Chapter 2

“Avery, like I said yesterday, I was us to discuss the future" Mrs Valerie began as she sat across from Avery on the long dining table, an elegant polished wood that could seat fifteen.

Her hands folded on the table, her voice soft but firm.

“I would be pleased if you could give Anthony a child….or two" Mrs Valerie sighed

“We don't have much time and Anthony is not growing any younger, he needs an heir to carry on his legacy. I want to carry my grandchild before I leave this world."

Avery just listened quietly, her eyes boring into Mrs Valerie's face. That hadn't been part of the agreement. She remembered every line of the contract, nothing about a child or an heir.

“Mrs Valerie.” Avery called cautiously. "Carrying a child wasn't part of the contract" she stated.

“I know,” Valerie admitted, her gaze steady. “I should have included it, but I was afraid you’d say no. So I waited. But I promise, this will be a fair arrangement. If you agree, I’ll have the lawyer draft an addendum. We can start the insemination process immediately. You’ll get the best care.” Mrs Valerie examined Avery's face carefully.

Avery’s eyes dropped to the table. Having a child wasn’t the problem. The problem was the life that child would be born into. Would it be a life of love? Of course she would love her child. But would the father even acknowledge them? If Anthony ever woke up, would he care?

She leaned in, resting her elbow on the cool surface.

“Fine,” she said quietly. “I’ll carry the child.”

Was she even making the right choice?

Mrs. Valerie’s face lit up with a radiant smile.

“Thank you,” she whispered, reaching out to squeeze Avery’s hands. “You’ve made me so happy. I promise, you’ll be treated like royalty.”

Avery returned a faint smile, her chest was heavy.

Every decision she had made in the past week hadn't been out of desire or hope but survival.

“This is a small wedding gift,” Mrs. Valerie said, reaching for a small velvet box beside her.

“Since Anthony can't take care of you… I’ll do my best to make sure you’re happy.” she smiled warmly forming wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

Avery opened the box and gasped.

Inside was a diamond necklace, sparkling just like it was Cinderella's fairy godmother who had swung her wand and it appeared. It was the kind of luxury that could buy her silence, her loyalty… even her soul. It looked enchanted.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Valerie.”

“It’s nothing,” Mrs Valerie replied. “Just a little something.”

“No, it’s a lot. I’m… really grateful.”

Mrs Valerie stood up and walked round the table. She stood behind Avery “let me help you" she took the necklace and put it round Avery's neck.

Avery packed her hair in one hand allowing her access.

When Mrs Valerie was done she went back to her seat.

Avery trailed her finger on the necklace. It was cold on her neck. An agreement only for survival.

As Avery admired the necklace, a maid entered silently to clear the table. Mrs. Valerie turned to her.

“Alicia, please ask Cole to come down.”

The maid nodded, bowed slightly, and left.

A few minutes later, Cole walked in. He was tall, with dark, tousled hair and an unreadable expression.

“Cole, this is Avery,” Valerie said. “Anthony’s wife.”

“Avery,” he nodded with a polite smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“I’ve called the doctor. He’ll be home soon,” Valerie added. “Cole, please drive Avery home.”

“No problem,” he said, turning toward the staircase to get his keys.

Outside, Avery hugged Mrs. Valerie lightly.

As Cole started the engine, there was a comfortable but long silence between them.

"My mum has really good taste, you're such a beauty" Cole complimented and her lips curled in a small smile in response.

Then there was another brief silence.

“You know,” Cole broke the silence, eyes fixed on the road, “having a child for him... it’s not worth it.”

Avery turned to him with a frown. “What are you talking about?”

He chuckled drily.

“My brother hates children. He won’t love that baby. But me?” He glanced at her. “I’d give that child everything.”

She stared at him, stunned. Did he just said that?

“You’re crazy,” she muttered.

“No,” he said coolly. “Just honest. Mom wouldn’t be mad. She just wants a grandchild. We could give her that. And I could get a lawyer, make sure we get our share of the family's fortune.”

Avery opened her mouth to speak but words failed her.

“Does his life even matter to any of you?” she asked, when she finally found her voice. First was Lana. Now Cole. They only seem to care about his properties.

“Anthony made sure no one cared about him,” Cole shrugged. “He’s a cruel bastard. Always has been. You’re lucky he’s unconscious. If he were awake, you’d be regretting this marriage every second.”

She suddenly felt cold. Her stomach was in knots. “She would be regretting this marriage" that was quite a puzzle.

“If I were you,” he added, his voice calm, “I’d pray he never wakes up.”

Avery turned her head toward the window, lips pressed together. She didn’t reply.

“You take this chance and accept my offer" Cole said after some seconds of silence.

Avery still didn't respond, but her heart kept pounding, and Cole’s words echoed in her mind.

Was it a warning?

Or a trap?