The Billionaire's Sleeping Beauty

Chapter 24 - Avery

I end the phone with Bradley. I'm not happy with his decision, but I know he did this because he cares for me. Ugh... I can't even complain about it.

I caress Damian in my arm. He is sleeping peacefully, his dark blonde hair is long and shapes like pineapple right now. I chuckle and kiss him. He is a spitting image of Bradley and God knows I will be very weak with this boy.

Since we moved to L. A. I feel more comfortable. The pregnancy got so much easier since no one was watching me. I made sure I ate enough for two and thank God, Clair grown into a smart and happy little girl. My parents-in-laws are happy to see their granddaughter's development. But still, every time I met with them I felt like I'm not enough. I can't be me. Bradley assured me so many times that his parents already changed their opinion about me.

Deep down, now I can understand why they thought I trapped Bradley back then. We were young and to build a family with 2 teenagers in it is not easy. And yes, we two are lucky that we can be the mature couple. We have stable relationships and barely fight. Bradley is an amazing husband and dad. I couldn't ask for a better partner.

My phone ping with a message's notification. Rina Fox. My mother-in-law texted me?  We barely text to each other. Last time she chatted me to ask about my condition after gave birth to Damian. She is nothing but nice to me, but the gap is there. It will take sometime for us to be close to each other.

Rina: Hi Avery, I heard from Bradley and Bella that your condition is still weak. How are you, dear?

It takes me 5 minutes to reply to her because I feel like I need to check and recheck my chat to her.

Avery: Hi Rina, I'm fine now. I just need to rest for a day or two and I can back to my daily routine. Thank you.

Rina: Make it a week, will you? I'm planning to visit L. A. before I go to Southeast Asia, is that okay?

I know from Bradley that his parents are going for their anniversary. And I know too she has her rights to visit her son and grandchildren anytime. But I know she respects me. I should more open with her. I inhale deeply.

Avery: Of course. You can come anytime, Rina. And I'll try to rest for a week. Thank you for checking on me.

Rina: We are family, Avery. Despite the things happened between us in the past, I care for you as much as I care for Bradley, Clair and Damian.

Avery: Thank you, Rina.

I sigh. This time she comes to L. A. I will try warm up with her. I promise.

"Ave," Laila comes to my room. I sigh inwardly. I really, really prefer to not have her in the place I called my home.

After I moved to L. A. I barely see her and my life feels complete without her and Donna. Dad said Laila worried about me, but I don't think it's true. But again, I'm in no condition to be picky. And most importantly Brad knows what Laila did to me back then. He promised this is not permanent.

"Hey Laila," I smile small at her.

"This is your new prescription."

I frown. "What happened with the one before?" I see her takes the old one and replaces it with the new one she just brought.

She shrugs. "Bradley called me earlier, worried about your condition. So I told him, I will help to ask your doctor about your condition and he gave you this new ones, said this will make you feel better soon."

"Oh... okay."

She gives me the medicine and I swallow it with water. "Thank you, Laila." I'm not used with people tend to my needs, let alone it's my evil step sister. Is or was, I don't know...

"He is such a cute boy," Laila looks at Damian

I smile. "Yeah, he is."

Laila nods and takes the empty jug next to my bed. "I'm going to refill it. Go have some rest," she says and leaves me.

I sigh, maybe she changed...

I close my eyes. Maybe I'm tired more than I thought. I should have some rest so I can feel fresh when my stubborn husband comes back home.

***
Laila

There you go, little Avery! Enjoy your sleep while I enjoy your life. Mrs. Bradley Fox, sounds better for me than you.

I throw her previous medicine from her doctor to the bin.

Laila: Brad, Avery is resting well. You don't have to worry about her and Damian. Don't forget to pick up Clair. Today her class will be done at 12.

Bradley: Thanks, Laila.

Those two formal words soon will be change to intimate ones. I'll make sure of it.