Chapter 2 An Agreement Of Three Months

Upon Averie's arrival at the Fowler Group, Theo courteously led the way, saying, "Mrs. Fowler, Mr. Fowler has been expecting you for some time."

Averie gave a nod and followed Theo into the elevator.

As they reached the CEO's office, Theo knocked and opened the door.

Averie, already nursing a swollen ankle from an earlier fall, stumbled as she entered. Losing her balance, she unexpectedly fell against a broad chest.

Looking up, she saw Brayden, his face showing a mix of annoyance and concern.

Knowing Brayden's particular dislike for untidiness, she realized he must detest the lingering smell from her recent cleaning.

"I'm sorry," she muttered, stepping back. She didn't notice Brayden's frown deepening as he saw her swollen ankle.

Averie then watched Brayden quietly instruct Theo, who nodded in understanding.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss about the divorce?" Averie asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Despite her faded feelings, Brayden's commanding presence was hard to ignore.

"Let's talk inside," Brayden said, turning to enter his office.

Averie shot him a cold glance. Brayden's demeanor was unchanged. He was confident, composed, and unyielding.

The moment she stepped into the office, Theo shut the door.

"Have a seat."

As usual, Averie sat down in front of Brayden.

Looking at the property transfer contract before her, she felt a hint of surprise.

"Did you forget to print the divorce papers? Don't worry, I've got them right here." She reached into her bag, pulling out the already prepared documents.

As she offered one copy to Brayden, his large, distinctly jointed hand halted her.

Averie paused, momentarily taken aback, and then firmly placed the divorce papers back in front of Brayden.

Brayden, with a squint and a mocking tone, questioned, "Divorce?"

He observed his usually docile wife, sensing an unfamiliar change in her.

The emotions hidden in her eyes were a mystery to him, leaving Brayden feeling unexpectedly out of his depth.

"I didn't call you here to talk about divorce," Brayden said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"And what then?" Averie asked, her eyes narrowing slightly, a coldness touching her beautiful features.

"You want a divorce? Who said I agreed?" Brayden retorted, arching an eyebrow.

"Mr. Fowler, you must be joking. It's my right to seek a divorce, isn't it?" Averie replied, her smile hiding the absence of any real warmth toward Brayden.

Brayden's frown deepened, a sense of irritation washing over him.

He had never imagined his marriage with Averie would reach such a point.

He spent years coming to terms with Averie being a part of his life, even letting her have his child.

After the kidnapping, he wanted to make things right with his wife and had picked out several properties for her to choose from.

But he was shocked when his usually quiet wife boldly threw a divorce agreement at him.

"You really want a divorce?"

"I'd rather we wrap up the divorce today." Averie couldn't take it anymore.

"Fine." Brayden, looking at her clenched fists, wondered what was bothering him.

He was clueless.

"So, you're agreeing to the divorce? Or just to get the paperwork done now?" Averie couldn't tell if it was just her imagination, but she sensed the man's hostility fading.

"We can get divorced, but not sign the papers yet." He glanced at Averie with a frown. "The Fowler Group is just getting back on its feet. I can't risk its future."

Averie said with a hint of detachment, "The Fowler Group's problems don't really involve me, right?"

Once, Brayden and the company were everything to her. But now, they meant nothing.

"I'll make it up to you," Brayden said, his expression turning serious.

"Fine, I want three million," Averie blurted out, thinking of her mother's hefty medical bills. Despite the company's recent stabilization, this was a reasonable request for the Fowler Group.

"Alright. You have three months," Brayden declared, setting a deadline. "To the outside world, we'll still act as a married couple. After three months, we'll divorce."

"Okay," Averie agreed, a bit surprised.

She had expected Brayden to be in a hurry for a divorce, not to ask for another three months.

But what was three more months, after waiting three years for him? Besides, this would help pay for her mother's treatment.

On her way out, Averie bumped into Theo, who was just about to knock.

"Mrs. Fowler, are you leaving already?"

"Yes." She nodded and continued on her way.

"Mrs. Fowler, please take this," Theo said, offering her a sprain ointment.

"What's this?" Averie asked, accepting it.

Taking a glance at the man seated in the office, Theo gestured toward Averie's ankle.

"It's... It's for you. I noticed you were hurt. Please use it," he explained.

"Thanks," she replied gratefully.

After leaving the office, Averie headed back to her apartment for some rest. She planned to visit Brayden's residence the next day to collect her things.

Her intention was also to retrieve the savings she had amassed as a makeup artist, stored in her bedside table.

Her mother, who was recovering in Haeidith, had no source of income. That was why Averie felt compelled to handle property matters at the company, despite wishing to avoid Brayden.

The next day, Averie arrived at Brayden's home where the butler welcomed her respectfully.

She moved upstairs to the guest bedroom without a word.

During their marriage, Brayden and she rarely shared a bed, spending most nights apart.

She packed only a suitcase in the guest bedroom, taking a few clothes and bank cards, and leaving behind anything that reminded her of Brayden.

As she passed the master bedroom with her suitcase, something she left there came to mind.

After a moment's hesitation, she opened the door to the master bedroom.

Brayden had no idea that Averie had been tidying his room all these years.

She knew about his strong need for cleanliness.

Every time, she meticulously washed his clothes several times and sterilized the tables and cabinets until she felt at ease.

She did this because she fell in love with him when she first saw him injured for protecting her in Haeidith.

When the Briggs family took her to Nolens and she saw Brayden, she immediately recognized the young man she had been through tough times with in Haeidith.

When the opportunity arose to marry him as a substitute for her elder sister, she agreed without hesitation.

Sadly, Brayden didn't remember her.

Their marriage ended after three years.

"Who's in my room?" Brayden's voice echoed from outside the door.

Why was he home at this time? He was usually at work.

Averie's expression turned somber. She quickly opened the door to leave but found herself face-to-face with Brayden.

Confronted with Brayden's stern look, she felt like she was caught in the act.

"I'm sorry. I was just gathering my things. I'll leave immediately," Averie explained, trying to step past him.

But in the next moment, Brayden grabbed her forearm.

In the dim light of dusk, their close proximity felt strangely intimate.

"Are you that eager to leave?" Brayden's eyes dropped, a hint of recognition in his gaze.

"Yes, I am," Averie replied calmly.

Brayden's grip on her arm tightened.

"Mr. Fowler..." Averie resisted his approach.

She found this man puzzling.

When she was in love with him, he remained distant and silent. Now, when her feelings had faded, he was clinging to her.

"You really want to leave?" Brayden whispered near Averie's ear, his breath warm. "Wouldn't you worry about me letting your sister stay here?"

"It's your house. You can invite anyone you like," Averie retorted with a sneer.

As she picked up her suitcase to leave, Brayden's voice followed her. "I don't force people out. As long as you're Mrs. Fowler, you're welcome here."

She didn't respond, and just quickened her steps.

Reaching the gate, she noticed Brayden coming after her.

"Need a ride?" He glanced from her suitcase to the Maybach parked nearby.

Averie simply shook her head and walked away quickly, suitcase in hand.

She didn't see the intense look Brayden gave her as she left.