"Seriously? A vacation? You're killing me right now," Avery exclaimed with excitement, her voice filled with envy as she chatted with Jennifer on the phone. Jennifer had just broken the news that her boyfriend, Joseph, was whisking her away on a romantic getaway."Of course I am! I've been counting down the days to the party. I desperately need a break from this place; it's driving me insane," Avery replied, frustration evident in her tone.Just as she spoke, David, sweaty and flushed from his post-gym workout, entered the kitchen where Avery was preparing breakfast. Absorbed in her conversation, she barely noticed him as he began making himself a cup of tea."Yeah! This place sucks," Avery said."Ouch!" David said, nudging Avery as she spoke on the phone."Stop bothering me," Avery said to David.Avery chuckled at Jennifer's words, "Not you! Just someone unimportant lurking around me."David pretended to be hurt, pouting in response to Avery's dismissive comment."Alright then, I'll s

David knocked lightly on Avery's bedroom door, rousing her from her slumber. Groggily, she glanced at the clock, which read just a few minutes past 6am. Letting out a groan, she reluctantly rose from her bed to answer the door."Hi, good morning," David greeted as she swung the door open.Avery eyed him suspiciously. "Are you okay?" she questioned."Why?""You've never said 'Hi, good morning' to me before. Why the sudden change? Is it because I finally signed the contract?" she inquired.David shrugged dismissively. "Whatever. Go wash your face and brush your teeth. I'm leaving for the gym by 6:30."Avery cocked her head, puzzled. "And what does that have to do with me?" "Uh, the gym membership? Remember? You're supposed to start today.""Oh," Avery replied. "Go without me then. I'm not in the mood." She instinctively shut the door.Undeterred, David knocked on the door once more, which caused Avery to open it again, annoyance etched on her face. "What?" she snapped.Her demean

"What? Are you serious?" Avery scoffed disbelievingly. It was obvious he was teasing her.David chuckled."I am serious. You were so beautiful that I couldn't resist the thought of getting married to you.""Do I look that gullible to you?" an annoyed Avery rolled her eyes and increased her pace, leaving David behind. He chuckled, feeling somewhat content at her annoyance."Wait for me!" he whined as he chased after her, eventually catching up."So, meet with dad and try to convince him to make me the COO of Phoenix, okay?" "COO? Chief Operating Officer? That's the second in command in Phoenix. Isn't that a lot of responsibility? Will your brother even allow it?" "You need to just convince my dad first, let's see what happens, then I'll handle whatever comes my way," David assured her."COO... doesn't sound like something your dad will agree to easily, but I'll try my best," Avery replied."Thanks. So..." David stretched his hand out, offering it to her."What?""...Friends?" He said

Avery pulled out the scarf and held it up, admiring its vibrant color and soft texture. "It's beautiful," she said with a slight smile."How thoughtful of him. Did he bug you about wearing a thin dress?" James arched an eyebrow."Yeah, he did," Avery laughed awkwardly."You women. I guess he knew you'd get cold. Should've listened to him," he scolded teasingly, and they both chuckled."I suppose he was right," she mused, wrapping the scarf around her neck and relishing in its immediate warmth."Speaking of David, there's something I want to discuss," Avery said."Okay, what is it?""It's about David's role at Phoenix Holdings," Avery said."Oh, can you believe that punk resigned? Still mad at him for that," James said."Well, David is incredibly talented and dedicated. I've witnessed how hard he works and I truly believe he'd be a great fit as the Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Holdings," Avery said, a knot forming in her belly as she anticipated James' response."You've witnesse

Avery's heart sank, knowing exactly who had arrived. Without looking, she knew it was Emma, her mother-in-law, probably ready to criticize and nag about something trivial."Good morning, Ma," Avery greeted with forced cheerfulness.Ignoring the greeting, Emma's eyes darted around the room. "Where's David?" she demanded, a tone of impatience in her voice."He's in his..."Before Avery could finish her sentence, Emma erupted,"David!"Avery sighed, her appetite vanishing instantly. She couldn't help but wonder why Emma bothered asking her if she was just going to shout his name anyway. 'Some things will never make sense to me,' Avery thought wryly to herself. David emerged from his room and before he could gather his thoughts, Emma darted towards him, her eyes swimming with concern."Oh, my dear boy. I can see how difficult it has been for you. But don't worry, I have found the solution to your problems," Emma said, her voice shaking with emotion.David furrowed his brow, a mixture o