Chapter 693 Yes, Avery — I'm Getting Married 2
It was late.
Inside the Montague Mansion, Henry and Amelia were doing their best to comfort Maggie. They treated her exactly as they always did—no pressure, no probing questions about Tobias.
The troubles of adults had nothing to do with children.
Outside, the spring night was cold. Avery stood on the balcony in nothing but a thin white shirt, a cigarette between his fingers. In less than thirty minutes, a small pile of butts had gathered at his feet. He checked the time, crushed the last cigarette, and turned away.
Descending the stairs, he shrugged into his coat.
Henry intercepted him at the bottom. "Where are you going?"
Avery didn't slow. Opening the front door, he said, "To see Isadora."
A gust of cold wind swept in, making Henry grit his teeth. "Can't wait until morning? That stubborn streak—who did you get it from? If you cared this much, you shouldn't have driven her to the edge in the first place. Now it's too late to fix anything."
The only answer was the sharp slam of the door.
Henry swore under his breath.
In the car, Avery felt an unfamiliar heaviness, as if his limbs had lost their strength.
He lit another cigarette, took a few drags, then stubbed it out. A moment later, the Bentley's engine roared to life, and he headed toward Isadora's home.
The night was quiet, the streets nearly empty.
The black Bentley ate up the miles, pulling to a stop in front of the wrought-iron gates in less than half an hour.
Avery didn't get out. Instead, he called her. She answered after a few rings.
"I'm outside your house," his voice was colder than the night air. "We need to talk."
Isadora hesitated for a few seconds, then agreed.
When she hung up, she met Lila's worried eyes. Lila had once been a society woman herself—she knew Avery and his temper all too well.
"Mom, I'll just say a few words and come back," Isadora said, touching her mother's hand. "He won't hurt me."
Lila's expression softened, but before Isadora could leave, she spoke again, "Isadora, you're stronger than I ever was. I can't tell you what to do, but I want you to be happy. I want you to marry someone you love, not someone you settle for. Don't compromise because of circumstance."
Isadora's eyes grew wet. She wanted to reply, but her throat closed.
All she managed was, "I know, Mom."
But she didn't have a choice.
The moon was full that night, the stars sharp and bright in the absence of city glare. She crossed the lawn toward him, the grass cool beneath her shoes.
Avery stood beside the car, watching her in silence. He didn't look angry, but there was something in his eyes darker than the night itself.
When she stopped in front of him, his voice was hoarse, "Why this decision? Is Tobias just a transaction… or do you actually love him?"
"Does it matter?" She folded her arms around herself, meeting his gaze. "He's a suitable man to marry. Whether I love him or not isn't the point. I believe affection can grow over time."
Her tone was calm, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Lila had asked her who she loved, and she knew the answer.
But what did love matter anymore? Why cling to it, only to hurt yourself?
She had known Avery's kindness, but she had also known his cruelty. She could still see him holding Autumn, his gaze impossibly gentle.
Avery's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. Before she could react, her back hit the cold metal of the car.
"Avery—" she gasped.
He looked down at her, something unreadable in his eyes, then kissed her. His hands framed her face, the kiss half force, half desperation. Her knees weakened, and she would have fallen if not for his arm bracing her.
"This isn't right," she whispered against his mouth.
He didn't stop. His kiss deepened, rougher now, until she wrenched a hand free and slapped him.
The sound cracked through the night.
Avery stepped back, his eyes glacial. This was the second time she had struck him.
Leaning against the car, Isadora trembled. "I'm getting engaged, Avery. I'm about to be someone else's wife. Whatever we had—it's over. Soon I'll be Mrs. Robinson, and you'll marry Autumn. Please, Avery… I'm asking you."
He stared at her for a long moment. "I'm not marrying anyone. Not now. My life doesn't allow for it. I'm asking you one thing—are you marrying Tobias, or me?"
Silence fell heavy between them.
Isadora was no naive girl. Her agreement with Tobias was no game.
In the darkness, Avery lit another cigarette. He smoked quietly, eyes fixed on her, giving her the length of a cigarette to answer. She didn't. Her gaze only glistened faintly in the moonlight.
They loved each other. And what had it brought them? Fights. Wounds. A cycle they couldn't break.
When the cigarette burned down to the filter, Avery spoke, "I'll drop the lawsuit. Maggie will stay with you—no matter who you marry or if you stay single, she'll grow up by your side. But Isadora… I won't marry you."
He brushed past her, opened the driver's door, and got in.
The window slid up with a soft hum.
Then he was gone.
The Bentley's taillights glowed red against the dark, then faded into nothing.
Isadora stood where he had left her. In the rearview mirror, he could still see her for a moment. Then she vanished from sight.
He didn't look back. He lit another cigarette instead.
Maybe this was what a peaceful breakup looked like. He had given her Maggie. He had given her the freedom to choose her own path.
Regret? Of course. She was the only woman he had ever loved.
Still loved? Yes. When he kissed her just now, all he had wanted was to keep her.
Some things had been beyond repair, and their love was no exception.
He rolled the window down, letting the smoke drift out into the night. A faint smile touched his lips.