Chapter 37: Her Fear

Avery’s smile faded the moment she realized everything. Her heart that was fluttering turned into fear. It felt as if everything was crumbling down and all her pillars were breaking. Realizing that she was in-love made her weak and ashamed of herself.

Avery immediately looked away, surprising Carson. All throughout their time at the orphanage, she kept her distance from him. Carson noticed this but he chose not to say anything to prevent issues with the press as well as the children.

After the small event, Carson and Avery head home. The ride was quiet as neither decided to speak. Avery was busy looking by the window, thinking of a way to solve her problem. On the other hand, Carson was thinking of what he did wrong to make her upset.

“Avery?”

“Hm?”

“Did I do something?”

She paused. Her expression softened. She turned to him and smiled, “Nothing. Just tired.”

But she knew she wasn’t dumb. She just wished he’d let it go and she was glad that he did. When they arrived at her apartment, Avery immediately left without saying goodbye.

She rushed to her room and immediately laid on the bed. She could remember the look on her father’s face when he decided to leave the house. He looked proud and happy with his decision. He didn’t look like someone who would return anytime soon.

While her mother looked devastated. But she was keeping that smile on her face, which pained Avery the most. She couldn’t understand what was happening and until now, she couldn’t find the right answers.

How can someone just decide to leave everything behind so easily?

Avery can feel her heart rip was again as if everything was just yesterday. Her phone then lightened as she received a message from Jane. There was an article about John and his company. She skimmed the article and it revealed that he was guilty and would be put to jail. People still wondered who was the one who leaked the file but there were no suspects. Avery took a deep breath. There was only one way she could save herself from this mess.

The following morning, Avery wore a long black romper with black sunglasses. Her hair was tied up and her make-up was thicker than usual. Her black heels made a sound as she walked but by now everyone was used to hearing it whenever she walked.

But was surprised them was that she wasn’t heading to Carson’s office. Instead, she was going to the garden by the rooftop. When Avery reached her destination, she saw someone familiar waiting for her.
She walked across the man and said her plan. “I’m quitting.”

Ji chuckled, his usual annoying laugh that now irritated Avery. “Why? You found someone richer?” Avery took a deep breath, “I just don’t think it was worth it.” Ji raised his eyebrow, “You were bored because you got your share. How about me?”

He then grabbed her arm so tight she was sure that it would leave a mark. “Let go of me.” She said in a firm tone. Ji moved his face to her, “You do what I say or I will ruin your life.”

She smirked, “I don’t care.”

He looked pleased with her response, “Ruined to the point that you would never find a man ever again.” Avery frowned and moved away, “I don’t need a man.”

Ji laughed, “Don’t lie to me, Avery. You used men to get money. You need a man. You just didn’t want to commit because you’re scared you’d end up like your mom. I know everything. You can’t hide from me.” She suddenly felt weak and powerless.

“You’re leaving because of Carson. You didn’t want to hurt him. But if I tell him everything, what would he think of you?”

Avery couldn’t answer because he was right. She couldn’t hurt Carson. She’d rather leave and be with another target than hurt him. Loving him was the biggest mistake she ever made and it made her helpless.
When he realized that she won’t respond, he continued, “You will finish what you started. Until then, you can’t leave.”

He moved away and left. She sat as her legs started to wobble. She didn’t expect that Ji would find out everything. But she could just leave everything behind. She could just let Ji tell Carson everything and she would start a new life somewhere far. She had enough money for it.

But how could she leave Jane? The kids at the orphanage? Carson?

When Avery reached Carson’s office, her whole body was trembling. She never felt this way but she did now. She always had a plan in her head, but she didn’t have one now. She knew she should’ve waited for Alexander’s plan but she couldn’t wait. She knew staying beside Carson would make things worse.

She couldn’t afford to fall in-love more. She couldn’t afford to have a weakness. It would ruin all of her plans.
Carson turned to her the moment she entered the room. She didn’t say anything and just head to her seat. “Good morning” he greeted but she just nodded her head and started working. Carson was bothered about what was suddenly wrong with her.

He was not used to seeing her quiet and distant. It irritated him in a way. So he dropped everything he was doing and head to her. Avery was acting really strange and she was working with her sunglasses.

“Avery”

She took a deep breath and stopped typing. She turned to him, waiting for his concern. But seeing her like this made him speechless. He wanted to say something but she looked so sad even if her face was almost covered with make-up.

“What?”

“I.. I just wanted to ask if you are free later. We can grab lunch together. Uh for the press.”

“No. I need to finish working on this.”

“We need to show something for….”

“I said no, Carson. Please leave me alone.”

It was like she was a different person. Avery turned away. If she couldn’t beat Ji, she would push Carson away. Just when Avery thought her plan worked, Carson pulled her arm up, making her turn to him.

“Stop with the mind games, Avery. Tell me what’s up.”