LOGINAVERY WINTERS “That bitch!” Harper snapped angrily. “How dare she do that to you?!”After being discharged from the hospital yesterday, my friends decided to come check up on me today again.At first, I never intended to tell them anything.Bernard had specifically warned me not to let anyone know what we had discovered about Hazel— at least not until we figured out everything else she was hiding.But somehow, during our conversation, one topic led to another… and before I realized it, I had spilled everything to them.And honestly?Their reactions were exactly what I expected.Especially from Harper and Scarlet.It still amazed me how the very same Harper who once brought Hazel into our lives had now become the one who despised her the most.She absolutely hated everything about Hazel now.“I always knew she was vicious,” Ivy hissed, fury blazing in her eyes, “but I never imagined she was this evil. How can someone be so heartless?” She muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.“And
AVERY WINTERS “What’s going on, Bernard?” I asked, staring at him in confusion while a soft chuckle still escaped my lips.He didn’t do something crazy… did he?I thought he had finally given up his playboy lifestyle.Wait… He didn’t get another woman pregnant, did he?“Did you…” I began slowly, my anger already starting to rise. “Did you impregnate another woman?”I stared hard at him, my chest tightening.“Tell me you didn’t get another woman pregnant, Bernard. I thought you pro—”“Of course not, my love,” he cut me off immediately, his voice gentle but firm. “I already made you that promise, and I’m never going back on my word. So please… stop imagining things that could never happen, okay?”I blinked at him.Okay… then what exactly was wrong with him?If he didn’t cheat… And didn’t get anyone pregnant, then why was he acting this strange?Could this be about Hazel?The thought flashed through my mind, but I instantly pushed it away.No.There was no way Bernard would suddenly com
BERNARD REED Today, Avery was finally discharged from the hospital.The moment we got home and stepped into our bedroom, I carefully lowered her onto the bed. Leaning down, I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before brushing a strand of hair away from her face.“I’m heading to the study for a while,” I told her gently.I had no problem leaving her here. All her friends were around to keep her company. My Mom would have stayed too, but she was exhausted from everything that had happened, so she went straight to her room to rest the moment we arrived home.As soon as I stepped out of the bedroom, I turned to Lilian.“Prepare something nourishing for her,” I instructed firmly. She lost a lot of blood. Even though the doctor had stabilized that part, I still want her strength back.“Yes, sir,” she replied with a respectful bow.Without another word, I headed straight to the study.The second I entered my office, Lucas and Joshua followed behind me. I settled into my chair and lifted m
AVERY WINTERS Bernard stubbornly fed me until I was completely full and couldn’t take another bite.At first, I refused to eat no matter how much he tried convincing me. But instead of coaxing me, he shamelessly threatened to do something crazy if I continued starving myself.And honestly?Knowing Bernard very well, I had no doubt he would actually do it. So in the end, I had no choice but to give in.He also explained everything the doctor had told him regarding my condition. And surprisingly… I managed to recover from it faster than anyone expected.No, don’t get me wrong.I wasn’t over losing my baby. I didn’t think I would ever truly get over that pain. Even now, it still hurt as though it had happened only a minute ago.The emptiness inside my chest still felt unbearable. But at least I was beginning to regain control of myself mentally.I wasn’t letting the grief completely consume me anymore.After I finished eating, Bernard informed me that I would be discharged tomorrow.App
BERNARD REED “What if Avery is actually telling the truth?” Asher suddenly said, his expression turning serious. “I mean, she wouldn’t just randomly accuse Hazel without a reason. What if she’s right?”“I agree with Asher,” Caleb added immediately. “Don’t forget she was almost poisoned a few days ago too. That can’t possibly be a coincidence.”“But still, I don’t thi—wait… what?” I froze abruptly, horror flashing across my face as Caleb's words fully registered in my mind.My eyes widened instantly.Poisoned?I slowly turned my gaze toward the three of them, confusion and disbelief written all over my face.The expressions they wore told me one thing clearly— I wasn’t supposed to know about this.A dangerous silence instantly filled the room afterward.“What’s going on?” I asked slowly, my voice turning colder with every word. “Who almost got poisoned?”The two of them exchanged uneasy glances before finally explaining everything that happened while I was away.And the more I listene
AVERY WINTERS Harper was just about to speak when Caden suddenly cut her short.“She’s right,” he said softly.I shot him a brief glance, only to see him forcing out a bitter smile.“I’m only repaying an old debt,” he continued softly. “I’ve been indebted to her for the past twelve years.”“What?!” Harper exclaimed in shock, her eyes widening dramatically. “Twelve years?”Caden nodded slowly.“Yes,” he replied gently, his gaze fixed on me. “Avery once saved my life years ago… even though it nearly cost her own in the process. She got hurt because of me, yet I never even realized it at the time. Instead, I treated her terribly. I hurt her in more ways than I can count.” His voice grew heavier with regret. “So if I ever get another chance to save her again, I will gladly do it without hesitation. Because she deserves far more than that.”“But that day will never come.”Bernard's cold voice suddenly echoed through the room. And the atmosphere changed instantly.My breath caught as Bern
AVERY WINTERSThe moment we stepped into his car, I turned to him, my eyes glinting with hope. "Bernard, I'm sure you must’ve changed your mind by now, right?" I asked. But he ignored me, as usual. He has a driver, or can even have one of his guards drive us. But whenever we're about to go to a p
AVERY WINTERSAn hour and a few minutes later, we were done with the meeting. Although, we're still engrossed in our conversation.Just then, the waitress from earlier arrived again, but Mr. Moore dismissed her. He let her know, she would be called once we're ready.As soon as we are done talking,
AVERY WINTERS"Good," I muttered, taking a seat opposite him. “So, the thing is.... I’m thinking of building an orphanage home. And I’ve found a perfect location for it,”“I did my inquiry about the land and found out you owned the whole area, plus the properties around there. So I was thinking…” I
AVERY WINTERSIt’s morning, and I decided to prepare breakfast for Bernard— A very nice meal that would leave him speechless. Fear was written all over Aubrey, and the other maids faces as they caught me cooking in the kitchen. No one wanted to face Bernard’s wrath. I tried to reassure them, tha







