𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

────────────────────────

No patients yet from Damon's mafia. I was sitting with the ladies, spending time on the patio was our routine now, ever since I stopped working. "Stella, would you like to hold Damien? You barely held him ever since I gave birth to him." Marcella tried to put her baby in my arms. I backed up, putting my hands up in the air.

I had no intention of holding any baby, maybe a few years ago I'd say 'Of course' but now? I would refuse. I wasn't a mother and I will never be one. "No thanks, ask Liliana or Avery."

"But Liliana is pregnant and Avery has her own baby Christian." Marcella pointed at our other two best friends. I shrugged, noticing Avery's had been a little off. Her eyes were on Christian who played on her lap, but she had many emotions in her eyes that I couldn't place. Liliana was too busy on her phone, smiling at it, probably texting Jaxon.

"Hey, have you noticed it as well? Avery has been very quiet." Marcella leaned against me, her voice whispering in my ear. My eyebrows furrowed, I hadn't talked to Avery thoroughly since ever she gave birth. We usually chatted and enjoyed our time, but she was a Mom now, she has duties, responsibilities, and more. I  stood up and sat beside Avery on the couch.

Avery hasn't even realized her surroundings, she was staring blankly at her baby. "Avery?" I pressed my hand on her shoulder, my skin on her cold skin. She jumped, surprising me with her startling.

"What," She almost snapped, shutting her mouth after she realized the tone she used. "Sorry, can you hold Christian? I-I" She placed Christian in my arms, making my mouth fall wide open. She ran inside the mansion, disappearing as if she was Mrs. perfectly fine.

"What's wrong with her?" Liliana stood up, an overprotective hint in her tone. I shook my head, clueless about why is my best friend acting like midnight rain: silent yet so loud. Marcella took Christian from my arms and I walked inside the mansion.

T to look for the wonderland that was in Avery. She used to be energetic but now, she was a picture to burn. I don't think I could figure it out, she was distancing herself slowly. Like a mirror all, she shines so brightly because she's broken so many times. My head flew back to all those years, I saw my inner teenager years in her. I used to do the same thing, distancing myself was something I had invented, I couldn't let Avery go through the same thing.

I walk through the mansion, not able to find her. I walked upstairs, hearing the men's voice in the office upstairs. I ignored it and walked to Alessio and Avery's bedroom, knocking on the door. No answer. I could hear some muffled noise and curses.

"Avery, are you there?"

"Let go of me, I don't want to talk to you!" I heard Avery's voice get louder, almost gruff and aggressive.