The Outsider's Vows

The Outsider's Vows

last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-10
Oleh:  Sarah RaymondTamat
Bahasa: English
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Sinopsis

Avery never wanted to marry David, the arrogant heir who thrived on dominance. But after a deal gone wrong, she was forced into an unwanted union. Neither of them had expectations for their marriage, and Avery was already plotting her escape—until something unexpected happened. Can they find a way to accept each other, or will the manipulations of the vengeful Alexander Park and Emily Downs tear them apart? Would there be room for love to blossom? What would happen to their relationship when they find out that they may share the same ex-lover?

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Bab 1

Promises At The Altar

"Do you, David Park, take Avery Downs to be your wife, pledging to stand by her side through all the triumphs and trials of life? Will you cherish her, nurture her dreams, and walk beside her as an equal in every moment of this journey?"

The priest’s voice echoed across the picturesque wedding venue, drawing all eyes to the groom. David’s gaze locked on Avery, his expression unreadable. The silence that followed felt suffocating, a weight pressing down on everyone as they waited for his response.

David took a deep breath, his voice low but steady.

"I, David Park, wholeheartedly choose Avery Downs as my partner, my friend, and my equal. I vow to cherish her, support her, and—"

Avery’s heart hammered in her chest, barely hearing the rest of his words.

“This is ridiculous,” she thought. ‘We met barely a week ago, and he’s giving me a speech about love and commitment?”

Her mind raced, bitterness twisting inside her. She was here, at this altar, not because of love, but because her mother had orchestrated it. An arranged marriage.

David’s vow went on, filled with promises she doubted he would even remember a week from now. Avery’s eyes flicked briefly over the crowd. There were impressed smiles, nodding heads. She finally found her mother’s face, smug and satisfied.

“This is your doing,” she thought bitterly.

Her lips curved in a practised smile as David finished his speech. He looked proud, sincere even. But all Avery could think was, “A simple 'I do' would have sufficed.” She inhaled sharply, forcing the bitterness down.

‘How did I even get here?’

***Two Weeks Earlier***

Avery lay tangled in warm sheets, her fingers brushing through Tiffany’s soft hair. The quiet of the room wrapped around them like a cocoon, the aftermath of their lazy morning together. The world outside didn’t exist for them here.

"I missed you," Avery whispered, leaning in to kiss Tiffany’s bare shoulder. "A whole month without you felt like forever."

Tiffany sighed, rolling over to face her.

"I missed you too. But... there’s something we need to talk about." Her voice had a strange edge to it, one that instantly put Avery on alert.

"Go on," Avery said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Tiffany bit her lip, hesitating.

"I’ve been struggling, Avie. Business is slow, and the bills are piling up. My siblings’ tuition, my mom’s medical expenses... It’s all too much."

Avery blinked, surprised. Tiffany had never asked her for anything like this before.

"You need money?" she asked, her tone soft but cautious.

Tiffany nodded, eyes filling with unshed tears.

"I hate asking you for this, I really do. But I don’t know where else to turn. I’ll pay you back, I swear—"

Avery silenced her with a kiss, pulling her close.

"Stop. You don’t have to explain yourself. You’re my partner, Tiffs. What’s mine is yours. Don’t ever feel like you need to ask for my help."

Tiffany’s breath hitched, her eyes searching Avery’s for reassurance. "Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden..."

"You could never be a burden to me." Avery smiled, stroking her cheek. "Transfer what you need. We’ll figure it out together."

Relief washed over Tiffany, her eyes glistening with gratitude. She wrapped her arms around Avery, holding her tight. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Avery smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of love bloom inside her chest. But that warmth would soon be replaced with a chill she hadn’t seen coming.

Later that day, her phone buzzed in her pocket while she was grocery shopping. Glancing at the screen, it was her dad calling.

It was unusual for her father to call during the day, but what really caught her attention was the second name flashing beside his—Mom. She frowned.

“What does she want now?”

She didn't answer both calls and a few minutes later, her phone buzzed again, this time with a text from her father:

"I just wanted to check on you. Call me when you can.”

