The Outsider's Vows

"Do you, David Park, take Avery Downs to be your wife, pledging to stand by her side through all the triumphs and trials of life? Will you cherish her, nurture her dreams, and walk beside her as an equal in every moment of this journey?"

The priest's voice echoed across the picturesque wedding venue, drawing all eyes to the groom. David's gaze locked on Avery, his expression unreadable. The silence that followed felt suffocating, a weight pressing down on everyone as they waited for his response.

David took a deep breath, his voice low but steady.

"I, David Park, wholeheartedly choose Avery Downs as my partner, my friend, and my equal. I vow to cherish her, support her, and-"

Avery's heart hammered in her chest, barely hearing the rest of his words.

"This is ridiculous," she thought. 'We met barely a week ago, and he's giving me a speech about love and commitment?"

Her mind raced, bitterness twisting inside her. She was here, at this altar, not because of love, but because her mother had orchestrated it. An arranged marriage.

David's vow went on, filled with promises she doubted he would even remember a week from now. Avery's eyes flicked briefly over the crowd. There were impressed smiles, nodding heads. She finally found her mother's face, smug and satisfied.

"This is your doing," she thought bitterly.

Her lips curved in a practised smile as David finished his speech. He looked proud, sincere even. But all Avery could think was, "A simple 'I do' would have sufficed." She inhaled sharply, forcing the bitterness down.

'How did I even get here?'

***Two Weeks Earlier***

Avery lay tangled in warm sheets, her fingers brushing through Tiffany's soft hair. The quiet of the room wrapped around them like a cocoon, the aftermath of their lazy morning together. The world outside didn't exist for them here.

"I missed you," Avery whispered, leaning in to kiss Tiffany's bare shoulder. "A whole month without you felt like forever."

Tiffany sighed, rolling over to face her.

"I missed you too. But... there's something we need to talk about." Her voice had a strange edge to it, one that instantly put Avery on alert.

"Go on," Avery said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Tiffany bit her lip, hesitating.

"I've been struggling, Avie. Business is slow, and the bills are piling up. My siblings' tuition, my mom's medical expenses... It's all too much."

Avery blinked, surprised. Tiffany had never asked her for anything like this before.

"You need money?" she asked, her tone soft but cautious.

Tiffany nodded, eyes filling with unshed tears.

"I hate asking you for this, I really do. But I don't know where else to turn. I'll pay you back, I swear-"

Avery silenced her with a kiss, pulling her close.

"Stop. You don't have to explain yourself. You're my partner, Tiffs. What's mine is yours. Don't ever feel like you need to ask for my help."

Tiffany's breath hitched, her eyes searching Avery's for reassurance. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden..."

"You could never be a burden to me." Avery smiled, stroking her cheek. "Transfer what you need. We'll figure it out together."

Relief washed over Tiffany, her eyes glistening with gratitude. She wrapped her arms around Avery, holding her tight. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Avery smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of love bloom inside her chest. But that warmth would soon be replaced with a chill she hadn't seen coming.

Later that day, her phone buzzed in her pocket while she was grocery shopping. Glancing at the screen, it was her dad calling.

It was unusual for her father to call during the day, but what really caught her attention was the second name flashing beside his-Mom. She frowned.

"What does she want now?"

She didn't answer both calls and a few minutes later, her phone buzzed again, this time with a text from her father:

"I just wanted to check on you. Call me when you can."

Before she could even process that, her mom's message followed: "Be home by 6 PM. We have important matters to discuss."

Avery groaned inwardly, already dreading whatever confrontation her mother had in store for her. Her mother only called for "important matters" when she was plotting something.

"It hasn't been up to three months, has it?"

*

"Why are you late?" Mrs. Downs asked sharply as Avery walked into the dining room.

Avery shrugged. "I'm here now. Isn't that what matters?"

"Good evening, Daddy," she greeted her father, ignoring the rest of her family.

Her father's face lit up. "How are you, my girl?"

"I was fine... until now," Avery sighed, her gaze briefly resting on her mother before turning back to her father.

His smile faltered. "My poor baby. Come, have a seat, eat, and you can leave soon."

Mrs. Downs scoffed. "Of course, she can leave after gracing us with her presence."

"Really?" Robert sneered, unable to resist. "Late and dressed like you rolled out of bed. What are you even wearing?"

Avery glanced down at her black cargo pants, white t-shirt, and black flats.

