5

~Monday morning ~

Avery stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of her crisp white blouse. The weekend and all the troubles it came with passed in a blur and that, Avery was very grateful for. 

Her fingers trembled as she fumbled with the final button. Luca; It had been years since she’d felt that pull toward him which shouldn't have been since he is mated to Isabella and has a child of his. 

She couldn’t afford to get distracted, not today of all days. Today was the contract signing with Belham Corps, the deal that would secure the future for her company and that of her children. Everything hinged on this agreement.

With a deep breath, she slipped into her blazer and grabbed her briefcase from the bed, glancing toward the clock. It was nearly time to leave. She walked up to the curtains and had them shut, turning around to find Alnos only in towels. 

“Can you stop doing that? I get you are comfortable with me but you are a man and we–we aren't even together. It's very awkward.” She spun sideways, covering her eyes until he had some clothes on. “Thank you, now quiz me!”

“You are ready Avery. If it doesn't go well with Belham, you can always come by to my company. We will gladly invest in any crazy project you have even if it means millions.”

“And that's why I will not.” Avery's shoulders lowered. “Everyone will think you gave me the funds because of what is going on between us. I want to earn it. I heard Belham is the top investing company and guess what, someone recently took over it two weeks ago. I bet that person is not as brutal as Mr. Cris.”

Avery laughed it off. Mr. Cris Junior Carter was the founder of Belham Corps however, down the line, he failed to stir the company and lost it to loan sharks, not until he came. The new CEO of Belham still remained unknown to anyone and luckily, Avery was able to get a spot to meet him.

“Goodluck Avery. I trust you.” He led her downstairs only to be crowded by the two adorable twins. 

"Mommy!" Raymond’s voice cut through her thoughts, the sound of his small feet padding against the floor as he rushed for a hug. "Mom, are you leaving already?" He peered up at her. They always made her heart ache a little anytime he had to beg her to stay. Avery knelt to his height, brushing a lock of dark hair out of his eyes.

"I have to go, baby. Alnos will take you for a drive."

“I am sorry. Uncle Alnos told me about the bad guy I called Daddy. I didn't know he was bad. Raymond is sorry, Mommy. Such a gorgeous man turns out to be evil.” Avery’s face dulled. She glanced at Alnos and sighed.

At least he made things easier to explain to Raymond.

"Yes, sweetie. A very bad man. He hurt mommy a lot but not to worry, Mommy will protect you." She smiled and kissed his forehead before glancing at Ria, who was still playing with her toys in the corner, blissfully unaware of their discussion.

"I'll be back by the time you’re done at preschool, okay?" Avery stood, straightening her jacket one final time.

"Okay, Mom," Raymond said, although his face was slightly pouty. He hated when she had to leave for work, but he understood the importance of it. Avery smiled at him one last time before heading out the door, dropping a kiss on Alnos' forehead.

She had no idea what awaited her at Belham Corps.

---

Avery arrived at Belham Corps' headquarters twenty minutes early, but her nerves were already at their peak. She took a deep breath and entered, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor as she approached the receptionist.

"I’m here for the contract signing with Mr. Bellham," 

The receptionist smiled politely, tapping away at her computer. "Ah, yes. Mr. Bellham’s office is on the 25th floor. You’ll be meeting with him shortly."

Avery nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She had spent months preparing for this deal—planning every detail. When the elevator doors slid open, she stepped out onto the 25th floor. She approached the glass doors of the CEO’s office and knocked softly, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Come in," came a deep, familiar voice from the other side.

Avery froze, her hand still on the door handle. That voice… she recognized it instantly. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as she pushed the door open, her stomach twisting with dread.

There, seated behind the massive mahogany desk, was Luca. Luca D’Addario was the person who bought the Belham company? Shit! Her day couldn't get any worse.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. He looked every bit the powerful, commanding Alpha she had once known—except now, he was dressed in a tailored suit. His hair was parted to the right, revealing the unique birthmark he had on his right side of his forehead. 

"What… what are you doing here?" 

Luca leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving her. "You must be Emma Russell. A thief who stole a dead person's name. I am amazed that you've not been arrested for impersonation.”

Her throat went dry. "You called me in to insult me? I am really flattered, Mr. D’Addario."

"So where were we? Did you bring your proposal? You have three seconds to woo me unless the deal is off." Luca said flatly, relaxing backwards in his chair. “Three seconds is up, Miss Emma. You can take your leave.”

Avery smiled flatly, her brows arching and her nails clothing to her sides. If she knew that Luca was the one who took over, she wouldn't have anticipated anything other than rains of insults. “You are going to judge me now? Yes, call me a thief. Call me whatever you want but we are not in your pack. You are not my Alpha and you don't dare belittle me.”

“You talk back to me now, Avery Miller!” In fury, Luca’s palms slammed into the glass. His eyes changed from his piercing blue eyes to bloodthirsty glare. “You have forgotten where you stand, Avery. I own you, and you are in no position to talk to me like that.”

“You owned Avery, I am Emma now. What are you going to do to me? Make me stand out in the cold, starve me to death or force me to watch you and Isabella get married.” Avery stormed to the door, her hands on the doorknob. “I was glad your parents died, so I could see the douchebag I was soon going to get married to.” 

The atmosphere went blank cold as Luca got up from the chair, his hands running through his silky hair. “Great, just great Avery. I'm glad you left on your own and faked your death, then I wouldn't have to bother killing you myself. I am not a murderer and I will never shed any blood unless I have to, unlike your father.”

“Go ahead, blame him for their death. We both know I also lost my sister too in that raid. When you are done faulting another, you can get yourself some therapy. It is not too damn expensive for a CEO like you.” She stormed to the door, her hands falling on the doorknob. “I am not Avery, Avery died five years ago. You killed her. I am Emma now.”

“....”

“You keep to your lane and I will keep to mine. Hope we never meet again, Ex- mate!”