Avery did not react.It was true that her relationship with Elliot was more boring than most.Just last week, they had spent the entire time at home.Elliot was either working in his study or reading a book in the living room.Avery, on the other hand, was either writing her thesis or reading in the living room with him.Elliot's book was in a foreign language that Avery did not understand.Avery was reading Professor Hough's book on neurology.She was sure Elliot would not understand a thing about it either, so she did not feel inferior to him."What do you think of my necklace?" Tammy asked as she suddenly took off the necklace she was wearing and showed it to Avery."It's pretty. Did your boyfriend give it to you?""He did! It's a Christmas gift. It's even got my name engraved on it!""You can also purchase jewelry which comes with a free engraving offer for under ten bucks," said Avery in earnest. "You shouldn't let these things go to your head!"Tammy did not mind."I

Avery felt Elliot's body stiffen as he stood next to her.The outfit he wore made him look much younger, however, he was still treated like an older person.It must have bothered him."I'm Avery's—"Elliot began to speak, but Avery interrupted him by grabbing his hand, then explained, "I don't know this guy. It's cold out here. Let's head to the car!"At the same time, Tammy pulled the student out of their way.Avery threw Tammy a look of gratitude, then helped Elliot to walk toward the black Rolls-Royce."Your legs haven't fully recovered," she said in a concerned voice. "You shouldn't be walking around like this.""It doesn't hurt anymore," Elliot said.His eyes landed on the bouquet of flowers in Avery's arms."There's a gift in the bouquet," he said awkwardly."What?" Avery said as she stared at Elliot in shock. "You got me a gift? I didn't get you anything, though."The air around them turned thick with uneasiness.They had spent the past week at home. How did he find

Avery and Elliot went home in the afternoon to rest because they planned on staying up to ring in the new year.Once Elliot was asleep, Avery opened her eyes and stared at his face.She felt as if she could never watch him for long enough.It was a shame that she could not stop time.It would be perfect if everything could come to a stop at this moment. When Elliot woke up around four in the afternoon, Avery was not next to him.He got out of bed and went downstairs to look for her."You're up!"Avery was in the middle of making dinner."I'm thinking of making steak tonight. What do you think?"Elliot stood at the entrance to the kitchen and watched as she worked away."How about I make dinner?" he asked."You cook?" Avery exclaimed with a look of surprise on her face, then took off her apron and said, "Be my guest! I've never tried your cooking before!""I've never cooked before, but I can follow a recipe," Elliot said as he took the apron from Avery. "Take a break in th

A week later, Avery appeared at the sales office of the Starry River Villa in Avonsville. Escorted by a salesperson, Avery walked to the display area to look at the villa models.The salesperson noticed her youthful face, then asked, "Which type of property are you interested in, Miss? We have detached villas, townhouses, and semi-detached properties.""Do you still have any detached villas available?" Avery inquired.The salesperson's eyes lit up at her words, then said, "We do! There's one left, and the square footage is pretty big. It's over three thousand square feet… The price is also much higher than the townhouses and semi-detached houses, so—""Can we move in right away if I make full payment now?"The salesperson nodded enthusiastically and said, "Of course! All of our villas are lavishly renovated and come fully furnished. All you need is your own belongings.""Alright. How much is it?""Four and a half million dollars. It's pretty steep, but it's the last detached vil

Layla's eyes widened as she gazed at Cole's photo on the laptop screen."Whoa! Our dad's so good-looking!"Hayden shut the laptop, then thought to himself, 'So what if he's good-looking? A spineless freeloader isn't worthy of our mom!'"When can we go see Daddy? Do you think he'd be happy when he finds out about us?"The only concept that Layla had about their father was a pure one, as Avery had never once spoken ill of him in front of them. Every time Layla asked Avery who their father was, Avery would always patiently answer, "You don't have a father."Hayden climbed back into bed, lay down, and stared at the ceiling."He won't," he answered bluntly.Layla was upset."Why not? It's not like we want his money. I just want to spend some time with him!""Go to sleep.""I can't sleep," Layla huffed. "I want Dad."Hayden was disappointed in their so-called father, which put him in a bad mood."Shut up," he snapped impatiently.Layla immediately quieted down.She could feel