Chapter 6
The scandalous video of Clyde and Abigail in bed spread like wildfire across the internet. Some reporters even dug up records of their previous hotel stays.
Embarrassed beyond measure, Abigail became reclusive and threatened suicide daily. Howard and Sandra were too worried about Abigail and the scandal to have time to trouble Avery.
But Avery’s peaceful life was suddenly interrupted when a Rolls–Royce arrived in front of her clinic.
Charles Sander walked in. “Avery, dear, I haven’t been feeling well for the past few days. Can you take a look at me?”
A mischievous grin plastered on his face. He stared at Avery, his gaze shamelessly insatiable. He had wanted her for a long time.
When she was still Clyde’s fiancé, he didn’t dare lay hands on her. But since their wedding was called off…
Avery sensed his gaze, and disgust churned within her. Still, she kept her composure.
She draped a white silk cloth over his wrist.
“Allow me to give you a thorough check–up, Mr Sander.” Avery glanced at Charles with a smile. Her gaze hooked him, and he was instantly charmed. He grabbed her hand, wanting to kiss her.
“No need to sound like a stranger. Your father said you’ll be marrying me, so you can start calling me ‘hubby‘ now.”
“Sure.” Avery leaned in slightly and continued, “It’ll be just between us.”
Elated by her response, Charles leaned in further and shamelessly said, “Take care of me well, and you’ll be greatly rewarded-”
Avery suddenly slapped his face, and the sound of it echoed.
She looked at the stunned Charles, feigning innocence. “Not enough, Mr. Sander? Want another one?”
Charles regained his composure and was immediately furious. “You-” He raised his hand, prepared to teach her a lesson.
Suddenly, a fierce itch began to spread across his palm, and then his face.
Charles clawed at his skin as he glared at Avery.
She stared at the red rash blooming on his face and took a few steps back while covering her mouth with a mockingly shocked look. “Oh no, Mr. Sander! What’s happening to your face?”
Charles felt the itch growing as he scratched frantically. His actions were hard enough that his face started to bleed.
Avery looked as if she suddenly thought of something and asked worriedly, “Mr. Sander… Could it be an allergy? Do you need me to prescribe you some medicine?”
“Just wait, I’ll make you regret this!” With that, Charles scrambled out the door while still scratching his face. He was afraid his face would be ruined,
As Avery watched Charles leave pathetically, she smirked. Then, she walked over to a car parked nearby. The car window lowered, putting Joshua’s face into view.
“Are you here for a check–up too, Mr. Smith?”
“I’m just passing by.”
Avery scrutinized him for a moment. Then, she nodded seriously. “You don’t look unwell. Though, if anything… I’d say…”
She paused deliberately, and the look in her eyes became weird.
Joshua was intrigued by her expression and demanded, “Continue.”
Avery leaned in with a smirk. “I’d say… erectile dysfunction?”
Delcan nearly choked. At that moment, he wished he was deaf.
Avery had some nerve to talk to Joshua that way. Delcan was afraid he couldn’t go home in one piece after listening to what she had just said.
But Joshua just chuckled. Then, he stepped out of the car, leaned close, and said into her ear in a low voice, “Seems like your memory’s slipping. Want me to remind you again?
Avery could feel his warm breath on her ear, and a flush crept up her cheeks. She instinctively wanted to back away, but Joshua held her tight. “Scared? Worried I might eat you up?
His low, teasing voice sent a shiver down Avery’s spine, and her face was instantly red. She looked up and met Joshua’s mischievous gaze. Her desire to dominate was suddenly aroused She wrapped her arms around Joshua’s neck and smiled playfully. “I’ve never been in an Aston Martin before. Care to take me for a spin, Mr. Smith?
Joshua’s gaze darkened, and he lifted Avery into the car
Delcan rubbed his eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Joshua had never allowed any woman in his car, yet he carried Avery into the car himself.
Was he really the same man he knew?
Drive”
Delcan came to his senses and carefully asked joshua, “Where to, Mr. Smith?”
Спруть
“Ask her.”
“Just a tour around the city.”
Delcan acknowledged, then started to drive forward.
Avery lowered the window and enjoyed the scenery outside.
Joshua glanced at her. “You’re rather bold.”
She turned to him and flashed a cheeky smile, revealing her pearly white teeth. “I always have been.”
She didn’t get into his car just to take a spin. Her parents were eyeing the shares in her hand, and she had offended Charles Sander earlier that day. If the Sanders were to pay a visit to her in the future, she wasn’t sure she would be able to handle it.
There might be others who were waiting to find trouble with her too. She could handle it once, but it was hard to ensure that she would be able to defend herself every time. So, she needed someone powerful enough to protect her interests.
Joshua had the influence and no woman by his side. He was a worthy choice.
After the drive, the car stopped at the entrance of Avery’s traditional medicine clinic once again.
Avery took a glance at Joshua, who had his eyes closed and was relaxing in his seat. She asked tentatively, “Mr. Smith, I have a proposal. Care to listen?”
“What is it?”
“Let’s talk in the clinic.”
In the clinic, Joshua scanned the contract laid before him, his face almost expressionless. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, and the sound was unnerving to Avery.
Joshua looked at her. “This is the wedding gift your grandfather left for you. Are you really willing to give it up?”
Avery smiled bitterly. “I can’t guarantee that it stay mine. I’d rather give it to you than let Abigail take it as her wedding gift.”
“And what do you want in return?”
Avery mot
his gaze seriously. “I want to marry you.”
Surprise flickered across Joshua’s face. “You want to be Mrs. Smith?”
Avery nodded. “My father intends to ‘sell‘ me for the family’s gain. If I have to ‘sell‘ myself, it shouldn’t be for their gain.”
Chap 16
Her forthrightness caught him off guard, and he laughed. “Why me?”
Avery thought of flattering him. But as soon as she saw his hollow gaze, she swallowed those
words back in.
“You’re influential and powerful. Marrying you would bring me protection even if I was in trouble, and I would get the satisfaction of becoming Clyde’s aunt.”
Joshua’s smile deepened.
“Very well, I can marry you, but…” he paused before continuing, “…I don’t do divorces. My marriage must be for life.”