Before she could even process that, her mom’s message followed: "Be home by 6 PM. We have important matters to discuss."

Avery groaned inwardly, already dreading whatever confrontation her mother had in store for her. Her mother only called for "important matters" when she was plotting something.

“It hasn't been up to three months, has it?”

*

"Why are you late?" Mrs. Downs asked sharply as Avery walked into the dining room.

Avery shrugged. "I'm here now. Isn't that what matters?"

"Good evening, Daddy," she greeted her father, ignoring the rest of her family.

Her father's face lit up. "How are you, my girl?"

"I was fine... until now," Avery sighed, her gaze briefly resting on her mother before turning back to her father.

His smile faltered. "My poor baby. Come, have a seat, eat, and you can leave soon."

Mrs. Downs scoffed. "Of course, she can leave after gracing us with her presence."

"Really?" Robert sneered, unable to resist. "Late and dressed like you rolled out of bed. What are you even wearing?"

Avery glanced down at her black cargo pants, white t-shirt, and black flats.

"Something comfortable. Maybe try it sometime, Robert. Or go knock your head on a wall, whichever works for you."

"More like hiding who you really are," Robert shot back. "You're still a loser who's into girls?"

Avery's heart tensed, but she didn’t let it show.

"My daughter's sexuality is none of your business," Mr. Downs snapped. "One more word and you're leaving this table."

"Don't shout at my son!" Mrs. Downs interjected. "Why shouldn't he speak his mind? A girl with another girl... it's unnatural."

Avery cut in before her father could react.

"Dad, let them talk." She turned to her mother. "Now, what do you want? You said there was something important."

Dinner arrived, and Avery noticed her plate—broccoli and cauliflower salad, while the rest of the family had pasta.

"Seriously?" Avery muttered, glancing at her mother. "You know I hate this stuff. What's the game now? Mocking me?"

"Grass for the goat," Robert quipped.

"Robert!" Mr. Downs warned.

"Leave him," Avery said, staring at her mother. "You wanted to talk, so talk."

Mrs. Downs smirked, savoring her control. "One word—Tiffany."

Avery stiffened. "And what about Tiffany?"

"We had a deal. I told you if she proved unworthy, I'd intervene. It hasn’t even been three months, but it’s clear now."

Avery narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"

Mrs. Downs signaled to her assistant—and Avery's ex—Simon. Avery’s stomach twisted as Simon handed her his phone. On the screen were photos—Tiffany kissing another man.

Avery’s heart sank, but she kept her expression cool. "So?"

"So?" Robert mimicked. "Looks like she found what she was missing."

"These mean nothing," Avery said, her voice steely. "That could be her ex for all you know."

Robert barked a laugh. "Please. You're delusional."

Avery stood, her patience gone. "I don’t care what you think. I trust Tiffany and your games won’t change that."

Mrs. Downs’ voice turned cold.

"As per our agreement, Tiffany has failed. Your match has been arranged. Expect my call soon."

***

Back at her house, Avery immediately called Tiffany and asked that they meet at a coffee shop, saying she missed her.

Avery arrived at the coffee shop first, her nerves frayed. She was sipping a drink when Tiffany walked in—wearing the exact same outfit from the photos.

Her heart clenched.

