Ava’s POV

I stood in front of my apartment mirror, adjusting the strap of my dress for the fifth time. It was navy blue, off-shoulder, and clung just right elegant but not too much. I wanted to look beautiful, not overdone. Comfortable, not careless.

I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. But tonight wasn’t just any dinner. It was a new beginning. A chance to reclaim something precious. A second first date.

When the doorbell rang, my heart fluttered. I took a deep ...