Why would I do that?” Noah replied, agitated that Jordan would even suggest something like that.“Well, I just thought it’d be fun for us, you know” Jordan winked.“If you don’t like her, even better. You can just see where it goes.” Jordan continued.“I can’t do that, Jordan. It’s not right.” “What if she finds out?”“She won’t. Who’s going to tell her? You?”“It’s just between the two of us. Come on, isn’t she intriguing?”“She is…” Noah replied, still contemplating.“But I don’t think it is right to put anyone in that kind of position.”“Don’t tell me you’re getting soft”“I’m not getting soft, I just know right from wrong”“So you like her then?”“I don’t like her!”“I take it you’re in!” Jordan replied.The ride back home was uncomfortably quiet but nobody noticed.Noah had a lot on his mind, he wanted to protect Avery, he had promised to make her happy, and he couldn’t resist the hate and anger that was building up in his heart against Jordan.Margaret couldn’t stop thinking ab

“For Fredrick and Avery”Fredrick breathed in as he read the first line.“The contract couple, I always knew my grandson would not marry for love. He never wore that expression, I never saw it in his eyes, not even when he was with Claire.There was no redemption for him, he was grumpy, barely spoke, only cared about work, and making sure the next day stayed the same. My grandson likes to control things, they must go his way or the only way. Are you surprised that I know about the contract? One day, Freddie brought a beautiful, amiable young girl to my house. She was a complete opposite of Claire and I knew something was suspicious.Avery, Fredrick would never be attracted to someone like you naturally, logically.He likes quiet women, yes-sir women, women that quiver at his sight, women whom he has complete control over, women hypnotized by his charms.But you have that defiance in you, his charms didn’t penetrate you and that was my first cue.During dinner, you went to his side

Noah sat at the Botanical garden in Bryson’s Medical School apprehensive glancing at his wrist watch every now and then.He was only a few minutes away from his basketball when Avery called him saying that she was driving towards the West Wing of the school.Although she hadn’t asked him to wait up, Noah could not control his incessant yearn to see her.He glanced at his watch again and realized he was late to practice, he was becoming more disappointed than nervous,“Gosh Adam will have my head” he sighed.He carried his kits and began to make his way out of the garden, as he began to walk out of the garden, he was startled by the revving sound of a car coming in a distance.He looked closely at the approaching car and his heart raced at the sight of Avery’s Bentley Mussane.A wide smile crossed his face as he waved excitedly at her. Avery pulled over to the side of the road,“Hey!” She smiled, equally happy to see him.“Where are you going?” She asked as Noah finally pulled open her

Fredrick had been constantly tormented by his own replies to Avery.He felt terrible about denying his feelings.When Avery had confessed to him, he wanted to take her by the hand, place her on the table and do things he’s only been dreaming of to her, but… he couldn’t.Everyday he came back from work, he peered at her window, hoping to see the lights on.He had tried to call her but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. If he had rejected her, it was only right to give her some time.Cooking wasn’t easing his mind anymore, neither was wine. He needed a break, a conversation, a human connection.He had just gotten back from work, here he was leaving again. Avery’s absence made the house seem deserted and empty, for the first time in years, Fredrick craved human connection, a presence, a friend.“Alex” Fredrick muttered as he walked out of the house dialing a contact.“Fredrick Luca Hughson” the recipient replied.“Alexander, if you’re not too busy, can you meet me at Frond Bar.” Fredric

Avery woke up the next day in firm, masculine arms, cuddling and spooning her as the sunlight sieved through the curtains, gently rubbing its warmth in their faces. She blinked her eyes open, trying to piece together the night before.She tried to raise her body and sneak out of bed but the firm hand held her down and pulled her closer.“Don’t go please, stay” Fredrick whispered, his voice coarse and groggy.Suddenly, the happy memories of last night filtered through her mind’s eye. She couldn’t help but replay their moments in vivid details, she felt shivers crawl down her spine as she relived Fredrick’s unexpected kiss, the way his eyes sparkled as he confessed his love to her, the genuineness in his eyes when he spoke to her, his tongue inside her mouth as he tasted her lips. Avery couldn’t help the rush of joy that snaked into her.With a faint smile and racing heart, Avery carefully turned to face him, careful not to disturb his peaceful sleep, careful not to put this moment in