Unbreak Me

Chapter 23

Avery Adley

I woke up to streams of light hitting my face.
I groaned and tried to bury myself under the blanket.
It was swiftly ripped away.

I turned to see Alissa standing there with her hands on her hips and a frown adorned her face.

"What is it Alissa?" I groaned.

"You have to get ready for your date of course! You can't just sleep all day!"

I looked at the clock and saw it was 2pm.

"It won't take 5 hours to get ready." I said. "Wait! How did you find out about tonight?" I frowned.

"I have my sources." She shrugged. "Now get up!"

She pulled me to the closet. I heard a gasp. Alissa touched the green material that once was a beautiful dress.

"I'm sorry, Alissa." I said quietly. I was ashamed of myself.

"What happened?" I could see the glistening of tears in her eyes. It broke my heart.

"Leah..." I choked out.

Alissa pulled me into a hug that I greatfully received.

"I really loved that dress." I said, slightly muffled by her should.

Alissa laughed and pulled me back. "Me too, chérie."

I was practically tossed back out of the closet and into the shower with instructions to clean up.

I dressed in shorts and a t-shirt before heading back out to find Alissa pulling random pieces of clothing off of the rack.

"You really need some new clothes." She stated with a frown. "You've only really got work clothes and a pair or two of jeans." 

"That's all I wear, Alissa."

"Well, go and have lunch. I'll be done by the time your back." She smiled at me.

I frowned but did what she asked anyway. She's as stubborn as ever.

I made my way to the kitchen and pulled out the ingredients for a ham and cheese sandwich.
As soon as the bread landed on the chopping board Gerard rushed in and pushed me out.
He never let me cook, but what could go wrong with a sandwich?

He smiled proudly once he was all done and plated it for me.
I thanked him and he began cleaning the kitchen.

"Do you really need to eat that?" Mothers said as she walked in behind me.

I sighed, but kept eating anyway.

"Why don't you decline Oliver? Let Leah marry him." She said like it was the simplest thing.

"Mother, I didn't choose this. He chose me because he didn't want Leah. If I decline we're risking millions of dollars that we would have made in profit." I put my plate in the dishwasher. "I'm sorry. I can't do anything."

Her face held anger and pure irritation. I walked out without waiting for her answer.

I bet she thought I seduced him and Mr. Adley told her as little as possible. As usual when it came to business.

I climbed the stairs to meet Alissa.
I walked in to a mess of clothes and a content looking Alissa.

"You were gone too long!" She exclaimed. "Now, sit! Sit!" She patted the back of my desk chair.

I sighed and walked over to it. It was like a repeat of last night. She'll spend forever doing my make up.

"Alissa, please don't do anything fancy." I pleaded.

She huffed but nodded all the same and dragged a seat over and got to work.

She was finally finished and the result was better than I expected. It was light brown eyeshadow and rosy lips.
I smiled and thanked her.
She disappeared into the closet but reappeared with a triumphant smile.

Alissa pulled out a red high neck fit and flare style dress. She picked up my usual black pumps and clutch along with it.

"Why are we getting ready now? It's still early." I said.

"Can never be too prepared." She grinned.

I laughed and decided to do some work, much to Alissa's annoyance.

The time went quickly and I pulled my hair up into a high pony tail and slid my dress on.

I heard the chime of the doorbell and put my shoes on and organised my clutch. I opened the door and walked down the stairs to see Oliver waiting talking to Mother.

"...very is dirty, she'll make a fool of you. You should be very careful." I heard her warn.

I continued as though I didn't hear her.

"Hello Oliver." I smiled.

Their heads snapped to me. Oliver looked as handsome as always. His black suit made his eyes look brighter.

"Avery, you look beautiful." He said. "Ready to go?"

I nodded. "Goodbye mother." She caught my arm and appeared to be giving me a loving hug.

"Don't  mistake it, he's only nice to you because he needs to look good." She whispered harshly in my ear.
I nodded and she released me.

I turned around and put my coat on and followed Oliver out the door.

Oliver held the door to his Bugatti Divo open and helped me in.
We drove for a little while in mostly silence.
When we stopped we stopped at a hotel.
The valet opened my door for me and I got out. I looked at the hotel and recognised the name as one of Oliver's enterprises.

He offered his arm and we walked through the lobby with many quizzical stares.

"Where are we going?" I asked. I was starting to get nervous.

"It's a surprise." He smirked.

I furrowed my eyebrows.
He's not going to surprise me with sex is he? I know the rumours about me..

"I don't like surprises." I said as we entered the elevator.

"You'll like this one." He held a card up to the scanner and hit the top floor.

When the doors opened all words flew out of my mind. I was speechless.

Oliver took my hand and pulled me out of the lift.

We were on the rooftop. There was an indoor area with only a table and chairs, a bottle of wine and some soft music played in the background. The windows were large and you could see the city lights spreading across the land below.

"This is beautiful." I said looking at the area.

A waiter came and took my coat while Oliver helped me to my seat.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

I nodded and smiled turning to the view. "It's lovely, thank you for bringing me here."

I turned back and took a sip of wine.

"How long have you been working with your father?" Oliver asked.

"Almost 4 years."

4 years of hell.

"When did you take over for your father?" I asked.

"5 years ago." He answered.

"Do you like it?"

"Most of the time. I don't like dealing with idiots and useless employees." He said as he was about to take a sip of wine.

I nodded my head with a slight chuckle.

We held small talk for awhile. It was pleasant. Oliver didn't seem like he was in 'business mode.' It was different, but good.

It was strange how comfortable I felt with him. It was like all my secrets would be safe with him and I could be myself.
But once he finds out about me, he would definitely change his mind. Once he finds out how weak I am, he would choose Leah in a heart beat.

I don't think I could handle being abandoned..