The Queen's Back

Ever since Ava and Bud said she had given up on Bud, it wasn't just words-it was concrete action.

After returning from her trip abroad, Ava even had a boyfriend. Now that Chelly and Bud have broken up, to say that Ava had anything to do with it would be completely wrong. "It's because of you that he broke up with me!" Chelly sobbed, glancing at the crowd gathered near the entrance.

She then took out her cell phone and played the recording of her conversation with Bud from the night before.

As the phone connected, Chelly spoke first, "Bud, why are you calling me so late today?"Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Everyone around could hear that it was Chelly's voice, slightly quavering.

After that, there was a long pause without anyone speaking.

No one knew how long it took, but finally, Bud's voice came through. "Chelly, let's break up. I'm sorry."

Again, there was a long silence, until Bud added, "It's my fault. I'll make it up to you materially. I'm hanging up now."

As Bud prepared to end the call, Chelly cried out, "But can you tell me why? Did I do something wrong? Didn't you say you would be responsible for me?"

Bud sighed on the other end and then said, "It's not your fault. You're fine. It's my problem. I love someone else."

"Is it Ava?" Chelly asked.

Bud responded with a soft "yeah" before hanging up.

When the recording ended, Chelly pointed at Ava and said, "You said it wasn't because you that I broke up with my boyfriend. Then what was that just played? We were both going to get married! If you hadn't given Bud any hints, he would not have resolutely broken up with me! Everyone judge for yourselves-does this have anything to do with Ava? Is it okay for me to confront her?"

Once Chelly's words hung in the air, combined with the earlier recording and Bud's last response, it was clear that most people sided with Chelly.

A few gossip-loving coworkers whispered among themselves, "Can you believe it? The new coworker is a homewrecker!"

"Look at her sly demeanor. She seems like the kind who can seduce anyone."

"Oh, poor Chelly. Her boyfriend is gone just like that."

"It's pathetic, but her boyfriend is also not a good man."

*****

Ava looked a bit dazed after listening to the recording. According to it, Bud had broken up with Chelly because of her. Knowing that Bud loved her made her feel a little funny inside.

When she loved Bud, he had avoided her like the plague, and now that she had given up, he loved her back.

It felt like a big joke!

"Believe it or not, I didn't give Bud any hints. Get out of my way!" Ava said coldly.

She didn't know why her emotions were so calm. It was as if Chelly's words had nothing to do with her.

"Okay, you say you didn't give Bud any hints. Do you dare to swear that you won't be with him even if he comes to you? If you swear like that, I'll believe you," Chelly said, glaring at Ava.

Though Chelly looked usually quiet and gentle, her words had a surprising weight that made people feel a bit oppressed.

"Ava, if you really have nothing to do with Bud, just take an oath. It's not like you have anything to lose," said a coworker who was working in the same office as Ava.

"Yeah, Ava, if it's got nothing to do with you, just take an oath," someone else chimed in.

Ava took a deep breath, met Chelly's eyes, and held out her fingers. "I, Ava, swear that if Bud confesses his love to me, I..."

Before she could finish, Bud rushed over, yanked her away, and pulled her behind him. "Ava, what are you doing?"

His tone was anxious. He had come specifically to talk to Ava, and as soon as he arrived, he heard the chatter here and walked over Unexpectedly, he heard Chelly pressuring her to swear.

"Bud, you..." Chelly exclaimed, pointing at Bud and Ava.

As soon as Bud approached, the people around them whispered accusations, throwing insults at Ava and Bud.

It was clear they believed Bud had broken up with Chelly for Ava.

"I broke up with you, Chelly, and Ava doesn't know about it. If you have any anger, take it out on me. Why did you come to her?" Bud said, locking eyes with Chelly.

He had already given Chelly all the compensation she needed, and since she had accepted it, it made no sense for her to confront Ava.

"I... Well, why did I come to her? Isn't it to find out what's so special about her that made you ditch me, the one you were about to marry?"

Chelly said as tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. Her eyes glared at Bud, filled with sadness.

"What you two broke up over is none of my business. I already have a boyfriend," Ava snapped.

Then Ava walked straight out of the company, not even glancing back at Bud.

The things she had given up, the people she had let go of-now they were all trying to come back to her. But she wouldn't be swayed. Once something was lost, it was gone for good.

At first, she had chased after Bud, giving it her all, but he never reciprocated her feelings.

After she was back from traveling abroad, her heart was gradually forgetting him.

But now, just when she was moving on, he suddenly wanted to return to her life. She didn't understand. He claimed to love her, but how long would that feeling last? There was no way to go back.

As Ava left, the onlookers-who had been watching the drama unfold-slowly dispersed.

Bud turned to Chelly, who was now in tears, but he felt little sympathy. All in his mind was just the slap mark on Ava's face.

"Don't cry. If you have grievances, you can talk to me. But remember, don't disturb Ava's life," Bud said bluntly.

After saying that, he hurriedly left to catch up with Ava, eager to have a serious conversation with her.

Chelly watched Bud rush away, and a sneer involuntarily crept onto her face.

She was determined to steal away the man in Ava's heart. As long as Ava and Bud weren't happy, she felt satisfied. Now that both of them were suffering, her happiness was doubled.

Outside, Bud quickly caught up with Ava and blocked her path. "Ava, we need to talk," he said urgently.

Ava looked at the familiar face in front of her-the face she had once dreamed about day and night, but also the face that had caused her the most pain.