**Chapter 25** Avery sat on the edge of her bed, the soft fabric of her blankets swirling around her like a comforting embrace, yet her heart felt heavy. The weight of Laura's words lingered in her mind like a tempest. "There’s a close friend I used to know," Laura had said, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "She needs a nanny for her grandchildren, and the pay is exceptionally high. I thought about it… A job is just a job, after all. So, I went to give it a shot. Today marks the third day of my work, and everything seems fine so far. I could earn up to fifteen hundred a month!” Avery's heart ached at the mention of her father, who had left nothing but memories behind. A wave of tears spilled down her cheeks as she listened to Laura's comforting tone. "Your father is gone, and he didn’t leave you with a single property. I can’t hold you back," Laura continued softly, concern etched across her face. “Your friend must be quite wealthy, isn’t she?” Avery’s voice trembled, her throat constricting as her tears continued to flow, leaving her words slightly garbled. “Being a nanny for a friend… it can't be easy!” “It’s not about ease! As long as I can earn money, I’m content. My pride isn’t worth that much! Besides," Laura added with a hopeful glint in her eyes, "wealth can be a fickle mistress. Maybe I’m not as well-off as my friend at the moment, but there’s always a chance my daughter might shine brightly in the future.” Taking a few tissues, Laura gently wiped the tears from Avery’s cheeks, her maternal concern palpable. “Mom… you don’t have to work. I can take a part-time job. I can manage next year…” she choked out, her emotions spilling over. “Sweetheart, you’re pregnant! How do you plan on working now? If you truly wish to keep the baby, we can’t go on like this.” Laura’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why doesn’t Elliot want this child? He should want his own flesh and blood!” “He has feelings for another woman.” “Really?” Laura’s expression shifted to a mix of shock and sadness. “Then why hasn’t he married her?” “I... I have no idea.” Avery’s voice cracked, and she felt the sharp sting of desperation in her chest. “Don’t worry. If it comes to that, we can keep the baby a secret. We’ll just give birth and hide away until it’s time.” Laura enveloped Avery in a gentle embrace, patting her shoulder softly, trying to banish the storm brewing in her daughter’s heart. Three days passed like whispers carried away by the wind. Avery found herself staring at her phone, a mixture of anticipation and dread flooding her senses when she received a call from Cole. “Meet me,” he urged. For a brief moment, hesitance clawed at her, but after a fleeting thought, she acquiesced, knowing that this meeting must concern the child. The café buzzed softly with the sound of chatter as Avery approached Cole’s table. His face bore several band-aids, large bruises decorating his skin like dark flowers, testimony to a recent conflict. “Stop staring,” Cole said with a hint of irritation, his voice lacking its usual cheer. “My uncle did this to me. If you hadn’t claimed the child was mine, he wouldn’t have laid a hand on me.” His tone was resigned, and with a heavy sigh, he added, “Just think of it as me repaying you. But, honestly, when you asked me to elope, I lacked the courage.” “Cole Foster, the issue isn't about eloping with me. If I didn’t bring up Cassandra, would you have kept that secret buried forever?” Avery took a sip of water, her eyes narrowing in frustration. “When did you figure it out?” Cole’s surprise was evident, his expression shifting as realization washed over him. “No wonder you’ve been so distant; you never replied to my messages or answered my calls.” Avery inhaled deeply, her heart racing. “Do you know where Cassandra is now? Her uncle took the money from my father’s company, and I won’t let this go without a fight.” “She’s off globetrotting… It’s pointless to search for her regarding her uncle’s actions.” “Isn’t she using my father’s company money for that travel?” The incredulity in her voice was palpable. “Remember, she’s his daughter too, Avery. I understand your anger, but you need to calm down. Don’t let your father’s mess pull you under.” Cole reached out, attempting to grasp her hand, but she instinctively recoiled. “Cole, I’m... I’m sorry. You have to understand, my injuries go deeper than they appear, but I hold no grudge against you.” His miserable expression tugged at her heart. “I’ve been in the hospital for days, and I rushed here just to ask you… whose child are you really carrying?” Avery’s heart sank further. “That child is gone. Why keep rehashing it?” Cole’s expression morphed into determination, and he leaned closer. “Oh… Avery, we can still work together! This is an opportunity for you to approach him. If you find a way to remove him from the equation, then no one can bully us again.” The shift in his tone sent chills down her spine, the weight of his words hanging ominously in the air.