Chapter 61

Chapter 61
I rushed to the hospital, my heart racing with worry. I couldn't wait to see Xavier and make sure he's okay. But as I approached his room, I'm stopped by a nurse.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Presly. You can't see Mr Presly right now."

My heart sank. "What do you mean? I'm his wife. I need to see him."

The nurse's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "I know, Mrs Presly. But Mr Presly has made it clear he doesn't want to see you."

My mind reeled in shock. What? Why wouldn't Xavier want to see me? I'm his wife, his partner. We're in this together.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Is he okay? Is he hurting? Why won't he see me?

"Please," I begged the nurse. "Just let me see him for a minute. I need to know he's okay."

The nurse shook her head. "I'm sorry, ma. I really am. But Mr Presley made it clear. He doesn't want you here."

I'm stunned. I don't know what to do. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Why would Xavier do this? What have I done wrong?

I wandered out of the hospital, feeling lost and alone. I don't know what to do or where to go. All I know is that my husband doesn't want me, and that's a painful realization.

I dialed my father-in-law's number, my hands shaking with worry. "Dad, it's me. I'm at the hospital, but they won't let me see Xavier. They say he doesn't want to see me."

My father-in-law's voice was calm, but I could sense a hint of concern. "Avery, I'm so sorry to hear that. But maybe it's for the best."

"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a surge of panic. "I need to see him. I need to know he's okay."

"Avery, trust me. It's better if you don't see him right now. He's going through a lot, and it's not a good time."

"But why?" I begged, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "Please, Dad. You have to help me. I need to see him."

"Avery, sweetheart, come home. It's better for you, and it's better for Xavier. He needs time to focus on his recovery."

"No!" I protested, feeling a wave of desperation wash over me. "I can't just leave him. I need to be with him."

"Avery, listen to me. You need to take care of yourself too. Come home, and we'll figure this out together."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized my father-in-law was not going to help me. "Okay," I whispered, defeated. "I'll come home."

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of despair wash over me. I was losing my husband, and I don't know how to get him back.

I trudged through the front door, my heart heavy with sorrow. I felt like I was losing everything - my husband, my relationship, my sense of purpose. I dropped my bag on the floor and collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down my face.

Why is this happening? Why won't Xavier see me? What have I done wrong?

I thought back to our last conversation, but nothing stood out as a reason for him to shut me out like this. I've been supportive, loving, and caring. I've been his rock, and now he's pushing me away.

I felt a sense of desperation creeping in. I needed to talk to someone, but who? My father-in-law was clearly not going to help me. I'm alone in this.

As I laid there, tears soaking into the couch cushions, I realized I have to take care of myself. I can't keep beating myself up over this. I need to focus on my own well-being, even if that means distancing myself from Xavier for now.

With a newfound determination, I wiped away my tears and sat up. I'll get through this. I'll find a way to move forward, with or without Xavier.

I took a deep breath and head to my father-in-law's study, trying to compose myself. I need to focus on the task at hand and put my personal struggles aside.

As I entered the study, I saw my father-in-law sitting behind his desk, a look of concern etched on his face. "Avery, how was your day?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I took a seat in the chair across from him and tried to summarize the events of the day, but my mind kept wandering back to Xavier. I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to hold back tears.

My father-in-law noticed my distress and leaned forward, his eyes filled with empathy. "Avery, it's okay. You can tell me what's going on. Is it Xavier?"

I nodded, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me. "He won't see me," I said, my voice cracking. "He said he doesn't want to see me."

My father-in-law's expression turned grim, and he nodded slowly. "I see. Well, let's focus on the reports for now. We can discuss Xavier later."

I nodded, trying to pull myself together. I handed him the reports and we went over them, discussing the details and strategies. But my mind kept wandering back to Xavier, and I couldn't shake the feeling of rejection and hurt.

He asked me about the office, and I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Well, it was my first day, so I was just trying to get settled and learn the ropes," I started. "Sophia, my new assistant, was really helpful and showed me around. We went over some reports and discussed the current projects."

My father-in-law nodded, his eyes interested. "That sounds good. How did you find the team?"

I thought for a moment. "They seemed nice, but I could tell they were a bit wary of me. I'm the new boss, after all. I'll have to work on building trust and getting to know them better."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that's important. Building relationships with your team is crucial. Did you have any challenges today?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to share. But something about my father-in-law's kind expression puts me at ease. "Actually, yes. Marco, was a bit confrontational. He seemed to be testing me, seeing how I'd react under pressure."