"Something comfortable. Maybe try it sometime, Robert. Or go knock your head on a wall, whichever works for you."

"More like hiding who you really are," Robert shot back. "You're still a loser who's into girls?"

Avery's heart tensed, but she didn't let it show.

"My daughter's sexuality is none of your business," Mr. Downs snapped. "One more word and you're leaving this table."

"Don't shout at my son!" Mrs. Downs interjected. "Why shouldn't he speak his mind? A girl with another girl... it's unnatural."

Avery cut in before her father could react.

"Dad, let them talk." She turned to her mother. "Now, what do you want? You said there was something important."

Dinner arrived, and Avery noticed her plate-broccoli and cauliflower salad, while the rest of the family had pasta.

"Seriously?" Avery muttered, glancing at her mother. "You know I hate this stuff. What's the game now? Mocking me?"

"Grass for the goat," Robert quipped.

"Robert!" Mr. Downs warned.

"Leave him," Avery said, staring at her mother. "You wanted to talk, so talk."

Mrs. Downs smirked, savoring her control. "One word-Tiffany."

Avery stiffened. "And what about Tiffany?"

"We had a deal. I told you if she proved unworthy, I'd intervene. It hasn't even been three months, but it's clear now."

Avery narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"

Mrs. Downs signaled to her assistant-and Avery's ex-Simon. Avery's stomach twisted as Simon handed her his phone. On the screen were photos-Tiffany kissing another man.

Avery's heart sank, but she kept her expression cool. "So?"

"So?" Robert mimicked. "Looks like she found what she was missing."

"These mean nothing," Avery said, her voice steely. "That could be her ex for all you know."

Robert barked a laugh. "Please. You're delusional."

Avery stood, her patience gone. "I don't care what you think. I trust Tiffany and your games won't change that."

Mrs. Downs' voice turned cold.

"As per our agreement, Tiffany has failed. Your match has been arranged. Expect my call soon."

***

Back at her house, Avery immediately called Tiffany and asked that they meet at a coffee shop, saying she missed her.

Avery arrived at the coffee shop first, her nerves frayed. She was sipping a drink when Tiffany walked in-wearing the exact same outfit from the photos.

Her heart clenched.

Avery stood up, her arms already halfway extended in anticipation of a hug. But Tiffany raised a hand, refusing the embrace.

"Hey, we're in public. We can't hug here," Tiffany said.

Avery's smile faltered slightly, disappointment flickering across her face. "But girls hug in public all the time," she replied, trying to mask her hurt.

"I know I'm not just any girl to you, and I know it isn't going to be a regular hug. Let's save it for when we're alone, okay?" Tiffany suggested, motioning toward the empty seat across from Avery.

With a deflated sigh, Avery settled into the seat opposite Tiffany, watching her order a drink with a practised ease that felt all too foreign now.

"So, how was your day? How did you spend it?" Avery asked, forcing a smile.

Tiffany took a moment to consider before replying, "Oh, I was at home all day. Although, I did visit my mom at the hospital. How about you?"

A wave of sadness washed over Avery upon hearing Tiffany's response. It pierced her heart, scattering the last piece of trust she had left. Tiffany was lying.

"Oh, that's nice. My mom wanted me to join them for dinner, and as expected, drama ensued," Avery confessed.

Tiffany's brows furrowed. "Really? What happened this time?"

"Honestly, it was about you," Avery hesitated, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air.

Tiffany's eyes widened in surprise as she reached across the table to grasp Avery's hands. "Is she still pressuring you?"

Avery took a deep breath, her voice tinged with sadness and frustration.

"Of course. I still have to prove you are a worthy partner."

"But it hasn't even been three months, has it? And what did she do to you?" Tiffany pressed, concern etching her features.

"She said there's no point in me proving anything because she has proof that you are unworthy."

Shock flooded Tiffany's face. "What does that mean?"

Avery let out a deep breath, feeling a pang of regret for the way this conversation was unfolding. Confronting Tiffany wasn't what she had envisioned.

"Well... she showed me these videos of you kissing a man and it made me question... 'us'."

"So, you got upset?": Tiffany scoffed.

"They were definitely pictures of me with my ex. I can't believe your mom would go through such lengths to dig up my past just to ruin things between us, and even more, I can believe you believed her!" Tiffany exclaimed, frustration creeping into her tone.

"The dress you're wearing now is the same one from the picture. That means the picture was taken today," Avery revealed, her heart racing as she spoke.

