Chapter 6 Avery's hand trembled as she signed the divorce papers . Her tears fell , staining the contract . Ivy's lip curled in disdain . " How pathetic . You love Elijah with everything you have , yet you can't even get him to look your way . " Edwin's gaze softened with a hint of pity . " In the end , it's our family that owes you . What kind of compensation do you want in return ? " Choking on her tears , Avery whispered , " I just want one last week with Elijah . Can I give this to him after that ? " " Fine . " The moment Avery stepped out of the room , everything came crashing down . She broke into uncontrollable sobs , her body trembling from the torrent of emotions . After three agonizing years , she finally held the divorce papers in her hands . She had braced herself for a battle , but the ease with which it unfolded left her stunned . Tears streamed down her cheeks , and her heart pounded in her chest . Moved by her pain , it seemed the heavens had finally given her a chance at a new beginning . In one week , her contract with Walter would come to an end . After that , everything would be over . Avery took a deep breath , trying to steady herself . All of a sudden , the sound of moaning echoed from the room beside hers . " Eli , please ... Be gentle . What if someone hears us ? " Lara protested half - heartedly , her voice thick with longing . " So what ? Who would dare say a word ? " Elijah's answer slipped out in a low , magnetic rasp . His voice was heard through the thin wall , cutting into Avery's ears like a cruel echo . Soon , Lara's moans intensified , rising alongside the ceaseless banging of the door . This room was supposed to be Avery's bedroom in the Tarver residence , yet they had converted it into a hideaway for their affair . Avery let out a bitter laugh . Just as she was about to turn and leave , the door swung open . Despite being caught in the act , Elijah showed no sign of panic . It didn't matter that his wife had just discovered him . Chapter 6 He merely frowned at Avery , clearly annoyed by the interruption . " What are you doing here ? " From inside , Lara's sweet voice rang out . " Is that the maid , Eli ? Could you have her bring me a dress ? " Elijah's frown deepened , but before he could say anything , Avery quickly said , " I'll get it for you , Ms. Womack . " Ignoring Elijah's piercing stare , she stepped into the bedroom . The bed was messy , with damp patches still visible . Avery walked steadily toward the wardrobe , acting as if she hadn't seen a thing . She took out a gown and handed it to Lara . The moment Elijah saw the dress , his heart skipped a beat . It was the apology gift he'd given Avery after forgetting their third wedding anniversary . Back then , he had been too busy cozying up to Lara . How could Avery just hand it over like that ? As Elijah's eyes fell on the handprint on her cheek , he knew without a doubt that Ivy had struck her . Today , his immature actions had been nothing more than a deliberate attempt to provoke Avery . Even after enduring Ivy's cruelty and seeing his betrayal with her own eyes , Avery still chose to forgive him . Just how far did her love for him go ? Elijah's heartbeat faltered . With a pained expression , he silently left the room . All the while , Avery didn't once look his way . Lara took the dress and slipped it on . " If we were back in the old days , I'd say you were boldly flaunting your arrogance . " Avery stared at her , confusion flickering across her face . " But now ... I don't think that's it . " Lara crossed her legs , a teasing smile playing on her lips . " Because I don't see even a flicker of love in your eyes . " Avery froze , trying to recall the expressions of the couples around her . But as she sifted through her memories , she was surprised to realize none of those looks matched Lara's . She looked up at Lara , her mind clouded with a swirl of thoughts . Chapter 6 3/3 With a cryptic smile , Lara turned away from the window and jumped down . " Ah ! Eli , save me ! " she exclaimed . Avery's mind went blank . Before she could move , the door behind her was flung open . " Lara ! Somebody help ! Call a doctor! " Elijah roared , panic etched on his face . But the instant his bloodshot eyes met Avery's , they transformed into a raging tempest of disdain . " You've certainly got a lot of nerve , Avery , " he hissed . " Playing the forgiving angel must've been exhausting . You'd better hope Lara's alive . If she isn't , I will make sure you live with the consequences forever . " Chapter 7 Chapter 7