**Chapter 13: Cracks in the Facade**

As I looked at them, Ashley's eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I could sense the weight of her secrets bearing down on her. Her whisper was barely audible, her voice shaking as she tried to lighten the mood, but it was clear that she was struggling to keep her emotions in check. "Avan, I...I don't know if I can—" Her words trailed off, and she looked down at Ender, who was still engrossed in his drawing. Avan's eyes followed hers, and for a moment, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. But then, Ender looked up, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Avan, are you mommy's boyfriend?" he asked, his voice innocent and direct. Ashley's eyes widened in alarm, and she shot Ender a warning glance. But Avan's expression was calm, his eyes never leaving Ender's face as he replied, "What makes you think that, little one?" Ender's face lit up with excitement. "Mommy said I could call you Avan, and you always come to visit us, and you give me toys." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he thought. "And you always look at mommy like she is the most important person in the world." The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of Ender's paper as he shifted in his seat. Ashley's eyes met Avan's, and for a moment, I could sense the unspoken emotions between them. Avan's gaze was intense, his eyes searching for something, but Ashley's expression was guarded, her eyes darting away from his. Avan's voice was low and even as he replied, "I do think your mommy is very special, Ender." He paused, his eyes locked on Ashley's face. "But I think we need to have a talk about what you said earlier, Ashley. About who he tried to murder." Ashley's eyes dropped, and she whispered, "The one he tried to murder...was me." Her voice was barely audible, and she looked down at Ender, who was still watching her with wide eyes. The room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with tension as Avan's eyes bore into Ashley's face, searching for answers that seemed to hover just out of reach.