Chapter 3

Serena walked in carrying a gift box, her voice sounding syrupy sweet. "Avery, Mom and Dad heard you're pregnant, so they sent me to check on you." Avery's face cooled. "I don't want to see you! Take your stuff and leave right now!" Serena nodded with a wounded look, looking unusually compliant. "I'm sorry, Avery. Don't be mad. I'll go right away." The next moment, Damien strode in. "Serena, I'm here. Don't be afraid." Then, he turned a frosty look on Avery, his brows drawn tight. "Serena just came here to visit you, so why are you snapping at her like that?" Avery's chest burned with anger until she could hardly breathe. "Fine! Then, I'll leave!" Damien's frown deepened. Avery had never talked back to him before. The more he thought about it, the more it irritated him. His voice turned cold as he snapped, "What's wrong with you? Why are you throwing a tantrum here?" Just as Avery was about to spill it out, Serena cut in with a pointed tone, "Damien, pregnant women run hot. You should cut her some slack. After all, Avery is carrying your baby." Avery was seething, her blood practically on fire. So, Serena knew the baby was Julian's, too. Clearly, the two of them had conspired to play her for a fool. In a snap, Avery changed her mind. If she revealed the truth now, Damien would only twist it and blame her. When she remained silent, Damien's expression eased a little. "I know pregnancy is rough, but it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Serena is your sister, so try to be civil." With that, Damien took Serena by the hand and led her out. Just before the door closed, Serena threw Avery a sly, mocking smile. Avery let out a bitter laugh. She wondered if Damien would still dote on Serena once he realized he had been thanking the wrong savior all this time. When she finally cooled down, Avery printed the divorce papers. She and Damien had no joint assets, but he had lied to her for five years and tricked her into carrying Julian's child. For those reasons alone, she intended to claim half of what he owned, because fair was fair. A moment later, the housekeeper, Nancy Baker, came up to tell Avery that dinner was ready. When Avery went downstairs, she saw the table packed with Serena's favorite dishes, so she turned to leave. "Avery," Serena said, catching her sleeve. "Damien asked Nancy to make all this. Even if you don't have much appetite, at least have a little. Don't throw his kindness back in his face." Avery shook her hand away and smiled coldly. "Serena, you're just showing off that this whole spread was made for you." Triumph flickered in Serena's eyes, though she replied, "That is not what I meant..." Avery snorted. "Then what did you mean?" "Enough!" Damien cut in, his voice edged with impatience. "Serena rarely visits. It is bad enough that you refuse to be gracious, but do you have to be so aggressive as well?" Avery felt the words stab deep. She was about to fire back when Serena pressed her down into a chair. "Don't fight. Just eat." Then, Serena ladled soup for Avery as if she owned the place. Avery despised her phony act more than anything. She shot to her feet, and the bowl tipped just so, splashing hot soup across her forearm. Fire shot up her nerves, and she inhaled sharply. Serena gave a sharp cry, as if she had been the one scalded. Damien rushed over and shoved Avery aside. "Serena, where did it burn you?" Thrown off balance, Avery struck the edge of the table, pain shooting through her lower back. Damien didn't even glance at her. His entire focus was on Serena. The difference between love and indifference was painfully clear. Serena shook her head. "I'm fine, but I accidentally spilled it on Avery..."