Chapter 1

It started with a single photo Avery McPherson had posted on social media—one that inadvertently showed Lara Womack's dog in heat.

From that moment on, Avery found herself the target of vicious slander. Using AI, someone created fake explicit content of her and circulated it online to ruin her reputation.

Determined to fight back, Avery reported the defamatory attack to the authorities. However, all she got in return were empty promises and indifferent responses.

Growing more desperate, Avery finally called her husband of three years, Elijah Tarver.

"It's just some AI nonsense. Why are you blowing this out of proportion?" he said, his voice cold and dismissive.

But almost right away, he took the initiative to arrange a press conference to address the controversy surrounding Lara's dog.

At that very moment, Avery's phone buzzed with a message from her stepbrother, Walter McPherson.

"Our agreement will expire in one month. After that, it's your choice whether to stay or go."

"I'm leaving." This time, Avery didn't hesitate for a second.

"After three years of marriage, do you truly have no feelings for him?" Walter asked, his expression a mix of disbelief and relief.

Everyone had always believed Avery's love for Elijah was limitless.

"That's right. I don't love him," Avery replied.

"And I don't love you either," she thought, holding the words tightly within.

A flock of geese moved south across the sky. Avery lifted her head, a relieved smile softening her lips.

She was finally free to leave behind both Elijah and Walter.

Three years ago, the McPherson family stood at the edge of bankruptcy. Their sole chance for survival was to secure a marriage alliance with the influential Tarver family of Hartington.

Back then, Walter knelt before Avery, one knee to the ground. "I'm begging you, Ave. Please help our family this one time. If you won't do it for them, then do it for me."

With a heavy heart, Avery looked at him and whispered, "But Walter, you're the one I love. Why would you ask me to marry another man?"

Walter avoided her gaze. "Ave, we're brother and sister. It's not possible for us to be together. Elijah is rich and influential. Marrying him would give you the best chance at a good life."

Avery let out a bitter laugh, tears streaming down her cheeks.

As the Tarver family's heir, Elijah certainly possessed wealth, power, and undeniable charm. Nonetheless, everyone in Hartington knew he could never move on from his first love.

He and Lara had been childhood sweethearts, growing up side by side. Everyone assumed they would marry one day.

But overnight, the Womack family went bankrupt. Refusing to stay confined in a gilded cage, Lara left only a farewell letter before disappearing without a trace.

Following her departure, Elijah turned to alcohol, drowning himself in it day after day. Feeling sorry for him, the Tarvers arranged his marriage to Avery, hoping it would pull him from the darkness.

But even after the wedding, Elijah acted like a man possessed, prowling the city for anyone who could fill Lara's place. He never gave Avery so much as a glance. On their wedding night, he went so far as to bring a substitute into their bed.

With Elijah's open disdain for Avery, the McPhersons knew their hopes of turning things around were all but lost.

Time and again, Walter pleaded with Avery. She had no choice but to cast aside her pride, humiliating herself like a desperate fool. To gain Elijah's favor, she forced herself to mimic Lara's style and interests.

Since Lara loved extreme sports, Avery pushed herself to conquer her fear of heights. Despite the cold sweat soaking her skin, she leapt from ten thousand meters into the sky below.

While Lara enjoyed her drinks, Avery was allergic to alcohol. She had to endure countless allergy injections just to be able to drink with Elijah.

Lara's love for cooking was no different. To hone her abilities, Avery journeyed all the way to Frankland.

Fortunately, her efforts paid off. In the end, Elijah sent all the stand-ins away and gave his full attention to Avery.

In their moments of passion, he would kiss her gently and whisper, "Just be yourself."

Everyone believed Elijah had finally moved on from the past. They were sure his marriage was now destined for a brighter future.

But one day, Lara showed up out of nowhere.

From that moment on, Elijah often took Avery to social events. People couldn't help but comment on how loving and inseparable they appeared as a couple.

However, only Avery knew the truth—he was using her to make Lara jealous.

Elijah had left her stranded at the club, only to be caught passionately kissing Lara in the restroom.

He purchased an entire clothing collection for Avery, but somehow ended up entangled with Lara in the fitting room.

Even her birthday party became nothing more than a convenient excuse for him to meet with Lara.

It didn't take long for Avery to become the object of ridicule, but she couldn't care less.

She had never truly loved Elijah, after all.

Ten years ago, her mother, Michelle Wright, remarried into the McPherson family. Unfortunately, she passed away shortly after, succumbing to her illness.

