Chapter 3

If Avery was ovulating, they would go on with the insemination but if she wasn't they would give her a shot to trigger the ovulation.

When the insemination process was done, the doctors left.

Avery stood quietly by the bedside, her fingers gently resting on her stomach. So this was it. She was going to carry his child.

She caressed her belly slowly, as the reality settled in. How would he react if he found out? About the marriage... about the pregnancy?

"It's going to be fine dear," a soft voice cooed behind her.

Startled, Avery turned to see Mrs. Valerie standing there. She held a soft gaze as she stared at Avery and her son. How long had she been there? Avery wondered.

"I hope so," Avery whispered, trying to smile.

Mrs. Valerie gave a knowing nod before quietly exiting the room.

Left alone, Avery turned back to the man lying still on the bed. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. Hesitantly, she placed a hand over his heart. It beat slowly.

What if all he needed was true love's kiss? she thought, a small, dry laugh escaping her lips. Fairy tales...

She caressed his arms, they were so strong and muscular, firm as rod yet delicate as a baby's skin.

His legs were strong, and muscular. Even with that shirt she could tell he had well built abs.

He looked so calm and angelic.

But suddenly, she gasped as a cold chill spread through her.

She froze.

Her hand trembled.

Then she met his gaze. Anthony’s eyes were wide open, staring at her with a frown. Not just confusion, but a mixture of anger and wariness.

"Who are you?" His voice was deep, raspy and rough.

Avery stumbled backward, her heart rate suddenly increased and with the speed of lightning she bolted out from the room.

"He's awake! He's awake! Call the doctor!" she screamed.

She bumped into Mrs Meyer who steadied her and rushed back to the room with her.

A crowd gathered instantly. When Mrs. Valerie saw her son conscious, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fainted.

"She has hypertension!" Mrs. Meyer shouted.

Cole lifted her carefully, rushing her to the car.

Back in the room, Anthony tried to sit up but it seemed impossibl. He couldn't feel his legs. "Who are you?" he asked again, eyes locked on Avery.

“She’s the wife your mother arranged for you,” Mrs. Meyer said gently, stepping forward.

"Get out," Anthony's voice rumbled from his throat like a growling wolf.

"Sir..." Mrs. Meyer jolted when Anthony cut her.

"I said GET OUT!" he thundered, jaw clenched.

Avery’s heart shattered. She turned and scampered out of the room, tears blurring her vision.

When he was asleep, he looked so calm and harmless but immediately he woke up, he was like a beast that was distracted from sleep.

A dangerous, scary and enigmatic energy had suddenly awoken with him.

Mrs. Meyer followed her. "It’s okay, Avery. He just woke up, he probably doesn’t remember anything yet."

"Please," Avery's voice was trembling. "Just get my things. I’ll stay in one of the guest rooms."

"Are you sure? Maybe he just needs some time."

"I’m sure."

She wiped her eyes with the back of her palm, trying to stay composed. All of this… all this pain, for her mother’s life. It was a constant reminder of her father's betrayal.

Her phone buzzed. The caller Id read “Tori”.

She answered. "Aunt Tori?"

“If you want to see your mum before she dies, now’s the time,” her aunt said coldly, and hung up.

Avery's breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded. Her mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. But Aunt Tori had taken the money for treatment. She promised. What was she saying?

She didn’t think. She just ran.

She caught a cab and rushed to Uncle Harris’s house. The moment she got there, she barged in through the door like something was chasing her.

Her mother lay on the bed, gasping. Her eyes found Avery.

She tried to speak, but instead, she coughed blood.

"No, no, no," Avery sobbed, dropping to her knees beside her. "Mother, I’m so sorry. This is my fault. I should’ve made sure you got treatment."

Blood ran from her mother’s nose, her eyes blood red.

Avery broke down completely, crying as the life left her mother’s body.

She turned on Tori. "You took the money. Why didn’t you help her?!"

Tori didn’t flinch. "You weren’t paying rent, were you? We had debts to clear. After that the money was far spent."

Her voice was flat and unbothered. She talked so casually as if it were the weather she was talking about.

Avery looked at her, speechless. Her body was weak. Her head pounded heavily, it felt heavier than her body. Her chest ached like it had been stabbed a thousand times. She collapsed beside her mother’s still form, sobbing uncontrollably. As if the tears could bring her back.