At twenty-five weeks pregnant, Avery Collins had developed an unfortunate habit. Every time she left St Katherine Women's Hospital after a maternity appointment, she found herself crossing the road to the little dessert café opposite. It was impossible not to. The scent of freshly baked cakes drifted through the air every afternoon, tempting every expectant mother who walked past. Avery had never possessed much of a sweet tooth before becoming pregnant, yet these past six months her cravings had been relentless. Red velvet cake. Blueberry mousse. Those two, in particular. Balancing the folder containing her maternity notes beneath one arm while the other rested protectively over the gentle curve of her stomach, Avery pushed open the café door. The tiny brass bell above it chimed softly. Warmth wrapped around her immediately, carrying with it the comforting aroma of vanilla, coffee and melted chocolate. The young woman behind the counter looked up with an instant smile. "Afternoon, Avery." Avery returned the smile automatically. "Hello." "The usual?" The waitress didn't even need to ask. "Red velvet and the blueberry mousse?" Avery laughed quietly. "You know me too well." "I'd be worried if you ordered anything else." A few customers chuckled. It wasn't Avery's first visit. Since her pregnancy began, she'd stopped here after nearly every antenatal appointment. The staff had watched her bump grow month by month. She paid before making her way to her favorite table beside the window. Outside, London bustled through another cold December afternoon. She slipped her phone from her handbag while waiting for her order. Her search history had become almost laughably predictable. Prams. Baby clothes. Newborn blankets. Tiny knitted socks. She smiled unconsciously while scrolling through pictures of impossibly small cardigans. Her daughter would look adorable in them. The thought warmed her heart. Then the café bell rang again. Almost absently, Avery glanced towards the entrance. A man and a young woman walked inside together. The man stood well over six feet tall, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. Dark hair, impeccably tailored charcoal coat and the effortless composure of someone accustomed to commanding attention without ever seeking it. Adrian Blackwood. The name struck her heart before her mind had fully recognized his face. Beside him walked a woman who looked barely out of university. She wore a pale pink wool coat over a cream jumper dress, knee-high suede boots and a matching beret that framed soft chestnut curls. Bright-eyed and effortlessly elegant, she carried herself with the easy confidence of someone untouched by life's heavier burdens. Avery felt every drop of colour drain from her face. Her fingers tightened instinctively around her mobile. Adrian. Her husband. The father of the baby growing beneath her heart. Neither of them had expected to meet here. Or perhaps... Only she hadn't. The young woman smiled at him while saying something Avery couldn't hear. Adrian listened patiently, carrying both her pink clutch and his suit jacket over one arm. It was such a small gesture. Yet it landed like a knife. Maybe she had stared too long. Too openly. Because Adrian suddenly lifted his head. Their eyes met across the café. Time seemed to stop. No surprise crossed his face. No awkwardness. No guilt. Certainly no warmth. His expression remained as composed as if he were looking at someone he'd passed on the street only once before. A stranger. Nothing more. After barely a second, he looked away. Conversation resumed between him and the young woman as though Avery had never existed. The waitress returned carrying Avery's desserts. "Here you are." The rich crimson cake and delicate blueberry mousse looked every bit as perfect as usual. Normally, Avery would already have picked up her fork. Today she couldn't bring herself to touch either. Across the café, Adrian collected their takeaway order. The young woman accepted the bag with a cheerful smile. Together they walked towards the door. As they passed Avery's table, she heard the woman lower her voice. "Ren..." Avery recognized the nickname. "So," the young woman whispered curiously, "did you know that pregnant lady? She kept looking at us." Adrian didn't even glance in Avery's direction. "Don't worry about her." His voice remained calm. Indifferent. The pair stepped outside. The door closed behind them. Pregnant lady. The words echoed painfully. Avery was only twenty-four. Yet pregnancy had transformed her. Morning sickness had given way to constant exhaustion. Dark circles shadowed her eyes despite weeks of careful rest. Her cheeks had rounded slightly. The elegant figure she'd once taken pride in had disappeared beneath layers of winter knitwear and a thick maternity coat. The woollen hat she'd pulled on after leaving hospital concealed hair she hadn't had the energy to style. Compared with the effortlessly radiant girl beside Adrian... She suddenly understood why others might mistake her for someone older. She shouldn't have looked. She knew she shouldn't. Yet she found herself watching through the café window. Outside, Adrian unlocked the black Range Rover parked beside the kerb. He walked ahead, opened the passenger door and instinctively lifted one hand above the woman's head so she wouldn't bump it against the frame. She laughed at something he'd said. He smiled. Not politely. Not out of obligation. It was warm. Relaxed. Gentle. A smile Avery had never once seen directed at her. He closed the door carefully before walking around to the driver's side. Moments later the Range Rover disappeared into the London traffic. Only then did Avery realize she had stopped breathing. The waitress approached quietly. "Enjoy your desserts." Avery forced herself to