To the McPhersons, Avery was nothing more than an unwanted burden.

The only person who had ever shown her care was Walter.

For ten years, he had been both a father and a mother to her. When she got her first period, it was he who patiently walked her through it.

Even though it embarrassed him, he still took care to wash her soiled clothes.

Despite their sibling bond, Avery couldn't help but fall in love with him.

For Walter's sake, she would have given up everything.

Through 970 long, grueling days, it was his kindness that had kept her going.

But one day, everything changed.

Outside the McPherson residence, Avery stood silently, holding a container of ravioli she'd poured her heart into. It was Walter's favorite dish.

"Most people assume Avery's crazy about Elijah. They have no clue it's you she really cares about," someone said.

Walter suddenly spoke, his tone stripped of the tenderness it once held. "All I did was throw her a little kindness. Who would've thought she'd cling on so tightly?"

"In any case, the 1000-day agreement is coming to an end. If she insists on ending the marriage, are you prepared to take her in? She wouldn't be going through this pain if it wasn't because of you."

"How could I? She's no longer a virgin. If you want her, she's all yours."

The steaming container of ravioli slipped from Avery's hands and hit the ground. Her face went pale as the shock hit her.

Everything she believed had been a lie.

"Then why haven't you had a single woman by your side all these years?"

The room fell into a suffocating silence. Avery held her breath, anxiety tightening around her chest.

After a long, heavy pause, Walter finally said, "There just hasn't been anyone suitable."

Avery's breaths came in harsh, uneven gasps. She felt as though she were waiting for a death sentence.

Suddenly, her phone rang, pulling her back to reality.

"Hello, is this Ms. Avery McPherson? I'm afraid Mr. Rowan Quinn—your biological father—is gravely ill. As he has no other heirs, a 20-billion inheritance is waiting for you.

"However, there is one condition. You must change your name and registered address back to what they were previously."

Chapter 2

Once Avery agreed, the itinerary for a private jet to Frankland was promptly sent to her phone. The flight was set to depart in a month.

Rowan's team also worked quickly to remove the flood of AI-generated images that had swarmed the internet.

Still, Avery knew the scars left behind wouldn't vanish so easily.

After taking a moment to steady herself, she stepped outside for a walk.

A few passersby couldn't resist stealing glances and whispering behind her back.

"Isn't that the woman from those leaked nudes online?"

"She's actually pretty hot. Why don't you go ask how much she charges for a night?"

"There's no way in hell I'm going anywhere near that chick. A slut like her probably wouldn't even ask for money. She'd practically pay you to sleep with her."

Avery's chest tightened. She lowered her head and quickened her pace.

Before long, she reached the company building. Her plan was to take a short break and leave once night had fallen.

Oddly enough, the whole office was deserted.

The elevator took Avery straight to the CEO's office on the top floor. Before the doors even slid open, she could hear a commotion coming from outside.

With a sharp bang, colorful confetti rained down from above.

Elijah rolled a cake forward as the employees behind him brought in a variety of gifts.

The entire top floor had been transformed into a castle straight out of a fairy tale.

As soon as Avery appeared, the room fell silent. Elijah's expression darkened as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Before Avery could respond, the elevator doors chimed open again.

Lara stepped out, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wow! Is all this for me?"

Elijah's stern face softened into a warm smile. "Yes. Happy birthday to this stunning and beloved lady we all admire!"

With smiles brightening their faces, those nearby stepped forward to offer their warmest wishes.

As Avery took in the joyful scene, memories of her first year of marriage came flooding back. Back then, Elijah was constantly tied up with work and seldom came home.

Caring for him had always been her top priority. Every day, she brought him lunch and fruit at the office. She often stayed late, keeping him company long after everyone else had gone.

Even on her own birthday, she put his needs before hers.

One time, her friends had arranged for a cake to be delivered at midnight, but Elijah threw it away without a second glance.

"This is a workplace, not your home. If you want to celebrate your birthday, do it somewhere else."

Suddenly, the room was swallowed by darkness.

Amidst the chorus of "Happy Birthday", Lara couldn't help but blush. She closed her eyes and made a wish.

Standing beside her, Elijah lowered his gaze, his eyes filled with unspoken affection. It was a sharp departure from the cold, proud expression he usually wore around Avery.

Without acknowledging anyone, Avery let out a bitter chuckle and slipped away quietly.

