Chapter Twenty Four

Ayva’s POV

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach as I tried to process what Justin had just said. I couldn't tell if I had misheard him or if he had truly uttered the words that stung my heart.

"W-what did you... I'm not sure I heard you correctly," I stammered, my voice trembling with disbelief and hope. I kept my eyes fixed on his side profile, waiting anxiously for his response, my palms growing clammy with each passing second.

He let out a heavy sigh before delivering the words that felt like a bucket of icy water thrown in my face. "I'm getting married, Ayva. The wedding is in a month."

"Why?" I blurted out, realizing immediately that I had asked the wrong question. "I mean, how? Since when? And why are you only telling me now?" Despite our past relationship, I believed Justin and I were close enough to talk about important matters like getting married.

Did this mean that none of the time we spent together meant anything to him? Were the meals we shared and the laughter we enj