After saying her piece, Avery slammed the door and stormed out.
I got up and looked at my swollen left cheek in the mirror, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
Eight years of love, and even a fake marriage for publicity couldn’t be mine. I raised my hand and slapped my right cheek hard, a blow to remind myself—never again to be such a spineless fool chasing after someone who didn’t care.
After washing up, I had barely lain down on the bed when I received a message from my mother:
[Denny, I was so happy today that I forgot to tell you something. Over the years, we’ve spent quite a lot supporting that little actress by your side. Next month, we were supposed to invest in a show for her. Now that you’re no longer involved, should the company still go ahead with it?]
I stared at the empty villa for a moment before replying: [Wait for my decision.]
With only a few days left, I didn’t want to create any more complications. After listening to my mother ramble on about wedding details, I drifted off into a deep sleep.
The next morning, before I was fully awake, I heard the sound of people moving things downstairs.
I got dressed and went down, only to see Avery holding Bryan’s hand as they entered.
Outside, a group of movers in company uniforms bustled about in the yard.
As soon as Avery saw me coming down the stairs, she frowned and hissed under her breath, “There are people here. What are you doing downstairs? Get back upstairs, now!”
Seeing the movers about to come into the house, I turned and walked a few steps back up the stairs, hiding myself out of sight.
***
Scenes like this had become routine over the years, but this villa was the place Avery and I had chosen for our private moments, so I had let my guard down.
Soon, the movers left, and Avery called up to me from downstairs, “Come out. I need to talk to you. From now on, Bryan and I will be living here.”
Her words left me stunned. Losing my balance, I tumbled down the stairs.
As I picked myself up, I looked at Avery’s calm expression and asked, “You and Bryan living here? The three of us staying together doesn’t seem very convenient...”
Avery glanced at my disheveled state and exchanged a look with Bryan before laughing. “What are you thinking? It’s just Bryan and me living here. You’re moving out.”
I pointed at myself, utterly incredulous, staring at Avery in disbelief. “Move out? Move where? And what does it even mean for you and Bryan to live here?” I asked, my voice sharp with disbelief.
Avery’s expression shifted to irritation as she replied, “Just rent an apartment or something, can’t you? What does it mean? It means we’re a couple, obviously! Next month, Grand Prosperity Group is investing in a film, and I’m going to be the lead actress. I need to promote my ‘devoted wife’ image. It’s urgent, so you’re moving out tonight!”
Without sparing me another glance, she turned to Bryan with a gentle smile. “Bryan, hurry up and move our things in. Once he’s gone, we’ll invite a few close media outlets over for a preview.”
As Bryan walked past me carrying a suitcase, he flashed a smug smile. “Brother, learn to be more sensible. Avery’s been supporting you for the past eight years. You should know when to read the room,” Bryan said, his tone dripping with condescension.
I turned to Avery with a questioning look, only to see her casually fiddling with her new watch as she chimed in,
“Bryan’s right. These years, whether it’s at home or outside, haven’t I been the one holding everything together? The sooner you wise up, the better. What are you still standing there for? Go pack your things already!”
I turned and headed upstairs. As soon as I got there, a message from Avery popped up on my phone:
[Just pack a few things—don’t bring too much, or it’ll attract attention. Be careful! If the reporters catch wind of this, you can forget about ever having a chance with me again!]