Tiffany's expression faltered, her body sinking back into her seat. "Oh..." she murmured.

"I just need an explanation, Tiffany. I need to understand why you would lie to me. My heart is heavy with confusion," Avery responded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"I can't believe you, Avery. After everything we've been through, after all our precious moments, you're suspecting me?" Tiffany's voice quivered with hurt.

"I am only asking for an explanation. Or is that too much to ask?" Avery replied calmly.

"If you're asking for an explanation, it means you're doubting me. I can't believe you're really doubting me! What happened to trust?" Tears welled in Tiffany's eyes.

"Stop it, Tiffs. I should be the one sad here. I should be the one tearing up, not you. I trust you, and that's why I'm asking for an explanation like a normal person, instead of jumping to conclusions."

"That means you don't trust me!" Tiffany cried.

"Tiffs, stop the emotional blackmail! All I did was ask a simple question!" Avery raised her voice.

"Now you're even shouting at me?" Tiffany began to cry, and Avery felt embarrassment wash over her as they attracted the attention of nearby customers. Just then, Tiffany's phone beeped twice, and she paused her sobbing to check her message. The moment she saw the message, her entire expression shifted.

The tears vanished as a sinister grin spread across her lips.

"I slept with a man, and so? Our sex has always been boring. I had to fake orgasms a million times with you because you lack the ability to please me.

What's a woman without a man? Only a dick can make me feel like a real woman, not Avery's fingers and tongue.

You have no idea how much I dislike seeing you naked. I hate performing oral sex on you; it repulses me to the point of nausea. I hate fingering you. I hate it when you have an orgasm. I hate kissing you.

You're not even that attractive. Every single aspect of you disappoints me. You disappoint me. Even your body shape irritates me. You should be grateful your mom wants to set you up with a man.

Do yourself a favor and get plastic surgery if you want to keep him. Oh wait... you're broke now and can't afford it. Too bad for you," Tiffany smirked.

Avery was taken aback. Did she hear Tiffany correctly? Is this the same Tiffany she made love with yesterday? No way.

"Tiffany, is everything alright? Is the stress from your family getting to you?" Avery asked, her voice trembling as she fought back tears. It was hard to believe that her Tiffany could speak so harshly.

But Tiffany scoffed.

"Family? What a joke. I meant every word I said. This relationship is a dumpster fire, and I was only using you," she declared, rising from her seat.

"I can't believe you're speaking to me like this," Avery cried.

"You're no better than toxic garbage. Go get a damn life!" Tiffany spat, leaving the coffee shop and leaving behind a stunned Avery.

Avery sat there, crying her heart out, struggling to breathe through the sobs. Many eyes were on her, but she didn't care. She had never felt this betrayed in her entire life, not even the day her mom kicked her out of the company.

A waiter tapped her shoulder and handed her a tissue.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but the other customers are complaining," the waiter said politely and Avery understood the message.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, leaving the coffee shop.

Tears streamed down her face as she walked down the street when a car honked at her from the side. "I'm not in your way!" she yelled, drawing attention from onlookers.

The car parked, and a man emerged from the driver's seat.

Avery sat in the passenger seat, her tears flowing freely, creating a stark contrast to the crisp, tailored navy blue suit of the man beside her. Simon, with his perfectly groomed dark brown hair and chiseled jawline, exuded an air of calm that only intensified her turmoil.

"Get in," he had said earlier and guided her into his car without a word of protest from her.

"Avie..." Simon finally broke the silence, but his gentle call only made her tears flow harder.

She had been crying since she got into the car.

"It's okay to cry..." he murmured, his hand resting gently on her thigh. "Everything will be fine..."

"Those are empty words! Everything will not be fine! This life sucks! Nothing goes the way I plan, every single time. Just when I thought I had found love..." The pain in her voice was palpable, choking her as she recalled the hurtful words that had pierced her heart.

"Avery, take a deep breath. She isn't worth the tears," Simon urged, his voice soft yet firm.

"No one understands me and I feel so alone in this world," she confessed, her heart heavy with frustration. "My dad tries, but my mom makes it so difficult. Everyone always has something negative to say about me. They judge me because I'm bisexual." Her voice trembled with hurt.

"Their words should not define you. It's your right to love who you love. Your sexuality is a part of who you are."

Avery looked at him skeptically, doubt clouding her mind.

