Chapter 87

His mind played out various scenarios – what if his father discovered the plan? What if Ava, instead of being drawn back to him, repelled by the orchestrated scheme? The " what-ifs " multiplied like ripples in a pond, threatening to drown his resolve.

Just in time, Jayden stopped himself from spiraling further into the sea of doubts. The steering wheel felt cool under his grip as he reminded himself that dwelling on uncertainties wouldn't change the circumstances. With a deep breath, he redirected his thoughts, focusing on the actions he could take rather than the myriad possibilities that fueled his anxiety.

As the headlights of his car cut through the darkness, Jayden steered his mind away from the treacherous paths of speculation. The road stretched ahead, both literal and metaphorical, and he resolved to navigate it with a sense of purpose and a cautious awareness of the risks that lay in the shadows.

As Jayden arrived home, the weight of the unresolved situation followed him thro