Harriet Kepner Avery Novels & Stories

AVERY WINTERS After Bernard finished his one-sided conversation with our baby— who probably couldn’t even hear him yet, he finally went to take his bath while I decided to call Charlotte back. The moment she answered, her excited voice rang through the phone. “Hey, Avery!” she squealed. “Harper told me everything that happened. Are you okay?” I immediately rolled my eyes. That girl seriously had the biggest mouth ever. “Um… yes, I’m fine,” I replied softly. “Everything’s okay now.”

Breakfast had long ended and their departure flight back home was in less than three hours, yet he couldn’t seem to pick up himself from the table where Avery had confessed for the first time that she wasn’t the happy person he thought her to be. The more he thought about her, the more he realized that, truly Avery wasn’t the happy person he thought her to be, she was someone who cowered at the thought of a foe reappearing in her life, she was someone who had to give up avocados for sixteen years to protect her brother, she was someone who had to get married on contract to afford going to school, she was someone who fronted impudence because she had to survive, she was someone who rejected h

“I think I’m going to take the day off today.” “Really?” My brows shot up. “But your deadline is coming up soon.” “I know,” she said. “I just think I need it.” If the apology had surprised me, that certainly did. Avery hadn’t taken a full day off in months. She’d worked through the fever the doctor put her on bed rest for, sneaking out to the greenhouse like I wouldn’t notice. She had human shareholders breathing down her neck and a formula that still wasn’t finished, and a deadline that was close enough to keep her up at night. The Avery I knew would sooner cut off her own arm than walk away from that worktable with the clock running.

She had a wickedly sweet smile as she walked out and I knew she was up to no good. Mrs. Avery is a very manipulative woman. She can even make best friends turn enemies and business partners rivals. I have seen that happen before. It makes me question if our love would stand through the storm she was brewing. I love him way too much and it helped that he loved me just as much. This reminder reduced my doubts and fears a little.

Then he turned to Harper: “Miss Avery is the daughter of BioL Group’s chairman. I’m here to accompany her today.” Harper nodded politely. “Hello, Miss Avery.” Avery’s gaze flicked to her, and Harper sensed an undercurrent of subtle hostility. “Hello,” Avery replied curtly. While waiting for her assistant to fetch luggage, the three of them sat down for a drink. “Miss Reeves, did you know Senior Jax was also my senior? We attended the same university,” Avery said, her large, dark eyes flashing with charm. Her allure was undeniable, even Harper felt slightly captivated.