smile. "Thank you." She picked up her fork. A generous piece of red velvet cake melted on her tongue. Usually it tasted sweet. Today... It tasted like nothing at all. She swallowed with difficulty. The ache spreading through her chest was far sharper than any hunger. She had always known this marriage would end one day. Knowing it, however, had never made it hurt less. Their marriage had never begun with love. One reckless night. One unexpected pregnancy. That had been enough. The Blackwood family had insisted they marry. For Adrian Blackwood-the brilliant founder and chief executive of Blackwood Capital-the wedding had been little more than an obligation. A responsibility. Nothing else. As far as he was concerned... She was simply the woman who had trapped him. He had never said the words aloud. He'd never needed to. Everything in his eyes had spoken for him. For Avery... It had been different. She had loved him for eight years. Long before he knew she existed. Long before fate had ever placed them in the same room. She had studied tirelessly, determined to become someone worthy of standing beside him rather than merely admiring him from afar. Eventually she had earned a position as Adrian's secretary at Blackwood Capital. She had believed destiny had finally smiled on her. Instead... It had brought her heartbreak. Even now she could remember the morning after that night. The coldness in Adrian's eyes. The unmistakable revulsion. As though touching her had been the greatest mistake of his life. A sharp cramp suddenly twisted low across her abdomen. Avery gasped. The fork slipped from her fingers. Another pain followed. Stronger. She instinctively wrapped both hands around her bump. "No..." The color drained from her face. Cold perspiration formed across her forehead. Nearby customers noticed immediately. "Excuse me!" A middle-aged woman hurried over. "Are you all right?" Avery tried to answer. Instead, another wave of pain stole her breath. Someone was already reaching for a phone. "The maternity hospital's right across the road." "We need to get her there." Within minutes, two members of staff had helped Avery carefully back across the street.

By the time Avery reached the maternity assessment unit, the cramping had eased, but a dull ache still lingered across her lower abdomen. The midwife helped her onto an examination bed while another attached the foetal heart-rate monitor. "Try to relax for me," she said gently. "We'll have a proper look and make sure your little one is happy." Avery nodded, though her fingers remained tightly intertwined over the curve of her bump. The rhythmic galloping of her baby's heartbeat soon filled the room. Strong. Steady. Healthy. Only then did Avery realize she'd been holding her breath. After an ultrasound and examination, the consultant obstetrician returned with her notes. "The good news is that your baby is perfectly well." Avery released a shaky sigh. "Thank goodness..." The doctor offered her a reassuring smile before pulling up a chair. "You've experienced what we call uterine irritability. It's quite common during pregnancy." Avery looked at her uncertainly. "The uterus is a muscle," the doctor explained. "When you're under significant emotional stress, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Those hormones can make the uterus contract temporarily, which causes cramping and abdominal tightness." She paused to ensure Avery understood. "It isn't premature labour, and fortunately your cervix remains closed, so there's no immediate danger to your baby." Avery instinctively rested her hand over her stomach. "So... she'll be all right?" "Yes." The doctor's tone was calm and reassuring. "But this episode is your body's way of telling you it's under too much strain." She folded the notes closed. "Pregnancy places enough demands on the body without prolonged emotional distress. Continued stress can contribute to raised blood pressure, poor sleep, reduced appetite and recurrent uterine tightening." Her expression softened. "For both your sake and your daughter's, you need to avoid situations that cause you significant emotional upset whenever possible." A bitter smile tugged at Avery's lips. If only it were that simple. The doctor glanced through the paperwork once more before asking casually, "Did your husband come with you today?" Avery lowered her eyes. "No." "Is he parking the car?" There was genuine concern in the doctor's voice. Avery let out a quiet laugh that sounded far more like resignation. "No." She looked towards the rain-speckled window. "He's... busy with someone else." The doctor fell silent. She had worked in obstetrics long enough to recognize heartbreak when she saw it. Rather than press further, she simply reached across the desk and placed a leaflet in Avery's hand. "If you notice any bleeding, leaking fluid, regular contractions, or reduced movements later in your pregnancy, come straight back." Avery nodded. "I will." "And promise me one more thing." Avery looked up. "Be kind to yourself." The words caught Avery off guard. She managed a faint smile. "I'll try." ***** Outside, the December air had grown colder. Grey clouds stretched across the London sky, swallowing what remained of the afternoon sunlight. Avery paused on the hospital steps. The doctor had told her not to become emotional. She almost laughed. How was she supposed to do that? Her marriage was crumbling around her. The man she'd loved for nearly a decade had looked at another woman with a tenderness he'd never once shown his own wife. No amount of deep breathing could change that. Drawing her coat tighter around herself, Avery hailed a taxi. ***** By the time she arrived home in Kensington, dusk had settled over the city. Warm golden light glowed behind the windows of the Blackwood