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101 Bab
Promises At The Altar
"Do you, David Park, take Avery Downs to be your wife, pledging to stand by her side through all the triumphs and trials of life? Will you cherish her, nurture her dreams, and walk beside her as an equal in every moment of this journey?" The priest’s voice echoed across the picturesque wedding venue, drawing all eyes to the groom. David’s gaze locked on Avery, his expression unreadable. The silence that followed felt suffocating, a weight pressing down on everyone as they waited for his response. David took a deep breath, his voice low but steady. "I, David Park, wholeheartedly choose Avery Downs as my partner, my friend, and my equal. I vow to cherish her, support her, and—" Avery’s heart hammered in her chest, barely hearing the rest of his words. “This is ridiculous,” she thought. ‘We met barely a week ago, and he’s giving me a speech about love and commitment?” Her mind raced, bitterness twisting inside her. She was here, at this altar, not because of love, but because her
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Confrontation
Avery stood up, her arms already halfway extended in anticipation of a hug. But Tiffany raised a hand, refusing the embrace. “Hey, we’re in public. We can’t hug here,” Tiffany said. Avery's smile faltered slightly, disappointment flickering across her face. “But girls hug in public all the time,” she replied, trying to mask her hurt. “I know I’m not just any girl to you, and I know it isn’t going to be a regular hug. Let’s save it for when we’re alone, okay?” Tiffany suggested, motioning toward the empty seat across from Avery. With a deflated sigh, Avery settled into the seat opposite Tiffany, watching her order a drink with a practised ease that felt all too foreign now. “So, how was your day? How did you spend it?” Avery asked, forcing a smile. Tiffany took a moment to consider before replying, “Oh, I was at home all day. Although, I did visit my mom at the hospital. How about you?” A wave of sadness washed over Avery upon hearing Tiffany's response. It pierced her heart, sca
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Completely Broke
Avery sat in the passenger seat, her tears flowing freely, creating a stark contrast to the crisp, tailored navy blue suit of the man beside her. Simon, with his perfectly groomed dark brown hair and chiseled jawline, exuded an air of calm that only intensified her turmoil. "Get in," he had said earlier and guided her into his car without a word of protest from her. “Avie…” Simon finally broke the silence, but his gentle call only made her tears flow harder. She had been crying since she got into the car. “It’s okay to cry…” he murmured, his hand resting gently on her thigh. “Everything will be fine…” “Those are empty words! Everything will not be fine! This life sucks! Nothing goes the way I plan, every single time. Just when I thought I had found love…” The pain in her voice was palpable, choking her as she recalled the hurtful words that had pierced her heart. “Avery, take a deep breath. She isn’t worth the tears,” Simon urged, his voice soft yet firm. “No one understands m
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Her Perfect Match
It was a Saturday evening, and the atmosphere in the room was thick with anticipation as Avery and her mother sat around the elegantly set dinner table. Tonight marked a significant occasion, and despite Avery's internal resistance, there was no escaping it. Her "perfect match" was on his way. Avery had begrudgingly allowed herself to be transformed into a vision of elegance. The black dress she wore hugged her slender figure, the intricate lace details adding an air of sophistication. The capped sleeves and a soft V-neckline left just enough skin, while her soft waves of hair framed her face, enhancing her natural beauty. Every part of her appearance had been perfected—perhaps too perfect for a meeting she had no interest in. Her mom beamed with pride, but Avery remained indifferent, her thoughts far from the evening’s purpose. Her phone, confiscated by her mother to ensure full attention, left her with nothing but her growing impatience. She glanced around the room, irritated tha
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Arranged fate
***Present Day*** It turned out he wasn't messing with her because seven days later, Avery had on a wedding dress! The dress was a masterpiece that seamlessly blended elegance with her mom’s specific wishes. The deep V-neckline plunged just above her chest, trailing down to her abdomen, revealing a subtle hint of cleavage. Despite the beauty of the gown, Avery felt a wave of discomfort. The amount of exposed skin made her uneasy, but she couldn’t bring herself to defy her mother who said she needed to charm David with her body. "It's just for two hours," Avery reminded herself, trying to push down the gnawing discontent. She had already fought against the idea of a wedding reception, feeling unenthusiastic about the entire marriage. After all, why celebrate with strangers when none of her closest friends were present? The only familiar faces around were her family and Simon’s, making her feel lonelier than ever. The ceremony moved forward in what felt like a blur. David’s voice
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Cocky Prince
