***Present day***Avery's wedding dress was a stunning masterpiece that effortlessly accentuated her svelte figure while tastefully incorporating her mom's desire for a V-neckline. The deep V-neck gracefully began just above her chest and cascaded down to her abdomen, revealing a hint of her cleavage. However, despite the dress's beauty, Avery couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. The amount of exposed skin unsettled her, but she felt powerless to defy her mom's wishes."It's just for two hours," Avery contemplated, her thoughts wrestling with her inner conflict. She had protested the idea of a wedding reception, feeling unenthusiastic about the marriage itself. Why should they celebrate with a reception when her closest friends weren't even present? In truth, the only familiar faces were her family and Simon, leaving her feeling isolated.Avery's unease grew stronger after David said his vow. The room erupted with applause, but Avery's gaze wandered, her discomfort evid
"The ladies call me the Adonis of the town," David boasted with a self-satisfied grin. "With my perfectly chiseled jawline, mesmerizing hazel eyes, and impeccable sense of style, it's no wonder I am the center of attention wherever I go."Avery bit her lip, struggling to hold back a burst of laughter. "You really think that highly of yourself, don't you?" she replied.David's smirk only widened."Why, of course! I've been called a heartthrob, a dreamboat, and even a vision in flesh and bones. But my personal favorite? The epitome of male perfection. And well, can you blame them? I mean, just take a look at this face," he said, dramatically gesturing towards his own reflection in the car window. "It takes a lot of effort to look this good, you know. Hours at the gym, meticulous grooming routines, and of course, a natural charm that only I possess.""Wow, such dedication," she said mockingly, pretending to be mesmerized."Well, Valerie, it's all about priorities. When you're blessed
Avery was led to a different living room and she observed that it was not the one she had been in before. Inside, Avery noticed some photography equipment set up."Are we about to do a photo shoot?" Avery curiously inquired."Yes, ma'am," a staff confirmed."Oh..." Avery replied, with a feeling of apprehension."Please seat. I'll inform the others that you're ready," the staff said before leaving the room."Ugh! An eyesore," Alexander spitefully remarked upon entering. Avery chose to ignore his comment."How are you, dear?" a calm and masculine voice asked. Avery turned to see Mr. Park and Mrs. Park walking in together.Avery stood up and courteously bowed. She wasn't fine, so she chose not to answer his inquiry."Welcome to the family, dear. And please pay no mind to Alex or his words, okay?" Mr. Park kindly patted Avery's back, prompting her to bow once more."It seems there's a normal person in this house after all," Avery quietly remarked to herself."So... shall we?" Mr. Park sug
Her voice quivered as she found the courage to speak up."That's enough," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper."Don't even think about..." But before she could finish her statement, he disregarded her plea and kissed her with a sudden urgency. His lips were soft and warm against hers, but the lack of reciprocity from Avery spoke volumes. There was no movement of tongues, just a simple meeting of lips. The moment ended as quickly as it began, leaving Avery blinking rapidly in disbelief and shock.As he pulled back, a mischievous glint remained in his eyes, further fueling the raging fire inside her. "Did you get it?" he asked, referring to the photographer. His hot breath landed on her face as he looked deeply into her eyes, still holding her chin. Avery managed to gather herself, trying to comprehend the situation. She couldn't help but feel a wave of indignation rise within her. "Yup. Perfect shots," the photographer responded.He released his grip on her chin an
"What the...?!" Avery exclaimed."What is it now?" David frowned."Do you not see anything wrong here?""Answering a question with a question... that's all I see wrong here, and don't ever repeat that," David warned."Why is your house so... so messy? What on earth? Don't you have a maid, cleaning lady, or something? Don't you do chores?!" Avery said disgustedly."I do chores, and there's nothing wrong with my house," he defended."Really? The couches are out of place and covered in what appears to be cookie crumbs. There are slices of bread on a plate on the coffee table next to a jar of jam and a can of beer. Who the hell eats bread, jam, and beer? And why do you have boxers and t-shirts on the couch?" Avery was infuriated."Listen here, Valerie...""It's Avery.""This is my house, and I have the right to do whatever I want here...""And by that, you mean you have every right to let your house become a mess?" Avery interrupted him."The living room is only like this because I was wo
"Hello? Tiffany?" Avery eagerly answered Tiffany's call, only to have it abruptly end. Confusion washed over her, and she furiously flung her phone onto the bed. "Why did she call if she wasn't going to say anything?"Taking a deep breath, Avery set aside her burger and rushed to locate her phone. She dialed Tiffany's number and anxiously waited. The call connected, but Tiffany hung up once again, leaving Avery even more bewildered.A sudden text notification interrupted Avery's thoughts. She picked up her phone and read the message that appeared on the screen: "I only called to check if you had blocked my number. And turns out you didn't. Do yourself a favor and block and delete my number. Don't reply to this message." Avery angrily flung her phone away once more."You won't make me lose my appetite," and she resumed nibbling on her burger. However, as she indulged in the deliciousness, tears unexpectedly streamed down her face. The weight of her emotions became too overwhelming
"Right on time," Jennifer said, flashing a warm smile as she swung the door open to welcome Avery. The two friends immediately embraced, feeling the excitement bubble between them.They settled down at the center table, adorned with a delicate white tablecloth. Jennifer carefully poured liquor into the shot glasses, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Now beware. This liquor is not for the faint of heart," she warned, her voice laced with anticipation.Avery smirked confidently. "I'm ready for the challenge," she declared, her eyes locked with Jennifer's."Cheers!" they exclaimed in unison, clinking their glasses together before downing the shots. Their expressions quickly morphed, teeth clenching tightly as the fiery liquid crept through their bodies. Their eyes involuntarily squeezed shut as the intense burning sensation overwhelmed them, causing their faces to contort in discomfort. Jennifer and Avery quickly placed their shot glasses back on the table, exhaling sharply and excha
The clinking sound of glasses resonated through the living room as David and his friends gathered around a large wooden table adorned with bottles of various spirits. The air was thick with the rich scent of aged whiskey, the subtle sweetness of brandy, and the earthy essence of red wines."This is to David finally moving on from Melissa. Cheers!" Eric raised a toast and the five men cheered. They were Eric, Kevin, Thomas, Brandon, and the host, David."You're absolutely right. It's time to forget about that deceitful woman. That cheat," Kevin interjected."Yes, indeed!" "I still can't believe she got pregnant for another man. She's pathetic!" Brandon added."I couldn't agree more. She lost a perfect man, me! And to be honest, I couldn't care less about her and her baby daddy. She can go suck his dick!" David smirked, earning him the admiration of his friends. Later, he excused himself and went outside with the excuse that he needed to make a phone call.As he stepped outside, David