My father-in-law's expression turns serious. "Ah, Marco can be a bit of a handful sometimes. But don't worry, you handled it well. Just remember to stay calm and assertive, and you'll be fine."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. It's good to know that my father-in-law was on my side, and that he believed in me. We continued talking about the office, discussing strategies and goals, and for a while, I forgot about my worries about Xavier. But as the conversation winds down, my mind drifts back to my husband, and I wondered what he's doing, and why he won't see me.

As I finished talking about the office, I felt a lump form in my throat. I tried to hold it back, but it's no use. Tears started streaming down my face, and I broke down sobbing.

My father-in-law got up from his chair and came over to me, concern etched on his face. "Avery, oh Avery, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

I tried to speak, but my voice was shaking too hard. "I-I just want to see my husband," I manage to stammer between sobs. "I want to know he's okay. I want to be with him."

My father-in-law pulled me into a warm embrace, holding me tightly as I cried. "Shh, Avery, it's okay. I know it's hard. But you have to be strong for Xavier. He needs you to be strong right now."

I nodded, still sobbing, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It's good to finally let it all out, to finally show my emotions.

My father-in-law handed me a tissue and I blew my nose, feeling a bit better. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice still shaky. "I didn't mean to break down like that."

He smiled and patted my hand. "You don't have to apologize, Avery. You're going through a tough time. It's okay to show your emotions."

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. "Thank you," I say, my voice still trembling. "Just being here with you makes me feel a bit better."

My father-in-law smiled and puts his arm around me. "That's what family is for, Avery. We're here for each other, no matter what."

My father-in-law's expression turns serious, and he hesitated before speaking. "Avery, before I forget, there's something I need to tell you. Xavier...he knows. He found out you're not Lilith anymore."

My heart sinks, and I feel like I've been punched in the gut. "Yes father, I know. Marco sent it to him."

"I thought he didn't see it. I hoped he didn't see it and had his attack from something else but I was wrong. Avery, I'm so sorry...he doesn't want to see you."

I felt like my world is crashing down around me. "No, no, no...this can't be happening. I need to see him. I need to explain..."

My father-in-law shook his head. "Avery, I'm sorry. He's made it clear he doesn't want to see you. You can't be allowed to see him now."

I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "But why? What did I do wrong? I love him...I love him so much..."

My father-in-law tried to comfort me, but I pushed him away. "No...just leave me alone...I need to be alone..."

I collapsed to the floor, my body wracked with sobs. I felt like my heart is shattering into a million pieces. I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to see Xavier, of not being able to hold him or talk to him. It's like my whole world has been torn apart.

My father-in-law gently helped me up from the floor and led me to my room. I was still sobbing uncontrollably, my body shaking with grief. He opened the door and guided me inside, then pulled the covers back on the bed and helps me lie down.

"Shh, Avery, it's okay. You'll get through this," he said softly, stroking my hair.

But I couldn't stop crying. I felt like my heart was shattered into a million pieces. I was consumed by grief and despair.

My father-in-law called out to the maids to bring me some food, but I shook my head. "I don't want anything," I sob.

"Just try to rest, Avery," he said, his voice full of compassion. "You'll feel better soon."

But I know I won't. I'll never feel better without Xavier by my side.

The maids brought in a tray of food and set it on the bedside table, but I ignored it. I just wanted to be left alone to cry and process my emotions.

My father-in-law patted my hand and then quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

I was left alone with my thoughts, and they're all consumed by Xavier. I missed him so much already. I felt like a part of me is missing.

I lay there, still sobbing, my body wracked with grief. I didn't know how I'll get through this. I didn't know how I'll live without Xavier.

As the tears continued to flow, I felt a sense of numbness wash over me. I was exhausted from crying, but I couldn't seem to stop.

Eventually, my sobs subsided, and I lay there in silence, my body heavy with grief. I was lost and alone, and I didn't know how to find my way back to happiness.

I lay there, my eyes closed, trying to shut out the world. But then I heard the maids whispering outside my door. They're speaking in hushed tones, but I could make out what they're saying.

"Did you hear about Lady Presly and Marco?" one of them said.

"Yeah, I heard they're having an affair," the other replied.

My eyes flew open, and I sat up in bed, my heart racing. How dare they! I'm still married to Xavier, and the thought of me having an affair with Marco was ridiculous.

I threw off the covers and got out of bed, my anger and hurt boiling over. I stormed to the door and flung it open.