---- Chapter 18 No.18 No, Ava said firmly. She had worked so hard to escape his emotional grip. Why was he suddenly trying to control her life again? In the past, she would have been ecstatic. Now, she just wished he would leave her alone and go get engaged to his fiancée. She had been a fool in love, mistaking his concern for affection. Now that she saw clearly, she wouldn't fall into that trap again. Her resolute attitude made Ethan frown. For the past ten years, Ava had been like a little sun, always revolving around him. He had never seen her so confrontational. She seemed like a stranger, and it made him uncomfortable. 2 He suppressed his emotions and softened his tone. "You've thrown your tantrum long enough. Be good. As long as you don't have those kinds of thoughts anymore, | can still treat you as well as | did before." He looked at her, a confident look in his eyes, certain she would take the olive branch he was offering ---- Ava took a step back, her hand on the door, her defensive posture clear. You were very good to me in the past, she admitted. "But | don't need it anymore. Please, let me go. | won't go back, and | won't make you unhappy." A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She didn't regret her passionate love for him, even if she had misjudged him and the ending was not what she had hoped for. She was fine. Her love was fine. It was his problem that he didn't want it. Now, she was taking her love back for herself. Before Ethan could say anything, she closed the door. He knocked, but she didn't open it. His pride wouldn't allow him to be so undignified, but he couldn't bring himself to leave. He sat in his car for a long time. His anger turned to helplessness when the light in her room went out. He felt a wave of exhaustion. She had always been so obedient, so sensible. He had never seen her so resolute. He understood that he had been harsh to her to make her give ---- up, but he didn't think it was necessary to go this far. Why couldn't she just get over it on her own, like she used to? He didn't understand why he was so insistent on finding her, on bringing her back to his side. Every time he returned to the empty mansion, he missed her. In the middle of the night, he dreamed of their shared memories He remembered teaching her to plant flowers, build with Legos, and buy dresses. His life was filled with her. After she left, a huge hole had been torn in his heart. He wasn't used to it. He told himself it was just a matter of getting used to it. He had to bring her home, otherwise the emptiness in his heart would never be filled. That night, Ava tossed and turned. Ethan's appearance had disturbed her peace. This was the path she had chosen. She would not easily change it. As she was drifting off to sleep, she heard a faint sound at her door. A familiar figure entered her bedroom. Just as she was about to sit up, a rough hand grabbed her waist, and a hot breath washed over her.