisbane—didn’t show up. Just a week ago, he promised, "Ava, this job is important, but I swear I’ll be there on time for your graduation.”

I still remembered his words clearly. This should’ve been a happy day, but instead, his message broke my heart.

“Sorry babe, I can’t leave work. Congrats on your graduation, Ava Mae. Don’t be mad, I got you a gift. You’ll love it.”

Work? That was a lie. He went to Melbourne for his ex’s graduation—Maddie Joy. I saw it on social media.

In the photo, Jason smiled, his arm wrapped tightly around Maddie’s waist. Another showed them kissing like they were still together.

Then I saw his comment under Maddie’s post thanking him for the expensive bag he gave her.

“No need to thank me, I’d give you everything.”

The exact same words he said to me four years ago, when he first asked me out and gave me a ring. I used to be grateful for that.

But deep down, I always knew he still loved Maddie. Whenever she called, he ran to her without looking back.

He fooled me with promises. Said he’d marry me after I graduated. But he never introduced me to his family. He didn’t even want to meet my aunt.

I had no parents. Just Aunt Mae and Jason. But only Aunt Mae showed up at my big moments.

“Thank you for coming, Auntie,” I said, hugging her tight.

“Ava, I promised your parents. Of course I’d be here. Happy graduation, darling.” She gently wiped my face and kissed my cheek.

“Come home with me tonight. You’ll leave for London soon. Let me spend some time with you.”

In three months, I left for London to focus on my studies—and to walk away from all of Jason’s toxicity. He didn’t know, and he never will. Let him feel the loss of something he once had but never valued.

That night at Aunt Mae’s, she gave me a surprise. A savings book filled with money my parents left behind.

“Ava, your parents saved this for your college. They always believed you'd grow up smart and make it.”

Tears filled my eyes. Even after death, they still took care of me.

“Thank you so much. You’ve been like a real mother to me.”

I hugged her tight. Her love had always been real, even if she was just my mom’s old friend.

“Ava, I know someone in London. I’ll ask him to look after you.”

“You’ve done enough, Auntie. I can take care of myself,” I replied.

She smiled, holding my hand. “He’s a good man. You’ve met him before.”

I didn’t understand until she pulled out an old photo—me as a child, standing beside an older boy.

“That’s Julian. You may not remember. He’s grown up now, a college lecturer. Here’s his photo and number.”

She showed me a picture of a tall, stylish man with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes.

Back then, after the accident that took my parents, Aunt Mae—once a nanny for a rich family—took me in.

“Julian Ryder,” I whispered. He was the boy she used to care for.

I stayed at her house that night and went home the next day. I thought Jason wasn’t home. But he was—and he wasn’t alone.

Another promise broken. He once said no one else would ever enter our home. That was why I agreed to live with him. But now he brought her.

I walked in and saw Jason and Maddie coming out of our bedroom. My chest burned with anger.

Their messy clothes told me everything.

“Oh, Ava. You’re home,” Jason said, smiling like nothing happened, pulling me in for a hug.

Maddie shot me a cold look. She didn’t bother to hide her dislike.

“Sorry I missed your graduation. Don’t be mad. I got this for you.” Jason handed me an old handbag that looked like it came from a thrift store.

Maddie laughed. “That bag’s perfect for you.”

I gave a stiff smile and took the bag, holding back my anger. “Thanks, Jason.”

“Let’s celebrate together. I graduated too. I asked Jason to get me a bag, and he did. A bit different than yours,” Maddie said proudly.

Her fancy designer bag said it all. I held my old bag tightly and smiled.

“No thanks. You two can celebrate without me,” I said, walking to the bedroom.

The room was a mess. My heart sank when I saw a used condom in the trash. Then Jason walked in.

“Ava, why’d you reject Maddie’s invite? That was rude,” he said.

I turned to him, voice shaking. “Jason, do you really love me?”

“Of course. You’re the only one.”

“Then why did you miss my graduation and go to hers?” I showed him Maddie’s post.

He sighed. “I was already in Melbourne. We’re just friends, Ava. Don’t overthink.”

He didn’t even feel guilty. “Do friends kiss like that?”

“It was just a joke, Ava. Don’t be childish,” he said, voice cold as ice.

Maybe I was the joke. He didn’t care what he did behind my back.

“Jason, you—”

Maddie walked in without knocking. “Jason, take me home,” she said, holding onto his arm.

“Sure. Ava, we’ll talk later, okay?”

“We’re not done, Jason!” I grabbed his hand.

