Abigail seduced her fiancé, but Molly blamed her for not winning him over and for not giving in to Abigail.
If someone didn’t know better, they would think Abigail was her real daughter while Avery was the adopted one.
Just as Avery was about to hang up, Howard’s voice came through the phone. He scolded Molly, “Ave is your real daughter! How could you talk to your own daughter like that?”
On the other end, Molly began to sob, and soon, Howard spoke into the phone, “Ave, your mom’s just worried about Abigail’s future and took her frustration out on you. Don’t take it to
heart.”
“Get to the point. If you don’t, I’m hanging up,” Avery said impatiently.
There was a moment of silence before Howard said, “Your birthday’s the day after tomorrow, right? Your mom and I are thinking of throwing you a birthday party. You should come home and see if it’s to your liking.”
When Avery heard his words, she found it ironic.
Since returning to the Sinclair residence, no one had ever thrown her a birthday party.
She didn’t believe that Howard and Molly suddenly had a change of heart and wanted to be good to her. Most likely, they were thinking she might be useful to them again.
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Chack
After getting out of the car, Avery skillfully helped James push his wheelchair. As soon as the staff saw them, they rushed over.
“Mr. Alston, the private room is ready, and the dishes are all set. Is everything to your liking?”
“Let them bring the food
out.”
Upon hearing that, Avery jokingly said, “You’re afraid I’ll spend all your money, so you even ordered the dishes beforehand?”
“Of course not.”
Seeing his hurt expression, Avery couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
When they entered the private room, the dishes were quickly brought out. Avery stared at the table full of food and was slightly taken aback. They were all her favorite dishes.
James noticed that she wasn’t
eating? You don’t like the choices?”
e any of the food and felt puzzled, “Why aren’t you
Avery snapped back to reality and smiled. “No, it’s not that.”
“Then hurry and eat; or the food will go cold!”
“Avery suddenly felt a lump in her throat.
When her grandfather was still alive, he was the one who always celebrated her birthday with
her. Two years after he passed away, Clyde spent her birthday with her. Later, he stopped
wanting to spend it with her, and it was only Cassandra and James who continued to accompany her.
On Avery’s 18th birthday, Molly did celebrate with her once. She even ordered a nine–layered mango cake as a surprise. But the ironic thing was that Avery was allergic to mangoes.
Her biological parents didn’t remember that she was allergic to mangoes even after ten years. But James, who had been abroad for four years, still clearly remembered all the things she liked.
Avery couldn’t help but smile. “James, to be honest, I’m almost thinking of marrying you.”
“Sure,” Jarnes replied seriously, “If you’re willing, I’ll marry you.”
At that moment, the door to the private room was pushed open.
Cassandra hurried in while holding a bag. “Sorry I’m late, Ave!”
She sat beside Avery and started to gossip, “Ave, guess who I saw outside when I arrived?”
“Who?” Avery looked confused.
Chappe
“I saw your fiancé!” Cassandra exclaimed excitedly. “And I even saw flowers in his car! Do you think he’s planning to give you a surprise?”
Avery was utterly confused. Fiancé? Did she still have a fiancé?
Seeing her blank expression, Cassandra pressed her palm against her forehead hopelessly.” It’s Joshua Smith, of course.
Avery finally remembered that she had agreed to marry Joshua.
James looked shocked as he turned to Cassandra. “What did you just say?”
Cassandra took a sip of red wine before explaining to him everything that had happened.
James was stunned and unable to process it for a long while.
Cassandra didn’t notice his reaction and continued talking, “I actually think Ave and Joshua are a good pair. He’s successful and steady, so he wouldn’t let Ave suffer.”
James lowered his gaze and stared at his own legs. He didn’t say anything but simply nodded in silent agreement.
Avery didn’t feel much about what Cassandra said. She planned to marry Joshua mainly to secure a strong backer for herself while also getting revenge on Clyde and Abigail for their betrayal. She didn’t expect any real emotional connection with Joshua.
Besides, she vaguely remembered Louisa Hathaway, Joshua’s mother, mentioning that he seemed to already have someone special in his heart.
Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open again, and Joshua walked in.
The moment he entered, Avery felt like the temperature around them dropped several degrees. She stood up and instinctively called out, “Mister.”
Immediately, the atmosphere felt even colder.
“No need to be so affectionate.”
Avery noticed that Joshua didn’t even glance at her and felt a little confused.
Cassandra quickly tugged at her and gave her a glare.
Only then did Avery realize her mistake. She had addressed him wrongly.
Embarrassed, Avery covered her mouth and cleared her throat. “Ahem… What a coincidence Mr. Smith. Are you here for a meal too?”
“It’s no coincidence. I came here specifically to find you.”
Avery was still processing when Joshua added, “Come with me.”
“Where to?”
“To celebrate your birthday.”
Avery looked at him in surprise. She had not expected him to say that.
Seeing her stand there with a dazed expression, Joshua frowned. “Do I need to invite you more formally?”
“No need!” Avery quickly rushed over to him when she saw his increasingly cold expression.
Asking Joshua to invite her formally? She felt like she wouldn’t be able to leave in one piece if she didn’t hurry over to his side.
As soon as Avery reached Joshua’s side, he scooped her up in his arms without a word.
Suddenly being lifted off the ground, Avery was startled and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Joshua ignored Cassandra’s and James‘ reactions as he carried Avery out of the private room. It wasn’t until they were outside the private room that Avery slowly came back to her senses. She pushed against him. “Put me down.”
But Joshua wouldn’t let go. Instead, he held her even tighter. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall. But…” He paused intentionally. Then, he whispered in her ear, “But if you move again, who knows what might happen?”
Avery looked up and found herself staring into his eyes.
The refreshing scent of mint drifted in, and Avery unexpectedly felt a strange sense of calm. She felt a familiarity with him that she couldn’t quite place.
“Am I really that good–looking?” Joshua’s deep voice pulled Avery out of her thoughts.
Her face flushed when she realized that she had been staring at his face.
Joshua placed Avery in the back seat of his car. She was surprised to see that there really was a bouquet of flowers there. It was her favorite flower–iris.
Avery had disbelief painted on her face. “Is this for me?”
“Who else?” Joshua said, amused.
Avery stared at the irises in her hands, momentarily lost in thought.
“You don’t like the flowers?”
Joshua’s voice brought her back to reality. She shook her head and said politely, “Thank you.” “Is that all?” he asked.
The car was dimly lit, and most of Joshua’s face was hidden in shadows, making it hard to read his expression.
Avery wasn’t sure what he meant, so she cautiously asked, “Should I prepare a gift for you
Chic
tomorrow? What do you like-”
Before she could finish, she was silenced by his cool lips. Joshua’s kiss was urgent and demanding, taking Avery’s breath away without giving her a chance to resist. His hand slid down her waist, and with a swift motion, her dress was undone.
Avery’s face flushed bright red.
Her red dress slowly slipped off, and Joshua’s cool fingertips wandered over the bare skin on her waist. He pressed her down on the back seat and left a trail of kiss marks down her neck with his lips.
Hearing Avery’s soft moans, a gleam of satisfaction crossed Joshua’s eyes. “I like this.
gift.”
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