**Chapter 14: Unveiling the Truth**

The room seemed to shrink further as Ashley's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Avan's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing as he searched for any hint of deception. But Ashley's expression was resolute, her eyes locked on his as she continued, "I'm the one he tried to murder." Ender's eyes widened in shock, and he looked up at his mother with a mixture of fear and confusion. Ashley's eyes darted to her son, and for a moment, I could sense her panic. She reached out and gently stroked his hair, trying to reassure him, but her voice was laced with a hint of desperation. Avan's voice was low and even as he asked, "Tell me, Ashley, what happened that night?" His eyes never left hers, his gaze intense as he waited for her response. Ashley took a deep breath, her eyes dropping to the floor as she began to recount her story. "It was a few years ago," she started, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was working late one night, and I decided to walk home through the park. It was dark, and I was lost in thought, so I didn't notice him following me." She paused, her eyes welling up with tears as she continued, "The next thing I knew, he was attacking me. I tried to fight back, but he was too strong. He...he tried to suffocate me." The room fell silent, the only sound Ender's ragged breathing as he listened to his mother's story. Avan's eyes were locked on Ashley's face, his expression grim as he listened. Ashley's voice cracked as she finished her story, "I managed to escape, but not before he...he did something to me. Something that still haunts me to this day." Avan's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense as he asked, "What did he do to you, Ashley?" His voice was low and gentle, but it carried a sense of urgency. Ashley's eyes met his, and for a moment, I could sense the weight of her secrets bearing down on her. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "He took something from me. Something that I'll never get back." The room seemed to hold its breath as Ashley's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Avan's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing as he searched for any hint of deception. But Ashley's expression was resolute, her eyes locked on his as she whispered, "I'm the victim, Avan. Not him."