“Come on, Ava. This isn’t important. We’ll talk later.”

He pulled away and left with Maddie. As they walked out, she turned back and smirked—like she’d won.

I didn’t want this toxic relationship anymore. In three months, I’d be gone.

And Jason? He’d realize what he lost—when it was far too late.

The next day, Jason didn’t come home. He didn’t even bother to message me. I was certain he was with Maddie.

And I was right. A few minutes later, Maddie uploaded a video of herself having breakfast with Jason. In the video, Jason was laughing, trying to hide his face.

“Ah, come on. I haven’t showered yet, don’t embarrass me, Maddie,” he said as he tried to catch Maddie’s hand that was holding the phone.

“You still look hot, Jason,” Maddie said playfully, sitting on his lap and cupping his face.

As if that wasn’t already enough to make my blood boil, she kissed him on the lips—clearly on purpose.

“Maddie, come on…”

“Don’t you like it?”

Jason gently stroked her head. “It’s not that. Just don’t record it,” he whispered with a soft laugh.

They looked happy. Too happy.

And I knew exactly where they were—Jason’s family hotel. He had taken me there once. Back then, he treated me with care, his gaze locked on me like I was the centre of his world.

“Ava, when we get married one day, let’s have a big party here,” Jason said, kissing my hand.

Just one call from Maddie had changed everything.

The guy who once made me feel special had dropped everything to see her when she returned to Sydney.

“Ava, I’m sorry. Maddie needs a ride from the airport. Don’t be upset. We’ll hang out again when I’m back, yeah?”

It wasn’t the first time. Two years ago, on my birthday, Jason took me out for a romantic dinner.

But when Maddie called crying, he left me at the restaurant and flew to Melbourne.

“I know it’s your first fancy dinner. But please understand—she’s alone and I need to be there. You can eat on your own this time.”

He handed me some money—actually threw it—and rushed off. That night, I realised I had always been second.

Whenever I brought it up, Jason would say, “She’s my ex, yeah. But we’ve been mates since we were kids. We’re just friends now. Don’t be childish, Ava. You’re the one I love.”

But his words were empty. If he really loved me, he wouldn’t always put Maddie first.

“Why don’t you just let me go now that Maddie’s back in your life, Jason!?”

Tears streamed down my cheeks before I even noticed. I quickly wiped them and took a deep breath.

“Wake up Ava! Come on, better focus on your studies!” I slapped my face to sober up.

From the start, I knew this relationship wouldn’t last. A rich guy like Jason would never end up with someone poor like me.

Fairy tales like Cinderella don’t happen in real life.

I threw myself into preparing for London. With help from my lecturer, all I needed to do was apply for a student visa.

I went to the agency with all the required documents. They said the visa would be ready in three to five days.

Seeing my full name on the papers made me smile.

“You don’t even know my real name. Maybe you never really cared,” I muttered.

Jason only knew me as Ava Mae, not Avaline Rossell.

The sadness tried to creep back in, but I pushed it away.

Thankfully, my parents had saved enough for me to live in London.

My aunt even gave me extra money. I refused, but she insisted.

“Autumn will be starting when you arrive in London. Get yourself a warm coat, Ava.”

Her kindness touched me deeply. She was all I had now.

I went to the mall to buy a coat and a few other things. I passed a jewellery shop and paused, staring at a beautiful diamond ring displayed in the window.

“It’s gorgeous,” I murmured.

Then, through the glass, I saw two familiar figures. My eyes narrowed.

Jason and Maddie walked out of the store. Maddie smiled brightly, clinging to his arm with shopping bags in hand.

“Thanks, Jason. I love this ring,” she said, raising her hand to show it off.

She was wearing the exact ring I had just admired.

“That ring suits a beautiful woman like you, Maddie,” Jason said, gently patting her head.

Jason’s smile disappeared when he spotted me. His face froze.

“Ava? What are you doing here?” he asked.

Maddie shot me a sharp look. No surprise.

I gave them a cold smile. What a pair.

“Jason, you should’ve broken up with me first if you were going to start dating Maddie,” I said.

“Ava, what? It’s not what it looks like. I told you—we’re just mates now,” he said, smiling without an ounce of guilt.

“Yeah, Ava. We’ve known each other since forever. It’s normal for besties to hang out, right?” Maddie added with a smug grin, still clinging to him.

“Wow. So you’d rather go out with your ‘bestie’ than your girlfriend, huh Jason?” I shot back.

“Don’t start again, Ava.” Jason rolled his eyes.

