Chapter 9
Meanwhile, Damien was still at the hospital with Serena.
In truth, Serena had never been in a car accident at all. She had staged the whole thing just to wring blood out of Avery. But Damien didn’t know a thing.
Suddenly, a wave of unease went through Damien, like something had slipped out of his control.
Then, he thought of Avery and suddenly realized their fifth anniversary was the next day.
He planned to expose her “scandal” with Julian and drive them both out of the family.
For some reason, just thinking about it left him restless and on edge.
“Dami,” Serena called softly, the way she always did when they were alone, “what are you thinking about?”
Damien snapped back and gave her a faint smile. “Nothing. Just thinking about work.”
“Oh,” she said. “I feel a lot better. I want to check out and go shopping. Will you take me?”
“Sure. I’ll have them handle the paperwork.”
Even though his tone was gentle, Serena could tell that his mind was elsewhere. But she didn’t think much of it, assuming he was just thinking about work.
After that, they left the hospital and headed to the mall.
Serena slipped her arm through his and leaned against him as if they were a couple.
On any other day, Damien might have felt it was sweet. But today, something kept gnawing at him.
He pulled out his phone. The missed calls and unread texts were all work-related.
That was when he realized Avery hadn’t reached out to him in days.
He opened their chat and noticed the last message from her was from a week ago.
“I’m on my way home. Don’t worry, and just focus on your work. Remember to rest and drink more water.”
As he scrolled up, he realized he hadn’t replied once. It looked like Avery had been talking to herself.
“Damien, I just finished my prenatal checkup. The doctor said the baby looks great.”
“I just had lunch. I wish you’d been here for the appointment, but I know you’re busy.”
“Will you be home for dinner? I can make steaks.”
Thinking back to Avery throwing the diamond necklace, Damien felt unsettled. For once, he sent her a message.
“If you don’t like that necklace, I’ll buy you something else.”
Chapter 9
2/2
Half an hour passed, but Avery still didn’t reply.
Damien frowned. She usually replied right away. What was wrong with her?
He almost called her, but he then remembered her attitude lately and shoved the phone back in his
pocket.
Serena was right. Avery had been getting bold because she was pregnant. She was just a pawn. Where
did she get the nerve to give him the cold shoulder?
By tomorrow, Avery and the baby she carried would be out of his life.
The more Damien thought about it, the angrier he grew. He was in no mood to shop anymore and was about to make an excuse to leave when Serena tugged on his arm. “Dami, can I get a ring?”
He had never refused Serena anything, but this time, he hesitated.
He opened his mouth to refuse, but just then, the jewelry store manager called.
“Mr. Whitlow, the sapphire ring you ordered is ready. We can have it couriered to your front door this
afternoon.”
Damien paused. He had ordered that ring as Avery’s anniversary gift.
Whatever her flaws, she had put him first for five years. He felt that he owed her something. If he couldn’t give her love, the least he could do was repay her with money.
“I’ll pick it up myself,” he replied.
