Chapter 103: He is emotionally unstable.
Ava felt a sinking heaviness settle in her stomach. She had been hoping to steer the conversation away from her problems with Dylan, but Lilianna seemed determined not to be deterred. Ava was torn—her instinct was to protect Lilianna and her unborn child from the painful truth.
She parted her lips, but the words caught in her throat.
"Look, Dylan was devastated after our parents’ death," Lilianna started. "He was angry, heartbroken, and grieving. And yes, he said some harsh words to your father back then. But it was all born of misunderstanding. Your father came to apologize to us later, explained everything... It was a tragic accident. He wasn’t responsible."
Ava’s gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers twisting nervously. "I know. He would never hurt his best friend."
Lilianna nodded, her eyes still on Ava. "It affected Dylan more deeply than anyone realizes," she continued, a hint of sadness crossing her face. "He has been emotionally unstable ever since, fighting depression and the emptiness it left behind. He became aggressive and impulsive. Maybe he treated you coldly, not giving you emotional support. But he never can hurt you and your father. I trust my brother."
Ava felt an ache rise within her. ’He did hurt me and my family,’ she mused but didn’t say it.
Lilianna reached across the table and took Ava’s hands in hers, her gaze pleading. "Please don’t misunderstand him. I know my brother has flaws, and he struggles to express himself. But he does care about you, even if he can’t show it."
Ava smiled when she looked up and met her gaze. "You’re worrying over nothing. There is no problem between Dylan and me. We are good."
Lilianna let out a soft laugh, relieved. But a flicker of doubt still lingered in her eyes. "Are you telling the truth?"