Chapter 9
For the next few days, Avery remained at home preparing for her departure abroad, avoiding all
social contact.
The night before her flight, Nathan got drunk at Jake’s bachelor party. When she received the call, she immediately headed out to pick up her brother.
She arrived at the Landau estate quickly and rang the doorbell. Soon after, the housekeeper welcomed her in and led her through the property to find Nathan.
In the past, Avery had often accompanied her brother here, hoping to spend time with Jake, so she knew the layout well. But after a month’s absence, everything felt strangely unfamiliar.
The entire mansion was decorated for the upcoming wedding–flowers placed in every corner, festive ribbons adorned the walls, and an atmosphere of celebration permeated everything.
The towering pine trees she once loved had been removed from the garden, replaced by beds of roses stretching in every direction.
Inside, the minimalist black and white décor she remembered had vanished, transformed into a fresh palette of teal and seafoam green.
Wedding paraphernalia filled every room, alongside countless stuffed animals and whimsical
decorations.
The housekeeper, recognizing Avery, chatted amiably as they walked.
‘It’s been a while since you’ve visited, Miss Williams! Mr. Landau has been incredibly busy with wedding preparations. Remember those pine trees you always admired? Unfortunately, Miss Matthews wasn’t a fan, so Mr. Landau had them removed–shame, really. All the furniture and color schemes have been updated to Miss Matthews’s preferences. Quite the transformation, isn’t it? Mr. Landau has been insisting that all household decisions will be hers from now on. Never thought I’d see the day he’d become so… accommodating. He must truly love her, don’t you think?”
Avery listened silently before responding in a flat voice. “Yes, he does. Anyone can see that.”
As they approached the entertainment room, the sounds of boisterous laughter and music grew ouder. Not wanting to intrude on the party, Avery called her brother to let him know she had
arrived.
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Chapter 9
Moments later, the door opened. Jake emerged supporting a thoroughly intoxicated Nathan. When
he spotted Avery, his expression froze momentarily.
Avery maintained a carefully composed face as she greeted him politely.
Nathan, rubbing his bleary eyes, waved sloppily at Jake. “Tomorrow… your wedding… not coming… gotta take…” Before finishing his sentence, he slumped forward, consciousness fading.
Jake frowned. “Your brother has plans tomorrow? Important enough to miss my wedding?”
Avery knew Nathan planned to drive her to the airport, but she had no intention of sharing this information with Jake. She shook her head, feigning ignorance.
“Work emergency, maybe? Or just drurik talk.”
She took her brother’s weight and started to leave, but had only gone a few steps when Jake called
after her.
“What about you? Will you be at the wedding tomorrow?”
Avery paused, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she regained her composure.
“My brother doesn’t want me to attend, and I doubt you want me there either. So let me offer my
congratulations now–I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. I may not have another chance to say
it in the future.”
At her words, Jake felt an inexplicable jolt. What did she mean by not having another chance?
Before he could question her further, his phone rang–Hannah calling. After a moment’s hesitation,
he answered.
“Jake, don’t drink too much tonight, okay? If you’re late tomorrow, I’ll never forgive you…”
“I promise, whatever you say goes,” he replied, his voice softening to a tone Avery had never heard
directed at her.
She smiled faintly to herself and led her brother away without another word.
She slept dreamlessly that night and woke at eight the next morning. After breakfast, Nathan drove her to the airport.
Her flight was scheduled for 11 AM, leaving plenty of time. Knowing what was on his mind, she
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Chapter 9
turned to him earnestly.
“You should go to the wedding, Nathan. They’ll be expecting you. I’ll call as soon as I land, I promise.”
Nathan checked his watch, sighed, and reluctantly agreed.
After watching him drive away, Avery proceeded alone through security and boarded her flight.
Just before takeoff, as she was about to switch her phone to airplane mode, Jake’s name suddenly
appeared on her screen.
She stared at it for a moment, then declined the call.
And then–with deliberate finality–blocked his number and every other possible means of contact.
As the plane lifted off, she took one last look at the city where she’d spent twenty–five years of her
life.
Then she closed her eyes, letting go without any regret.
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