David's cocky grin spread across his face as he boasted, "The ladies call me the Adonis of the town." Avery bit her lip, fighting back a laugh. "You really think that highly of yourself, don't you?" "Why, of course! A heartthrob, a dreamboat, the epitome of male perfection. Can you blame them?" David gestured dramatically at his reflection in the car window. "Hours at the gym, meticulous grooming, and natural charm that only I possess-it's all me." "Wow, such dedication," Avery mocked. "Well, Valerie, when you're blessed with the looks of a Greek god, it's a full-time job.” "It’s Avery," she corrected, frowning. "Of course, Valerie," he replied absentmindedly as the car came to a stop. Staff opened the back doors for them to step out. Avery struggled slightly due to her dress, but managed to make her way out. She took in the sight of the magnificent mansion before her, pretty impressed. "This is your house?" "No, it’s not," he said, taking off his suit jacket and handing it to
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-10
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Not Interested In His Past
"Why don’t you mind your own business and stay out of mine?" Avery fired. Alex chuckled darkly, “You can put on a show on how you don't care, but trust me, you'll start caring soon.” Mr. Park’s commanding voice interrupted, "Stop bothering her, Alex." David then returned to his position for the next shot. His gaze flickered briefly to Alex’s hand still on Avery’s waist, but he said nothing. He didn’t seem to care. Then it was time for Avery and David to pose as a couple. David sat on a tall chair while Avery was asked to lean against him. "Can you please smile?" the photographer asked, sensing the tension. "Just take the picture like this," David snapped, frowning. The photographer hesitated. "The ones I’ve taken so far don’t look great. Could you just—" "They’re not a typical 'happy couple,' so let’s keep it serious," Mrs. Park cut in sternly, her remark making Avery's stomach churn. "Let’s make it look more like a power couple," Mr. Park suggested in an attempt to ease the
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-11
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Not so cozy
"What the...?!" Avery exclaimed."What is it now?" David frowned."Do you not see anything wrong here?""Answering a question with a question... that's all I see wrong here, and don't ever repeat that," David warned."Why is your house so... so messy? What on earth? Don't you have a maid, cleaning lady, or something? Don't you do chores?!" Avery said disgustedly."I do chores, and there's nothing wrong with my house," he defended."Really? The couches are out of place and covered in what appears to be cookie crumbs. There are slices of bread on a plate on the coffee table next to a jar of jam and a can of beer. Who the hell eats bread, jam, and beer? And why do you have boxers and t-shirts on the couch?" Avery was infuriated."Listen here, Valerie...""It's Avery.""This is my house, and I have the right to do whatever I want here...""And by that, you mean you have every right to let your house become a mess?" Avery interrupted him."The living room is only like this because I was wo
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-17
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Tiffany troubles
"Hello? Tiffany?" Avery eagerly answered Tiffany's call, only to have it abruptly end. Confusion washed over her, and she furiously flung her phone onto the bed. "Why did she call if she wasn't going to say anything?"Taking a deep breath, Avery set aside her burger and rushed to locate her phone. She dialed Tiffany's number and anxiously waited. The call connected, but Tiffany hung up once again, leaving Avery even more bewildered.A sudden text notification interrupted Avery's thoughts. She picked up her phone and read the message that appeared on the screen: "I only called to check if you had blocked my number. And turns out you didn't. Do yourself a favor and block and delete my number. Don't reply to this message." Avery angrily flung her phone away once more."You won't make me lose my appetite," and she resumed nibbling on her burger. However, as she indulged in the deliciousness, tears unexpectedly streamed down her face. The weight of her emotions became too overwhelming
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-18
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Envious Avery
"Right on time," Jennifer said, flashing a warm smile as she swung the door open to welcome Avery. The two friends immediately embraced, feeling the excitement bubble between them.They settled down at the center table, adorned with a delicate white tablecloth. Jennifer carefully poured liquor into the shot glasses, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Now beware. This liquor is not for the faint of heart," she warned, her voice laced with anticipation.Avery smirked confidently. "I'm ready for the challenge," she declared, her eyes locked with Jennifer's."Cheers!" they exclaimed in unison, clinking their glasses together before downing the shots. Their expressions quickly morphed, teeth clenching tightly as the fiery liquid crept through their bodies. Their eyes involuntarily squeezed shut as the intense burning sensation overwhelmed them, causing their faces to contort in discomfort. Jennifer and Avery quickly placed their shot glasses back on the table, exhaling sharply and excha
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2023-10-19
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