townhouse. From outside, it looked every bit the perfect family home. Inside, it felt nothing like one. The sound of laughter drifted from the sitting room. The two live-in housekeepers Lady Blackwood had employed years earlier were enjoying tea together, the television murmuring quietly in the background. Neither woman rose when Avery entered. One merely glanced up over the rim of her teacup. "How did your appointment go?" Her tone carried more curiosity than concern. Avery slipped off her cream coat. "It was fine." She turned towards the staircase. "I asked you a question." The older housekeeper frowned. "You could at least answer properly." Avery didn't stop walking. Behind her, another dismissive voice floated through the hallway. "Honestly." "Carrying the Blackwood heir doesn't make her mistress of the house." The first woman gave a humorless laugh. "She'd do well to remember that." Avery climbed the stairs without looking back. After months of hearing remarks like those, she'd learned that silence hurt less than arguing. ***** Closing the bedroom door behind her, she leaned against it for a long moment. The room was quiet. Too quiet. She crossed to the bed and sat carefully on its edge. This had never truly been her home. The Blackwood family had only accepted the marriage because Lord Blackwood had suffered a serious heart attack shortly before news of her pregnancy. Lady Blackwood had believed the promise of a wedding-and eventually a great-grandchild-might restore his will to recover. Remarkably... It had. Since then, Lady Blackwood had treated Avery with increasing warmth. Everyone else remained politely distant at best. Hostile at worst. Her appointment earlier that day had confirmed one more piece of news. She was carrying a little girl. Lady Blackwood had almost certainly heard already. Her mobile vibrated on the bedside table. Professor James Thornton. Avery answered immediately. "Professor?" "Avery, I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time." "Not at all." "I've just had some unexpected news." She sat a little straighter. "A fully funded doctoral fellowship at Stanford has become available." For a heartbeat, she couldn't speak. Professor Thornton continued, "You were first on the reserve list." Silence stretched between them. "I know you withdrew your application after getting married," he said gently, "but if you're still interested, I can recommend you immediately." Months ago... She would have hesitated. She would have looked towards the future she'd imagined with Adrian. Now... There was nothing left to hesitate over. "I'll accept." The words came quietly. Yet without the slightest uncertainty. Even Professor Thornton sounded surprised. "I see." After a brief pause, he smiled. "In that case, come by my office tomorrow morning. We'll begin the paperwork." "Thank you." "No, Avery." His voice carried genuine pride. "Congratulations." After the call ended, Avery sat perfectly still. Outside the bedroom window, snow had begun drifting gently across the London rooftops. She had spent months convincing herself that everything might change once their daughter was born. Perhaps Adrian would soften. Perhaps becoming a father would finally make him see them as a family. What a foolish dream. Love could never be created by obligation. Nor by a child. Not when it had never existed in the first place. Her phone rang again. Lady Blackwood. Avery answered at once. "My dear," Lady Blackwood said warmly, "we're all having dinner at Blackwood Manor this evening. Adrian will collect you shortly." "I'll be ready." "Good girl." The call ended. Avery showered before changing into fresh clothes. Standing before the dressing table afterwards, she studied the woman reflected in the mirror. Pale. Tired. Eyes shadowed by sleepless nights. No wonder Adrian had looked straight through her this afternoon. She reached for a little concealer and blush. Not to make herself beautiful for him. Only to recognize herself again. A soft pink cashmere jumper. A cream maternity coat. A white knitted beanie. By the time she finished, color had returned to her face. Not happiness. Only dignity. Her phone buzzed once more. Adrian. "I'm outside." His voice was as detached as ever. "I'll be down in a moment." ***** The familiar black Range Rover waited beside the kerb. The very same one she'd watched drive away from the café earlier that afternoon. Avery opened the rear door and climbed inside. The cabin was warm. Almost immediately, she caught a delicate floral perfume lingering in the air. Not hers. A small plush rabbit rested against the passenger-side window. Beside it lay a pink silk hair tie. Neither belonged in Adrian's immaculate car. She didn't ask. She no longer needed to. The drive through London passed in silence. Streetlights reflected across the rain-darkened roads while Christmas decorations glimmered in shop windows. Eventually Adrian spoke without taking his eyes off the road. "What did today's scan show?" "A girl." He gave a single nod. Neither pleased. Nor disappointed. Just indifferent. Several more minutes passed before he spoke again. "When she's born..." He paused briefly. "We'll begin divorce proceedings." The words landed with surprising gentleness. Not because they were kind. Because she'd already heard them in her heart long before he spoke them aloud. Her fingers tightened around her handbag. For a moment she simply watched the city passing outside her window. Then she answered quietly, "All right." Silence filled the car. For the first time that evening, Adrian turned his head and looked at her properly. A faint crease appeared between his brows. He had expected tears. An argument. A plea for another chance. Instead... She had simply agreed. And somehow, that unsettled him far more than resistance ever could.

