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As Hunter nervously tapped the numbers on his phone, his heart raced. Memories flooded back—laughter echoing through the woods, whispered secrets shared under the stars as children, and the moment he betrayed it all.

The phone rang twice before Ava's hesitant voice answered, " Hello? "

" Ava, it's... it's Hunter " he stammered, his voice strained with guilt.

There was a moment of shocked silence before Ava replied, her tone guarded, " What do you want, Hunter? "

" I... I know I've hurt you " he began, the words tumbling out in a rush. " But please, I need you to hear me out. I never wanted to betray you. They forced me into it "

Ava scoffed bitterly, memories of their shattered friendship fresh in her mind. " Forced? That's the excuse you're going with? "

" No, no, it's not an excuse " Hunter pleaded, desperation evident in his voice. " I was cornered, threatened. They targeted my family. I didn't have a choice "

Ava's anger simmered, but a part of her softened at the sincerity in Hun