She hailed a cab and made her way to the McPherson residence.

The house was brightly lit, yet not a single light was meant for her.

The lively chatter inside stopped the moment she opened the door. The room fell into a heavy silence, every gaze fixed on her.

Walter cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Ave, what are you doing here?"

Ignoring the probing stares, Avery replied, "You promised that once everything was over, you'd fulfill one of my conditions. Does that still stand?"

"Of course," Walter replied, his brow furrowing. "But it can't be anything too extreme."

Avery could see what was on his mind. It was clear he was worried she might use this as a way to pressure him into marriage.

She understood all too well how little she must matter in his eyes.

"I want to transfer my registered address out of the McPherson residence and revert my name to Avery Quinn," she said.

Changing her last name was simple enough, but transferring her registered address could only be done by the head of the household. She had no choice but to ask Walter for help.

After a brief hesitation, he nodded.

As Avery stepped out, whispers began to rise from the room behind her.

"She just wants to leave our household so she can be with you legally. How can you go along with this?"

"She can do whatever she wants," Walter replied. "I have no intention of marrying her, after all."

Avery forced a bitter smile. It didn't matter anymore; she was no longer concerned.

When she returned home, Elijah was stretched out on the black leather couch, one leg casually draped over the other. At the sound of the door opening, he lazily glanced up at her.

"Where have you been at this hour?" he asked.

Knowing he didn't really care, Avery responded indifferently, "The McPherson residence."

Elijah narrowed his eyes but didn't push further. "Lara wants to take part in tomorrow's concert."

Avery was a gifted cellist, with her reputation growing ever since her university days. Tomorrow's concert would be both a parting performance and a meticulously prepared showcase.

Afterward, she would start over, adopting a new name and identity.

She decided to fill in as a temporary accompanist. After all, she was leaving soon and had no intention of getting caught up in more drama. With that in mind, she nodded.

Elijah seemed momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected her to agree so easily.

He couldn't shake the memory of his friend's words from that afternoon. "Mr. Tarver, I honestly envy you.

"At home, you have a wife who's completely devoted to you, putting in the work without ever complaining. And out there, you still have your childhood sweetheart by your side.

"In my opinion, you can cross Lara off your list. Women like her come and go, but Avery's devotion is one of a kind."

His friend's envy should have flattered Elijah, but hearing him talk about Avery like that stirred an inexplicable unease in his chest.

As Elijah watched her prepare dinner without rest, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

If not for Lara being his lifesaver, he would've undoubtedly fallen for Avery.

But alas, life held no room for "what ifs".

Elijah lifted his gaze and handed Avery the gift he had originally meant for Lara. "This is for you. Don't make me look bad at tomorrow's concert."

Without another word, he stepped closer and fastened a necklace around her neck. The space between them seemed to hum with unspoken tension.

Avery looked at him in surprise. Just as she parted her lips to speak, his phone rang loudly.

"Eli, I've had a little too much to drink... I really miss you."

The woman's voice on the other end was breathy and sweet, curling around him like a temptation. Elijah's throat tightened, and without a second thought, he turned and walked away.

Soon, the door clicked shut. Without a flicker of emotion, Avery set the knife down. She walked into the study and started practicing for tomorrow's concert.

In the study, her gaze was suddenly drawn to a confidential file tucked away on the bookshelf.

Avery usually had no interest in anything that involved Elijah. But this time, a strange curiosity nudged her to open the file.

What she found inside made her laugh out loud.

It turned out Elijah's years of devotion to Lara were all based on a mistake. He had confused her for the person who had saved him.

Meanwhile, the banner celebrating Avery for her act of bravery on that very same day remained neatly folded in a drawer.

Avery's mood instantly lifted. She could hardly wait for the day Elijah finally learned the truth.

With a smile, she retrieved the contract she had signed three years ago. She then placed it alongside the banner and sent them both to a storage facility.

"Make sure Elijah receives these in one month," she instructed.

The terms of the contract were laid out explicitly. Avery had agreed to marry Elijah as a gesture of gratitude for Walter's kindness. The arrangement was to last exactly 1,000 days.

Chapter 3

The next evening, Avery arrived at the concert hall right on time. Lara's piano was set in the most prominent spot on the stage.

Avery kept quiet, assuming Lara was just rehearsing. After all, it was her concert. There was no way Lara would try to upstage her.

However, the piano stayed in place until the performance began. When Avery moved to confront Lara, someone locked her inside the makeup room.

