4: Avery POV

I’m halfway through eating the bland hospital oatmeal they gave me when the door opens.

Dad perks up. Claudia and Emilia who are still around for the sole reason of deceiving my father turn to look.

I, on the other hand, freeze.

Because standing at the doorway looking nervous, guilty, and annoyingly handsome in ripped jeans and a designer hoodie is Elias Brown.

My ex.

The same man that I caught naked with another woman. The same one that kicked me out and made me break down so hard I almost died in a car crash.

I had not told my father about the split but my dad didn’t look happy to see Elias.

He never liked him for me and in hindsight I should have listened.

Elias clears his throat as he nears me.

“H-Hey… Avery. I heard what happened. I’m so sorry”

The system pulses softly in front of my vision.

<< LIE-DETECTION ACTIVE >>

<< READING… >>

Elias forces a smile and steps inside with a bouquet he definitely bought last minute from a gift shop.

“I came as soon as I heard,” he says softly. “I—I was so worried.”

<< LIE >>

The word slams into my skull like a cold slap.

He wasn’t worried. At least no about my well-being.

He was worried about his career, the brand deals, the modeling gigs, the followers.

If his ex-girlfriend died right after he dumped her for another girl, that would destroy him online.

He was playing safe.

His eyes flick quickly to Claudia and Emilia.

Showtime, huh?

He wants them as witnesses.

I inhale slowly.

He wants to play this game? Fine. Let’s both play Elias.

Unfortunately for you though I have my very own cheat code now.

I blink innocently.

Tilt my head the same way I always did when I used to melt for him.

“Elias?” I whisper. “Baby, You… came.”

His shoulders sag in relief but he still looks confused.

He sat next to my bed and held my hand but I could feel his nerves.

“So you’re not mad at me?” He asks searching my face.

I shake my head shyly.

“Of course I’m not. You’re my boyfriend. I know you’ve been extra busy with work”

“Yeah…..yeah….. I was out of town when… yeah, when I heard about the accident”

<

>

“It’s fine, baby,” I say. “I know you work hard”

“Avery, do you remember anything before the accident?”

He wants to know if I remember the cheating and the break up.

I shook my head.

“Not really. I don’t want to think about it. I’m just glad my sweetheart is here with me”

His face goes dead white.

“I—uh—yeah,” he stammers. “Of course. Your sweetheart. That’s totally right.”

Oh, this is going to be good.

I reach for his hand, not because I want to, but because I want to see him sweat.

“Elias, I was scared,” I say, letting my voice tremble like a kicked puppy. “You’re really here?”

He nods too fast. “Of course. Anything for you.”

“Avery. Love,” Claudia says, smiling warmly at him, “Elias has been asking about you.”

Elias glances at my step mother and forces another heroic expression.

“I just want her safe.”

<< LIE >>

This man lies like he breathes.

I squeeze his hand and smile up at him adoringly.

Inside, I’m plotting.

“Elias,” I whisper. “I… I don’t remember much from back before the accident. Did something happen between us? I feel like… I feel like I forgot something important.”

He freezes.

My father looks at him sharply.

Emilia smirks.

Elias swallows hard. “N-No. Nothing happened. We were fine. Everything is fine.”

<< LIE >>

I smile sweetly.

“Oh. Good. I’ve missed you so much my love”

His relief pours off him in waves. He even sits beside me, pretending to be the dutiful boyfriend.

We talk for a few more minutes.

He pretends he’s perfect, I keep pretending I’m naive and by the time he leaves, he looks like he aged five years.

Good.

Let him be scared.

Let him be trapped.

Because I’m going to ruin him beautifully.

#TWO WEEKS LATER……….

Recovery at home is… really strange.

My father has refused to leave me be and fussed over me. The system presents me with tasks daily as well.

<< TASK: Drink 2 liters of water – REWARD: Skin Clarity +5 >>

<< TASK: 50 squats – REWARD: Waistline Slim +2 >>

<< TASK: No crying today – REWARD: Confidence +3 >>

I don’t know what kind of supernatural skincare-gym-spiritual-upgrade program this is but it works.

By the end of week two: My waist is smaller, my skin looks airbrushed, hair is glossy and thicker.

My thighs have shape, my voice even sounds calmer, softer

And I look alive.

Even Claudia keeps staring at me like she’s trying to decode what surgery I secretly got.

Emilia looks threatened every time I breathe.

Dad looks proud but confused.

Elias has been actively avoiding seeing me since the hospital. He’s in for a shock when next we run into each other.

I resume work eventually.

I walk into Greyhound Holdings on Monday morning and the world stops.

Everyone turns and stares.

The whispers start immediately:

“Is that Avery?”

“No way that’s her. She looks incredible.”

“What happened to her?”

“Who knew she had it in her?”

I keep walking, pretending not to notice.

Suddenly the office goes silent.

Because the elevator doors open and out steps Dominic Greyhound.

The billionaire CEO of Greyhound Holdings.

Gorgeous, cold, and impossible to please.

He never interacts with us, he never comes down here, and he never acknowledges junior staff.

But he is looking directly at me.

He walks toward me slowly, eyes assessing me.

“What’s your name?”

“Avery mane, Sir” I try not to squeak.

“You will accompany me tonight to an important dinner with our international partners.”

The room explodes in silent jealousy.

Especially from Dalia.

Dalia, the office’s queen bee, my bully, who always gets picked because she’s the prettiest employee.

She steps forward, fake smile plastered on her face.

“Sir, I’m available. You usually pick me”

Dominic doesn’t even look at her.

“I said Avery.”

Dalia’s entire face crumbles.

He turns back to me.

“Wear something elegant,” he says quietly. “I expect you ready at 6.”

I nod.

Dominic stares at me a moment longer and I’m scared I’m going to melt. Then he walks away.

I can’t believe that this is really happening