Chapter 17 The engine of the car roared like a beast as it raced past Avery, kicking up a whirlwind of dust that hung in the air like a fading memory. She raised her head, her eyes struggling to catch a glimpse of the receding taillights of the Rolls-Royce, which vanished into the encroaching darkness. Could that have been Elliot’s car? Wiping away the remnants of her tears, she steadied herself and turned toward the house, each step echoing her tumultuous emotions. Upon her arrival, she noticed the sleek car parked in the courtyard, its polished metal glimmering under the faint moonlight. Avery paused, holding her breath, hoping to slip inside unnoticed, waiting for Elliot to retreat to his room. Her eyes burned in the night, and she cast her gaze skyward; the stars shimmered like scattered diamonds against the velvety backdrop, a reminder of the beauty that still existed amidst her chaos. It was a gorgeous spring night—a stark contrast to the storm raging within her heart. Time slipped through her fingers like sand; before she realized it, an hour had passed in solitude. The driver had retreated into the garage, leaving the bright lights of the living room as the only sign of life in the house. Feeling emboldened by the silence, Avery stepped inside, her heart pounding as she crossed the threshold. On the second-floor veranda, she found Elliot, clad in a gray robe, his wheelchair positioned against the gentle glow of the light. The last remnants of wine swirled in his glass, but his attention was entirely focused on Avery. For the entirety of the hour she stood outside—brittle, frozen, and quiet as a statue—he had watched her. What thoughts compelled her to remain there, shivering in the frigid air? She appeared so at home among the trees, a ghost blending in with nature. Elliot had encountered countless sharp minds throughout his life, each one worthy of standing beside him. Yet Avery was different. He did not view her as intelligent; instead, he categorized her as recklessly foolish for provoking a man like him, a being tempered by darkness and tempered steel. Yet witnessing her sorrow stirred unexpected emotions within him—feelings he had never experienced before, a strange discomfort that twisted in his gut. …… Maybe it was the biting cold that clouded Avery's mind, or perhaps the emotional turmoil that swirled within her, but by the time she reached her room, her head felt heavy. She retrieved a thick blanket from the closet, wrapping herself in its warmth before surrendering to sleep’s embrace. Throughout the night, her body sweated out the vestiges of the cool night air, cocooned in the sanctuary of her blanket. When dawn broke, she awoke feeling slightly clammy but otherwise rejuvenated. After a refreshing shower and changing into clean clothes, she descended the stairs, following the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen, signaling breakfast. Mrs. Cooper greeted her with a warm smile and promptly served her a hearty meal. “Has he had breakfast?” Avery inquired, unable to suppress a hint of anxiety in her voice. “No, Master Elliot hasn’t come down yet,” Mrs. Cooper replied, freshening up the table. At this, relief washed over Avery. Grabbing a glass of milk and a piece of toast, she devoured her food hastily, anxious to finish before Elliot decided to make an appearance. In less than five minutes, she laid down her fork, satisfied but still conspicuously tense. “Are you that afraid of him, Madam?” Mrs. Cooper teased lightly, raising an eyebrow as she cleared away the plates. “I’m not afraid… I just don’t want to see him,” Avery countered defensively, lifting her chin slightly with determination. “Seeing him makes me uncomfortable.” “You’ll be fine after spending a little more time together,” Mrs. Cooper assured her softly. “Will you be coming home for lunch?” “I won't be. I have something to do on campus today, so I won't be back for dinner either,” Avery replied, mustering a semblance of normalcy. “Alright. I’ll go get the driver to take you there,” Mrs. Cooper said before stepping away with purpose. Avery promptly stopped her. “It’s fine. I’ll just take a cab. He can have the driver.” “We have two drivers at home,” Mrs. Cooper explained patiently. “One for Master Elliot and one for the odd jobs. I’ll have the other one take you.” With little room to argue, Avery relented, knowing she wouldn’t win against Mrs. Cooper’s persistence. Upon arriving on campus, Avery turned to the driver. “Thank you. You can head