Gabriel stepped out of Celina’s room to take Ava’s call, and even after hanging up, her dry, decisive tone still echoed in his mind. He knew it wasn’t jealousy—Ava wasn’t that kind of woman. But he also knew her well enough to recognize that logical, disciplined nature of hers—almost mathematical in its precision—that didn’t tolerate lapses, especially when it came to previously scheduled commitments.

As he walked down the hallway toward the balcony to get some fresh air before returning to the room, he typed out a message:

> “I’m leaving now, will you wait for me?”

The reply came within seconds.

> “No need. I already left the restaurant. I’m staying at my apartment tonight.”

No room for doubt. No space for negotiation. No second chances. That was Ava—clear, direct, and mercilessly objective.

Gabriel stared at the phone for a few seconds before slipping it into his pocket. He took a deep breath, rubbed his hands over his face, and tried to process the frustrating sensation that someho