Ethan's POV “You could have hired people to do this, but why us?” Anthonio complained as he took off his wristwatch.I had called both of them to assist me with changing the rug. Avery had not outwardly shown any displeasure or said anything about it, but I couldn't take any chances or offend her even in the slightest way. So when I received Lawrenta’s call that she had already left for her hometown and Avery was out, I didn't hesitate to leave my office and drive down to the local shops to find the exact replica of the rug.“He is trying to win her back, so he needs to show sincerity, but you wouldn't understand since sincerity doesn't exist in your books.”“Why would I need to show sincerity when I have the looks and money?” Anthonio asks with a genuine look of amusement in his eyes.I glanced at the wall clock, my patience running out with their bickering. “Guys, help move the furniture.”Anthonio’s eyes turned wide with horror. “Look how you are ordering me around! I have three o
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
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?
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 “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
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 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
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