Elliot's legs had been recovering well, and he was able to move around more freely with a walking stick.He got out of bed and walked into the closet to pick out his outfit for the day.Most of his clothes were in dark shades and colors.His brows furrowed as he took in the gloominess of his closet.Elliot walked out of the closet after failing to pick out a suitable outfit, then gave Chad a call."Chad, I need a light-colored suit.""Of course, Sir. Are you looking for something casual or a formal suit?""Something casual.""Roger that. I'll get it ready right away," Chad said. "By the way, the jewelry designer you asked me to contact has finished the sketch you asked for. I've emailed it over to you. They can start working on it once you approve the sketch.""Alright," Elliot responded.He hung up, then entered his study and turned on the computer.The upcoming New Year's Eve was the first one that he was going to spend with Avery, and he wanted to give her something speci

Avery did not react.It was true that her relationship with Elliot was more boring than most.Just last week, they had spent the entire time at home.Elliot was either working in his study or reading a book in the living room.Avery, on the other hand, was either writing her thesis or reading in the living room with him.Elliot's book was in a foreign language that Avery did not understand.Avery was reading Professor Hough's book on neurology.She was sure Elliot would not understand a thing about it either, so she did not feel inferior to him."What do you think of my necklace?" Tammy asked as she suddenly took off the necklace she was wearing and showed it to Avery."It's pretty. Did your boyfriend give it to you?""He did! It's a Christmas gift. It's even got my name engraved on it!""You can also purchase jewelry which comes with a free engraving offer for under ten bucks," said Avery in earnest. "You shouldn't let these things go to your head!"Tammy did not mind."I

Avery's hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and she was dressed in a blue denim jacket over a long white dress.With her guitar in her arms, she took a seat on the high stool placed at the center of the stage.As she adjusted the mic stand in front of her, the room lights dimmed, and she was illuminated by the light of the spotlight that was trained on her. The melodic strumming of Avery's guitar began to echo through the hall, followed by her angelic singing.Her gaze did not search the crowd for anyone in particular, but she could feel a pair of eyes watching her intently.Avery shut her eyes to immerse herself in her performance.Soon after, the stage lights lit up and a colorful wave of flower petals floated down from the ceiling.The audience burst into wild, frenzied cheers.Avery opened her eyes, her thick lashes fluttering.Her face was a picture of bewilderment as petals rustled down in front of her eyes.Nobody told her that there would be a flower shower du

Avery felt Elliot's body stiffen as he stood next to her.The outfit he wore made him look much younger, however, he was still treated like an older person.It must have bothered him."I'm Avery's—"Elliot began to speak, but Avery interrupted him by grabbing his hand, then explained, "I don't know this guy. It's cold out here. Let's head to the car!"At the same time, Tammy pulled the student out of their way.Avery threw Tammy a look of gratitude, then helped Elliot to walk toward the black Rolls-Royce."Your legs haven't fully recovered," she said in a concerned voice. "You shouldn't be walking around like this.""It doesn't hurt anymore," Elliot said.His eyes landed on the bouquet of flowers in Avery's arms."There's a gift in the bouquet," he said awkwardly."What?" Avery said as she stared at Elliot in shock. "You got me a gift? I didn't get you anything, though."The air around them turned thick with uneasiness.They had spent the past week at home. How did he find

Avery could not help herself, and she tapped on the text message from Ben. [Your wife's got a great voice! It's a shame she's not a singer!]Avery had not expected to be able to access Elliot's phone. She would not have been able to get in if he had set a passcode, but he did not have one set up.After Ben's text came through, he sent over a video of Avery's performance.Tammy had sent her the same video earlier and told her that she was going viral on the college's online forum.Avery returned to the home screen and placed the phone back where she had found it. It was at that moment that her finger slipped and opened up Elliot's photo gallery, revealing the photos within.…When Elliot emerged from the bathroom after his shower, Avery gestured at him, and he immediately sat on the bed."I suddenly feel like cooking. Should I cook for you from now on?" Avery asked.Elliot looked at her, confused."Are you serious?""I am!" Avery answered with enthusiasm. "I can't guaran