“But, why are you buying a coat in the middle of summer?” he asked, confused

I froze. He couldn’t find out I was leaving.

“It was on sale,” I said quickly.

“Right. Let’s go shopping, then. Won’t cost much—you like cheap stuff,” he said as he walked toward me.

His words cut deep, but Maddie’s irritated face gave me petty satisfaction.

I slipped my arm through his and smiled.

“Let’s go. Just you and me. Maddie, looks like you’ll have to head home on your own.”

For a moment, I thought maybe, just maybe, he would choose me.

Then Maddie suddenly clutched her stomach and groaned.

“Ah, Jason... my tummy hurts…”

“Maddie! Is it cramping again?” Jason asked, panicking.

“Take me to the hospital, please,” she whimpered.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Jason turned to me and pulled out some money.

“Ava, we’ll go shopping later. Just go on your own for now,” he said.

He lifted Maddie bridalstyle and hurried off.

Maddie looked over his shoulder and gave me a smug smile.

I clenched the money in my fist.

“Damn it. You two are unbelievable.”

My heart ached, but then a message from Mr Liam, my lecturer, appeared on my phone.

“Ava, looks like you’ll need to leave earlier. I’ve recommended you to a friend in London who’s willing to help you prepare for uni.”

I smiled.

“This is my chance to leave you behind for good, Jason.”

When I got back to Jason’s place, it was dead quiet, and he still hadn’t come home by the time night rolled around.

“Typical. He never valued me as a partner,” I sighed.

I decided not to bother worrying about where Jason was. I could guess he was probably with Maddie again. And of course, there was always proof to back that up.

A mate of Jason’s just uploaded a photo and tagged both him and Maddie. They were at the bar, and I could see Jason hugging Maddie from behind, grinning at the camera.

I didn’t flinch, but the caption his mate wrote made my stomach churn.

“Real love is first love. Cheers to you, bro.”

I gave a bitter smile. I knew Maddie was Jason’s first love, and now they were flaunting it so openly, it pissed me off. Some of Jason’s mates commented on the post.

[For real, Jason’s hooking up with Maddie again?]

[Leveling up, bro! She’s way better than your girlfriend.]

[Girlfriend? LMAO, she’s just Jason’s fling!]

[Not just a fling, she’s a total gold digger, LOL!]

[But funny how a gold digger’s into cheap shit!]

I couldn’t believe Jason’s mates thought of me like that. They’d been so nice when Jason introduced me to them.

I let out a long, frustrated sigh, logged out of my account, but then Maddie dropped a comment too.

[You mean Ava? Yeah, she looked like a parasite!]

My blood boiled at the sight. She was the one acting like a parasite in our relationship, always calling Jason whenever we were together.

“They’re such a pain!”

Then a new comment popped up, making my head spin. Jason replied to Maddie’s comment with a laughing emoji. I couldn’t help but feel hurt by it.

“Does Jason also think I’m a parasite or a gold digger like they say?” I muttered.

Sadness gnawed at my heart. I’d told myself not to care, but it still hurt. Jason’s attitude cut deep.

A message notification popped up on the screen.

[Ava, can you help me out with decorating the ballroom?]

It was from my college mate. Decorating had always been my thing. I’d even done parttime event work during uni.

It wasn’t exactly interior design, but it was close, and making things look beautiful always made me happy.

I replied quickly and agreed to help. Keeping busy was my way of dealing with the heartache Jason was causing. If he was off with Maddie, I might as well focus on my own stuff.

The next day, I went to the hotel ballroom my friend mentioned. It was for a birthday event, and I thought it would take a day or two. But my friend ended up asking me to help for a whole week.

During that time, I barely heard from Jason and chose to ignore his messages. Some nights, I stayed at my friend’s house because I was too tired after working.

When I got home that night, I thought Jason wasn’t there. But he was, sitting on the couch with his arms crossed. When I walked in, he gave me a cold stare.

“You ignoring me?” he asked.

“I’m tired, Jason!” I snapped, glancing at him before walking past.

Jason stood up and grabbed my hand. “You said we should talk if something’s up. What’s this? You’ve been avoiding me for days just because I spent time with Maddie,” he said.

“Is a week not enough for you to get that I’m pissed?” Jason asked, his tone sharp. “Come on, Ava, stop acting like a child.”

I sighed heavily and pulled my hand away. “Aren’t you sick of pretending like this?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve already made it clear you’re back with Maddie. So why even bother with me?” I said, fuming. “Look at your mate’s post! Just look at that!” I yelled.

