Chapter 2
966 Words
“I need to see Mrs. Cole,” Avery said to the receptionist, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes. 2 pm.”
“You must be Raye Vaughn!”
“Yes.”
“She’s expecting you. Second floor. The first office on the right.”
“Thank you!” Avery smiled and strode toward the elevator, her heels clicking against the polished tiles.
Life in Boston wasn’t easy—but it was hers. In just a month, the silence had become familiar. The loneliness, bearable. Freedom was finally starting to feel like home.
She was still learning to say it without flinching—Raye Vaughn. Carter Smith’s ex-wife. CEO of Vaughn Interiors. A woman no longer living in someone else's shadow.
The elevator doors opened with a dull chime. Avery exhaled sharply as she stepped inside, the air cooler than she expected. Her reflection in the mirror walls looked too calm to match the storm still brewing quietly beneath her skin.
The seconds dragged. She tapped her fingers against her bag impatiently, waiting for the doors to open again.
The metal parted.
“Finally,” she muttered and scampered into the hallway.
“Avery?” A voice called.
Avery turned, but the hallway was empty. Just her nerves playing tricks. She quickened her steps.
“Avery!” The voice rang again, louder.”
A man was running toward her now—tall, familiar.
“Atlas?” she whispered, lips parting in disbelief.
‘He remembers me.’
The young man stood before her. His brown eyes could melt a million hearts. His smile—sharp canines and all—was unmistakable. The same lips that had kissed her for the first time, ten years ago.
“Hey!” the handsome man breathed, still wearing a smile.
Avery didn’t utter a word. She stood still, unable to bat an eyelid.
“Avery, it’s me. It’s me, Atlas!” the man said, waving his hands.
Avery startled.
“Huh, A-tlas?” she stuttered, eyes twitching in surprise and denial. “You remember my name?” She whimpered. She’s dazed that the movie star remembered her.
“Yes, I remember everything,” he said, then smirked. “Like how you used to Google Vin Diesel’s pictures when you thought no one was watching.”
“Oh my god!” Avery let out a chuckle and grabbed her face, as her cheeks burned.
“I’ve been looking for you, Avery. I searched everywhere, I couldn’t find you.” Atlas said and pulled Avery into a warm hug.
“I thought you forgot me forever,” Avery whispered, and a streak of tears fell from her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Atlas said as they extricated from the hug.
“What happened?”
“After the accident, when I was diagnosed with amnesia, I went for a couple of therapies, and it’s still a miracle that I got my memory back. I searched for you thereafter, but I couldn’t find you. I came to your house, and the neighbours said you and your parents had moved to a new town. Your number was not going through, and there was no way I could get in touch with you.”
Avery bit her lip, the ache behind her eyes blurring Atlas’s face. Words jammed in her throat, the kind that used to come easy.
“Uh, wow. Atlas.” A smile glided on her lips. “I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything, just punch in your number,” Atlas said, pointing his phone at Avery.
Avery hesitated for a split second. She scoffed and took the phone. She glanced at Atlas’ anxious face before typing her number.
“There you go.” Avery breathed, giving him back his phone. “I need to run now. I have an appointment.”
“It’s fine. I will give you a call.”
“Glad to see you again, Atlas.”
She turned and walked away, leaving him with a sheepish smile and eyes that lingered long after.
FLASHBACK (Ten years earlier)
“Thanks for the food,” the boy mumbled, already turning to walk away, eyes fixed on the ground.
“Do you have parents?” Avery blurted before she could stop herself.
The boy paused.
“Sorry,” she added quickly. “It’s just… that building’s falling apart. You could get hurt living there.”
She barely knew him—just that they went to the same school. He wore the same torn shirt almost every day. And kids avoided him because he smelled.
“I don’t have parents,” he muttered. “That place is the only roof I’ve got.”
His fingers clenched around the food she’d handed him.
“Hey,” Avery called. “What’s your name?”
“Atlas.”
“Well, Atlas… my parents won’t be home till five. Want to come in? Shower. Fresh clothes.”
Atlas hesitated, biting his lip.
“Your opinion doesn’t matter,” Avery said, grinning. “You smell like s**t. Get in.”
Atlas burst out laughing.
“Yeah… that’s true.”
****
Avery dashed into the bathroom and leaned over the sink, retching. Everything she’d eaten poured out in waves, splashing against porcelain. Her stomach twisted like it was trying to wring itself inside out.
She gasped and fumbled for the tap. Then turned to the mirror. Scattered hair. Red eyes. Dry lips. And a swollen face. This was the third time in twelve hours.
She didn’t need a doctor to confirm what she already feared.
She didn’t even need a pregnancy test.
“God,” Avery whispered, cupping her face with trembling hands. “I hope it’s not what I’m thinking.”
- Writer
