Avery jolted out of bed. She grabbed her phone and glimpsed at her screen. It was already past four in the morning. She shot a glance across the room, but there was no sign of Jay. She could feel her heart racing. She felt her heart with her palms.

What was the dream she just had? Why would she have such a dream? Is Jay pretending to be over his ex? Are they really making out like she has seen in her dream?

She shuddered the idea away from her mind and proceeded to prepared for work. But alone in an empty room with his ex, is he competent enough to resist her?

She knelt and let out a word of prayer. Yes, She needed the strength to deal with the series of events unfolding in the villa. When she stepped into the shower, she couldn't help but cry. The tiny droplets of tears got mixed up with the water pouring down on her, and it brought a feeling of solace to her. She feels good anytime she lets her bottled emotions out in the shower.

It looks like they really are the only ones who empathize with her through her tough times and wipe her tears away.

She came out of the shower and headed straight to her wardrobe. She looked at her clothes collection and wondered what to wear. She eventually settled for a white blouse and black leather pants. No matter what happens, she needs to look out for herself.

She stepped out of the mansion, into the beautiful morning sunbeams. The white blouse emitted contentment. Her leather-pants shone so brightly. Her heels made her a bit taller yet adorable, and her silky soft black hair shone beautifully under the morning sun. She walked to the gateway and headed out.

She got to the office earlier than usual and her colleagues did not fail to express their shock. When Avery entered her office, she felt a sense of longing and loneliness. This was her first time coming to the office without Jay and having to spend the night all alone without him since their fake marriage.

Yes, fake marriage it is. So why is she feeling this type of way? Why does she feel so empty without him? She ain't supposed to be having such feelings at all. His ex-lover is back and no matter how hard he tries to convince himself that it is over between them, the flames of love will somehow rekindle without warning. Her heart sank at the thought of her own words.

She didn't notice how immensely busy she was with her work until she dropped the last file. When she tilted her head to look at the time, it was past lunchtime.

She grabbed her bag and walked out. She could still hear some of her colleagues murmuring, but she cared less.

She walked down the highways, unmindful of the busy activities of the cities. About ten minutes after walking down the streets, she yelled for a taxi.

“Central hospital, please,” she said slowly.

The driver nodded and sped off the highway.

Avery was lost in thought throughout the whole journey. Why hasn't Jay called yet? Is it because he doesn't care about her anymore? She exhaled deeply.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, Avery strolled into her mom’s ward. Mrs. Tate was asleep when her daughter came in. Avery walked to her mother and sat beside her without making a sound. She looked at her mom and she felt so relieved seeing her in good health and a peaceful sleep. Her mother appears to be getting better with each passing day after the kidney transplant and her heart beams with a smile to see her mama, this sound, and fit.

It's all thanks to Jay, who agreed to sponsor her Mom’s medical expenses.

Her heart flipped once again at the thought of him and Rosie. She bit her lips and closed her eyes. She felt a gentle hand holding her by the wrist. She opened her eyes to see her mom staring at her with teary eyes.

“Mom, what's wrong? Tell me, I am right here,” she asked her mother.

“ I'm so sorry Avery. I'm sorry for being a bad mother and a burden to you. You didn't get the chance to enjoy your youth. To explore and do what other girls of your age enjoy. You have been working your butts out to cater for me. You even went ahead to sacrifice your happiness just for me to live…” she said with tears as the rest of the word got stuck in her throat.

“Mom, mom, stop saying that, you are hurting me. You are never a bad mother and you'll never be one. Mom, I never said you were a burden to me. You have taken care of me ever since I was a baby. Did you ever say I was a burden to you? No, you never did. You are the only family I have left in this big world. I don't want to lose you like I lost Dad. And for this, I am ready to go to any length to make you happy. I'll do that for you Mama.” she replied to her mom in a shaky voice.

Mrs. Tate threw her arms around her daughter and she hugged her so tightly, with tears.

“I'm so sorry baby, for the things you have to endure at the Henryson’ s mansion for my sake. You don't deserve any of those,” she continued while stroking her back.

Avery could feel a lump growing in her throat. In the next instance, the tears came crashing down. Her little body, trembling violently as the pain within her, couldn't stand it any longer. She held her daughter very close to her chest and whispered, “Let it all out baby, let it all out. You are my angel.”

At quarter to six in the evening, Avery traced her steps back into the mansion.

She noticed Jay’s car was still parked at the exact spot he had left it the other day. She walked into the mansion and was met halfway in the hall, by Hannah.

“You are welcome, ma'am,” she greeted as she reached out to take her handbag.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hannah. Don't worry about my bag, I'll send it upstairs myself,” she said with a smile.

“I also made your favorite food, ma'am. I will serve you right away,” she said, and quickly turned to go.

“Oh don't worry too much about me, Mrs. Hannah, I already had dinner with my mom. I'm very okay. Thank you for your care. I will be upstairs then.” she replied with a gentle smile.

Mrs. Hannah turned to look at Avery as she walked by.

This girl doesn't deserve all these treatments. She is too innocent for all these dramas. She thought to herself.

Avery dipped her hand deep inside her bag to fetch her phone when she accidentally bumped into something. She looked up to see no other person but Rosie! Before she could say anything, Rosie pushed her hard, off the stairs! Avery’s piercing yell echoed through the entire mansion!