“Oh, come on. It was just a joke between mates,” Jason said, hands on my shoulders. “Ava, listen to me. You’re the only one I love right now,” he added.

I gave him a sarcastic smile. “Then why did you stay quiet when your mates called me a parasite and a gold digger?”

“What’s the issue?” Jason said, shrugging it off.

“What? Jason, do you think of me like that too?” I asked, my voice shaking.

Seeing my watery eyes, Jason sighed and looked at me with annoyance. “Oh, God! Isn’t that why you went out with me in the first place? You’ve enjoyed everything I’ve given you, right?”

My eyes burned, and my heart felt stabbed. His words hurt so much, especially since all he ever gave me were cheap things I never even asked for.

I looked away, fighting tears, and sighed deeply to calm myself down.

“Whatever. I need a break!” I pulled away, but Jason grabbed my hand.

“Ava, stop being a pain! We need to talk and clear this up!” he snapped, his face flushed with anger. Even his neck veins were sticking out.

“You mean the Maddie drama?” I asked, smirking sarcastically.

He closed his eyes again and sighed. “Alright, forget about it. Tomorrow, I want you to stay home. Don’t go anywhere,” he ordered.

“Why should I stay home? I’ve got work, don’t bother me!” I snapped, bouncing off to my room and slamming the door shut.

“Shit! Ava, you’ll regret it if you don’t listen to me!” Jason yelled.

I ignored him and decided to sleep. Another job awaited me tomorrow.

The next morning, Jason wasn’t home. I didn’t care and headed to work to decorate for an engagement ceremony.

It turned out the ceremony was for Jason and Maddie. That’s why he told me not to go out.

I watched them walk in, hand in hand. Jason’s mates were there too, smirking at me.

“Isn’t that Jason’s girlfriend?”

“You mean the gold digger? Haha!”

“Yeah, she should know her place!”

“What a pity, having to watch your boyfriend get engaged to someone else!”

My ears rang from their mocking. Especially when the MC announced that the Brisbane family would soon have a daughterinlaw. And it was Maddie—not me.

The whole event felt torturous, especially when Maddie came up to me, making my blood boil even more.

"Hey, Ava. Your work's good. My engagement to Jason feels even more special because of the decor," Maddie said with a sly smile. "It wasn’t a waste to hire you."

I frowned. "Oh, so you hired me on purpose?"

"Of course. Watching your almosttears makes me so satisfied! Jason’s mine, Ava. You don’t deserve him!"

Her eyes were cold, her grin made me want to rip her apart. I walked away, but she grabbed my arm with a fake smile.

"Could you grab my violin over there? I’m going to perform with it for my special event," she said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

I wanted to say no, but I couldn’t—because of the staff uniform I was wearing. I didn’t want people thinking I was unprofessional.

"Fine," I said, forcing a smile.

I grabbed the violin. My throat tightened as I locked eyes with Jason. His face was blank, while I almost cried.

"Four years together really meant nothing, huh, Jason?" I muttered.

Once I had the violin, I brought it to Maddie. She was standing with Jason and his dad. She spoke loudly so I could hear.

"Dad, if Jason doesn’t marry me, would you want an orphan for a daughterinlaw?"

Mr. Brisbane’s answer hit me like a hammer. "I’ll kick Jason out if he dates a poor girl, let alone an orphan. He’ll marry you."

My heart sank. Jason’s gaze was cold, making it worse.

I forced a smile and handed the violin to Maddie. "Here’s your violin, Miss."

"Thanks," she said, reaching for it. But then she pulled her hand back, letting it fall.

"Oh no! Dad, your gift violin fell!" she whined.

Mr Brisbane glared at me. "Can’t you do anything right?!" he snapped.

I flinched. He dared yell at me in front of everyone.

"II’m sorry, Sir," I said, bowing my head.

"Get out! Useless worker—no wonder you’re poor!"

His words slapped me. No matter how hard I worked, I’d never match the Brisbane family’s money.

I walked away quickly, holding back my tears. I didn’t expect Jason to come after me.

"I told you, you’ll regret not listening," he said.

"I’m glad I didn’t listen, now I know you’ve been cheating with Maddie!" I shot back.

"I’m not cheating!" he yelled.

He hated cheating, but he was doing it. He once told me how his mom left because of his dad’s infidelity. But his love for Maddie blinded him.

"If it’s not cheating, then what is it?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"You heard what my dad said. He’ll disown me if I don’t marry Maddie," he said with a sigh.

