### Chapter 82 If Elliott could rewind the hands of time, he would not alter a single moment. He recognized his own flaws, for he was far from perfect. However, it was the unexpected arrival of Avery into his life that prompted him to scrutinize his actions, compelling him to attempt the impossible—correct his own missteps. Had it not been for their endless quarrels and the misunderstandings that seemed to cradle their existence, the feelings he harbored for her would not have taken such deep root, embedding themselves in the very core of his being. Outside the restaurant, Avery was still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions when Tammy caught up with her, grabbing her arm with uncontainable excitement. “I can’t believe you’re married to Elliot Foster, Avery! This is HUGE!” Tammy exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief and amazement as if the world had flipped upside down with this revelation. But for Avery, the thrill eluded her, replaced instead with an unsettling lump in her throat that threatened to choke her words back down. “You saw what just happened. He’s only messing with my feelings,” she replied, her voice laced with bitterness. Tammy, ever the optimist, shook her head vehemently. “Jun told me he just wanted to help you but was too embarrassed to admit it.” She refused to believe that the turmoil between them was as catastrophic as Avery suggested. “Let’s go back inside, Avery! He deserves a chance to explain himself…” Avery shrugged off Tammy’s hold, her eyes narrowing with determination as she declared, “You go ahead! I need to be alone.” With that, she waved down a cab and departed, leaving her friend standing on the sidewalk. As Tammy turned back to the restaurant, desperately trying to gather the courage to confront the situation, she spotted Elliot striding towards her, a determined look etched on his face as he rushed out of the building, clearly intent on following Avery. She pointed in the direction Avery had fled, announcing, “She took a cab and went that way!” Elliot nodded his appreciation and hurried toward the parking lot, his mind racing with thoughts of how to reach her before it was too late. Just as he vanished into the shadows of the lot, Jun emerged, his face painted with accusation as he confronted Tammy. “You’re a spy!” A flush crept into Tammy’s cheeks, but she elevated her chin defiantly. “And how long have I known you? Of course, I’m on my best friend’s side!” Jun scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I suspect you dated me just to gather intel!” Tammy smirked, unrepentant. “Exactly! Now that I've uncovered the secrets I needed, we can decide whether to keep this going or end it right here. Honestly, it’s not like we have a deep connection yet.” Jun inhaled sharply, wrestling with his emotions. He was torn, feeling the pull of both desire and caution. He didn’t want to seem desperate by clinging to her, yet the thought of losing her tightened his chest. “Don’t think about breaking up with me until Elliot and Avery sort this out! You have to ensure they reconcile,” he insisted, urgency lacing his words. “You started this chaos!” Tammy bristled at his reasoning. “What does that even have to do with me? I wasn’t the one who deceived her!” “Didn’t you notice the way she styled herself today? She’s never dressed up around me. Clearly, she’s trying to impress Elliot,” Jun argued, his voice rising slightly. “If only you had stayed silent, everything would be fine!” Tammy felt herself teetering on the edge of agreeing with his absurd logic. “Elliot treats her well. Wouldn’t you be touched if a man went out of his way to help you with your debts?” Jun pressed further. Tammy nodded slowly, musing, “I suppose, but Avery isn’t unreasonable. She must have her own reasons for feeling this way. I’m still on her side.” Jun rubbed his temples in frustration. “Come on, I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat!” Tammy declared, pulling him back into the restaurant, leaving the tangled drama lingering in the air. Meanwhile, Avery arrived back at her mother’s house, her sanctuary in a storm of confusion. When Laura caught sight of her daughter’s pale visage and unsteady demeanor, maternal instincts kicked in. She ushered Avery inside, leading her to the couch, concern flooding her features. “What’s wrong? Did you and Elliot have a fight?” If it hadn’t been for Elliot, Avery mused bitterly, she would have remained at the Foster mansion, even in the throes of a dark mood. Yet here she was, seeking refuge in her childhood home amidst the chaos. The evening’s events weighed heavily upon her as she wrestled with the tumult within.