By the time she was finally released, the concert was nearly over.

Without further delay, Avery signaled for her cello to be brought onstage. But the moment she stepped forward, the audience greeted her with jeers.

"We want our money back!"

"Give us a refund!"

The crowd's jeers cut deep, each shout feeling like a blow to Avery's heart. Amid the noise, her eyes fell on the empty seat reserved for Elijah.

The concert she had poured her heart and soul into was ruined in an instant. Avery's heart ached for her disappointed fans.

Surrounded by her bodyguards, she made her way through the hostile crowd and finally reached the safety of her home.

The moment she opened the door, darkness swallowed the room, and an icy chill filled the air.

Elijah sat on the couch, his eyes dark and bottomless like an abyss. Anyone who knew him well could see the storm of fury within. The smart ones knew better than to get too close.

"Did you go through my stuff?" he asked.

Avery didn't hesitate. She simply nodded, owning up to it.

Elijah froze for a moment before letting out a bitter laugh.

"Whatever. It's time you understood your place. You're nothing but a pawn in this marriage. You'll never hold a candle to Lara."

Avery met his gaze without a word.

Elijah frowned, sensing something unusual. But before he could ask, the master bedroom door clicked open.

Rubbing her eyes, Lara stepped out. She was dressed in Avery's pajamas.

Avery had long believed that growing up as an heir had made Elijah cold and unfeeling.

Even when she was bedridden, he threw parties at home like it was business as usual.

Back then, she had stumbled out in a daze, only to be met with his cold, dismissive remark. "What does this have to do with me?"

But now, the entire house was silent, each person mindful not to wake Lara. Not even the lights were allowed to be turned on.

Elijah waved his hand idly, deliberately egging Avery on. "Lara's staying for dinner tonight. Make sure it's ready."

But to his surprise, Avery didn't react with anger or embarrassment. Without a word, she rose and made her way to the kitchen.

As he watched her retreating figure, Elijah rubbed his fingers unconsciously. That strange, familiar feeling was creeping back to him.

Even though he had brought Lara home, Avery continued to cook without complaint or bitterness. The depth of her love was undeniable. Compared to her selflessness, Elijah's feelings for Lara barely held weight.

In the kitchen, Avery moved confidently, washing and chopping ingredients like it was second nature. It was hard to imagine she had once been a sheltered young lady who never assisted around the house.

"Let me help you, Avery," Lara chimed in.

Before Avery could react, the knife was ripped from her hand. Lara's smile lingered for a heartbeat. In a sudden motion, she brought the blade toward herself.

Blood soon trickled from her fair arm.

Out of nowhere, a sudden force sent the knife flying from Lara's hand.

It grazed Avery's cheek before embedding itself in the wall.

Her heart skipped a beat. Pain flared across her face, followed by the warm trickle of blood.

When Elijah finally noticed her, a surge of guilt passed through his eyes. "I'm sorry, honey… I didn't mean to."

But before Avery could say a word, Lara spoke. "Eli, I only wanted to help Avery cook, but she…"

Lara didn't finish. Her uneasy expression said everything.

The guilt in Elijah's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, menacing glare. "Did you do it on purpose? Did you try to hurt Lara?"

Before Avery could answer, Elijah brought the knife out from behind him. His eyes narrowed, and his tongue pressed tightly against his back teeth.

"All Lara did was perform a few pieces at your concert. How could you go so far as to injure her in revenge?"

Avery shook her head firmly. "It wasn't me. She's the one who hurt herself."

Elijah sneered. "Lara is a pianist, for crying out loud. She cherishes her hands above all else. How am I supposed to believe she'd harm herself?"

Avery lifted her chin defiantly, locking eyes with him. "It was her own doing," she repeated.

Taking a deep breath, she added, "I'm a cellist. If I told you I'd be willing to hurt my own hands, would you believe me?"

While Avery didn't care if Elijah misunderstood her, she would not allow herself to be falsely accused.

Elijah froze, taken aback by her defiance.

"You—"

Before he could continue, Avery seized the knife and slashed her palm.

Blood poured out immediately, spreading across the floor.

A flicker of emotion crossed Elijah's eyes. Just as he reached out to stop her, Lara spoke.

"Avery, why would you hurt yourself just to get back at me?"

The moment the words left her lips, Elijah's face hardened.

The knife wavered in Avery's hand. She closed her eyes, despair washing over her.

