Chapter 55 Chapter 55

Chapter 55 Chapter 55
Back home that night, Averie arrived home before Darian. She went to visit the old man first before returning to their place. When she was asked about her husband, she covered up for him that he would be running late. 
When she got back to the driveway of their home, she visualized the image of Darian waiting for her to come back.
 That night, she was too worried about her problems that she didn’t try to dwell on the lovely gesture but now that she was back home alone, she realized how big Darian’s presence had always been.
She walked inside with a smile on her face. All the way to Darian’s bedroom.
“Gosh… what am I doing here?” she muttered to herself. She palmed her face. She veered lazily to leave but then her gaze shifted to the secret room behind the wall.
The secret that had freaked her out before but now thinking about it, seemed to ignite a thrill in her belly.

Right on that spot, Averie arrived at a shocking realization; The way her face flushed at the thought of Darian. How she had subconsciously wandered to his room without thinking… the truth was glaring. She was falling too hard for Darian.

“This won’t work. I have to let everything out… I must tell him everything this night. It’s the only proper way to start afresh with him” she exhaled loudly and squeezed her fingers to brace herself.

Averie rushed out to prepare herself. She started by cooking many delicacies of food for dinner. She had convinced herself that the way to a man’s heart is surely through his belly. 
Afterwards, she took a hot bath and used a mixture of her best fragrances. She decided to dress lightly for the night.

Standing before the mirror, she examined herself in the silk lingerie she wore. It was a long emerald silk straight down that accentuated her curves perfectly. She was trying to adjust the crop lace jacket when she heard the screeching sound of a car. Her breath hitched and she spun around breathlessly.

She took off to the door anxiously, ready to confess her feelings, her fears, the truth about her mother, and even the reason she had been visiting the hospital.

Before she could pull the doorknob, the door opened and Darien walked in, almost bumping into her. He held back a step and saw her, dressed beautifully in silk. His eyes flickered with pride because she looked like a goddess. 

“Hi, you’re back” Averie smiled and reached for his briefcase.

Darian hummed a “Yes”  and followed after her.

“There’s food” she said.

“We need to talk” Darian said straight up.

Averie saw the seriousness on his face and immediately took a seat, ready to listen to him despite how cold he came on. Darian explained to her that he had to leave for a long-term business trip.

Averie smiled and praised him for working hard but the idea of him being gone for too long somehow made her stomach twist. When did she start getting used to his presence?

Darian added that Carmine would be going with him, and something inside her cracked. Her seat felt cold, too cold.

But instead of speaking from her heart as she had planned, she let guilt swallow her voice.

“He’s doing so much for me already, I don’t want to hinder his growth” she thought inwardly.

She laughed, pretending to be fine. She said, “I trust you. She must be going with you to help with the project”

And that was when he snapped “Carmine is my ex. So you don’t mind us going on that trip together?” he asked ardently.

Averie’s smile faltered “It’s a business trip, isn’t it?”

Darian scoffed, looking away from her “I never knew you were the type to stick to business. I almost believed all this was real.”
Then he walked away, leaving her sitting there… humiliated and misunderstood.

Averie might have been back to live differently but her experience and heart were still the same; growing up to appreciate and question every bit of kindness shown to her. It had taken a dangerous form in her life that she had to take a step back when happiness became too real for her. But Darian doesn’t know this. And she was too afraid to recognize that traumatic side of hers.

“Darian…” she called but he didn’t look back.

After a while, Averie went to knock on his door. Three times with no reply.

Averie was at his door for several minutes before she gave up and retired to her room. His action was enough for Averie to know that there’s something going on with her husband and it might have something to do with her. It confused her more because he never stopped supporting her and yet he looked unhappy. 
“I can’t stand by and watch him go on like this. How can I help him?” 

The next morning came in a flash>>
Averie dressed up early and left for her launch. She stared at Darian’s door several times before leaving. Still, no sign of him.

At the event hall Averie had booked, reporters gathered like a storm. In expectation of her failure or whatever miracle she was ready to pull against the rumors.

As the night progressed, Influential figures arrived one after another. Her models stunned the crowd as cameras flashed continuously. 
When they started, Averie made her appearance with the first batch of models, along with the designers she collaborated with. It was a big surprise to everyone present. Orders poured in during the livestream.  

Even her family came to support her.

Every break she had, she searched the entrance every few minutes looking for a sign of Darian but he didn’t show. He’s been there all along only to bail on her at the last minute.

Her disappointment was starting to show when Esther eventually showed up and wrapped her in a proud hug from behind. 
“I’m so sorry! I got caught up with work” she locked her fingers in hers as she explained herself.

“It’s fine Esther. I’m glad you’re…”

She was saying this when Darian walked in.

Averie’s relief almost brought tears to her eyes… until Carmine stepped in beside him, smiling.

Her heart sank into the deepest pit of her stomach. She watched them take a seat at the special table she had prepared for him and the guest he mentioned would be coming.


After the show, reporters surrounded Averie, praising her genius. She delivered a short, heartfelt speech and thanked Darian publicly as her biggest supporter.

Just in time, Darian walked up and handed her a flower bouquet before kissing her forehead.

For a moment, she felt hope bloom again. Her face flushed red until he leaned in and whispered:

“We have to make it convincing. Remember.”

Every breath in Averie’s lungs froze but she forced a smile for the cameras.

Carmine approached afterward, offering her congratulations. Averie returned the gesture with a small, defeated smile.

She was tired... confused even and slowly breaking.