Chapter 2

The next morning, Avery woke up with a start. Her heart was pounding hard in her chest, and she could feel the sweat trickling down her back.

The sun was shining brightly through the window, and it only made her feel more scared. She didn't want today to happen. She didn't want to face the world, knowing that the people who were supposed to love her had betrayed her.

Slowly, she got out of bed, her body feeling heavy and exhausted. She went to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror.

She looked pale and disheveled, her eyes red and puffy from the tears she had cried the night before. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wake herself up. She didn't want to face the day, but she knew she had to. She had to face the people who had hurt her.

She made her way downstairs, trying to prepare herself for the worst.

When Avery reached the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see the entire family gathered around the dining room table.

Her husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law were all there, smiling and chatting with each other.

"Avery!" her husband said, standing up and walking towards her. "I'm so glad you're here. Come, join us.”

Avery felt like she was in a dream. She looked at the family, and felt a mix of emotions: anger, sadness, and confusion. But she forced herself to put on a smile.

Avery eat, wondering this was going to be her last meal, as they were all staring at her from time to time. She felt caged.

After the meal,

As the family finished eating, Susan turned to Avery and asked, "Have you prepared your luggage?"

Avery looked at her, confused. "Luggage?" she asked. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb, dear," the mother-in-law said, her voice cold and unforgiving. "You know exactly what I mean. You're leaving today, remember?"

Avery's heart dropped. She had completely taught that they had forgotten about kicking her out of the house today.

She had been so focused on the events of last night that she had taught it was all a joke and it was all over.

"I have nowhere to go," Avery said, turning to her mother-in-law. "I can't just leave like this. Please, give me a chance to stay."

"You had your chance, and you blew it," the mother-in-law replied, her eyes cold and unfeeling. "You're no longer welcome here. Go get your things and leave."

Avery turned to her husband, her eyes pleading. "Stephen, please," she said, her voice shaking. "I'll do anything. I'll do the dishes, the cleaning, anything you want. Just please don’t send me away.”

"My decision is final," Stephen said, his voice firm. "I'm not changing my mind. Why are you still insisting?"

"Because I love you!" Avery exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "I know you don't love me, but I can't help how I feel. Please, just give me another chance."

Stephen's sister, Jane, let out a snicker. "Aww, isn't that sweet," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Do you even know what the word 'love' means, Avery?"

Avery felt like she had been punched.

‘Who the hell put this bitch mouth in our discussion?’ Avery said in her head.

"You think you love my brother?" Jane continued, her voice full of contempt. "But you're nothing but a gold digger, through and through. You married him for his money, and now you're crying and begging to stay because you know you'll be penniless without him. You're pathetic."

Because everyone knew she was from a very poor background and had no mother and father, they had always thought she married Stephen for his money.

Well, they found the perfect maid for their hardworking and it was time to send her packing.

Avery's face burned with shame and anger. She knew Jane was wrong, but she couldn't find the words to defend herself.

How could she explain that she really did love her husband, despite all the hurt and anger she was feeling?

Before Avery could respond, Jane continued her tirade. "You know what, Avery?" she said, her eyes gleaming with malice. "I don't think you even deserve to be here, even as a maid. You should be out on the streets, begging for scraps."

Avery felt a surge of rage. She had tried to be patient and understanding, but Jane's words had pushed her to the edge.

"Shut up!" she yelled, her voice trembling with emotion. "You don't know anything about me or my feelings. You have no right to judge me!"

Jane scoffed, but before she could say more, Susan interrupted.

"So, the sweet and innocent act was all just a lie, huh?" the mother-in-law asked, her voice cold and mocking. "I knew you were no good from the start."

Avery felt the tears welling up in her eyes again, but she refused to break down. She was not going to let them see her weak.

"Please," she begged, her voice trembling with emotion. "Just give me one more chance. I promise I'll do better. I'll be the best wife and daughter-in-law you could ever ask for."

Suddenly, she felt a hand on hers. It was so sudden.

Stephen grabbed Avery's arm and pulled her towards the stairs.

"Enough!" he said, his voice full of anger. "You're not staying another minute in this house. I've had enough of your lies and manipulation."

Avery struggled against him, but he was much stronger than her. He dragged her up the stairs and into her room, where he grabbed her bags and flung them onto the floor. "Pack your things and get out!" he said, his face red with rage.

Avery fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. She couldn't believe this was happening. Everything was falling apart around.

As Avery's sobs grew louder, Stephen's anger seemed to dissipate. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Just leave!" he said, his voice firm now. "Stay away from me and my life. I never want to see you again."

Avery looked up at him, her eyes puffy and red. "Please don't make me leave," she pleaded. "I love you. I want to make things right between us."

Stephen stared at her, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. "I don't know what to believe anymore. What I know is that, we’re done!”