Avery's POV Today is the day for the cruise party, and I get to sign my contract today. Convincing the boys to spend the night at Nana's was harder than I first imagined, and it was only after I told them their aunt Estella would be there that they managed to be excited about the idea. I couldn't have been more grateful that Nana insisted on Estella staying with her throughout the pregnancy.After sending the boys to school, I take Lawrenta out with me for shopping so I don't rouse too much suspicion from Ethan's men. Without being told, I know he still watches my movements. I fake enthusiasm and buy only three evening dresses before handing them to Lawrenta to take home for me, but she is reluctant. “It is okay, Lawrenta. I am waiting for Anita here. When we are done, I will come home with her.” I smile convincingly when I see her reluctance to accept the shopping bags.“But why don't I wa—”“No. You can't wait together with me.” I interrupt, my voice rising. She appears stunned by
Ethan's POVI watched as the sun dipped below the horizon from where I stood on the luxury ship deck. The cold evening sea breeze made me rub my palms together to try to get some heat, as I had strangely rejected a jacket.“How about a cigarette?” Jeffery offers, producing a pack of cigarettes from his trouser pocket, but I immediately look away. “No thanks.”A chuckle rings from him. “Don't tell me it's because you have not smoked since then.”I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. Ever since Avery seized my pack of cigarettes and said something about me damaging my health and leaving her as a widow, smoking didn't seem as appealing to me the way it was before."Damn, so it's the truth! I can't believe a day like this would come!” He whoops and puts an arm around my shoulders, giving me a friendly squeeze. “You have changed a lot!”“Whose changed a lot?" Anthonio's voice sounds from behind us, and I can't help but puff out my cheeks when Jeffrey starts to tell Anthonio that I refuse
Ethan's POV“I think I should be asking you that question, Avery. Why the fuck are you dressed like this and serving drinks to men who can't stand toe to toe with me? You left our kids alone just to do this! What the fuck for?” I boomed, fighting the urge to punch the wall.I didn't know I was even this mad at her right now, but recounting everything, even though I already knew, made my chest squeeze with pain. I don't remember being this angry—not when I lost a business deal in my early days, and not even when Dimitri pulled that stunt because I knew I could protect her.I scoff as I glance at the bottle I just snatched from her. A fucking pepper spray was all she had to protect herself! She was literally a lamb in the midst of hungry, wild wolves.Tears started to fall from her eyes. “The kids are at Nana's.” She stops when she notices the angry look I give her. “I am sorry, honey." She whimpers,“This is not just about sorry, Avery. Why are you here?”Please tell me the truth, baby
Avery's POV My eyes slowly open, and a small groan leaves me when the bright reflection of the sunlight hits my face. I throw a pillow over my face to block the bright morning sunlight. Ah,such peace.I felt particularly lazy this morning and plan on getting more sleep till I feel energized enough to leave the bed. The sound of a ringing phone fills the quietness of the suite, and I am forced to sit up when I realize it's my own phone. I had left the phone in Angela's small suite, where we changed last night, and didn't expect it to be here already. It could only be here because of Ethan!I pick up the phone from the nightstand, and a smile forms on my lips when I see Anita's name on the screen.“Good morn—”“Girl! I have been calling you since last night.” She screams, and I move the phone away from my ear. “You got me worried that I couldn't even sleep a wink. You know, I almost drove down to the harbor this morning, but I remembered you wanted this a secret, and Jeffery doesn't ev
Avery's POV "Girl, I can't believe you went through all that!” Anita exclaims, her eyes wide in surprise.It is a weekend, exactly a week after I signed the contract, and we were both sitting in the pavilion, enjoying some fresh snacks and fruit juice. Marcella was almost due for delivery and stayed at home. I recounted the whole experience on the luxury ship to Anita, from finding out Vivian was the owner of Calliers Accessories to meeting Ethan and signing with D&R Mining Company.I smile at her reaction. “I couldn't believe it too, but here we are.”“No wonder I heard a rumor of your husband cheating on you with a seductive blonde. It must be Vivian behind it then, and that explains Jeffery's weird behavior this week; he seemed to be on edge around me.” Anita frowns and points an accusatory finger at me. “You better get your husband to come clean to my man. Poor guy is probably feeling guilty that he saw your husband cheat on you!”“Cheat on me? That's ridiculous,I was with Ethan
**Two weeks later**Avery’s POV Every day after that night had gone by in a blur, and I had never felt so distant from him before. Ethan had said we needed a break, and he took it so seriously. I woke up the next morning after crying myself to sleep and found out he had moved most of his things out of our bedroom. It felt so heartbreaking, and I couldn't even make it downstairs for breakfast or see the boys off to school that morning.We stayed in the same mansion, but we were as distant as the north and south poles. The only time we spoke was in front of the boys. I have never been more grateful for my sons,their presence and smiles were the only reason I had not lost my mind. Ever since Ethan stopped sleeping in our bedroom, most nights after we read the boys their nighttime stories and they fell asleep, I would later sneak in and spend the night on the couch and make sure to leave very early in the morning. It felt better than crying myself to sleep like I did the first three nigh
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
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