Adrian studied Avery for a moment. Something about her calm acceptance felt... different. But he didn't question it. Avery looked down at her hands before speaking quietly. "Tomorrow is Monday. If you're free this afternoon, perhaps we could meet with the solicitors and start the divorce proceedings early." She paused. "There's no reason we have to wait until after the baby's born to prepare everything." In England, filing for divorce wasn't something completed in a single afternoon. There would be paperwork, legal formalities, and time before everything became official. If they started now, everything would likely be settled not long after their daughter was born. Adrian's expression remained unreadable. "You don't get to decide the timing." His voice was flat, leaving no room for discussion. Avery simply nodded. "I understand." The rest of the journey passed in silence. ***** Blackwood Manor stood on several acres of private land just outside London, an elegant Georgian estate that had belonged to Adrian's family for generations. The reason Catherine Blackwood had insisted they come that evening became obvious the moment they walked inside. "The baby's a girl?" Catherine's face lit up. "What wonderful news." Richard Blackwood laughed warmly. "Finally. Our family's been overrun with boys for decades." The Blackwood family tree was remarkably one-sided. Adrian's uncle, Charles Blackwood, had two sons. The eldest already had twin boys of his own, while the younger remained unmarried. Adrian was the only child of Catherine's younger son. A granddaughter would be the first little girl born into the family in nearly three generations. Catherine could hardly contain her excitement. "It seems this little one has already brought us good fortune." She smiled toward her husband. "Your grandfather has been recovering remarkably well ever since we knew about the pregnancy." Even Adrian's mother, Victoria Blackwood, who rarely showed Avery much warmth, offered a polite smile. "Congratulations, Avery." Avery thanked her quietly. She understood perfectly well. Their kindness wasn't for her. It was for the baby. Catherine motioned for a velvet jewelry box to be brought over. Inside rested an exquisite antique emerald bracelet. "My dear, this belongs to you now." "Oh... I couldn't possibly." "You can," Victoria interrupted before Catherine could respond. "If Grandmother wishes you to have it, you should accept." The words sounded polite enough. The tone did not. Avery smiled faintly. "Thank you, Grandma." Catherine reached over and gently squeezed her hand. "Look after yourself. Eat well, rest well, and give us a healthy little granddaughter." "I will." ***** Dinner had been planned. Then Adrian's phone rang. Standing alone on the terrace, Avery happened to glance toward him through the open French doors. His expression softened. It was subtle. Almost imperceptible. But she'd never seen him smile like that. "Hello, Anya." His voice carried warmth she'd never once heard directed at her. Avery looked away. She couldn't hear the woman on the other end. Only Adrian's reply. "Don't worry." "I'll come over." "I won't be long." He ended the call. As he turned back toward the house, he found Avery standing near the doorway. Their eyes met. The warmth disappeared from his face instantly. He became Adrian Blackwood again. Cold. Reserved. Distant. Avery forced herself to speak first. "Grandma was looking for you." He gave a brief nod before walking past without another word. Avery stood alone on the terrace. The winter wind suddenly felt much colder. She realized something then. If Adrian ever had children with the woman he truly loved... He would probably be a wonderful father. ***** A short while later Adrian joined his grandparents in the study. Catherine closed the door behind him. "We know this marriage wasn't your choice." He remained silent. "But Avery is an intelligent young woman," Catherine continued. "She's educated, gentle, and devoted to this family. Marriage isn't only about passion. Stability matters." Adrian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Lord Blackwood spoke next. "You're in the public eye, Adrian. A divorce now would invite endless speculation." He folded his hands. "If she hasn't wronged you, there's no need to rush." "Wait until the child is older." Catherine nodded in agreement. "Exactly." "There will be plenty of time later." After a long silence, Adrian finally answered. "I understand." Whether he agreed... No