Chapter 83: Rumbling Storms and Silence

Avery.

Was.

Over.

The.

Moon!

She couldn't help it anymore. Her feelings had to be expressed. They had to be known! The world had to hear it! She resumed her pacing, encircling the room. "Oh, this is wonderful! Glorious! Majestic!" 

Oh, the feeling of euphoria. Would she ever get enough of this? Maybe she over thought it but who cared? Her son opened his outer walls to someone, a step into the right direction. Even if it didn't blossom into a full romantic relationship—

Who was she kidding? It could totally blossom into a romantic relationship. She hoped for it so she might as well stay optimistic! 

"Mrs. Hathaway…?" Eve asked after some time. The conversation rotated on a total of 360° and flowed out this sudden energy. Safe to say, she felt a bit lost on the situation.

"Oh, Eve! Hello!" Avery said, remembering herself. She halted in her steps. "Where were we again? The security team! Right, right, right. I'll see if I can figure out something soon and send it to you. It's better to handle it early. I'm sorry I overlooked it."

The taunting note Ambryan left pierced through her. Now, she understood why. 

"No, it's alright!" Eve reassured her quickly. "It wasn't in my mind either. A security team for Evangeline would be excessive if I spent most of my time in the office. She wasn't in public a lot."

Avery bit her inner cheek. They had planned for Evangeline to have more projects only to keep up the pretense of her modelling career. Things changed during the launch party because of her performance, attracting several brands. Then, it changed again when she and Yan left the party together. 

They had expected the public interest but her favorable impression escalated it. She had intrigued them through her video promo. She had done it again when she approached the infamous CEO. Their interaction caused a storm.

Instead of catching interests once, she had done it twice—doubling the amount of attention.

Pressing her lips together, Avery heaved a sigh through her nose. It would be best if they stayed low for a while. Their moves had to be better calculated this moment forward. That missing security team proved their lack of preparedness for this. 

Eve simply exceeded their expectations. Now, they had to go back to the drawing board.

"I initially wanted you to get a new project soon but I think you should be out of the public eye for, at least, 2 weeks," Avery spoke. "Don't even go out with Yan. Just stay in touch through the app and build a bond."

"Is that going to be okay? Wouldn't it affect Cale's job?" Eve frowned. Her manager's smiling face appeared in her head. She had wanted to do her best at the party. Giving back their efforts, patience and encouragement by gaining new projects.

It seemed like that wasn't the soundest decision. 

Avery smiled, feeling Eve's genuine concern. It was touching that this young woman cared about them when they were the ones who dragged her into modelling. The one to face the most consequences was her and not them.

Yet, that wasn't even on her list of concerns.

"Cale is handling more than one model. None of them could even be jealous when he spends more time with them than with you. He already explained that this is not your full-time job so that the agency could back off a bit. It's not uncommon at all for a beginner model to have another job."

"Besides." She chuckled. "I'm sure they would also agree to it since you're now public with Yan. The masses need to calm down for a bit and absorb that."

Eve nodded meekly. "Alright. I'll focus on work."

She wasn't that experienced in this field. Avery definitely knew better than she did. 

"Yeah, get your normal life back. I'm sure you'd love some peace of mind."

'A normal life? What was her normal life?' Eve questioned. What did she do on weekends again? They had been eventful for the past three weeks. A relaxing one should be a good break. Maybe she and Andie could spend some girl time together. 

Thinking about it more… she found herself looking forward to this.

Eve stood up, heading for the bathroom. "Thank you, Mrs. Hathaway. I hope you have a good night."

"Oh, no worries, Eve. I'm just glad you're safe. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something had happened to you because of this. " 

Avery's eyes clouded as the call ended. There it was again, the same ominous feeling that this wouldn't end well—as if this was only the calm before the storm. They had been lucky all this time. They needed a better plan, especially for when it all ended.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

She frowned. That… that had to be a coincidence. It wasn't a sign or anything—nor was her thoughts a trigger for consecutive rotten events. She shook the thought out of her head and finished drying her hair.

It was time to retire for the night.

…

…

…

…

…

Stormy clouds roamed over Maize City. Its inhabitants had enjoyed their warm summer days. It had been more than a month since they saw any hint of rain. They began to miss it. Spending time in pools was fun but… they'd love to enjoy its cooling experience in the comfort of their homes. 

Mother Nature seemed to have answered their call. 

It was a complete downpour, reaching beyond the city's borders.

Raindrops pattered on the roofs and on the pavements. They created a low humming melody for residents. It promised soothing sleeping conditions. It enveloped them in comfort like a lullaby for deep slumber. 

Avery rustled in her sleep. She turned over to her side and took a deep breath. Her hands tugged the warm blanket, wrapping it around her tighter. She nuzzled her head against the pillow and searched for a good spot.

The rain tapped against her large window. They dripped down the side, racing for the ledge. The clouds hid away the stars and the moon. They coated her room in complete darkness. 

Her dreams offered the opposite. They basked her in light and sweet scenes—where Yan was still a child. Although they had different tastes for fun, she always accompanied him. They completed puzzles and read the same books.

She missed those times.

Out in the hall, shoes thudded softly on the wooden floorboards. They squished with each step. The storm drenched them in rainwater. They proceeded carefully and tried not to leave a trace of wet footsteps. It wouldn't be good if someone slipped and fell.

A door creaked.

Avery's eyes snapped open. Darkness consumed her vision. She gripped the blanket. Her heart raced inside her chest. She heightened her hearing, trying not to alert the intruder. The latch of the door locked in place.

She held her breath.

The storm resounded in the distance. 

Wet shoes continued on their journey. Each step barely touched the floor. Their destination wasn't far. Gloved hands clenched into fists. The leather fabric crinkled against the silence. 

Lightning flashed from the window.

Avery jolted up. The light left as soon as it came. She gulped as cold fear shrouded over her head. Goosebumps crawled on her skin. She felt the person's looming presence. Blood drained off her face, coloring her lips blue.

Thunder reverberated outside.

Her heartbeat followed its rhythm.

...

...

...

...

...

The footsteps ceased. 

Only the sound of the storm could be heard. 

Avery whimpered under her breath. Her hands shook on the blanket. How did this person find her? Scratch that, how did the person enter her house? Where were the servants? Were they alright? The still quiet opened her imagination to endless horrors and possibilities.

Something heavy hit the floor.

She gasped. Her head whirled from left to right, searching for the source. Should she move? The intruder probably saw her on the bed and probably headed for it. But, she knew this room like the back of her hand. She could escape. 

Yes, she could do this.

Avery climbed out of bed. She put her feet on the floor, one foot at a time. She stood up and tested the floorboards. When she didn't hear a creak, she stepped forward. Her chosen route avoided the intruder based on what where she estimated he'd be. 

Lightning shot out of the sky. 

Glaring eyes snapped towards her. 

Avery screamed, backing away. Chills shivered down her spine. She tripped over her feet and landed on the floor. She heard him advance. Not giving up, she scrambled over the floor and inched towards the balcony doors.

Adrenaline pumped in her blood. 

She had to get away. The bushes would cushion her fall. Anything would work as long as her life wouldn't end through the hands of this man. 

It was brief but she made out his silhouette. He wore a trench coat. A round object dangled from his hand—as if holding a head by its hair. It dripped on the floor and left a trail on its path. The rain picked up its pace, muffling other noises.

Another lightning streamed behind her. 

The tip of a pointed object gleamed.

An ear-splitting shriek drowned under the thunder.

"AAAAAAHHH…!"