Jason slicked his hair back and grabbed my hand.

"Ava, do you think my dad would ever approve if he found out I was dating you? Don’t kid yourself, just understand. I’ve sorted everything. You just need to stay home and do what I say."

"I’m not your damn puppet, Jason!" I snapped.

Maddie showed up, pulling Jason away.

"Jason! What are you doing here? Our event isn’t over!" she said, glaring at me.

I smiled bitterly. "Wow! Maddie Joy, fighting for someone else’s boyfriend!"

"Watch your mouth!" she snapped.

"What? It’s true, right? Jason’s still my boyfriend, and now you two are engaged?"

"Oh, Ava, do you really think you could be part of the Brisbane family? You’re poor, you don’t even have parents. Isn’t the money Jason gives you enough? Gold digger!" Maddie sneered.

My jaw clenched. I’d never even spent a cent of Jason’s money—it was still untouched.

"Calm down, babe," Jason said to Maddie with a smile.

"She is a gold digger! Like being poor isn’t enough, now you think you can join the Brisbane fam? Shameless!" she snapped. "Listen, Ava—even if you sell yourself and become rich, you’ll never measure up to me!"

Maddie mocked me again, holding Jason’s hand tighter. What made me even angrier was that Jason didn’t react. He just stared at me coldly.

"Jason, are you just going to stand there while I get insulted?" I asked.

"What do you want me to do when you won’t even listen to me?" he replied, uninterested.

"Let’s go, Jason!" Maddie said, dragging him away.

"Okay, babe," he said, smiling sweetly at her.

Jason glanced at me. "You’ve changed, Ava. You’re not obedient like before," he said coldly, walking away with Maddie.

My blood boiled. Did he really see me as some pet who should just obey him?

"You're such a jerk, Jason!"

My work kept piling up, and I knew Maddie was intentionally making things difficult for me, trying to show her power.

I just stayed silent as I watched Maddie play the violin, with Jason on piano. Everyone clapped after their performance.

"Ava, can you grab my violin?" Maddie called.

I walked over reluctantly. She taunted me one more time before I handed it over.

"See? You’re just meant to be my servant, Ava," she laughed.

I was furious. As she handed me the violin, I dropped it on purpose and stepped on it.

"Ouch, Miss, why’d you drop it? Isn’t this valuable?" I teased. "Maybe you should buy a new one. You said you have a lot of money, right?"

I walked off, flipping her the bird as I went.

At home, Jason was furious.

"Ava, are you crazy?! Why’d you destroy her violin?!" he shouted.

"She took you from me. It’s just a violin. She can buy another one. What about you? Should I go find a replacement for you?" I said coldly.

"Oh, Ava. I know you’re jealous, but there’s no need for that. I’m with Maddie just to please my dad. How many times do I have to say it?" His neck veins were bulging, eyes sharp.

"Then why was there a condom in the trash in our room the day you and Maddie were here?" My voice cracked as I held back tears.

Jason stared at me, his face shocked. "Okay, sorry. Before you went home, some of my friends came here. The condom's one of theirs."

"Then you let a stranger into our room, Jason?" I asked, giving him a sarcastic smile at his lie.

"It’s not a stranger, it's a friends! This is my house, I can bring anyone I want!" he snapped, clearly annoyed.

"Fine, if that’s how it is, I’m outta here. I agreed to stay because you said you wouldn’t bring anyone else here!" I shouted, turning to leave.

"Ava!" Jason grabbed my arm, his face angry. "Do you think you can live without me, huh?!"

"Fine! I won’t bring anyone here again! Happy now?!"

I pulled my arm away, forcing a bitter smile, holding back tears.

"Do you think I can sleep in the bed you used for sex with Maddie?" I asked, my voice tight.

"I told you, that condom isn’t mine! Do you have proof it’s mine, huh?!"

"Let’s check the CCTV then. Everything’s recorded, right? Who went into our room when I wasn’t there?!" I challenged him.

His face went pale, panic taking over as he grabbed my hand. "Is this because you're jealous of Maddie? You're so cute, Ava," he said, trying to soften the moment.

"Stop changing the subject! If I say I’m jealous, would you cancel your engagement to Maddie? No, right?"

Tears started to fall down my cheek without me realizing it. "Enough, Jason. Let me go. Let’s break up."

I took a step back, walking away from him. I’d had enough of this toxic relationship after four years.

"Ava, calm down. Don’t do this. You know I love you," he said, pulling me into a tight hug. "I promise I’ll treat you better. Don’t go, okay? I can’t live without you."

