“Where are you? I’ll come to you immediately.” Fredrick exclaimed in despair.“I think I know what the problem is” Alex said, turning his phone to Fredrick.He swiped the screen left and right, growing increasingly angry.With the phone still pressed to his ear, “Avery, did you serve tacos at a food truck today?” Fredrick asked, his voice was cold and stern.Avery’s heart sank when she heard his tone, she tried to say yes, but she could only wince at the irritation in his voice.“Did you do it to sabotage me? Are you rebelling? Is this…?” Fredrick heaved, steadying himself.He realized he was more angry at the people who took the pictures than he was angry at Avery.He felt distressed by the anguish Avery would be going through.“I promise, it wasn’t to harm you or your reputation.” Avery sobbed.Fredrick remained quiet for a while, unable to speak, he was concerned about her, yet the uneasiness in him rendered him blank.“F…Fredrick?” Avery stuttered.“I’m sorry.” Fredrick hung up
Avery woke up the next day in firm, masculine arms, cuddling and spooning her as the sunlight sieved through the curtains, gently rubbing its warmth in their faces. She blinked her eyes open, trying to piece together the night before.She tried to raise her body and sneak out of bed but the firm hand held her down and pulled her closer.“Don’t go please, stay” Fredrick whispered, his voice coarse and groggy.Suddenly, the happy memories of last night filtered through her mind’s eye. She couldn’t help but replay their moments in vivid details, she felt shivers crawl down her spine as she relived Fredrick’s unexpected kiss, the way his eyes sparkled as he confessed his love to her, the genuineness in his eyes when he spoke to her, his tongue inside her mouth as he tasted her lips. Avery couldn’t help the rush of joy that snaked into her.With a faint smile and racing heart, Avery carefully turned to face him, careful not to disturb his peaceful sleep, careful not to put this moment in
“I don’t think our breakfast is coming any time soon, should we just leave?” Avery turned her gaze to Fredrick, he didn’t seem angry or jealous, his expression was just blank and she didn’t know what to do with that but she knew what to do with Noah,“Excuse me…” she said to Fredrick, as he grabbed Noah by the hand and pulled him away.“What is going on? Noah, why are you so shocked?” “I’m sorry I didn’t tell anyone. It’s a little more complicated than it seems.” Avery said, trying to bring him out of his daze.“I just can’t believe that you’re married” Noah cried,“How are you married? When? Aren’t you like 23?” Noah blurted breathlessly.“Yes, I am married. I’m legally married to the Hughson family, a few months ago and yes I am 23.” Avery retorted, she felt horrible that she had kept this part of her life secret but she didn’t deserve Noah’s scrutiny.“You’re making me…feel weird” Avery confessed.“I… I fell in love with you” Noah stuttered, he wasn’t actually confessing to Avery
Avery grinned from ear to ear on the ride back home, of course she was saddened by Margaret’s sad situation and she would help her as much as she could, but she couldn’t shake off Fredrick’s effects on her. He had her at the palm of his hands, pressing all her buttons and activating all smiles and happiness in her even in the face of mishap.However, Fredrick had turned chaperon for the night while Avery and Margaret occupied the back seats of the car, cuddling and hugging each other like two swans in a park, yet every now and then, Avery caught Fredrick’s gaze in the rearview mirror and her heart would flutter in excitement.“Are you okay now?” Avery asked, referring to Margaret.“Yeah, definitely. I am better, I can’t really fault my parents for deciding to break up, loving is hard” Margaret sighed wearily.Avery wondered if there was more to her statement, she couldn’t deny that she was right, loving was indeed hard but the tiny moments made it all worth it to her.Moments like thi
“Avery!” Fredrick muttered as he swiftly got out of bed.His excitement returned as he prayed that he wasn’t mistaken, he rushed to the door and swung it open.His eyes widened in surprise at the appearance of the person in front of him, his heart pounded against his chest as he tried to compose himself, yet failing terribly.He took in the features of his wife he never noticed before, her hazel brown eyes shone differently tonight, like the red piece of nothing had somehow amplified the colors, the way her smile crinkled at the corners, even the tint of red smeared over her cheeks looked cute and adorable to him.As he gazed at her, he realized she was more beautiful than ever, he was frozen at his spot, looking at her affectionately and lovingly.After a moment of deafening silence, he struggled to compose himself, “Avery…” he managed to whisper, his voice was husky and coarse, filled with emotion and love.In that moment, Avery suddenly felt shy and embarrassed, blushing terribly,
Having breakfast with a third person in the house suddenly made Fredrick reminisce about dinners at Nei-nei’s round table, the memory of their last dinner together flashed through his mind, making him miss her nagging and pestering.As they exchanged glances with each other, Fredrick knew Avery had the same thoughts as he did.“We should visit Adrian soon” Avery commented.Fredrick nodded in response.“Who is Adrian? Wait! I’ve heard that name before…” Margaret squished her face, racking her brain to remember who they were talking about,“But I hope he’s not one of your friends you should be introducing to me.”Avery chuckled lightly,“Adrian is my brother in-law” Fredrick replied.“Yes, I remember now. Adrian is Avery’s younger brother. Fredrick liked Margaret, she found her lively and chatty personality spreading her warmth around the house.Not to mention, the sultry lingerie idea she had imposed on Avery.Thinking about the night they had made his heart flutter, he had to leave n