Her strength ebbed away under the pain, pulling her into the grip of unconsciousness. Elijah's cold, indifferent voice reached her just before the darkness closed in.

"If you hadn't been imitating Lara so well, do you really think I would have even noticed you?"

Chapter 4

As a result of Avery's defiance, Elijah terminated all partnerships with McPherson Group overnight.

Avery was jolted awake by the sharp ringing of her phone. Wincing from the pain, she answered Walter's call.

"Ave, I've already submitted the paperwork to transfer your registered address. But if anything like this happens again, I won't hesitate to pull it back."

Avery's face turned ashen. "You can't do this! You promised me."

She was so close to finally breaking free. She couldn't let everything unravel now.

Walter's tired voice came through the line. "For this final month, you'd better behave and serve Elijah well."

After the call ended, the door suddenly swung open.

Elijah entered, looking down at her.

"Lara invited you to go bungee jumping. She wants to patch things up between you two. You have five minutes to pack and be ready," he said coldly.

Without waiting for a response, Elijah slammed the door shut and disappeared.

Avery didn't like bungee jumping, nor did she want to reconcile with Lara.

Even so, she was terrified of what would follow if she disobeyed. She shut her eyes, surrendering to the inevitable.

There was no way for her to refuse. Five minutes later, bodyguards burst through the door and forcibly dragged her to the car.

Inside the Lincoln limousine, she curled up by the window, hugging her arms tightly. She closed her eyes, seeking a moment of rest.

The wound on her arm was still undressed, but she endured the pain without a sound. If she could just fall asleep, maybe the discomfort would ease. Gradually, the gentle sway of the car pulled her into sleep.

Opposite her, Elijah and Lara kissed passionately, oblivious to everything else.

In the front seats, Elijah's driver, Henry Baird, and his assistant, Dominic Morales, couldn't help but whisper to each other.

"I almost feel sorry for Mrs. Tarver. Even when Mr. Tarver behaves like that around her, she never shows any anger."

"That's because she loves him too much. I heard she's prepared to face any hardship. As long as they don't end up divorced, she doesn't mind."

Elijah slowly raised his eyes, watching Avery across from him. She resembled a timid, obedient kitten.

Despite everything, Elijah wasn't heartless. He had seen how devoted she had remained all these years.

As long as she stayed obedient, he had no issue letting her keep the title of Mrs. Tarver for the rest of her life.

Unbeknownst to him, a sharp, murderous glint passed through Lara's eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, the car finally rolled to a stop.

Before she knew it, Avery found herself at the edge of what looked like a bottomless void. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Lara's wide eyes fluttered. "Eli, it's been ages since I've done bungee jumping. I'm suddenly feeling a little scared. Will you hold me?"

Elijah ran his fingers through her hair. "Of course." Gripping her waist tightly, he jumped without a second thought.

Before long, Lara's sharp scream and Elijah's hearty laughter rang out from the valley below.

Lost in the thrill of the moment, they clung to each other like lovers aflame, pouring out their deepest feelings.

"Elijah! I love you!"

"I love you too, Lara."

Henry looked at Avery with pity, but her face betrayed no emotion. Deep within, she wished nothing but lasting love for Elijah and Lara.

She just had to hold on a little while longer. After that, their endless affection would no longer concern her.

As soon as the staff fastened the gear, Avery's brow tightened with unease.

She turned around, preparing to voice her hesitation. But before a word could escape, a sharp push sent her stumbling forward.

"Sorry, but Ms. Womack can't stand having you here."

Avery shut her eyes tight. The sudden weightlessness sent a chill through her, and cold sweat instantly drenched her skin.

Just as she hit the lowest point, one of the ropes snapped without warning.

Avery's heart caught in her throat.

"Elijah, save me!" she screamed.

However, Elijah had his back to her, his lips pressed against Lara's head.

Avery was overtaken by dread when she spotted Lara's cruel grin. A knife was clenched firmly in her hand.

It was Lara who had cut the rope.

With only one rope left to hold her, Avery struggled to stay balanced. Despite her frantic prayers, she crashed onto the jagged rocks below.

Her head cracked open instantly under the combined impact of the fall and her weight. Thick, warm blood slid into her eyes.

Trembling, Avery reached out to touch the injury, her fingers grazing the bone beneath.

Through her blurred vision, she spotted Elijah rushing toward her in a frenzy.

Weary, Avery closed her eyes.

