MasukAVERY WINTERS The tailor eventually arrived, took Charlotte's measurements, and after spending a little more time together, we finally headed back home.Not without Ben and Ezra calling Scarlet and I repeatedly like overly protective husbands.Honestly, those two were just impossible.The moment Harper and I stepped into the living room, I froze.Rose was seated elegantly on the couch. And right beside her… Was Hazel.Immediately, my mood darkened.The warmth I had been feeling vanished almost instantly, replaced by irritation bubbling inside me.What the hell was she doing here again?Beside me, Harper visibly stiffened too. We exchanged a quick knowing glance before I turned my attention back toward them.“What are you doing here?” I asked coldly, my eyes fixed directly on Hazel as I slowly walked closer.Rose immediately rose to her feet and approached me warmly. She took my left hand into hers and gently caressed it.“Dear,” she said softly, smiling sweetly at me, “she has someth
AVERY WINTERS After Bernard finished his one-sided conversation with our baby— who probably couldn’t even hear him yet, he finally went to take his bath while I decided to call Charlotte back.The moment she answered, her excited voice rang through the phone.“Hey, Avery!” she squealed. “Harper told me everything that happened. Are you okay?”I immediately rolled my eyes.That girl seriously had the biggest mouth ever.“Um… yes, I’m fine,” I replied softly. “Everything’s okay now.”“That’s good then,” she said with relief sigh. “Actually, I called because of our measurements today. It’s fixed for 12 PM. You’re not going to cancel on me, right?” she asked hopefully.My eyes widened slightly.I had completely forgotten about it.We agreed to go together, but we never properly settled on the date. With everything happening lately, it had slipped my mind entirely. And honestly, I was genuinely excited for her wedding.“Of course I will come,” I answered immediately. “Harper and I will co
AVERY WINTERSI lay quietly on the bed beside Ben, watching him sleep while waiting for him to wake up.After everything that happened last night, sleep barely came to my eyes. My mind had been a complete mess the entire night. Questions kept running through my head over and over again, refusing to let me rest peacefully.Then finally… he stirred.And slowly, his eyes fluttered open, though still clouded with sleep. The moment his gaze met mine, a soft smile immediately appeared on his lips.“Good morning, my love,” he murmured in his deep, husky morning voice.I didn’t respond.I simply stared at him silently, waiting for him to fully wake up and realize from my expression alone that I was not in the mood for his sweetness this morning.“Finally, you’re awake, Don.”I intentionally called him that.And as expected, his brows furrowed slightly.He slowly sat upright on the bed, the sleepiness gradually leaving his face as seriousness replaced it.“When did you start calling me that?”
AVERY WINTERS “W-what? What are you saying, Avery?” Hazel asked, letting out a nervous little laugh. “Of course I’m happy. This is wonderful news after all.”“Babe, that’s enough,” Ben whispered softly into my ear, his tone stern yet gentle at the same time.I rolled my eyes dramatically, though deep down, I knew he was trying to keep the peace.Before I could respond again, Rose suddenly appeared beside me and gently pulled me away.“Come with me,” she said warmly. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”I frowned slightly in confusion.I had assumed tonight’s celebration was only for members of the Bernard organization, so I had no idea who else she could possibly want to introduce me to. Still, refusing her wasn’t an option. The last thing I wanted was to hurt her feelings.Even so… A part of me still didn’t want to leave Ben alone with this witch.I simply didn’t trust that woman.Not even a little.Several minutes passed as Rose introduced me to a few of her close friends and asso
AVERY WINTERS “Tonight, eat until your hearts is filled!” Bernard announced proudly as he raised his glass into the air. “Drink as much as you want! Celebrate freely! Tonight is a day of joy for all of us!”Cheers instantly erupted throughout the grand hall.But my husband wasn’t done yet.“To show just how happy I am,” he continued, his deep voice carrying authority and excitement at the same time, “I will personally attend to every petition brought before me within the next week. Every complaint, every unresolved matter.. I will handle them myself. I will make sure each and every one of you leaves with a smile on your face.”The moment those words left his lips, the entire hall exploded into loud celebration.Excited voices filled the air immediately.Some people hugged each other happily, others raised their drinks high while shouting praises to him. A few had already started dancing without caring who watched them, while others remained seated, grinning widely as they discussed h
AVERY WINTERS Bernard stepped into the hall, his commanding presence instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Without sparing a glance around, he walked straight toward his seat with the calm confidence he always carried so effortlessly.The moment he sat down, I followed after him.Then, with a simple gesture of his hand, he motioned for everyone else to take their seats as well. Immediately, the guests obeyed after bowing respectfully to him.As the room settled, he turned slightly toward me and leaned closer until his lips were near my ear.“You look beautiful tonight,” he whispered in that deep, husky voice of his that always managed to send warmth through my entire body.A blush instantly crept onto my cheeks.“Just tonight?” I teased softly, raising a brow at him.A faint smirk curved against his lips.“Of course not,” he replied smoothly. “You always look beautiful. But tonight…” His gaze slowly traveled over me before returning to my eyes. “Tonight, you look absolutely breatht
AVERY WINTERS"I know... But I wan-" "Shhhh" he said, placing his index finger on my lips. "Why would you even doubt this? This is about us, and we should be positive," he paused, and then continued again."Yes, you've tried before, and it didn't work, but it will be different this time. Listen, D
AVERY WINTERSButterflies were at work in my stomach, and my toes curled up in excitement. If I was told my relationship with Bernard would progress this far— in such a positive way and get to this stage, I would've denied it. The kiss started slowly, but as the moment passed, he quicken it's pac
AVERY WINTERS"The car is ready," he announced, his voice smooth as usual. Bernard nodded, his expression stoic. "I will be down shortly with Avery. You can go ahead," he ordered, his tone firm.Lucas bowed again and left, and as the door shut, he turned to me with a soft smile spreading across hi
AVERY WINTERS"I swear, I hate him," Bernard hissed.I chuckled, shaking my head, my hands still wrapped around his neck.We both knew that wasn't true. But in this moment, he would say anything to make himself better. "Come on, Bernard, don't be like this. I'm still here, right?" I said, locking







