Avery violently shook off Wanda's grip on her arm.She recognized the car as Elliot's and strode over to it.When the door to the driver's side opened up, the bodyguard got out and charged straight at Wanda.Avery was afraid that he was about to strike Wanda.She rushed to the bodyguard's side and held him back."Don't touch her! Her daughter just died. It's only natural that she'd be emotional."Ha… I guess you haven't been kicked out of the Foster family yet! You're pretty good at seducing men, aren't you?" Wanda mocked.The bodyguard raised his arm in preparation to slap Wanda across the face.Avery stopped him once again and said, "Get back in the car. I'll get in after a word with her."The bodyguard shot an intimidating glare at Wanda, warning her not to lay a finger on Avery.Wanda felt a chill run down her spine, but she had to put up with it.Now that her daughter was dead, she had to stay alive!That was the only way she could avenge Cassandra.Once the bodyguard
"Yes, Mom. It's me," Elliot answered.Avery choked and began to cough violently.He actually called her mother "Mom"!"Here's the thing. Avery said she feels like eating your cooking, but it's not convenient for me to go to your place. I'm thinking of booking a restaurant nearby, and I was wondering if you'll be able to come and cook there," Elliot said in a gentle and calm voice."Sure! Just send me the address and I'll be right over," replied Laura."Thank you," Elliot said, then hung up the phone and sent an address to Laura.Avery stared at him in complete shock, completely bewildered by his actions."Are you insane? I was just simply saying that… You actually called my mom out to cook for me?!" Avery exclaimed. "You never used to take my words seriously. What's going on with you?""I'll take you seriously from now on," Elliot said as his eyes and tone turned serious.A wave of warmth washed over Avery and turned her cheeks red. She felt like she could hear her heart thump
At the restaurant, Laura laid out the completed dishes on the table."Come with me for a second, Avery," Laura called out to her daughter.Avery followed her mother and walked toward the bathroom."Did you and Elliot get into a fight?" Laura asked."Is it that obvious?" Avery responded, her face void of emotion.Perhaps it was because she had been disappointed so many times that she became numb to the feeling."It is. You look like a couple that's on the verge of divorce," said Laura. "The expression on your faces is exactly what your father and I looked like when we went to sign the divorce papers."Avery could not hold back a laugh."We didn't talk about the divorce. It's just… About having kids… We can't talk about it.""I see. Is he still not willing to have kids? Did he say why?"Avery shook her head and said, "He has depression. Every time I think about that, I tell myself not to dwell on things.""That poor thing." Laura sighed. "What's the point of having all of that
Elliot's legs had been recovering well, and he was able to move around more freely with a walking stick.He got out of bed and walked into the closet to pick out his outfit for the day.Most of his clothes were in dark shades and colors.His brows furrowed as he took in the gloominess of his closet.Elliot walked out of the closet after failing to pick out a suitable outfit, then gave Chad a call."Chad, I need a light-colored suit.""Of course, Sir. Are you looking for something casual or a formal suit?""Something casual.""Roger that. I'll get it ready right away," Chad said. "By the way, the jewelry designer you asked me to contact has finished the sketch you asked for. I've emailed it over to you. They can start working on it once you approve the sketch.""Alright," Elliot responded.He hung up, then entered his study and turned on the computer.The upcoming New Year's Eve was the first one that he was going to spend with Avery, and he wanted to give her something speci
Avery did not react.It was true that her relationship with Elliot was more boring than most.Just last week, they had spent the entire time at home.Elliot was either working in his study or reading a book in the living room.Avery, on the other hand, was either writing her thesis or reading in the living room with him.Elliot's book was in a foreign language that Avery did not understand.Avery was reading Professor Hough's book on neurology.She was sure Elliot would not understand a thing about it either, so she did not feel inferior to him."What do you think of my necklace?" Tammy asked as she suddenly took off the necklace she was wearing and showed it to Avery."It's pretty. Did your boyfriend give it to you?""He did! It's a Christmas gift. It's even got my name engraved on it!""You can also purchase jewelry which comes with a free engraving offer for under ten bucks," said Avery in earnest. "You shouldn't let these things go to your head!"Tammy did not mind."I
Avery's hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and she was dressed in a blue denim jacket over a long white dress.With her guitar in her arms, she took a seat on the high stool placed at the center of the stage.As she adjusted the mic stand in front of her, the room lights dimmed, and she was illuminated by the light of the spotlight that was trained on her. The melodic strumming of Avery's guitar began to echo through the hall, followed by her angelic singing.Her gaze did not search the crowd for anyone in particular, but she could feel a pair of eyes watching her intently.Avery shut her eyes to immerse herself in her performance.Soon after, the stage lights lit up and a colorful wave of flower petals floated down from the ceiling.The audience burst into wild, frenzied cheers.Avery opened her eyes, her thick lashes fluttering.Her face was a picture of bewilderment as petals rustled down in front of her eyes.Nobody told her that there would be a flower shower du
Avery felt Elliot's body stiffen as he stood next to her.The outfit he wore made him look much younger, however, he was still treated like an older person.It must have bothered him."I'm Avery's—"Elliot began to speak, but Avery interrupted him by grabbing his hand, then explained, "I don't know this guy. It's cold out here. Let's head to the car!"At the same time, Tammy pulled the student out of their way.Avery threw Tammy a look of gratitude, then helped Elliot to walk toward the black Rolls-Royce."Your legs haven't fully recovered," she said in a concerned voice. "You shouldn't be walking around like this.""It doesn't hurt anymore," Elliot said.His eyes landed on the bouquet of flowers in Avery's arms."There's a gift in the bouquet," he said awkwardly."What?" Avery said as she stared at Elliot in shock. "You got me a gift? I didn't get you anything, though."The air around them turned thick with uneasiness.They had spent the past week at home. How did he find
Avery could not help herself, and she tapped on the text message from Ben. [Your wife's got a great voice! It's a shame she's not a singer!]Avery had not expected to be able to access Elliot's phone. She would not have been able to get in if he had set a passcode, but he did not have one set up.After Ben's text came through, he sent over a video of Avery's performance.Tammy had sent her the same video earlier and told her that she was going viral on the college's online forum.Avery returned to the home screen and placed the phone back where she had found it. It was at that moment that her finger slipped and opened up Elliot's photo gallery, revealing the photos within.…When Elliot emerged from the bathroom after his shower, Avery gestured at him, and he immediately sat on the bed."I suddenly feel like cooking. Should I cook for you from now on?" Avery asked.Elliot looked at her, confused."Are you serious?""I am!" Avery answered with enthusiasm. "I can't guaran