---- Chapter 21 No.21 Chloe's words were like a series of slaps to Ethan's face, completely sobering him up. Regret? The only thing he regretted was not finding out Ava had gone to New York sooner. He should have stopped her then. He had been suppressing his emotions, telling himself it was just a small act of rebellion from Ava. It was only when he met her cold gaze that he felt his heart plummet and shatter. He could only tell himself that she was angry, that he just needed to coax her. Chloe said he had done all this to make himself give up. "How is that possible?" he retorted to himself. Ava was his ward. They only had familial affection, no romantic love. What was there to give up? It was a good thing that Ava didn't care anymore. He had guided her onto the right path. She hadn't made any mistakes. He wouldn't be blamed. In the future, Ava would fall in love with someone, get married, and have children, just like a normal person. ---- The wine glass on the table was knocked over, shattering on the floor. His heart shattered with it, a bloody mess. Regret... Chloe was right. He regretted it. He had to find Ava. He had to tell her he regretted it If she loved him, he should just let her. He loved her too. They weren't related by blood. Why couldn't they be together? He would bear the blame. There had to be a way. Why had he chosen the stupidest method? His mind became clearer, his thoughts more resolute. He immediately changed his clothes and booked the earliest flight. It was only five minutes, but he was burning with anxiety. On the way to the airport, a whirlwind of emotions churned within him: anxiety, joy, excitement, regret. He imagined Ava's reaction when he told her the truth. Maybe she would cry, hug him, and say that she was angry but still loved him. He imagined many scenarios, but none where she didn't forgive him. He was certain that Ava would always yield to him, forgive him, and love him. ---- But reality dealt him a heavy blow. He arrived in New York the next day. Not wanting to disturb her at school, he waited for her downstairs. He didn't feel the time pass, just eagerly awaited her return. As the cool night fell, his heart began to sink. Why wasn't she back yet? He looked at his phone. It was ten o'clock. He remembered the curfew at the Hayes mansion was ten o'clock at the latest. Besides her class reunion, Ava had never stayed out all night. He grew anxious and worried. He was afraid she had lost track of time without him to look after her, or that something had happened to her on the way. Half an hour later, he saw a smiling Ava walking towards the apartment building, talking on the phone. His worry and blame instantly vanished. He was a little stunned. Ava hadn't smiled so happily in the year after her confession. Every smile had been tinged with bitterness, and it was all because of him. As Ava got closer, he unconsciously stood up straight. The moment she saw him, her face turned cold.