Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Outsider's Vows : Kabanata 81 - Kabanata 90

David held Emma tightly, her frail body trembling as they both knelt on the cold, sterile floor. The air was thick with grief and her sobs echoed through the room, piercing the heavy silence like a blade. Avery remained where she had collapsed, hands shaking as she tried to process what had just happened. She had never seen anyone die before, never witnessed life slipping away in such a raw, unforgiving way. It was weighing down on her and crushing her spirit. All she could feel was an overwhelming wave of sorrow. Emma’s quiet cries filled the space, and the heavy burden of David’s grief was evident. Her heart ached for the man who had just lost his father—and for the woman who had lost her husband. Emma's sobs quieted but didn’t stop. Her hands clung to David’s shirt, fingers gripping the fabric as if holding onto him might somehow bring James back. Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. "Mom, we need to sit down... you're exhausted," David's voice was hoarse and straine

Once they arrived, Avery helped Emma inside, guiding her through the quiet halls of the house that now felt empty. She led her to the bedroom—the one Emma had shared with James for so many years—and gently tucked her into bed, as though caring for a fragile child.Emma lay there, staring up at the ceiling, her hand still clutching the corner of James’ letter. Avery sat on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on Emma’s. Emma hadn’t said anything since she told Avery she wasn’t talking about Emily. Avery wanted to know more but decided to let Emma reveal things on her own terms.Finally, Emma exhaled, a long, deep breath, as though letting go of the last bit of strength she had been holding onto. She turned on her side, clutching the letter close, her eyes fluttering shut.“When James and I were arranged into marriage, my heart was empty, but James was madly in love with someone. Someone much younger than me. That was why it took time for us to open our hearts to each other and fall in

She reread the message, her heart hammering against her chest.“That must be why she didn’t come to work today,” Avery muttered, her voice shaking. Her hand trembled, and the phone slipped slightly from her grasp. She tried ignoring the message, but for some reason, it clouded her thoughts.Her breathing quickened and panic clawed at her chest like an invisible hand. The nausea hit her suddenly, as though the walls of the room were closing in. She staggered, losing her balance, but her hands clutched the edge of the desk, grounding herself in the midst of the storm surging within her.Just then, the door creaked open, and David entered, holding a cold glass of lemonade, a warm smile on his face.“Here you go, babe. Just the way you—” His voice faltered when he saw her. The color drained from his face. “Avery? What’s wrong?”“I don’t know... I feel sick... I... I...” The words barely left her lips before her knees gave way. Her vision blurred, and before she could register it, her

The drive back from the hospital was suffocatingly silent. David’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles pale, while his jaw remained clenched, casting quick, concerned glances toward Avery. She sat in the passenger seat, eyes distant and glassy, staring blankly out of the window. The weight of everything that had transpired in the hospital still hung heavily between them, an invisible wall neither of them could breach. Once they arrived home, Avery didn’t utter a single word. She walked past David, her steps heavy, and retreated to their bedroom. The sound of the door softly closing behind her was like a final punctuation to the conversation they never had. Days passed in a blur after that. The house was quiet, the kind of silence that settled deep into David’s bones and left him restless. Avery stayed in bed for most of the day, barely eating, barely speaking. He watched her grow more fragile with each passing moment, her body growing weaker under the weight

Avery walked briskly out of Phoenix headquarters, her mind racing as she focused on her one goal—getting out before her resolve crumbled. But fate had other plans. Just as she approached the exit, Olivia came into view.Olivia stood casually in the hallway, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up just in time to spot Avery and raised a perfectly manicured brow."Mrs. Park," Olivia greeted sweetly, her tone laced with artificial warmth. "Coming from David’s office?"Avery’s heart stuttered, but she quickly masked her unease with a practiced smile. "Oh no... I was heading there, but I realized I forgot something. So, I’m just heading back now," she lied smoothly, her pulse quickening.Olivia’s eyes gleamed knowingly, as if she were in on a private joke. "Well, don’t let me keep you," she said, her gaze narrowing slightly. "By the way, congratulations," Avery said.Olivia blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Congratulations?""Yes," she said, watching Olivia’s reaction closely. "Davi