one could tell. ***** Before Avery left that evening, Catherine stopped her near the entrance. "Take care of yourself." "I will." "And another thing." Her voice became more serious. "Being part of this family carries expectations." She looked Avery over thoughtfully. "When I was your age, pregnancy never stopped me attending charity functions or hosting guests." She smiled kindly. "Don't lose yourself simply because you're expecting." Avery understood the message immediately. Catherine wasn't criticizing her pregnancy. She was reminding her that appearance, confidence, and composure mattered in their world. "I understand." This time... She genuinely meant it. Not because she wanted Adrian to notice her. But because she didn't want to disappear beneath the weight of heartbreak anymore. ****** That evening, something unexpected happened. Adrian came home. Avery had just finished reading in the sitting room when the front door opened. She looked up in surprise. "You..." "I've had too much to drink." He loosened his tie as he walked past. "Could you make me something for the headache?" Then he disappeared upstairs to his study. For a long moment, Avery simply stood there. Then she quietly walked into the kitchen. Twenty minutes later, she placed a steaming mug of homemade ginger and vegetable broth beside him. He didn't even look up. Documents covered his desk. His attention never left them. "Thank you." Two simple words. Nothing more. Avery left without disturbing him. Despite sleeping under the same roof... They still occupied different worlds. Adrian stayed in the master suite upstairs. Avery had moved into one of the guest bedrooms months ago. ***** The following morning the house staff prepared breakfast. Adrian noticed something immediately. His shirts hadn't been laid out. His cufflinks remained untouched. And Avery wasn't in the dining room. Usually she handled those things herself. He frowned. "Where's Avery?" Mrs. Harris, the senior housekeeper, sighed dramatically. "I tried waking her." "She wouldn't come downstairs." "We take meals to her room, but she's never satisfied." "It's only pregnancy. Mrs. Blackwood carried children while attending charity galas and managing an entire household." Adrian's expression darkened. "Ask her to come downstairs." "Of course, sir." ***** Mrs. Harris pushed open Avery's bedroom door without knocking. Avery looked up from the sofa. "I thought I asked everyone to knock." Mrs. Harris ignored the remark. "Mr. Blackwood is waiting." Avery stood slowly. Before leaving, she looked directly at the older woman. "I've tolerated your behavior because I want peace." Her voice remained calm. "But don't mistake patience for weakness." "If anyone in this house continues speaking to me disrespectfully, Grandma will hear about it." Mrs. Harris stared. This wasn't the quiet Avery she'd grown used to. After a tense silence, she muttered, "Breakfast is getting cold." ***** When Avery entered the dining room, Adrian was halfway through his meal. She sat several seats away. He glanced briefly at her swollen stomach before speaking. "Mrs. Harris has worked for this family for over thirty years." "You don't need to make things difficult for her." Avery almost laughed. "So I'm the difficult one?" He looked up. "It's a pregnancy, Avery." "You're not incapable." She placed her spoon gently into the bowl. "I never asked anyone to wait on me." "They're free to return to Blackwood Manor if they'd rather not stay." "I've managed perfectly well on my own." That much was true. She cooked when Adrian wasn't home. She cleaned her own room. Most of the staff only pretended to serve her when the family visited. Adrian's brows drew together. "I'm informing you." "Not asking." Avery lowered her eyes. "As you wish." Something about her indifference irritated him more than any argument could have. After breakfast, he instructed the staff to stop waiting on Avery altogether. If she wished to manage alone... She could. Avery simply accepted the decision. It made little difference now. She would be leaving soon anyway. ***** Later that morning, she drove into central London. Her destination was King's College London, where Professor James Thornton kept his office. At just twenty-seven, James had already become one of the university's youngest professors in economics and behavioural finance, earning recognition across both academia and the financial world. Avery stopped outside his office door. She took a quiet breath. Then knocked.