Avery's POV My question is met with silence, and Mr. Steve glances from me to Ethan in fright. “I think I should leave.”Mr. Steve hurries out of the study, slamming the door loudly behind him.“What do you mean divorce?”“You heard me clearly. I want a divorce, and I am taking my kids along with me.” I state my decision firmly.“Avery, stop this joke at once! Do you even know what you are saying? There is a contract —”“A contract that doesn't exist anymore.” I interrupt, walking towards him. “I heard everything. I must say I was touched because it sounds so romantic. What is it? Putting the power of attorney in my name? Taking off the marriage contract? Buying properties in my name?” I chuckled and stopped in front of him."Oh, you know, if you had told me or if I heard that any other day, I would have thought you felt more for me,maybe I would have even thought you loved me.” I poked at his chest angrily. “But you are a hypocrite! You were just using me, and I am done with you!”M
Avery's POV "Mummy, why are we here?” Lucas asks as soon as I open the door to the luxury apartment.It was the apartment where I stayed with Ethan after he rescued me from Dimitri. Even in my decision to leave, I am a mother and can only think of my kids well-being. That's why I picked up the key to this apartment and a black card while packing earlier today. I couldn't help it. I needed all the money to make sure the kids were comfortable.I had only planned for my children's comfort, but I had forgotten the main issue at hand, which was facing their questions. And now, as two pairs of innocent eyes peered up at me, awaiting my reply, I discovered I do not have the heart to tell them even half of the truth.Even teenagers would feel sad about their parents separating, not to mention my innocent angels.“Uh,I—”"Madam, how about I take them for a bath?”For once, I am grateful for Lawrenta's interruption. I smile at the boys. “How about you go freshen up?”“Yay!”“Yay!”The boys run
Two weeks laterEthan's POV I struggle to open my eyes as the knocking on the door intensifies. I planned on ignoring,but whoever was at the door was persistent.I had been in my hotel suite since that day, and nobody knew I was here—not even Marcus. Much to Butler Jenkins surprise, I drove out that day on my own and had been in this same hotel suite where I asked her to marry me.Where it all started. Maybe not entirely, but yeah, my life definitely changed after that night.I let out a mirthless chuckle as I remembered the look of shock on her face when I popped the question in the most unusual way.“Who asks anyone to marry them after sleeping with them?” My inner voice chides, and for once, I wish I could shut that voice out.The sound of the knocking—no, banging—on the door increases, pushing me from my thoughts.“You better kiss your job goodbye.” I groan, rising to get on my feet, where I painfully land back on the floor.Damn, I was too drunk to reach the door. Whatever! When
Avery's POV I sit by the window of the living room, staring at the house across. It was a family duplex owned by a retired couple who lived together, doing nothing all day except tending to the little garden in front of their house.After almost two weeks of moving in here, it had become my routine after the boys left for school. I would watch the old couple laugh and smile at whatever each other said; sometimes, I even wondered if that would have been the same case with him—growing old together and smiling so lovingly at each other like lovestruck teenagers while our sons were busy with their own families.My view is immediately blocked as the curtains are drawn together. I look up to see Lawrenta standing in front of me with a look of disapproval in her eyes. “I think you should at least try to make new friends. The neighbors have been making an effort, but you don't bother meeting them.” She starts to complain, and a part of me wonders if I made a mistake by bringing her along.La
Avery's POV I stay frozen where I stand as our gazes hold. I had imagined many scenarios where I would meet him again after moving out, but I hadn't considered meeting him in my supposed negotiation with an actress who worked for a company owned by his group.An actress who likely knew nothing about the rumors flying around. Rumors which were true.I feel a slight nudge on my arm and I turn to see Lisa staring at me with confusion in her eyes. “Mrs Lorenzo?”“Huh?”“You can go join Mr Lorenzo. I would se—”“No!” I exclaimed, startling her. “I mean I would rather join you,he can have his own fun.”She looks from me to Ethan whose gaze I can still feel on me and nods. “Oh…”I follow behind her and join her at another table. I try to bring up the topic of jewelry, but we are soon joined by another group of female celebrities, some of whom I recognize as actresses, models, and singers. They are friendly and try to engage me in a conversation, but I am good as absent.The ladies started t
Avery's POV An uncomfortable silence stretched in the air. I tried not to wince as I felt the dull ache in between my legs when I put on my underwear—a subtle reminder of what I had just done.I could feel Ethan's watchful eyes as I dressed, or rather, tried to make myself presentable. I knew without looking in a mirror that my perfectly curled hair was now no better than a bird’s nest and my makeup was not as perfect as when I had left home.Without another glance at him, I reached for my clutch and started to head towards the door when Ethan's voice stopped me. “Sweetheart,wait.”I stood, silently listening to his footsteps as he walked around and stopped in front of me. “About what I asked, I meant it.”“I don't know what you are saying.” It is a lie. I remember him asking me to move back with him, and even in my lust-filled haze, I refused.Ethan releases a sigh, one that shows his frustration. “Kitten, we both know you remember, but if you claim you don't, I want you and the kid