Alex drove behind Fredrick as they made their way to White Avenue.It was a little past 7pm when they finally got home.The traffic in Greenville was gradually becoming horrendous, more so because the town was about to inaugurate a new Government.Fredrick wasn’t really concerned with politics, but Alex was. Six years ago, his father was elected Mayor of Greenville but being an illegitimate son of his father, he was forced to stay out of politics and his father’s present family so as not taint his image.Joseph Clinton had his first son when he was a teenager, it was a one-time, great-time that led to parenting responsibilities and his father could not live with it.Being a teenager when Alex was born, Joseph was forced to feign for his son without his parents’ help nor the help of his mother. Growing up, Alex and his father never had a father-son relationship, what he had with his father was more of a traditional training time frame.Joseph had made it clear to Alex since he was te
The pizza box was opened delicately by the gracious Avery, as her face sprawled into a smile, Fredrick made a mental note that his wife loved pizza.His gaze swiftly went from his wife to the chattering Margaret who was talking and chatting with Alex like they’ve known each other forever,“I don’t need to introduce you two then…”“They are getting along pretty well” Avery chipped in.“I shall introduce myself” Alex retorted.“Hi princess, I am Alex.” He said stretching out his hand for a handshake.Margaret hesitated for a while before taking his hand, she fixed her gaze on him without averting his eyes,“You are intimidating me” Alex shuddered playfully.“Princess?” Margaret repeated.“What would you rather be called? Stranger?” “I’d rather be called Margaret, sir” Margaret retorted with a hint of irritation in her voice.“Nice to meet you, Margaret.” Alex bowed.“The pleasure is all mine!” “Now are you ready for my delectable plate of …..”“I’ll pass…” Alex said, as he arose from
The next morning in the large mansion at White Avenue was quite a whirlwind.“Can’t you stay for a bit? Say two more weeks?” Avery sighed softly.Margaret and Adrian chuckled wryly,“I don’t want to go neither” Margaret replied.“But I have to…”“My fiancé needs me” she added, extending her arms so that Avery and Adrian would see her diamond ring.Avery rolled her eyes and pouted slightly,“You can have a fiancé and still stay here… don’t leave me!” Avery cried.Her cries were so outrightly falling on deaf ears because, as Alex emerged from the hallway with bags in hand, followed by Fredrick, Margaret leaped towards him,“Hi there, my fiancé” she squealed excitedly, hanging on her husband’s arm. Avery shook her head playfully, and gestures to her husband too.“I guess it’s just us from now on...”“I know so..” Fredrick replied.“Invite us to the wedding, if you please” he added.Alex nodded agreeably,“That definitely, you won’t miss.”Turning to Adrian, he laid his free hand on his s
EIGHT WEEKS LATERThe most expensive hotel in Greenville opened its ballroom doors to a vast number of guests trooping in. “The Right Wedding of The Hughsons” Fredrick insisted on calling their second wedding that.Of course, Alex was his Best man.“I’m delighted to be ministering at my best friend’s second wedding- to the same person, don’t get me wrong…” Gary said, taking the microphone as the MC of the occasion.Avery was beautifully dressed in the wedding gown Nei-Nei had gifted her, but this time, it was adorned with tiny diamonds, making her glow in the spotlight. Her blonde hair was straightened out and tied in a bun behind her head. Soon, the keyboardist made a procession of the most popular bride song in the world; announcing the arrival of Mrs Hughson.“Here comes the bride, here comes the bride…” The rows and expensive chairs of the ballroom filled with the richest one percent of Greenville, rose in a standing ovation of the prettiest wife ever.Avery scanned the room a
Fredrick sighed, frustration in his voice as he scolded his brother“It baffles me that the first person you went to ask for help from is someone who abandoned you years ago.” “And Aiden will be saying those same words to Adele some time in the future if you two don’t figure yourselves out.” Noah riposted with a smirk etched on his face.Margaret chimed in her voice feeble and weary,“You’re being really annoying right now, Noah.” “You should apologize for the distress you caused everyone of us here.”Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, “I defended you blindly, and it hurts so much…”“No, no! Don’t cry, Mag” Noah said, wrapping his arms around his sister.“I’m sorry.” He apologized, his eyes brimming with regret.Alex, indignant, removed his hands from Margaret, replacing them with his own.“I’m sorry, please don’t cry… I love you” he whispered, gently patting her back.“You didn’t defend me blindly, you defended me rightfully.” Noah continued.“I wouldn’t dare kidnap any
