“I’m coming back tomorrow,” her voice was calm and unwavering, “let’s talk then.”
All the rage and fear storming within him was instantly overpowered.
Elyette thought back to what Ben said. Ben said that Averie knew how to manipulate him and was very successful at it.
It was not until that moment that Elyette understood what Ben was trying to say. Indeed, Averie had him wrapped around her fingers. All it took was a few words from her and he would choose to believe her without a doubt even when all proof suggested that she had betrayed him.
“Averie,” he called out her name in a hoarse voice before hanging up.
Averie could tell how hard he was struggling from his voice. He must have watched the video and suspected her role in it, or he would be in so much pain.
“Elyette, I know it’s difficult for you to trust me,” she struggled to explain under the tension between them, “when I saw the video, even I thought it was me.”
He listened to her quietly and his raging emotions began to settle down.
“I watched it over and over again,” she said with a lump in her throat, “Elyette, that’s not me.
As soon as Averie said that, Layla came to tug at her clothes and asked, “Mom, Hayden is here!”
Elyette readjusted himself swiftly when he heard Layla’s voice. “Go look after the kids first. We will talk when you are back.”
With that, they ended the conversation.
Layla scowled and looked up at Averie. “Mom, are you talking to Dirtbag Dad? He is the only one who would make you cry.”
Averie wasn’t crying, but her eyes were turning red. Layla didn’t know what had happened, so she couldn’t understand why Averie was upset and had no clue that it had nothing to do with Elyette.
Worried that Layla would come across the news, Averie said, “Layla, don’t play with phones for now.”
“I don’t have a phone!” Layla looked at her with an innocent expression.
“I know that you always play with Uncle Mike’s phone.”
Exposed by her mother, Layla chuckled and stuck her tongue out. “I play with Uncle Eric’s phone all the time as well, Mom. You are the only one who doesn’t let me do so.”
“I won’t let you do it because it’s bad for your eyes.”
“But Hayden plays with his laptop all the time, why haven’t you said anything to him, then?” Layla pouted at the injustice.
“You know why. I took Hayden to see the psychologist and the doctor approved,” Averie explained patiently.
Layla smiled at her in a flattering manner and said, “I won’t play with computers even if you buy me one, Mom. I’m just envious of how great Hayden is!”
“Sure, your brother is great.”
As the two were chatting, the bodyguard brought Hayden to them.
When they were inside the call, both Averie and Hayden spoke out at the same time.
“You first, Hayden.”
“You go first, Mom.”
“Alright, my original plan was to take you and your sister to travel around Bridgedale before we head back; but something happened back in Aryadelle and I need to take you two back immediately,” Averie said guiltily, “if you are tired, we can rest for one day before traveling back”
Hayden shook his head. “I’m not tired, Mom. We can head back now, but I want to start school a little later.”
“What’s wrong, Hayden?” Averie looked at her son in confusion.
Hayden had yet to find the Darknet organization that Nora had used before; he couldn’t focus on school until he found them.
He couldn’t tell his mother directly, or she might not agree. He tried his best to look sincere and lied in a serious tone, “I’m exhausted from the summer camp.”
Averie’s heart softened and agreed. “Darling, you need to tell me when you are stressed from school next time.
Studying is important, but your health is the top priority.”
Hayden nodded.
Meanwhile, in Elyette’s mansion in Aryadelle at eight in the evening.
Ben poured Elyette a glass of wine and Elyette turned it down.
“I can’t drink anymore.” Elyette had already drunk two glasses and was already blushing. His eyes were dazed, but he still remembered that he would be meeting Averie the next day; if he drank too much, it would affect his physical condition tomorrow.
“Fine, I’ll drink it myself.” Ben grabbed Elyette’s glass and drank from it.
“Don’t drink too much.” Elyette glanced at him. “I know that you are doing this for me, but…”
“But, what? But you won’t put Averie on the spot, right? You don’t have the heart to because of your baby.” Ben set the glass down and said, “I just want to remind you that the stake you have been placing on her is only getting higher. If you don’t take this opportunity to get out, there won’t be another chance in the future.”
The daze in Elyette’s eyes disappeared in an instant.
It was hard for him to fall in love; and so, when he finally did, he couldn’t let go. It was his merit, and at the same time, his shortcoming.
“Elyette, as your friend, I’ve always wanted you to live a happy life. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on women;
I can look the other way as long as you are happy.” Ben scowled and continued, “but Averie has hurt you over and over again. She’s even done something so out of line this time. This is the consequence of your boundless 23
tolerance.”
Elyette lowered his gaze and lit a cigarette.
“If you can provide proof that she is not the woman in the video, I will apologize to her in however way she wants me to; but she fails to do so, I will take all her words as nothing but excuses,” Ben said as he stared through the smoke at Elyette’s face.
Elyette remained silent for a while, before moving his fingers towards the ashtray to shake off the ash.
“Ben, I used to view the world as black and white with nothing worthy of interest, until I met Averie. She helped me see the colorful side of this world,” Elyette said steadily, “she’s a drug and I’m hooked.”
“I know it’s hard for you to break up with her, Elyette, but if you refuse to take that step, you will keep getting hurt by her,” Ben said.
“We’ll see tomorrow! I’m tired.” Elyette put out the cigarette with a dark expression, before heading upstairs.
The next day, at eight in the morning, Averie arrived in Elyette’s mansion alongside her bodyguard.
According to what Averie knew about Elyette, he would usually wake up at eight in the morning during weekdays.
When Mrs. Cooper saw her, she immediately invited Averie inside.
“Averie, have you been eating at all? There’s no meat on your bones.” Mrs. Cooper brought breakfast to her and said, “eat right here. Mr. Foster should be down at any minute.”
“Mrs. Cooper, I’ve eaten this morning,” Averie said awkwardly, “you don’t have to bring me this much food.”
As the two spoke, Elyette came downstairs with another person following closely behind.
Ben had drunk too much the night before and stayed the night in Elyette’s mansion.
Averie couldn’t help but tense when she saw the two men.
If she was only facing Elyette, she would not feel nervous; but Mike had told her that Ben resented her for this incident, and had been trying to convince Elyette to break up with her.
Elyette walked towards her and spotted the glass of milk in her hand. “Have your breakfast first! ” He said calmly.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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