Avery's POV "Girl, are you okay?”“I am not sure.” I reply. I couldn't seem to find the strength to walk past the half-opened door and go inside to face the boys, whose excited voices I could hear as they played with Felicity. They were obviously back from school, and I should have been home, welcoming them as they ran straight into my arms, but at that time, I had been in the doctor's office in a privately owned clinic, not less than a ten-minute drive away from the estate, with Anita as he handed me the test results, confirming my worries and the test strips.I am pregnant, ten whole weeks pregnant.When I asked if the test could be done again since I was on birth control, specifically an IUD, the middle-aged doctor gave what looked to be a smile and started explaining in what seemed to be an orientation class how no birth control method was 100 percent effective.“The failure rate of an IUD is less than three percent. However, I have seen and attended to a lot of pregnancies like
Ethan's POV The loud gasps fill the air, and if I am not mistaken, the cold sensation on my shirt and the smell of acrylic that assaulted my nose immediately were paint. I glanced down to see my sons with apologetic looks in their eyes.“We are sorry, Daddy.”“We are sorry, Daddy.”They apologized in unison, and I let out a smile. “It's okay,boys. It is a mistake, nothing can't be fixed…” I trail off as my eyes catch the large pool of paint on the rug.Fuck, we were in trouble.“Your mama is going to kill me.” I mutter under my breath. Trying to win Avery back is one thing, but being involved in staining the rug that was part of her well-executed interior decoration is another whole thing.Unlike the mansion, where everything is grandiose, the moderate-sized living room gives a warm and comfortable feeling with its simple style. The walls, painted a soft gray, were adorned with photos of the boys and simple artwork. Table lamps and a floor lamp illuminate the room, casting it a warm
Avery's POV *Five years later*“No Ethan. It's already morning, let's get dressed.” I said, stifling a moan as I felt his hot tongue trail my skin.“Kitten, are you sure?” He rasped, his voice heavy with desire.It was hard to refuse, but we had to be up and doing. Today was going to be a long, eventful day.“I am very sure, honey.” I took a look at his grumpy expression and giggled. “We will have all the time later in the evening. Get dressed.” I instructed, my tone leaving no room for argument. He grumbles before climbing down the bed to pick up his joggers that we had discarded on the floor last night as we gave into our passion. I try so hard not to stare as he wears his joggers, but who am I kidding? Even after all these years, Ethan is still as breathtaking as ever, and it feels like he grows hotter as he ages.“I can feel your eyes on me, kitten.” He turned to face me with a smirk. “Let's just have a qui—”The door pushed open at that instant, and a beautiful, angelic voice fo
Avery's POV **Three months later**“The baby cannot stop kicking, and most of the time I am tempted to check for the gender, but I want to do that with you, honey. The boys won a math competition, and every time I think about it, I can't stop being proud of them because they did an incredible performance.” A smile formed on my lips, and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I am glad they didn't take after me; I hate math and can't stand it. I think our baby is going to be good in math too. And oh, speaking of babies, did I mention that Estella and Anita had given birth on the same day?”That was a month ago. I guess I must have mentioned it over and over again, but it didn't stop me. I have read that patients in coma could hear what was going on around them, so I didn't mind repeating some stories just to keep him from being lonely.A lot has happened in three months. Emilia had committed suicide two days after my visit that day to the detention center. Nana didn't bother to show any f
Avery’s POVThe cold salt water pushes into my lungs and eyes, but I swim harder, searching in the dark sea water for him.Ethan.Just as I desperately call for him in my heart, a stream of bright white light appears, and I see him slowly sinking into the depths. No! I swim faster, kicking my legs desperately and pushing my arms forward just in time to catch his hand.“Ethan!” My eyes snap open at once, and I realize it was a dream. My memories slowly returned to me, and a mixture of fear and anxiety welled up in me—the sound of gunshots echoing in my mind. I must have fainted.“Avery, please calm down.”“Try to take a deep breath.”“Call the doctor.”But I can't see anyone. I want to see Ethan. “Ethan. Where is he?” I yelled hysterically, trying to get down, and I felt two people pull me back. My vision slowly focused, and the worried faces of everyone in the ward were what I first noticed. Camilla and Anita still had their firm hold on my shoulders while Nana and Estella stood watc