He wiped away my tears, giving me a sweet smile. His eyes were full of guilt.

"I’m sorry I wasn’t there for your graduation. I’m sorry I brought someone else into our home. I’m sorry I disappointed you. I promise I’ll prioritize you from now on."

Jason hugged me, kissing my forehead with affection. But I knew it was all just to keep me from leaving. Maybe he didn’t want to lose his obedient girlfriend.

In the end, I pretended to forgive Jason. In three weeks, I’d leave him. I’d go to London earlier than planned.

"Don’t break your promise again, Jason. I really will leave if you do," I said, looking at him seriously.

He smiled and kissed my cheek. "Of course, babe. Now let’s sleep together."

"No, Jason. I’ll sleep in the other room," I refused.

"Ah, okay. Goodnight, love."

I went to the smaller room in the house. Since I found the condom in our room, I couldn’t bring myself to sleep there. I didn’t want to always picture what Jason and Maddie had done in that bed.

The next morning, Jason acted like the perfect boyfriend. He woke up early and made breakfast for me.

"Morning, babe. Here, this is for you," he smiled, handing me a plate of toast.

"Thanks, Jason," I smiled, pretending.

"I hope tomorrow it’s you making me breakfast," Jason smiled, kissing my hand.

"Alright, I’ll make it tomorrow."

A week passed, and I played the role of the perfect girlfriend Jason wanted—always doing what he asked. But quietly, I started packing my things bit by bit, getting ready to leave.

I was working on some projects, decorating for a baby’s birthday. And, of course, bad luck followed me. The baby’s parents were Maddie’s friends. She showed up alone, boasting about marrying Jason.

"Yeah, soon I’ll marry Jason, my first love," she said loudly, making sure I heard. "But sadly, he's been busy lately getting everything ready for our wedding."

“Wow, Maddie, you’re so lucky. But I heard Jason has a girlfriend—did they break up?” Maddie’s friend asked.

"You guys know Jason’s girlfriend? She’s just a gold digger, like a parasite stuck to Jason. I’m not worried about her. She’s nothing compared to me!" Maddie said, glancing at me with a sneer.

I didn’t care, finishing my work and leaving. But Maddie wasn’t letting me off that easily. She showed me a video of her having sex with Jason in our bed.

"Look at how Jason does it with me. He’s so good, right?"

"You know, Ava. We did it a few times," she said, trying to get under my skin.

And she succeeded. Watching Jason hugging and kissing another woman broke my heart.

But I didn’t want to show Maddie that I cared. I forced a cynical smile at her.

"I see you’re really proud of yourself, Maddie. But you don’t know, do you? What Jason did for me yesterday and the days before."

"What? He made breakfast and acted like he loved you? Ava, don’t be naive. You know that’s all fake," Maddie laughed, mocking me. "If you want to know the real reason Jason’s with you, come to this place, and you’ll find out."

She gave me the address to a nightclub and walked off with a smug look. I tried not to care, but I was too curious about what she said.

I decided to go to the club, and I regretted it. I overheard Jason and his friends talking about me.

"Hey, Jason! What’s the deal with you dating Ava when you’re gonna marry Maddie?"

Jason gave a thin smile, then replied, "Ava’s for my biological needs. She’s sexy and always gets me horny. She also does whatever I say. Yeah, it’s not bad having a sex doll around the house.”

"Shit! Yeah, I know Ava’s body’s hot. What’s it like?"

"Yeah, she’s pretty good. If you wanna try, I’ll pass her on when I’m bored."

Jason’s friends burst into laughter. They were talking about me like I was some dirty joke.

I covered my mouth as tears ran down my face.

I never thought Jason—the guy I’d loved for four years—only saw me as a sex doll.

I cursed my stupidity. I should’ve known the moment he first ran off to see Maddie.

"What a jerk," I thought bitterly.

Unable to take more, I went home. Packed up my stuff to bring to Aunt Mae’s place, leaving behind all the cheap things Jason had bought me.

I gave a bitter smile. Those old gifts once made me happy. Now they just reminded me of Jason’s friends calling me a gold digger—for this junk.

"Gold digger, my ass! I never even asked for any of this."

I stomped on the old bag Jason gave me.

In two weeks, I’d leave and take all this pain with me.

Jason never really cared about me—if he did, maybe he would've noticed my stuff slowly disappearing from his place.

