LOGIN“Hello,” I called out, my voice echoing lightly “Anyone home?” I asked again. Waiting for the shuffle of someone moving around but there was nothing A gnawing unease settled in my chest. I reached for my phone to dial dad's number but the screen lit up with new messages.I swiped it open and read the words.“Avery, Janet is in a critical condition. She's at the hospital”Shivers crawled down my spine. Ma Jane? Hospital? What could have happened to her? I asked questions as I made my way out of the door.I reached to the hospital and hurried down the corridor towards the emergency entrance. Dad stood outside with his shoulders hunched and eyes fixed in the sliding glass.I walked closer to him and without thinking, I pulled him into a tight hug.“Dad what happened?” I whispered Before I could finish, a doctor stepped up to us. Dad pulled away from me, turning towards the doctor with a look that asked more questions than a thousand words could answer.“Mr Pierce, I am sorry but Janet
Josh and i made our way back from work. I felt a sense of relief after such a long day.“How about we stop for dinner” he suggested, glancing at me with infectious enthusiasm he always seemed to carry “I know this great place nearby that has amazing food”I hesitated a little as my mind was a bit clouded with passive thoughts.“I appreciate it, but I am not in the mood for a fancy dinner” I replied shaking my head lightly He raised an eyebrow with a teasing smirk on his lips.“Come-on, Avery! You deserve a nice meal. Let me treat you” he poutedI sighed, feeling the weight of the day settling.“Am not really up for something extravagant right now. Take me to a cozy dinner or a casual spot where we can relax” “Alright, I get it” he said, his tone shifting to one of understanding.During dinner, Josh and I were having a light hearted conversation when my curiosity kicked in. I realized I didn't know much about his background, so I decided to ask him questions about himself.“Josh,” I
“Ethan Blackwood?” It echoed “My Ethan?”I blinked twice as I watched Ethan stroll in his usual domineering stride.“Oh! He so handsome”“They will make a good pair”“They were once married”“Get a grip. He doesn't even know you” These were the whispers of the people around “Avery can you now pair with your lead model, let's make a striking pose” Mr plies said.I looked at Ethan's face and he had that mischievous sly smile that only I could recognize.I walked slowly closer to him and he stood there with his hand deep in his pocket like a demi god. He looked at me with those eyes and I almost missed my step.When I got close enough, Ethan pulled his hand out of his pocket.“Come closer” he whispered“Let's go” Mr plies voice echoed.The soft music in the background became intimate. And for the first time in months, I felt lost in the world of romance.“Perfect!”“Good!”“Move closer!” Were the only words I could hear in the background.“I think you should move closer” Ethan said wi
“Sarah!” “Avery!” She exclaimed She heaved a sigh of relief as if pleased that it was not anyone else. “Oh! You again” she said, contentiously “Sarah, that's not how you talk to your lead model. Am sure you've never been one” I said, in a bid to rile her up.“How dare you!? I own an agency” she said, with a heavy breath as if her chest was about to explode “I could tell. No wonder I am made the lead model. Because these.. [demonstrating with my eyes] are no match for Avery Pierce” I said, with pride in my toneSarah laughed hysterically “You're just bittered that Ethan left you. You're just a tool in his games” she said in a surprisingly calm expression that one would think we are just having a conversation.This time around, there was no come-back so I dropped the dresses on the ground, tilted my head to the side and flapped it on her face in a mockery gesture before walking away.I could hear her groan in frustration as she called her models to come pick up the dresses.I took
I reluctantly entered his car, still feigning displeasure as he drove out of the parking lot. I just want to live like a free bird with no one policing my every move. The mere thought of it made me cringe. “You know you look so cute when you frown” Brian said and I found myself pouting to his compliment. I watched as he laughed hysterically not knowing what hilarious gesture I had made. Brian drove through the bustling street and finally parked in a familiar setting which I quickly recognized. “This is Catherine's fashion home” I said to myself. Apparently, she had reached out to Brian and he accepted. “Welcome… welcome” Catherine said, in her usual light hearted tone in “Thank you Miss Catherine, “ Brian humbly replied. “Where are the others?” “Oh, they are all covering an event this weekend. But I asked for the help of another agency. They'll arrive soon” “Oh Brian” Catherine gestured empathically “Avery is the lead model, so we can start with her till the rest of us com
I came downstairs on hearing the sounds of chattering and laughter.“Catherine” I called out“Child,” she said, standing up for a hug.She had her usual free-spirited demeanor as if nothing had transpired over the past months“Hmmm. I miss you” She said, as she tightened her grip around me.“Mom, you shouldn't be here” I said, giving off an awkward feeling.“No child, I came to see how my daughter-in- law is faring.“Mom” I called out.“I am no longer your daughter-in-law” I said“Ethan is no longer my husband”“Nonsense!” she bluffed“Ethan is just waiting to get something together. After which he'd come back for you” Catherine playfully explained. But the thought of Ethan coming back for me sent a certain unexplained feeling of excitement. But just as it came, I pushed it away.“Come have a seat” Catherine urged.“Come sit close to me, child”“Mom, this is my house. I can sit anywhere” I muttered “I want you to sit with me,” Catherine insisted.“How have you been? What have Jane







