Chapter 17
Calvin suddenly realized that he hadn’t stepped into Avery’s room once since she left.
With hesitant steps, he walked down the hall and slowly pushed the door open.
The room was empty.
The window stood wide open, sheer curtains fluttering in the breeze. Sunlight poured into every corner, filling the room with warmth, but the person he was looking for was no longer there.
Why? Why was it like this?
Every photo, every gift he had ever given her, every trace of her presence was completely gone.
Calvin felt as if a thousand needles were piercing his heart.
He tore through the room in desperation, searching for any proof she’d ever loved him. He checked everywhere, but there was nothing left behind.
The engagement ring, their anniversary presents, and birthday gifts were all gone.
He remembered how much Avery had treasured everything he gave her. Even the smallest trinket would
make her light up with joy, and she always kept them safe.
Now, it was all gone.
Staring at the empty room, a wave of panic crashed over him. He had married Avery out of responsibility.
She had done so much for him, so he wanted to repay her by giving her a home.
Back then, he thought Britney was dead, and Avery was the only one by his side. He genuinely believed that spending the rest of his life with her wouldn’t be bad.
He never thought that Britney would come back.
He couldn’t help falling for Britney again, wanting to make up for the years they’d lost. He never imagined
she would push Avery out of his life and do something so cruel.
Calvin’s eyes stung, though he couldn’t tell if it was from grief, regret, or guilt.
“Avery, where are you? I’m back now. Please, don’t scare me like this. I promise I’ll be here for you.”
He walked through every room, hoping she’d pop out, tell him it was all a joke, and everything could go
back to how it used to be.
He swore he’d never let Britney back in, never let anyone come between them again. He’d give Avery all the love and care he owed her.
She loved him so much. There was no way she could just leave for good. She must be hiding somewhere, waiting for him to find her.
Chapter 17
2/2
Holding onto that hope, Calvin called Gabriel and asked for the house surveillance tapes.
In no time, the videos landed in his inbox. They contained three months’ worth of footage. Calvin sped through them, eager to see what Avery had been doing.
Day and night flashed past on the screen. Calvin’s eyes never left Avery, watching as she sat alone, completely engulfed in silence.
Seeing this, Calvin’s heart twisted painfully.
Had she been enduring such loneliness all this time?
“Is this when you decided to leave me?” he wondered, reaching out to touch her image on the screen.
He couldn’t bring himself to admit it.
Avery had loved him so deeply. So, why did she leave him so suddenly?
Only now did he realize how much he loved her. But all that remained was regret and despair.
He had always believed that Avery would stay by his side and love him no matter what. That was why he
kept Britney around, trying to make up for the past while still clinging to Avery’s love.
He thought she would keep waiting for him, just like she always had.
But when did everything start to change?
Calvin stood in the empty room, silent for a long time.
Avery had never lied. He was the one who never believed her.
He remembered the shattered look on her face by the oil vat, and how she had pleaded and begged him
to let Henry go.
A surge of guilt welled up inside him, but even more overwhelming was the anger he felt toward Britney.
How could she do something so cruel? How could she hurt Avery like that?
And yet, he had believed Britney’s side of the story and stood against Avery.
If it hadn’t been for Britney, Avery would’ve never been so disappointed in him and would’ve never left.
Calvin’s eyes turned cold. He vowed that before bringing Avery home, he would make Britney pay for everything Avery had suffered.
