Avery felt that Hayden was deliberately refusing to negotiate with her.

The more she thought about it, the more restless she became. Eventually, she called Elliot because her sadness was too much to bear.

"Elliot, Hayden has decided to study abroad. He's leaving me."

Elliot's breathing became heavier. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No. Don't do anything, because you can't," she felt choked. "He's made up his mind. Mike said he'd be leaving the day after tomorrow at the latest. He doesn't wan