"What was that???" Avery's voice echoed sharply."Just jogging your memory. Remember me? The guy who caught you and Simon making out at Jennifer's house?" Brandon's smirk was infuriating."Caught us? We weren't doing anything!" Avery's protest was fierce."Oh, but the pictures I have suggest otherwise," Brandon's eyes were cold."I didn't do anything with Simon. If you've got photos, they're either fake or from when we were still together," Avery countered, her voice steady despite the fear."They're recent," Brandon insisted."Prove it. Show me the photos," Avery demanded, her back straight, her resolve hardening.Brandon's grin widened maliciously. "I could show you... or maybe I'll let David see them first. Or better yet, James. He's quite fond of you, isn't he?""What do you want, Brandon?" Avery's question was like a bullet, quick and direct."Now we're getting somewhere," he chuckled. "I'll call you once you're home. You'll do exactly as I say," he declared with a smirk, then
"What are you insinuating?" Alex's glare was piercing as he faced Avery."Smart home solutions, virtual reality and augmented reality applications, data analytics, and machine learning services... Thanks to David, Phoenix's tech subsidiary will now provide these cutting-edge technologies to the real estate subsidiary of my family's group, the country's premium luxury property firm known for its exquisite architecture and design. Considering the monumental deal David secured—a deal you couldn't land for your father even after half a decade—do you still question his merit for the COO role? Actions do indeed speak louder than titles," Avery retorted with a confident smirk."What?" Alex scoffed."I've just netted millions for Dad," David interjected with conviction.Alex let out a derisive laugh, while Stephanie shot Avery a venomous look."So, you're telling me, just because of this one deal, you handed him the COO position? Just like that?" Alex turned to confront James."He earned it
"Stephanie? Oh," David said, his voice trailing off."I was worried sick about you, David," Avery retorted sharply."You were worried, or you were... jealous?" He teased, a mischievous spark in his eyes as he held her gaze."What? Get away from me," she protested, shoving at his shoulders, but his grip on her waist was unyielding."Do you think this is some kind of joke? We're in this together, David. You can't just disappear without a word. Your phone was off, and then you return, drunk, trying to kiss me as if nothing's wrong... without my consent! Are you trying to gaslight me or something?" Avery's voice was firm, her eyes fiery, and she found herself gasping for air, her emotions running high.David just remained silent, his thumb grazing her lower lip."Aren't you going to say anything?" She scoffed.Catching him off guard, she pushed him away forcefully."It's barely been a month, and I'm already exhausted. E
Avery's breath caught, her eyes darting between David and Stephanie as the scene before her became a chaotic blur. Confusion and disbelief wrestled for dominance as she struggled to make sense of the situation. David's gaze met hers, a storm of emotions churning in his eyes. "It's not what it looks like," he pleaded, his voice strained with urgency.But the words were lost amidst the pounding in Avery's ears, the hurt in her chest blossoming into an unbearable ache. She stumbled backward, her hand clutching at the fabric over her heart as if to stem the pain. "Avery!" David's voice was distant now, muffled by the rush of blood in her head.The room spun, and the faces around her morphed into indistinct shapes. Avery's knees buckled, and she crumpled to the floor, the darkness closing in around her. The last thing she heard was the sound of chairs scraping and voices calling her name before she succumbed to the darkness.*
David's confusion was written all over his face. "Sir, please believe me. I didn't have an affair. I was drunk and don't know how I ended up in that room." Michael's gaze softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm."You've broken my trust, David. Avery may not be your love match, but she's your wife and deserves respect. She's been through a lot in this house, and I couldn't do much to help. Now, she's in another man's house, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure she's respected and doesn't get hurt.""Please, let me make amends. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust and Avery's. I have to speak with Avery."Michael sighed. "I've been looking for a reason to end your marriage and set my daughter free. I'm sorry, David. I'm not going back on my decision. Please leave my house. Simon is already working on the divorce with my lawyer."David pleaded, his voice cracking. "Let me just talk to Aver
Emma's face contorted in disbelief. "What? She's really pregnant? She doesn't even look pregnant! How can this be?" she exclaimed, her voice stern and accusatory. "You're running the test again. I demand it!"Avery's eyebrows shot up in realization, her expression a mix of shock and indignation. "So, you actually brought me here to conduct a pregnancy test without my consent and not even for my genotype? Wow, Emma, you're really something else!" Avery stood up, her voice firm."How dare you talk to me like that?" Emma fumed, her face reddening with anger."I and David are having a baby because we're married and want to start our own family. Deal with it, Emma," Avery said and she stormed out of the office.Emma's face twitched in anger, her eyes blazing with fury. "What? Did she just give me a lecture and call me by my first name?" she muttered to herself, still seething.Meanwhile, Avery's legs shook as she staggered out o
Avery's face flushed with anger and embarrassment, her grip on the box tightening. "Is this some kind of joke to you?" she demanded, her voice trembling.David's expression turned apologetic. "No, Avery, I'm sorry. Let's talk. You're pregnant? So, we're going to be parents?" He pouted, then chuckled again, which only irritated Avery further."Can you be serious? What's funny here?" she asked, her irritation evident.David's grin faltered, and he held up his hands in a calming gesture. "Okay, okay. I'll be serious now. Explain everything to me carefully. I'll listen."Avery recounted the test results and swore she hadn't had sex since their marriage. David listened intently, his expression turning thoughtful."You haven't slept with another guy since we got married? Then explain your pregnancy, girl," he said, his tone jovial, which bothered Avery.She glared at him. "What exactly is funny? You don't seem to grasp the seriousness of this situation. I'm done talking to you."As she
"Do you, David Park, choose Avery Downs as your beloved partner in life, your lifelong companion and confidant, pledging to uphold and honor her in all facets of existence, through joyous times and challenging trials? Will you hold her dear, treating her with utmost reverence, nurturing her aspirations and goals, while fostering her personal development and offering unwavering support along every step of the shared journey?" The priest's voice reverberated throughout the enchanting wedding venue, where everyone in attendance eagerly anticipated David's response.David gazed intently into Avery's eyes. He drew a deep breath, his vow exiting his lips. "I, David Park, wholeheartedly and sincerely choose Avery Downs to be my lifelong companion, my dearest friend, and my equal in every facet of life. As we embark on this journey together, I commit to nurturing and cherishing her with an abundance of love and profound admiration. Respect will be the cornerstone of our relationship, as I h