Chapter 15
Back at the apartment, Marcus sat on the couch waiting when very entered.
“you threw quite a tantum,” he said calmly, glancing ammurd, “You even took your things. Are you protesting against maj
Avery stepped to him, her voice hoarse. “You’ll give the spot back, right? I told you how important it was to me six months ago. You promised me…
She crooched before him, looline at him amdously.
she had repeated it many times, yet he never took her seriously.
Marcas paused, feeling a little guilty, but pride kept him from admitting faule. “It’s only a study abroad spor
He remembered her bringing it up half a year ago. But yesterday, when Madison said bet cousin wanted it, he forgot about Avery completely.
“It’s important to me. Marcus, I’ve never begged you. Just this once, help me,” she pleaded
She didn’t care if she seemed spineless or shameless. She wanted the chance to rise.
“Even if you can’t go, I’ll take care of you. I can compensate you with anything,” he said, not wanting to break faith with Madison.
Avery lost control. “I don’t need you to take care of me! I don’t need your money! I won’t be some toy you toss aside when you’re done with me!” She backed up. breathing hand. “I only want the chance…”
Rather than grovel forever, she would fight her own way to the top. Yet, an orphan like her could have the ticket to battle snatched so easily. So, she needed Marcus to get the spot
“That opportunity was mine. I eamed it through my project scores. How could you help someone steal it from me?” she was umilling to accept it.
She couldn’t ask Gideon for help. His proposal would keep her from leaving the country soon.
She needed this year’s spot, the chance to study under Professor Devon.
Only Marcus could help. Yet, he was the one who took her only chance away.
How could she accept that and not hate him?
“Mateus, you can’t treat me like this
She had been with him for four years. Couldn’t he help her after all she’d given him?
She was having an episode now, depression threatening to claw her to shreds. Shock made her body stiff. Her nails cut her palms, and blood trickled downher fingers.
“Avery, calm down!” Marcus‘ chest tightened at her breakdown. He pulled her into his arms and soothed her. “Fil talk to Madison and have her cousin give you che spot first. Take a deep breath…”
Four years ago, she had six months of therapy. Doctors told Marcus never to bragam.
At first, be cared and showed patience. But as she stayed obedient, he forgot her trauma.
Avery dulched his sim, sobbing she couldn’t breathe.
“T! get it for you,” be comforted her.
Her rapid breaths eased, and she gave a weak smile.
Did he say he’d get it for her? The spot had been her until he took it away
ay for Madison’s cousin. She was only asking for what belonged to her
“Marcus, this opportunity matters to me,” she emphasized.
Marcus knew she couldn’t take more travina,
Four years ago, she had shown self–harm tendencies. Another blow could worsen her condition.
He knew all of this. He just didn’t care.
It was just like that day. Ite knew Zack and Mindy were there, but he still called hierover to please Madison. It was no different from killing ber
“Get some rest.” He laiew the spot would be lilized soon and had to discuss it with Madison tight away.
Avery leaned weakdy against the wall. Slur would wait for bis answer.
Marcas drove to the Harper residence. He pulled up in front of the villa but hesitated.
He had already promised Madison the spot and told her it was settled. If he took it back now and gave it to Avery, Madison would definitely start to suspect something between them.
the leaned back, headache growing, tum between Avery and Madison
Compared to Madison, Avery was more obedient and easier to quar
He thought of compensating Averymore, but her state today made lilin uneasy.
After a long silence, he called Madison
“Hey, Madison. Are you asleep?”
On the second floor, Madison stood by the window and saw his car. She frowned and pretended to be sleepy. “Yeah, I’m almost asleep. I’m tired.”
Mannis tried to speak.
ja samciling and deliberately and ineft. “Marcus, I’m scard. I post hai and you everyda
htmare where William hilt ine. In Heose four years in
know i norried William became Hadis choice. We were young, and you couldn’t protect ipe, so I obeyed my family
