THE DOCUMENT ON THE TABLE
Richard did not raise his voice.
That was how Avery knew he was furious.
He stood from the head of the table, buttoned his tuxedo jacket, and said, “Avery, step into the study.”
The guests pretended not to listen.
Celeste followed with the calm face of a woman who had already chosen the punishment.
Inside the study, a legal document waited on the desk.
Avery looked at it.
“What is this?”
“A simple agreement,” Richard said.
Celeste closed the door behind them. “For everyone’s comfort.”
Avery picked up the first page.
Public conduct clause.
Non-disclosure agreement.
Voluntary separation of marital assets.
Temporary residence waiver.
Her eyes lifted.
“Residence waiver?”
Richard’s face was stone. “This house belongs to the Whitmore estate. If Mason chooses to reconsider the marriage, we need things clean.”
Avery almost laughed.
Clean.
That was always their word for cruel things done with good stationery.
“Mason knows about this?”
Celeste answered too quickly. “Mason is exhausted by your instability.”
“My instability?”
“You embarrassed us at dinner.”
“I told the truth.”
Richard stepped closer. “You married above your station, Avery. That requires discipline.”
Something inside her went very quiet.
The girl who used to apologize too quickly disappeared.
In her place stood Graham Caldwell’s daughter.
Avery placed the papers back on the desk.
“I’m not signing this.”
Celeste’s eyes sharpened.
“Then you leave tonight.”
Avery looked at her.
“In the rain?”
May you like
Richard opened the study door.
“In whatever weather you brought upon yourself.”