back now. I’ll find my own way home later.” As soon as the driver departed, a familiar face rushed toward her—a young woman filled with energy. “Avery! Who was that Portia cutie?” her best friend, Tammy Lynch, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Caught off guard, Avery couldn’t help but stammer, “He’s not a cutie. It’s ‘Mr. Portia’ to you,” as they made their way onto campus together. “Tammy, I don’t think I can go to graduate school with you.” Tammy halted, concern etched on her features. “Is it because of your family? I heard about your dad. I’m so sorry.” Avery mustered a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Actually, I never really wanted to go to graduate school.” “That’s right! You’re thinking of marrying your boyfriend after graduation, aren’t you?” Tammy’s tone brightened. “When are you going to introduce me to him?” Avery’s heart sank; she had only confided in her mother regarding Cole. Her friends had no idea who he truly was. “We broke up,” Avery admitted, frustration creeping into her tone. “Do you know what it feels like to have someone completely obliterate your trust? I thought he was the best man in the world, only to realize he was nothing more than a coward.” Tammy instinctively wrapped her arm around Avery’s waist, sensing her distress. “Forget about that, Avery. We’re still young. Think of it as a lesson learned. You’ll definitely find someone better!” “I’d rather depend on myself than a man,” Avery replied, a hint of humor attempting to balance her sorrow. “To grow, we must endure some heartache,” Tammy sighed. “You were completely spellbound before the summer break, but look at the strong woman you’ve blossomed into now!” Avery shook her head, a mix of gratitude and sadness swirling within her. “I just hope I can fend for myself after graduation.” “Of course! You’re the only double major I know who’s topping both classes. The sky’s the limit for you,” Tammy declared with unshakeable confidence. Avery felt her cheeks redden under the compliment, yet her heart carried the weight of her reality. As the clock embraced five in the evening, Avery and Tammy made their way out of campus, their plans centered around a comforting dinner together. Upon reaching the campus gates, Tammy’s finger shot out, pointing animatedly. “Avery! Isn’t that the Mr. Portia who dropped you off this morning? Is he here to pick you up?” Avery glanced over at the imposing Portia parked along the street, her nerves tightening in an involuntary response. Did she not specifically tell him not to pick her up? What was happening? As she approached the car, the driver swiftly opened the door to the backseat, inviting her inside. “What is it?” Avery asked, her voice low and cautious. With Tammy in earshot, the driver glanced around. “Let’s talk in the car,” he urged, the seriousness in his tone sending chills down her spine. Avery's heart raced, and she felt Tammy’s presence fade as her friend tried to maintain her cheerful demeanor. “Just go if you’re busy, Avery! We can hang out another time,” Tammy suggested, though her expression was tinged with concern. Nodding in agreement, Avery replied, “Next time, it's my treat.” Tammy waved her hand dismissively. “There’s no need for that! Call me if you need anything!” The moment the car rolled out of the lot, Avery’s heart thudded erratically. “Did you do something to make Master Elliot mad again, Madam?” the driver inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern. Avery raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t do anything! Did he ask you to pick me up?” “Yes,” was the simple reply. “You better prepare yourself!” Avery's mind raced frantically. What could she have done? She had spent the whole day on campus, never crossing paths with Elliot to provoke him in any way. An agonizing headache began to throb at her temples as she desperately searched for clarity in her swirling thoughts. They pulled up outside the estate at five forty in the evening. Once the car stopped, Avery got out, reluctantly discarding her weighty apprehensions, changing into her comfortable slippers. In the living room, Elliot sat alone, a vision of confidence in a green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing the strength of his forearms. The sapphires on his cufflinks glimmered like promises unspoken against the backdrop of his understated elegance. He reclined casually on the couch, exuding a charm that seemed almost regal, a king in his long-reigning domain.