Chapter 6

Avery's hand trembled as she signed the divorce papers. Her tears fell, staining the contract. Ivy's lip curled in disdain. "How pathetic. You love Elijah with everything you have, yet you can't even get him to look your way." Edwin's gaze softened with a hint of pity. "In the end, it's our family that owes you. What kind of compensation do you want in return?" Choking on her tears, Avery whispered, "I just want one last week with Elijah. Can I give this to him after that?" "Fine." The moment Avery stepped out of the room, everything came crashing down. She broke into uncontrollable sobs, her body trembling from the torrent of emotions. After three agonizing years, she finally held the divorce papers in her hands. She had braced herself for a battle, but the ease with which it unfolded left her stunned. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her heart pounded in her chest. Moved by her pain, it seemed the heavens had finally given her a chance at a new beginning. In one week, her contract with Walter would come to an end. After that, everything would be over. Avery took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. All of a sudden, the sound of moaning echoed from the room beside hers. "Eli, please… Be gentle. What if someone hears us?" Lara protested half-heartedly, her voice thick with longing. "So what? Who would dare say a word?" Elijah's answer slipped out in a low, magnetic rasp. His voice was heard through the thin wall, cutting into Avery's ears like a cruel echo. Soon, Lara's moans intensified, rising alongside the ceaseless banging of the door. This room was supposed to be Avery's bedroom in the Tarver residence, yet they had converted it into a hideaway for their affair. Avery let out a bitter laugh. Just as she was about to turn and leave, the door swung open. Despite being caught in the act, Elijah showed no sign of panic. It didn't matter that his wife had just discovered him. He merely frowned at Avery, clearly annoyed by the interruption. "What are you doing here?" From inside, Lara's sweet voice rang out. "Is that the maid, Eli? Could you have her bring me a dress?" Elijah's frown deepened, but before he could say anything, Avery quickly said, "I'll get it for you, Ms. Womack." Ignoring Elijah's piercing stare, she stepped into the bedroom. The bed was messy, with damp patches still visible. Avery walked steadily toward the wardrobe, acting as if she hadn't seen a thing. She took out a gown and handed it to Lara. The moment Elijah saw the dress, his heart skipped a beat. It was the apology gift he'd given Avery after forgetting their third wedding anniversary. Back then, he had been too busy cozying up to Lara. How could Avery just hand it over like that? As Elijah's eyes fell on the handprint on her cheek, he knew without a doubt that Ivy had struck her. Today, his immature actions had been nothing more than a deliberate attempt to provoke Avery. Even after enduring Ivy's cruelty and seeing his betrayal with her own eyes, Avery still chose to forgive him. Just how far did her love for him go? Elijah's heartbeat faltered. With a pained expression, he silently left the room. All the while, Avery didn't once look his way. Lara took the dress and slipped it on. "If we were back in the old days, I'd say you were boldly flaunting your arrogance." Avery stared at her, confusion flickering across her face. "But now… I don't think that's it." Lara crossed her legs, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Because I don't see even a flicker of love in your eyes." Avery froze, trying to recall the expressions of the couples around her. But as she sifted through her memories, she was surprised to realize none of those looks matched Lara's. She looked up at Lara, her mind clouded with a swirl of thoughts. With a cryptic smile, Lara turned away from the window and jumped down. "Ah! Eli, save me!" she exclaimed. Avery's mind went blank. Before she could move, the door behind her was flung open. "Lara! Somebody help! Call a doctor!" Elijah roared, panic etched on his face. But the instant his bloodshot eyes met Avery's, they transformed into a raging tempest of disdain. "You've certainly got a lot of nerve, Avery," he hissed. "Playing the forgiving angel must've been exhausting. You'd better hope Lara's alive. If she isn't, I will make sure you live with the consequences forever."