Chapter 2

Avery’s POV

I was inside my room when Magaret walked in and she started giving an ultimatum to me,I stared keenly at her, wondering if she knew what she was talking about at all.

“You need to get married to that Alpha, or you’ll find a way to fork out the money we need for the surgery; the choice is all yours.”

I smiled fondly after hearing what my stepmother just said.

“So you’re forcing me to get married to someone else when you know I have someone I love already? And yet you can’t push your daughter to do the same; after all, it’s the same father we are trying to save here. So you think I’ll do this so you can get the money?” 

“Well, I would leave you to your dreams if you think that’s ever going to happen.”

“So it seems you don’t want this to be done as easily as it can be.” Magaret raised her voice, staring keenly at me with so much hatred evident in her voice.

“Then I’ll just end the treatment, as we do not have enough money to continue it. I want you to know this is all your fault. We can use it for your sister's dowry, and I am his wife, so I have the right to decide not to waste money on a dying man.”

“What! He’s your husband, my father!”

"Oh, please stop playing the role of a victim; if you want to save your father’s life, then you won’t hesitate to get married to that Alpha until then.” My expression turned sour as she turned and exited without uttering another word.

I knew Kayla meant everything she said, and if I didn’t marry who she wanted, she would stop my father’s treatment. I immediately brought out my phone as I thought of how she could raise the money, and I thought of Damon; he was from a wealthy background; after all, he should be able to help her.

However, his familiar phone ringtone somehow blared from the nearby bedroom. I knew I must have misheard because he couldn’t be home, and what would he be doing in my sister’s room? I was doubting the tone when I heard Isabella’s voice from inside the room.

“It’s a call from my sister; aren't you going to answer it? What if it’s something urgent?”

“Who cares about that b*tch? I’ve lost interest in her ever since I found out she wasn’t my real mate. She’s never let me touch her through the three years we’ve been together, and I’m starting to figure out she has some sort of illness down there. But with you, I can't get enough. I don’t care how many silent treatments I give her; as long as I have you within my grip every day, I am going to spend my last piece of savings on you.”

“You’re so naughty."

I felt as if I had been struck by a thunderbolt. My head kept buzzing, and whatever thought I had of handling the situation evaporated. Damon, who had frequently declared his love for me, was now cheating on me with Isabella.

I closed her eyes tightly as the loud sound of their lustful act came from inside the room, louder than before. I tried to force back the years threatening to spill as I immediately picked up my purse, driving straight to a bar.

I sat at the bar, my heart heavy with the scene I just saw displayed right in front of me. The man who I thought loved me so much was cheating on me with none other than that backstabbing witch of Isabella. I kept on gulping down more glasses of alcohol, feeling like it was the only thing that could help me now at this moment, or I would go crazy from asking myself why this has to happen to me of all people.

“Why me? Why would he cheat on me? Why with my sister of all people? Was I not good enough?“ I have done everything I could possibly do to make you not have sex with him, but he went behind my back and had my sister.

“One more shot.” I called, slamming the glass with me on the bar counter, almost breaking it.

“Are you sure, ma'am?” I could hear the worry in his voice, but I didn't care.

“Do not question me, and just do your job.” I yelled at him drowsily.

I kept on drinking till everything felt blurred. I had a lot of hope and trust in Damon. Every single one I had in him. I felt broken and betrayed, and there was no one to be there for me anymore.

"Damon, you bastard!”

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed someone taking a seat beside me. In my drunken state, I mistook him for someone I  knew, and I began pouring her heart out to him. 

To my surprise, he listened attentively, his eyes filled with empathy. As tears streamed down my face, I strangely found peace and comfort in his presence. It felt like only him understood my pain and I just wanted him to hold me in his warm embrace.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything, where are you headed?” I heard his calm voice faintly.

“Home,” I muttered with a small smile on my face. “I'm going back home. Give me more shots.” I screamed and he grabbed my hand, stopping me from taking anymore. 

“You are a young lady vulnerable here. Stop drinking the shots and let me just take you home.” I heard his voice as I tried to reach out to another glass in front of me. 

“Let go of me and let me drink more… I want to drink more and bury him deep in my heart so he would never see the light in it anymore. I love him but he doesn't.” I screamed. 

“That’s enough.” I felt myself being swept off my feet and dangling in the air.

“What the heck are you doing?”