Until my flight to London, I kept myself busy working. I ignored Jason. He didn’t seem to care much anyway—probably too busy planning his wedding with Maddie.

One night, I came home to find Jason drunk, holding a halfempty bottle of liquor.

"Come here," he barked, patting his lap like I was a dog.

"I’m not your damn pet. I’m tired. Don’t bug me," I said, walking past him.

"Damn it! I said get over here, Ava!"

He shouted, throwing the bottle at me. It missed by inches.

"Are you crazy, Jason?!"

"You’re the one driving me crazy! I’ve been dealing with Maddie all day—the least you could do is take care of me!"

His disgusting words made my stomach churn. I turned to leave, but Jason grabbed me from behind.

"Ava, let’s hook up. Been a while, huh?"

"Let go! I’m not in the mood. Why don’t you ask Maddie?!"

"Again with that?!"

Jason looked furious, brushing back his sweaty hair. "Hey, Ava, don’t piss me off. Take off your clothes!"

He yanked my shirt, popping one of the buttons.

I screamed, shoving him back.

"Jason, stop! I said no!"

"Come on! We’ve done it before, what’s the big deal now?!"

"Jason, stop!!"

I slapped him hard, making him freeze. I sobbed, hugging my torn shirt.

"You bastard!"

Jason let out a long sigh. "This wouldn’t happen if you just obeyed."

"You sick freak! Go do that with your fiancée, Maddie!"

"Oh, I will! And you’ll regret it!"

"Go ahead, asshole! I don’t give a damn!"

I ran out in tears. My wrist ached from how hard he grabbed me. I caught my reflection in the elevator mirror—I looked a mess. A wreck.

"I swear I won’t stay in this toxic hell with you, Jason!"

I pulled myself together before heading to Aunt Mae’s house. She looked surprised I showed up so late.

"Ava, what happened?" she asked, worried.

"Nothing, Auntie. I just missed you. I’m leaving for London soon," I said, hugging her.

Thankfully, she didn’t press.

I stayed with her until it was almost time to leave. I spent the days reminiscing about my childhood. Aunt Mae told me stories about when my parents were still alive.

My dad was in real estate, and my mum was an interior designer. Maybe that’s why I love design now—she passed it down to me.

"Your mum used to get mad when you were naughty, Ava. But your dad always defended you, then got scolded by your mum," Auntie said with a laugh, sipping her tea.

I was too young then to remember any of it. Aunt Mae kept talking, making me smile, until she handed me a music box.

"Ava, this is the box your parents bought the day they had their accident."

My eyes welled up as I took it, hugging the little box. My parents died on the way home from buying me a birthday gift.

"Thanks for keeping this safe, Auntie," I said through tears.

"Don’t cry, sweetheart. Treasure this memory, okay?" She wiped my tears.

After saying my goodbyes, I went back to Jason’s house to get the rest of my stuff.

There, I found Jason cooking with Maddie, like some newlywed couple.

Jason wore just his pants. Maddie had on some skimpy lingerie. I could guess what they’d been doing.

"Oh, you’re back. Thought you weren’t coming home," Maddie sneered.

Jason turned and gave me a cold stare. "Where’ve you been? Come sit, let’s have lunch."

"I’m not hungry. I came to get my things. Like Maddie wanted, I’m leaving this place."

Jason looked shocked and chased after me.

"What do you mean, leave? Ava, stop messing around!"

"Do I look like I’m joking?"

"Ava, don’t be like this..." Jason grabbed my hand.

And once again, Maddie interrupted.

"Jason, your dad’s on the phone," she said, handing it to him.

Jason walked off to answer, not even glancing back at me. I didn’t care. I just wanted to leave.

"Good riddance if you’re really going, Ava," Maddie muttered.

I ignored her.

"Wow, Ava, you really love junk, huh?" Maddie said, picking up my music box.

"Give it back!" I snapped.

She ran away, laughing.

"It’s just old trash! Might as well break it!"

"Don’t, Maddie! Don’t you dare!"

Maddie smirked and smashed the music box before I could stop her.

My blood boiled seeing the only memory I had of my parents shattered on the floor. As if that wasn’t enough, Maddie stomped on it.

“Don’t do that, Maddie! Stop!”

I rushed to stop her.

“Haha, why? This old junk deserved to be smashed. Just like you, Ava!” Maddie sneered, eyes wide and cruel. She shoved my shoulder and kept stomping the music box.

“I said stop!” I shoved her back, and she fell to the floor.

“Jason!” she screamed.

