LOGINAVERY WINTERS My eyes widened immediately as I snatched the phone from Harper at once.“Did you seriously assign someone to spy on me?” I demanded angrily the moment I placed the phone against my ear.“Babe,” he sighed softly, “we already agreed there would be no outings. Why did you leave the house again despite knowing your condition?”I instantly began looking around suspiciously, trying to identify whoever was secretly watching us.“Stop looking around for anyone,” he said immediately. “And stop rolling your eyes at me too. You know I hate it when you do that.”I scoffed.“And you already know I hate being followed around like a prisoner,” I fired back immediately. “Why would you assign people to secretly monitor me?”“Because I worry about you,” he answered patiently. “And you know that very well too.”His voice softened even more.“You have already been outside for three whole hours now, Avery. You promised me you would rest properly, but the moment I leave for a few days, Harp
AVERY WINTERS The moment those words left my mouth, Aubrey’s expression instantly turned anxious again. Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked completely flustered, as though she could not believe I had spoken to her in such a manner.“Forgive me, Mrs. Reed,” she said quickly, panic evident in her voice. “It’s just that I—”“You are not some insignificant maid to me, Aubrey,” I interrupted gently before she could continue degrading herself again. “You are far more than that. Ever since I stepped foot into this house, you have cared for me sincerely. You looked after me when I was sad, comforted me whenever I felt lonely, and always treated me with kindness. To me, you are like a mother figure, and I cherish you deeply.”As I spoke, I reached for her hands once more and held them firmly in mine.“It is my responsibility to protect the people who care about me,” I continued softly. “And that includes you too. So never belittle yourself in front of me again.”The corners of Aubrey’s
AVERY WINTERS THREE DAYS LATERIt had already been three whole days since Bernard traveled, and I missed him terribly. The silence he left behind inside this room, inside this house, and even inside my heart felt unbearable. I had grown so used to having him around me every second of the day, especially his constant possessiveness, his overprotectiveness, his endless warnings and nagging that I always complained about.Yet now that he was gone, all those little things I once found annoying suddenly felt comforting instead.I missed the way he constantly worried over every little thing concerning me. I even missed the way he always argued with me whenever I refused to listen to him.The house felt emptier without him.And for those past three days, Aaron had been sleeping in my room with me, and surprisingly, it had been one of the most beautiful experiences I had ever had. Every morning, Hazel would come into my house to spend at least an hour with him before leaving again. Howeve
AVERY WINTERS “My goodness, Avery… he actually stopped crying immediately!” Rose exclaimed in utter shock, her eyes widening with both amazement and excitement.She looked between Aaron and I repeatedly, completely stunned by the sudden change in him.“What kind of magic do you always use on this child?” she asked with a soft laugh. “Honestly, this boy is completely attached to you. The moment he enters your arms, he becomes calm. He never cries, never throws tantrums… nothing.”As if proving her point, Aaron let out the sweetest little giggle and snuggled deeper against my neck, his tiny fingers clutching my dress tightly as though he never wanted to let me go.My heart softened almost immediately.God… How wonderful would life have been if he were truly my child?If I had been the one to carry him… To give birth to him…To call him mine without any hesitation.“Mrs. Reed,” Lillian suddenly spoke up with a smile on her face, “I can confidently say he is deeply attached to you. He ha
AVERY 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 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







