Chapter 3

"Sign it." Avery flipped the paperwork to the last page, covering the beginning as she handed it over, her voice barely above a whisper. Calvin barely glanced at it, assuming it was just another list of the jewelry or property she always asked for. He only wanted to end this farce as quickly as possible, so he signed his name without a second thought. When he was done, he looked up at her and said, "Britney's not feeling well. There's no one to look after her, so she'll be staying here for a few days." Avery nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want." She picked up the documents and walked out without looking back. At the law office, the attorney carefully examined the divorce agreement, then nodded. "Everything's in order, Ms. Sterling. Once the one-month cooling-off period ends, your marriage to Mr. Grant will be officially dissolved." Avery clutched the file tightly, her knuckles turning white. Finally, it was almost over. That night, when Avery returned to the house, laughter and voices drifted from the living room. Britney was sitting on the couch, Noah and Simon nestled on either side of her as she read them a story. "... In the end, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after," Britney said, gently patting both boys on the head. Noah gazed up at her, beaming. "Britney, you're so much kinder than Mom." Simon nodded. "I wish you were our mom..." Standing in the doorway, Avery felt as if a knife had twisted in her chest. She climbed the stairs without a word and disappeared into the guest bathroom to take a shower. The warm water washed over her skin, but it couldn't thaw the chill in her heart. She closed her eyes and thought to herself, "Don't worry. Your wish is just about to come true." She had barely lain down in bed when the mattress dipped beside her. Calvin, fresh from his shower, slid in next to her. Avery kept her back to him, refusing to move. Suddenly, Calvin moved closer, wrapping his arm around her waist, his lips brushing the nape of her neck. Avery went rigid and shoved him away. Calvin frowned. "I gave you what you wanted. Your brother's fine. How long are you going to keep this up?" Avery was just about to say something when someone knocked on the door. Noah's little head popped in the doorway. "Dad! The weather forecast says there's a thunderstorm tonight. Didn't you say Britney's scared of thunder?" Simon squeezed in behind him. "Dad, come stay with Britney! She's scared!" Calvin glanced out at the darkening sky, then got up without hesitation. As he left, he said, "You'll be sleeping alone tonight." He didn't even close the door, and the laughter from the next room drifted in. "You're here, Calvin?" Britney asked softly. "Dad! Britney tells the best stories!" Noah cheered. Simon chimed in, "Dad, can Britney live with us forever?" Calvin chuckled. "Sure." Lying alone, Avery listened to their laughter and slowly closed her eyes. The next morning, as Avery came downstairs, laughter echoed from the kitchen. Calvin stood at the stove in an apron, making breakfast. Britney stood beside him, leaning in to take a sniff, a cheerful smile on her face. Noah and Simon circled their legs, chattering excitedly. "Calvin, I can't believe you still remember all my favorite foods after all these years," Britney said softly, clearly touched. Calvin glanced at her, his eyes gentle in a way Avery had never seen. "Not a day's gone by that I've forgotten." He plated up a sunny-side-up egg and slid it to Britney. "Try it. Tell me if it tastes any different." Britney took a bite, her face lighting up. "Even better than I remember." Noah piped up, "Britney, when Dad's busy, I'll cook for you!" Simon bounced excitedly, "Me too! I'll learn, and mine'll be even better than Dad's!" Britney laughed, ruffling their hair, while Calvin watched them all, the harshness in his eyes softened with a rare smile. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, Avery forced a wry smile. Since Calvin was born into wealth and her sons were used to getting everything they wanted, Avery had spent years doing everything she could to keep the house running and make everyone happy. But now, she realized that a man like Calvin, who had never lifted a finger at home, could still cook for the woman he truly loved. Her spoiled sons could become so considerate, as long as it was for Britney. To them, Avery didn't matter. She was treated like she was nothing, while they would do anything for Britney. The one who cared always lost.