"Really? Because I remember how hurtful your words were when I broke up with you three months ago. I fell for Tiffany, and you insulted me for leaving you for a girl."

Guilt washed over Simon as he lowered his gaze.

"Avie, that was a difficult time for me. I had genuine feelings for you. Seeing you move on so quickly shattered my heart. I know I said things that were completely out of line. I'm truly sorry."

"It's not that easy, Simon. Your words cut deep. You told me I wasn't as beautiful as I thought, that there were countless girls better looking than me. Do you have any idea what that did to my self-esteem?"

His expression turned to one of regret. He hadn't realized the impact his words had left on her.

"Avie-"

"Don't apologize, Simon!" she yelled, startling him. "Did my mom send you to spy on me? To report back on how miserable I am? Let her know that Tiffany and I are over. I'm sure she'd be thrilled to hear that her daughter is once again on the verge of depression."

Avery folded her arms tightly across her chest, retreating into her thoughts. Simon's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he wrestled with how to handle the situation.

Minutes passed before they arrived at her house. Avery muttered a quick "Thank you for the ride" and stepped out, avoiding Simon's gaze.

From his car, he watched her struggle with her door.

"Do you need help?" he offered, stepping out of the car.

"Somebody changed my PIN," she replied, frustration lacing her words. "I can't get in."

"Are you sure you know the correct PIN? Maybe you mixed things up?"

Avery sighed, reaching for her phone to access her security system. Her heart sank as she discovered she had been logged out.

"Are you serious?" she exclaimed, showing Simon her screen.

"What about your fingerprint? It should still work, right?"

"It's been deleted from the system," she said, disbelief etched across her face.

Simon's expression hardened. "We both know who's responsible for this."

Avery nodded, her mother's power evident in the cruel act. The condo Avery stayed belonged to her mom, and she has access to it just like Avery did.

"You should call her," Simon suggested.

"And beg that witch? Hell no!" She turned back to Simon's car. "Please drive me to a hotel."

He dropped her at the hotel, and Avery approached the reception desk, ready to pay for a room. Her heart sank when the transaction was declined.

"Insufficient funds? That can't be right!" she exclaimed, checking her account balance. To her shock, she found three million dollars had been transferred to an unfamiliar account.

Suddenly, she remembered-she had entrusted Tiffany with her bank password and card details.

"How could I have been so foolish?" Avery berated herself.

She recalled Tiffany's demeanor had changed after receiving a message back at the coffee shop and concluded she must have received her share that moment.

Frantically, she searched her pockets for spare change but found only twenty dollars. Frustration consumed her as she left the hotel. She was completely broke... under three hours.

Sorrow weighed heavy on her heart.

Her mother's warning about Tiffany now seemed justified.

She had no place to go, and her pride wouldn't allow her to call Simon. If she did, he'd send her money or offer to pick her up, but that felt too humiliating.

"What does Mom hope to gain from locking me out?" Avery scoffed bitterly, her voice breaking as she shouted at the empty street, "You've won, Mom! And you suck!"

Heads turned, confusion and concern filling the air.

"Is she okay?" "Did she escape from a mental institution?" she heard. But she didn't care; she had bigger problems.

Taking a deep breath, she reached for her phone, dialing her friend Jennifer's number. The call went straight to voicemail. Frustration washed over her as she remembered Jennifer mentioning a business trip. Now, she was truly stranded.

Go home? Hell no!

Avery made her way back to her house, seeking solace on the veranda.

***

The bright morning light stirred Avery from her restless slumber. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, a figure loomed over her. Her mother, Emily.

"You slept here on the porch last night?" Emily asked, disbelief evident in her voice.

Avery let out a soft sigh, pushing herself up from the hard ground, every muscle aching.

"Why didn't you just come home or call one of the drivers to pick you up?"

Avery scoffed, walking past her mother. "And give you the satisfaction of seeing me miserable? No thanks. I'll take my chances out here."

"He's perfect, Avery!" Emily shouted, stopping her in her tracks. "The man I found for you... He won't disrupt your life. He's hardly ever home, always at work, so you won't have to see him all the time. You won't have to share a room, and in a couple of years, you can even start a family.

Plus, no cooking or chores for you, and you get to keep living your carefree life as long as you don't tarnish his reputation."

Slowly, Avery turned to face her mother.

"Whatever. We had a deal, right?" she said, resignation lacing her voice. "And I don't go back on my word, so do as you please. Just let me know the wedding date, and I'll be there."