Chapter 2
Meanwhile, in the private room at the club, Jake stared at his phone screen, brow furrowed.
He’d expected tears, anger, maybe even a scene–anything but this calm acceptance.
“What did she say?” One of his friends leaned over, then gaped at the screen. “Just… ‘Understood“?
That’s it?”
“Something’s not right,” another friend said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Given how crazy she’s
been about you all these years, this doesn’t add up…”
The group exchanged confused glances until someone suddenly had a revelation.
“Holy shit–what if she came by earlier and overheard our conversation? She knows the baby’s fake, the wedding’s fake–that’s why she’s acting so unbothered!”
As Jake listened to their analysis, his frown deepened.
Knowing Avery’s personality and how long she’d waited, if she truly believed he was with someone else and had a child, she would have made a scene. This calm response could only mean she knew the truth and was playing some kind of reverse psychology game.
His friends quickly agreed with this theory and started offering advice.
“In that case, Jake, keep the act going with Hannah. This is your perfect chance to get closer to her. Avery clearly hasn’t given up yet, but once you and Hannah are officially together, she’ll have no
choice but to move on.”
“Exactly. It doesn’t matter what Avery’s strategy is–what matters is you seizing this opportunity with your dream girl. Once that’s locked down, everything else will fall into place.”
As they continued their animated discussion, Nathan pushed open the door, his gaze landing directly
on Jake.
“Jake, we need to talk about my sister.”
So she’d gone crying to her brother?
Jake looked up lazily, about to respond, when his phone rang.
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She Moved On… He Crashed and Burned
Chapter 2
“Jake? Are you free? You mentioned needing to put on an act for your friend’s sister. I thought maybe you could come with me to shop for some baby things? It would make our performance more convincing.”
Hearing Hannah’s gentle voice, Jake accepted without hesitation.
He stood up immediately, leaving Nathan with just a quick: “We’ll talk later. I’ve got somewhere to
be.”
“It’ll only take a minute…”
Seeing Jake’s eagerness to leave, Nathan tried to stop him, but the other guys intervened.
“Let it go, Nathan. Jake’s rushing to meet the girl he likes–don’t hold him back.”
“Yeah, you know he’s been into Hannah forever. He finally has a chance with her, so maybe stop
trying to set him up with your sister.“–
Hearing their comments, Nathan frowned.
“That’s not what I meant.”
He’d wanted to tell Jake that Avery had made up her mind to study abroad and wouldn’t be
bothering him anymore.
After a night’s rest, Avery went out and applied for her visa.
The clerk told her it could be approved in as little as two weeks.
After spending a few quiet days at home, her brother’s birthday årrived.
Nathan loved big celebrations and threw a party every year. Avery put on a cocktail dress and
headed to the venue.
The hall was packed with guests and buzzing with energy. All of Nathan’s friends were there.
Avery deliberately avoided them, keeping to herself.
Before long, Jake appeared with Hannah on one arm and the baby in the other, drawing everyone’s
attention.
Seeing how happy he looked, the guests whispered admiringly.
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She Moved On He Crashed and Burned
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Chapter 2
“Who would’ve thought Jake would be the first to settle down? I heard he’s been in love with Hannah for years. Now he’s got a baby and a gorgeous wife–talk about winning at life!”
“Too bad for all those girls who were crushing on him. Their hearts must be absolutely shattered, ahaha!”
Hearing these comments, Avery maintained a blank expression.
Moments later, Jake approached her with Hannah, casually calling out to her.
“Hey Avery, I don’t think you’ve met properly. This is my wife, and this is our baby.”
Suddenly, all eyes in the room turned to watch.
Avery’s face remained composed as she forced a smile. “Nice to meet you.”
Hannah, clearly an excellent “actress“-that Jake had hired, extended her hand with a warm smile. “So you’re Avery? Jake’s mentioned you several times. You’re young and confused about your feelings. Now that Jake has me and our baby, it’s time for you to move on. We’re planning our wedding next month, and you absolutely must attend.”
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