[A week later]
In the midst of the heavy downpour, the moon was hidden by clouds, making the already deserted alley into more gruesome.
In the shadows stood Ethan's father, Marcus with his trench coat flapping in the wind. Opposite him stood a woman much younger than him,Lilith.
"Come" Marcus said before leading her into a hidden bar out of people's sight.
"We can't let this marriage proceed," Marcus hissed, breaking the silence. He venomously whispered,"Avery is a threat to everything we've built."
Lilith's eyes gleamed with newfound hope. She was right to come to Marcus, she knew he wouldn't give up on his greed.
Ever since Ethan has gotten married, he has changed. He made sure that no one could say one word about his wife and their marriage. The most sickening was the Chairman, the founder of the Knights Group, Theodore knight. He was beyond pleased with this marriage. He loved Avery as his granddaughter-in-law.
"Agreed. But we need a way to break this marriage." Lilith said in an ice cold voice while clenching her teeths so tightly until her gums would bleed.
A chilling grin tugged at the corners of Marcus's lips as he spoke. "There is no need for a big plan. If Avery were to meet an untimely end, this marriage would automatically come to an end."
Lilith's heart raced as she grasped at those words, her mind racing with possibilities. "You mean_"
"Yes, but if you are scared, then we can think of some other plan," Marcus interrupted, his tone contemplative. "After all, killing is no walk in the park."
Her determination firm, Lilith shook her head. "No! I like your plan. If there is a simple solution already, then why should we take a detour?"
A wicked smile crept onto Lilith's lips as she continued, her thoughts turning towards the future. "And after this, my dear Ethan would be free to marry again."
******
[A month after]
Avery stood amidst the lush fields of her father's farm, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers that used to bloom here.
It gave her peace and a moment of escape from the reality she was living in.
Memories of Ethan and everything that happened after the court marriage raced in her mind. Her stepfather had vanished overnight, leaving behind her mother and an empty bank account.
She had to clear all the debt by using Ethan's money. She was able to save her father's farm and sent her mother to a safe place to rest so she should be happy right? Even though she had to become a doll in Ethan's hand in exchange for his help.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at the horizon, lost in a sea of regrets and broken dreams.
"Avery, is that you?" upon spotting Avery amidst the lush Apple farm, the old woman's voice carried a mix of surprise and recognition as she exclaimed.
Avery quickly wiped face before facing her with joy as she responded, "Yes, Grandma Martha, how have you been?"
A warm chuckle escaped Grandma Martha's lips as she spoke, "Never better! This old body may have aged, but this forest and farm are keeping me on my toes. I'm glad to see you in this town after so long, even though I couldn't do much for you at that time." Her hand gently rested on Avery's shoulder, conveying a sense of guilt and sympathy. "You have to stay in my house instead of the hotel, okay?!"
Avery's kind smile conveyed her sincerity as she readily agreed, "Sure!" The strong bond between them was visible in naked eyes, Avery's gratitude for the help Grandma Martha gave her when others outcasted her and her mother wasn't something she could ever forget.
Grandma Martha smiled before leaving carrying her fruit basket and Avery left the farm after taking a last look at it, following her.
...
As Avery stood in the cozy bathroom that she had once taken refuge in her teenage years. As she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel after a heartly shower, she could hear the faint clinking of dishes and the inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house.
Dressed in comfortable clothes, Avery made her way to the living room where Grandma Martha was sitting in her favorite armchair, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Before Avery could utter a word, the old woman exclaimed, "Oh, my dear Avery! Are you still single? How about a date with my grandson? I still remember how you two used to play together in the fields and prank the adults. Gosh! I miss those days."
But Avery couldn't happily reminisce about those days. She had yet to tell her that she is married. Just as she took a breath to reveal her marriage, her phone buzzed insistently.
Startled, Avery fished her phone out of her bag. The caller ID was blocked, but the urgency in the ringtone suggested something was amiss. She answered hesitantly, and a voice on the other end spoke in hushed urgency, "Avery, you need to leave that house immediately. It's not safe."
Her heart raced, fear gripping her. "Who is this?"
"No time to explain. Run, now!" Before she could ask further the call ended. Although she wanted to dismiss this as a prank call, she decided not to ignore the warning.
"Is everything alright, dear?" Grandma Martha inquired, her tone filled with genuine worry.
Avery struggled to find the right words, her heart heavy with the weight of the call's warning. She managed to compose herself and said, "Grandma Martha, there's something important I need to tell you, but right now, I have to go. I promise I'll explain everything later. Please understand."
Grandma Martha's concern deepened, but she nodded with a knowing look in her eyes. "Of course, my dear. Your safety comes first. We'll talk when you're ready."
With a quick embrace, Avery rushed to pack her belongings. Her mind raced with questions about the mysterious call. Lilith words from that day ringed in her mind. is it related to Ethan?