Rosie looked at Jay angrily and burst out.

“Don't tell me you have thrown all we had for six years away because of a random girl you met. What does she have that I can’t measure up to? Just look at me, I've got the perfect figure any man would love to behold. I came back for us and this is how best you can receive me?” He stole a glance at her.

“Rosie, let me tell you something. If you have any silly ideas nurturing in your head, you got to let them go because there is no way we will end up together.

You keep speaking about Avery. Yes, she might be from an impoverished background but she is far more enlightened and smarter than you are!” He said in a baritone and firm voice.

“And let this be the very last time you try this nonsense in my matrimonial room!” he added before shoving her out of the room.

Avery stepped into the bedroom looking all around. She raised her brows at him as if to question who he was talking to. He walked closer to her and explained what transpired between him and Rosie. Avery stared deep into his eyes without uttering a word just wondering if he meant all he said.

The thought of losing him made her tummy flip.

What is this feeling that is building inside of her? Her relationship with Jay is just an agreement and with time, he might turn his back on his words.

“Avery, are you here with me?” Jay snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Yes, I am”, She answered.

“Alright then, I'll leave you to get prepared so we proceed to perform your Dad’s rites”, he added with a gentle tap on her shoulders.

She swallowed hard and nodded. As soon as he walked out the door, she quickly went to the dressing room to get changed.

A black Mercedes-Benz sped off the highway with a full blast of music. Avery could barely feel her ears. If Jay doesn't agree to turn off the music, she might soon go deaf.

“Can you please turn off the music or yet still reduce the volume a bit? ”She asked him.

“These songs are my favorites, Avery,” he replied.

“If you ain't putting this off, reduce the damn volume at least!” she yelled. He quickly turned down the volume and the rest of the journey continued in silence.

The silence between the two only broke when they got to the Riverside. He got down to hold open the car door for her. She stepped down holding the pot containing her father’s ashes. He walked up to her and led her toward the River.

Avery stood and watched the river flow. The tears that had gathered up in her eyes, made their way down her cheeks as she opened the lid to pour out the ashes.

“Dad, thank you for bringing me into this world. Thank you for showing Mom, love and care throughout your stay on earth. You were the best Dad and Husband any Child and Mother would like to have. Thank you for the precious time you had with us. The joy, laughter, and pleasure you brought to us will forever be etched in our hearts. If there was a way to cheat death, I'd have gone to the end of the world to do that for you. But I understand we can't cheat nature. I wish you a peaceful rest, Papa. Please don't worry about Mom and me. We are in safe hands. Just watch over us from the sky Papa. Till we meet again, rest on”.

The tears began to pour down in torrents as she poured the ashes slowly into the river. She staggered only to fall into Jay’s arms.

When she looked up their eyes met. She buried her face into his chest and cried her eyes out.

Jay held her still and allowed her to pour out all the emotions she had bottled up for so long. She is a strong girl and he knows that but right now, he'll allow her to mourn her dad in peace.

“Avery, can I have a chat with your Pa if you don’t mind”? He asked, tilting her face upwards towards him.

She blinked. He held her hand, and together they took a step and stopped.

“Dad, it's sad I couldn't meet you before you died. I'm sorry I came late. Thank you for giving us, Avery. Henceforth, I promise to take good care of your daughter and your sick wife. I'd do everything I can to get them a cozy life. You don't have to worry about them anymore. Your son-in-law is here to continue from where you ended. May you have an eternal rest dear father-in-law.”

Avery stared at him with eyes full of tears.

Jay moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her.

“Is there somewhere you wanna go catch some fresh air?” he asked with a concerned look. Again, Avery nodded.

Just as they were about to leave, his phone rang. His expression immediately darkened as he listened to the caller. Avery knew something wasn't right.

Did Jay receive some bad news? Is someone in trouble? Is everything okay at home? She thought to herself.

“Mom, I've told you a million times that there's nothing you'll say that will make me change my mind about Avery. I'm no longer interested in Rosie. She can go to hell for all I care!” he retorted.

Avery’s anxiety heightened as she looked at Jay helplessly. She took a step back.

Her mind spun back to Mrs. Henryson. Is she ready to go to any length just to bring Jay closer to Rosie again? Why does her heart always skip any every time Rosie’s name is mentioned?

She watched as Jay walked closer to her. He hesitated before grabbing her by the wrist. Avery tried to break free from his grip but the more she tried the more he tightened his hold on her.

“Let me be Jay! ”Avery cried out

“Avery, please let me explain.” He stroked his fingers through her hair and continued. “Please calm down first. Let me take you to a place where you'll feel relaxed.” He said as he took her hands and walked her to the car. He helped her in and drove off.

Jay pulled up in front of a beautiful and serene environment. The trees danced beautifully under the early morning sunbeam. The sound of the birds chirping, the gentle sound of the water washing down the pebbles, the colorful butterflies flying gracefully, and the scent of the wildflowers brought nothing but instant healing into her soul.

With a smile, she turned to him and enquired

“So tell me how you got to know about this place?

“Do you like it? He asked with a wink.

“Like? The word like is an understatement. I love everything about this place. ”She replied cheerfully

“I'm glad you like it and it feels good to see you beam with a smile again. I found out about this place when I lost my granny,” he said sadly.

Avery could sense the hurt in his looks. She leaned closer to him and whispered in his ears” I'm so sorry for your loss Jay. My condolences.”

“It is alright Avery, we are all humans, and someday, somehow we all are going to pay our death price. I was shattered when I lost my grandma. There were days when I wondered about haphazardly. That was when I chanced upon this lakeside. It brought so much peace and solace to my innermost being. So I made it a habit, anytime I'm unhappy, I come here.” he answered

“It does feel refreshing,” she said

As they sat down by the lakeside, she thought of the day she was being asked by Jay to be his contract wife. She expected life to be a living hell with Jay because of his stern nature. But here is a man, who kept showing her a side, she never thought he had.

“ Can I tell you something?” he broke into her thoughts…