Jason burst into the room, panic flashing in his eyes when he saw blood dripping from Maddie’s hand—cut by the broken pieces of my music box.

He looked at me, frozen on the spot. “Why’d you hurt Maddie?! You know she’s a violinist! She can’t hurt her hands!” he shouted, veins bulging in his neck.

“Bbut she broke my music box first, Jason.”

“Don’t make excuses!” He shoved me, and I fell hard.

“Ugh!”

The shards cut into my hands and legs. Jason didn’t care. He just kept yelling.

“You hurt someone over this damn thing?!”

He kicked the remains of the music box like it meant nothing.

“Jason, it hurts…” Maddie whimpered.

“Let’s go to the hospital.” Jason scooped her into his arms. “If anything happens to her hands and she can’t play anymore, you’ll pay for this, Ava.”

I was left alone, tears streaming down as I stared at the broken music box.

My heart ached so badly—Jason pushed me and left me hurt, yet he cared for another girl. He even kicked the only thing that mattered to me.

My hands trembled as I picked up the pieces.

“Dad… Mum… I’m sorry,” I whispered through sobs.

Nothing was left. Not my parents’ memory. Not my love for Jason.

I forced myself up even though my limbs were screaming. My wounds were worse than Maddie’s, but Jason didn’t even notice.

I went to the hospital on my own, then came back to Aunt Mae’s house. She was shocked and nearly cried when she saw my injuries.

“Oh dear, Ava, what happened to you?!”

She gently touched the bandage on my arm.

I gave a weak smile and shook my head. “It’s nothing. I just tripped,” I lied.

She kept pressing me, but finally dropped it when I insisted.

Inside, I cursed myself for lying again. I didn’t want her to know I got hurt because of the jerk I loved.

“I’m sorry, Auntie… I’ve been such a terrible liar,” I said to myself.

There were so many lies I told her. One of them was about where I lived.

I said I moved out of the campus dorm and was staying with a friend, so she wouldn’t come visit.

But the truth was, I’d been living with Jason.

I had just a few things left at Jason’s place, and I planned to leave them behind. But his message forced me to return.

“Ava, don’t tell me you really left. You’re at your aunt’s place, right? I’m coming to get you now. Please, come back, Ava.”

I replied to Jason’s message right away and left Aunt Mae’s house.

I didn’t want her to see him and make things even messier.

Tomorrow I was flying to London and leaving it all behind.

Jason was already waiting at home when I arrived. He smiled.

“Come here, Ava.”

Like I was some pet, he patted his thigh for me to sit. This time, I did.

“I’m so glad you came back. Are your wounds bad?” He hugged me, sounding cheerful.

“Not really,” I muttered.

“Ava, it broke my heart seeing you hurt.” He kissed my bandaged hand.

I forced a smile. He was the one who did this to me. Had he already forgotten?

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to snap at you earlier. You know you’re the only one in my heart.”

Another lie.

“I care about Maddie 'cause of my family. My dad’s got business ties with hers, so I can’t just ignore her.”

I said nothing. Jason always flipped like this—from harsh to sweet in seconds.

“Tonight, I’ll stay with you, Ava. I’ll take care of your wounds too,” he said.

I smiled faintly and nodded. Jason brought me to the room, changed my bandages, stayed close.

I didn’t expect him to actually care for me. His arms felt warm, and his words were like a lullaby.

I thought, maybe… maybe he’s changed.

But when his phone rang, he pulled away immediately. I didn’t need to ask—I knew it was Maddie.

“Ava, I gotta go,” he said.

“Jason, you promised you’d stay tonight. Can’t you just… stay?” I held his hand.

“Sorry.”

One word. Then he was gone. I let out a bitter laugh.

“What the hell was I even hoping for?” I muttered.

I left the money Jason had given me and tossed the cheap ring beside it. It wasn’t even close to the diamond he got for Maddie.

The next day came, and by late afternoon, I was off. Aunt Mae hugged me tight, tears in her eyes.

“Sweetheart, call me when you land, alright?”

“Of course, Auntie…”

“I hope you find happiness in London. Don’t forget to reach out to Julian,” she said, stroking my cheek.

I nodded. But I probably wouldn’t. My professor had already arranged for me to meet someone else in London.

I sat in my seat on the plane. Right before switching off my phone, I saw Jason’s message. I read it—then blocked his number.

“Goodbye, Jason,” I whispered, staring out at the golden Sydney sky.

Jason was my first boyfriend, and being with him taught me never to make the same stupid mistake again.

In the end, I left to find my own happiness.