It didn't matter that Elijah didn't love her. He hadn't done anything wrong.

At this point, she was indifferent to whether he cared for her or not.

Her true hatred was reserved for Walter, who had leveraged his so-called affection to push her into this abyss.

Chapter 5

When Avery regained consciousness, she found herself lying in a hospital room.

Elijah was slumped awkwardly by her bedside.

As the pain in her forehead flared up, Avery couldn't help but wince.

The noise stirred Elijah from his sleep. His bloodshot eyes met hers, heavy with exhaustion.

He gripped her hand tightly and asked, "Are you okay? Tell me where it hurts."

She endured the pain and shook her head. But seeing the worry etched on his face, she froze.

His tousled hair and scruffy beard spoke volumes. He had clearly been keeping watch for hours.

Avery hesitated before asking, "Have you… been here with me all this time?"

Elijah shifted uneasily, avoiding her eyes. "I'm just here to take responsibility on Lara's behalf. After all, it was us who talked you into bungee jumping."

Hearing that, Avery breathed a sigh of relief. After all this time, she was glad he hadn't fallen for her.

She certainly didn't have the energy to get caught up in their complicated love triangle.

Meanwhile, Elijah's gaze remained fixed on her. He knew Avery's fear of heights, yet she had taken the risk just to please Lara.

He couldn't help but compare Avery's love to Lara's. Despite his efforts to convince himself otherwise, he couldn't confidently say that Lara's love for him outweighed Avery's.

If only Avery had been the one who saved his life.

Her calm, submissive demeanor stirred something in Elijah. Before he knew it, his hand was already reaching for her pale cheek.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Walter stepped inside.

Shaking off his thoughts, Elijah pulled back his hand and rubbed his temples in frustration.

How had he let his mind wander so far?

Without looking back at Avery, he stood and left the room.

"Ave, you did very well this time. Driven by guilt, Elijah has decided to increase his investment in McPherson Group," Walter said, barely glancing at the wound on Avery's head.

"By the way, the paperwork for your name change is already taken care of. It should be finalized in a few days."

Before Walter could continue, the door slammed open once more.

Elijah's cold voice cut through the air. "So, this was all part of your plan, huh?"

Walter scrambled to his feet. "No, it's not what you think."

He glanced at Avery, lying calm and composed on the hospital bed. "I'll leave now. Ave will explain everything."

In an instant, Elijah kicked the IV stand over, sending it crashing to the floor. The needle was ripped free, causing Avery's blood to flow backward through the IV tube.

Avery winced, a sharp breath escaping her. "I don't know what he's talking about."

Elijah let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Alright, let's forget about that for now. What's this nonsense about a name change?"

Avery's heart skipped a beat, her throat going dry. "I thought if I changed my name to Lara, maybe you'd finally care about me."

Elijah's lashes fluttered, and a mocking laugh escaped his lips. "Keep dreaming. Even if you turned into a perfect copy of Lara, I still wouldn't love you."

With that, he stormed out.

The nurses stood there in silence, unsure whether to comfort Avery after everything that had happened.

Meanwhile, Avery didn't cry or cause a scene. She simply turned over and lay down, her face a mask of indifference.

In truth, Elijah's love meant nothing to her.

The wound on her forehead hadn't fully healed, but with Elijah's birthday fast approaching, she had no choice but to attend the celebration. After all, she was still his legal wife.

At the party, Elijah and Lara wore matching outfits. They paid no attention to Avery whatsoever—the rightful Mrs. Tarver.

The two of them flirted openly, oblivious to the crowd around them. The onlookers held back their laughter, throwing sly, mocking looks at Avery.

Soon enough, Avery was summoned into the study by Elijah's parents, Edwin Tarver and Ivy Daigle. Their faces were dark with displeasure.

The moment the door shut, Ivy struck Avery hard across the face.

"The only reason we let you marry into this family was to make Elijah forget about that vixen. Three years have passed, and you still failed to achieve even that much!"

Avery stood silently by the door, not a flicker of concern crossing her face.

Once the name-change paperwork was finalized, maybe she should take it a step further and change her first name too.

"Zoe" had a nice ring to it. The name translated to "life", symbolizing her determination to thrive.

After a long silence, Edwin spoke up. "If you can't win Elijah's heart, then maybe it's time for a divorce. We'll find someone else to take your place."

He slid a document across the desk. "These are the divorce papers. Elijah's already signed them, though he doesn't have a clue what he's agreed to."