“Noah!” A voice called from behind him as he stepped into the five-star restaurant. Swiftly, he pivoted his head to the direction of the voice and came face to face with face so strangely familiar. “You asked to see me…?” “Please sit down…”Noah scanned the room suspiciously before settling at the table.“Waiter!” “No! I’d rather not…” Adrian interjected,“Why? I can’t let you watch while I eat” lovely smiled awkwardly.“Fine, I’ll take a cup of coffee. Thank you” he replied.The waiter laid a cup of espresso on the table for Noah and a glass of freshly squeezed apple juice for Lovelyn.“Thank you, Meredith” she muttered to the waitress.“How long are you planning to stay in a hotel?” Noah asked, a hint of disapproval in his tone.Lovelyn grimaced uncertainly, “Why did you want to see?”“I’ll go straight to the point. I need your help.” Noah replied.Lovelyn shifted uncomfortably on her seat, unable to contain her excitement.“I never thought this day would come” she smiled warm
Fredrick woke up to the sound screeching chairs and creaking doors piercing loudly into his hearing. He groaned miserably and snuggled into his sheets, unable to bring himself to witness Avery’s departure, especially after his charade last night, he had regretted announcing their divorce and end of contract at the table. He had breached their contract and if Avery wanted, she could take him to court and sue him for damages- after all, the contract was to be done and resolved confidentially, in order to protect each other from prying ears.He shuddered unbelievably as last night replayed in his mind,“Why did I do that?!” “Alex hates me, I’m sure of it” he thought aloud.Suddenly, a thunderous bang sounded on his door, jolting up from the bed instantly.The thudding persisted urgently, without as much as a pause,“Don’t break down the door, I’m coming!” He thundered, hurrying towards the door. Before he could pull the door open himself, the outsider had pushed it open and let himsel
Ivy turned down the volume of the soft music on her phone to hear the approaching footsteps clearly.As Ivy strained to listen, the muffled thuds grew louder, echoing through the quiet hall way.She took a quick glance at her phone’s screen which displayed the time as 1 in the morning. It struck her as rather alarming and unexpected that at this late hour, people were not only awake, but also strolling around the neighborhood.“But this is Greenville” she told herself, shrugging it off as she turned the next page of the novel she was reading.Just then, the approaching footsteps stopped in front of her door, accompanied by a knock. Panic surged through her as she held her breath, silently praying the unknown person away. The knocking persisted, this time, a bit louder than before.With trembling hands, Ivy advanced to the door, her voice quivering with anxiety as she muttered,“Please, whoever you are, go away!”“Ivy!” Adrian replied,A rush if emotions coursed through her as she he
Avery drove into the mansion that had been her home for the past one year, her heart wrenching and aching badly at the sight of the man she loved dearly drowning himself in alcohol. Fredrick had readily signed their contract termination papers two days ago.It felt surreal their contract was really over, and she had a week to leave the mansion.As she stepped out of her car, her heart sank at the sight of him sitting absentmindedly in the garden, taking no notice of the car that drove into his compound.“Hey, Avery!” Margaret squealed, startling her from the wrenching sight she was engrossed in.“Hey Mag” Avery replied, forcing a smile.“Fredrick has been like that for days” Margaret said, observing her gaze.“Is something wrong? I’m worried, even Alex is drinking.”“I… don’t know…” Avery stuttered, her voice trembling with inexplicable emotions.She was the one leaving him, but she was the one crying, she couldn’t understand herself.“Are you okay, Avery? You don’t look good either”
Avery’s phone rang persistently, dividing her attention from the crying babies she was trying to tame.Noah walked into the house, just arriving from school, sensing the chaos in the house, he hurried to the direction of the cries where he found Avery, clutching her phone to her ear.“Can you check on them, please?” She pleaded, grimacing apologetically.Noah quickly nodded, making his way to them.“Okay, Uncle Noah is back and he wants absolute silence!” Noah exclaimed, his voice a little higher than theirs. Surprisingly, as if they understood his command, they gradually quietened.“How did you do that?!” Avery gasped in relief as she re-entered the room. “They’ve been so troublesome today.” She added.Noah turned to face her, a wide grin played on his face, beaming proudly,“Of course, they’ll listen to their uncle. It’s just how it is…” he smiled.Avery nodded sheepishly, grateful for the peace in the house.“If you don’t mind, uncle Noah, can you spend some more time with them? I
Just as Alex had advised, Adrian arrived at the cafe and it was already booming. His regular customers were already served breakfast. The idea to add more food to the menu was a good one, their sales were gradually growing by the day and Adrian gave Ivy credit for it everyday.He scanned the room desperately, looking for a red head in the crowd, his heart racing as he scanned through the bustling crowd, searching from face to face for Ivy.Amidst the chaos, he finally spotted her. She was standing near the bar, her red hair sprawled over her back as she drifted seamlessly across the room, going from one table to the other to take their order.“It was a mistake…” Adrian muttered to himself.He head been practicing the same lines on the drive down here, but as soon his gaze fell on the fiery head in the distance, the tingles of her warm lips on him shook him to nervousness.“Adrian!” A voice called from behind, snapping him out of his reverie.As he turned around, his eyes met with the