Avery and Elliot went home in the afternoon to rest because they planned on staying up to ring in the new year.Once Elliot was asleep, Avery opened her eyes and stared at his face.She felt as if she could never watch him for long enough.It was a shame that she could not stop time.It would be perfect if everything could come to a stop at this moment. When Elliot woke up around four in the afternoon, Avery was not next to him.He got out of bed and went downstairs to look for her."You're up!"Avery was in the middle of making dinner."I'm thinking of making steak tonight. What do you think?"Elliot stood at the entrance to the kitchen and watched as she worked away."How about I make dinner?" he asked."You cook?" Avery exclaimed with a look of surprise on her face, then took off her apron and said, "Be my guest! I've never tried your cooking before!""I've never cooked before, but I can follow a recipe," Elliot said as he took the apron from Avery. "Take a break in th

"Happy New Year, Avery," Elliot said as he lifted his hand to wipe the tears off of Avery's face.Avery took a big step back away from him."I'm leaving, Elliot," she said coldly.Before Elliot could react, Avery had already taken the diamond ring off her finger."I can't accept this," Avery said as she shoved the ring into the pocket of his jacket."I love you, but I can't do this anymore."Avery lifted her head as tears trickled down her cheeks."You have photos of that woman on your computer and on your phone. I'm sure you have her in your heart, as well. I admit that you're good to me, but you love her more. I won't force you to explain yourself, nor will I make you give her up… Because I know that it would all be a waste of time," Avery said."We're done!"This was not up for discussion.Avery was informing Elliot of her decision.Elliot was frozen in place, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.Everything was going fine before this.Avery was cooking for him every

A week later, Avery appeared at the sales office of the Starry River Villa in Avonsville. Escorted by a salesperson, Avery walked to the display area to look at the villa models.The salesperson noticed her youthful face, then asked, "Which type of property are you interested in, Miss? We have detached villas, townhouses, and semi-detached properties.""Do you still have any detached villas available?" Avery inquired.The salesperson's eyes lit up at her words, then said, "We do! There's one left, and the square footage is pretty big. It's over three thousand square feet… The price is also much higher than the townhouses and semi-detached houses, so—""Can we move in right away if I make full payment now?"The salesperson nodded enthusiastically and said, "Of course! All of our villas are lavishly renovated and come fully furnished. All you need is your own belongings.""Alright. How much is it?""Four and a half million dollars. It's pretty steep, but it's the last detached vil

"Avery, I'm going to get some groceries. Get some rest if you're tired," Laura said.Avery opened up their suitcases and took out their belongings one by one."Be careful out there, Mom. I'm not tired, so I'll start unpacking our stuff.""Okay, I'll head out now."Once Laura was gone, the house instantly fell into a calm silence.Avery quickly finished unpacking, then got up and checked on the kids.Layla was still fast asleep while Hayden lay next to her with his eyes shut.When Avery left the room, she sighed as a hint of sadness washed over her face.Hayden was a healthy child, but he was different from other kids.He was a quiet boy that refused to speak to strangers.He was already four years old, but he had never gone to school.Avery had taken him for countless physical examinations.Every single checkup came out normal, with the exception of his cerebral cortex being much more developed than the average person.Hayden's problem was psychological.However, even the

Layla's eyes widened as she gazed at Cole's photo on the laptop screen."Whoa! Our dad's so good-looking!"Hayden shut the laptop, then thought to himself, 'So what if he's good-looking? A spineless freeloader isn't worthy of our mom!'"When can we go see Daddy? Do you think he'd be happy when he finds out about us?"The only concept that Layla had about their father was a pure one, as Avery had never once spoken ill of him in front of them. Every time Layla asked Avery who their father was, Avery would always patiently answer, "You don't have a father."Hayden climbed back into bed, lay down, and stared at the ceiling."He won't," he answered bluntly.Layla was upset."Why not? It's not like we want his money. I just want to spend some time with him!""Go to sleep.""I can't sleep," Layla huffed. "I want Dad."Hayden was disappointed in their so-called father, which put him in a bad mood."Shut up," he snapped impatiently.Layla immediately quieted down.She could feel