Avery's POVMy eyes opened with a start, and a stream of light entered my vision. The horrid smell of gasoline filled my nose at once. I take in the sight of the small spaced room with iron plated walls and a small window that let in light. A small stair with about ten steps that led up to an iron door was on my left and another door,three steps away,stayed to my right. Unlike before when I had felt fear,I am filled with determination to leave this place. I had to,not just for myself but for my baby too.My hands are tied to an iron pole behind me, and a frustrated groan left me as I struggled to loosen the rope. I place my feet firmly on the floor and use my body weight to drag the chair forward, attempting to loosen the rope from my hand. Big beads of sweat rolled down my face, and a wave of tiredness started to grow in me, but I didn't give up.I am still struggling to loosen the rope when the door on my right is pushed open, Jake's voice following. “Don't worry about that, Red. Yo
Ethan's POVI couldn't find the courage to come outside the car. Immediately I left Avery in the house, I had ordered my men to find that ‘woman's’ location and report in less than an hour. The location was sent to me in ten minutes, and presently, I stared at the simple bungalow building located in the city’s developing area.Estella's annoyed sigh brings me out of my thoughts. “I still don't understand why you dragged me out here with you. I should be picking the right dress for the evening’s dinner.”“Estella.” I call, my voice low.She was still not listening as she continued to complain. “Or do you want to buy the houses around here? I really don't have too much knowledge about this t—”“She is here.” I interrupted, this time my voice firm and audible. “She has been in the city and met my wife to setup that dinner.”I don't need to clarify who this'she’ is because we both know. We had both gone through that phase together and somehow always knew when one of us meant to talk about
Avery's POV “Make sure to enjoy your weekend at Nana's place.” I instructed as I escorted the boys to the car that was waiting to take them to school.A small pout appears on Carlos face.“But I want to stay with you and baby.”“Yeah, mummy, I want to read a storybook to baby.” Lucas adds,I understand them. Just yesterday evening, we told them about the exciting news of the baby, and this morning, I am sending them to spend the weekend at Nana's. But I can't help it.Today is the day for the dinner meeting I set up for Camilla to meet Ethan and Estella. I am not sure of how Ethan might react when he returns from dinner later in the evening, so I am sending the boys to spend the weekend at Nana’s in case things don't go as planned.I bend down to their height and ruffle their hair. “You are going to spend the whole time with the baby when you are back.” They don't look convinced, and I quickly add. “Your daddy and I might move back to our old house after this.”Wide smiles appeared on
Avery's POV“Daddy, when can we see the new baby?” Lucas asks, and I can hear the excitement in his voice.It's the evening of the same day we visited Marcella in the hospital, and we had just finished having dinner. The boys and their father sat on the rug as they solved the several puzzle pieces in front of them, while I sat on an armchair knitting a beanie. I don't know, but visiting Marcella today sparked a new feeling of excitement in me, and I couldn't wait to see my baby.Ethan chuckles. “Are you that excited to meet him?”“Yes.” Carlos answered. “We would have a new friend.”I pause in my movements and look up to meet Ethan's gaze. He gives me a small nod, and I smile at him. There was no use delaying the news of the pregnancy to the boys. Warmth floods my chest at the realization that we could communicate with our eyes. It felt so natural and intimate.He returns my smile before turning his attention to the boys. “Boys,” he calls, and they both look up at him. Ethan continued
Avery's POV I hesitantly take a step forward when I enter Marcella's VIP maternity ward. I hadn't expected Nana and Estella to be here with Marcella. The cot where her baby boy is supposed to be lying is vacant, which meant he was taken away to check his vitals.The saying that blood is thicker than water might not have had any profound meaning to me until now. Even though they didn't know that they were related, they still found a way to be around her, and while we drove here, Ethan couldn't stop pondering why he felt so excited more than he should.Now that I look closely, Marcella’s hair, which was previously dyed brown and short, is now long and a rich shade of black, and her blue eyes are the same as those of Estella and Ethan!I suddenly feel a wave of guilt about hiding the truth from them, even though it's Camilla’s place to come clean.Warm arms pull me into an embrace, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I look down to see Nana hugging me.“My dear child, how have you been?
Ethan's POV“The kids.” I repeat, and a smirk forms on my lips when I see her dazed look.“What?”“The kids, sweetheart.”“Oh! Gosh,did I…” She trails off, and her cheeks turn red at once. I smirk and rub a thumb across her soft lips.“It's okay. I don't think they heard.”“Bu—”I gesture for her to keep quiet. The kitchen turns quiet, and we can now clearly hear the boys voices from the living room.“See? I gave them enough questions to keep them busy.” I grin, and relief washes across her features. “Then let's get this done and continue later, huh?”Avery winks. “You have to be fast, though. I can't wait, honey.”*I watched in horror as my mother tore my paintings apart into pieces as she screamed, her voice piercing through the quietness of the evening.“How many times have I told you to stop painting?” She thundered, making me recoil in shock. My nine year-old mind couldn't fathom the reason for her behavior.“Mum! Why are you behaving like this?” My older sister, Estella, yelled