SYDNEY DECIDED TO let Ethan and Emily stay with Sofia.
They always got excited for her and Gavin’s anniversary celebrations, but, there was nothing to celebrate this time. She didn’t want to upset them more than they already were.
When she pressed her thumb on the fingerprint reader, it read, ‘unrecognized’
Her brows squeezed together. Had Gavin refused her access to their home? She had as much right to the house as he did.
The only way he’d have a full right to the house was if they divorced and she didn’t recall agreeing to the divorce.
Again, she tried her thumb print but it didn’t budge.
Groaning, Sydney took out her phone to call Gavin before she could call him, the door opened.
Avery stood by the door when she saw Sydney, a huge grin spread across her face.
” I didn’t expect you to return from your voyage with your lover,” Avery said in a voice laced with condescension.
Sydney wore a frown. She couldn’t still believe Avery could turn her back on her. However, she chose not to let Avery see her weakness.
” What are you doing in my home, Avery?”
Avery laughed mockingly, ” Isn’t home a bit too exaggerated? Well, get used to seeing me here every day because I’ve come to stay.
Sydney followed Avery as she walked into the house.
Had Gavin run mad?! How could he bring an outsider to their home when they were married and had kids? Didn’t he consider the children’s feelings?
” Avery get out of my house.”
Avery halted; her lips were curved into a wicked sneer when she turned to Sydney.
” No can do. Gavin gave me rights to this house. It’s my house, too, and I won’t leave, so get that into your head.”
Hurt filled Sydney; she could barely hold her emotions when she said, ” That doesn’t give you the right to deauthorize my access to the house.”
Avery folded her arm around her large chest.
” Get used to losing what you have honey. This house would run on my rules; as far as I know, you are partially divorced from Gavin. He divorced you long ago because he doesn’t love you. He loves me and the sooner you sign the divorce papers, the sooner you’ll get to live in peace.”
Sydney put her emotions aside and firmly said, ” Stay in this house as long as you want but you are nothing but a concubine. I’m Gavin’s wife, I’m the mother of his kids and everyone knows me as his betrothed.”
Avery’s jaw tightened. How dare she say such a thing!
” I’m not his concubine Sydney.”
Sydney scoffed. ” I’m sorry, his bed warmer, his mistress, his prostitute. Which do you prefer? I think everything would suit you.”
Avery walked to Sydney, maintaining stern eye contact.
“In case you do not know yet. I’m carrying Gavin’s child. ”
Sydney’s eyes widened in bewilderment. Gavin got her pregnant? No, it couldn’t be. Avery had deceived her for many years; they were no limit to what she was capable of doing. Even if she was pregnant, how was she sure it was Gavin’s when she had also been sleeping with Aaron?
” You are lying. I know you’ve been sleeping with Aaron, too; it must be his child.” Sydney challenged.
” I know you wouldn’t believe me. Luckily for you, I have a paternity test to prove it.” She walked to the coffee table and took an envelope then handed it to Sydney.
” Check for yourself. I’m three weeks pregnant and the paternal test confirms Gavin is the father.” Avery explained as Sydney read through the papers in awe.
It was true, she was carrying Gavin’s child. Sydney shut her eyes, trying to quell her pains.
She opened her eyes, a hard expression was now on her face.
She threw the papers on Avery and said, ” This changes nothing. It doesn’t make you less of a concubine. You’ll never bear Gavin’s surname, not when I’m alive.”
Sydney walked out of the living room with grace. Avery watched her leave. Since when did Sydney gain so much confidence?
That didn’t matter, Avery knew exactly what to use to bring her back to earth again.
______________
The only place Gavin didn’t grant Avery access to was his bedroom, which infuriated her, especially knowing Sydney still had access to it.
When Gavin returned home, Avery was making dinner. She saw him and ran to embrace him in a hug.
He didn’t hug her back.
” I could get used to seeing you every day.” Avery smiled.
Gavin pulled her away gently and headed for the stairs, ” I’m tired, Avery; I need a nap.”
Avery followed him and blocked his path. ” I’m making dinner, you should eat.”
” I’m not hungry.”
That was the lousiest excuse Avery had ever heard. As far as she knew, Gavin was a glutton.
Gavin tried to walk past her but she blocked his way. He looked at her with a tired look.
” Move out of the way Avery.” He worded.
She smirked ignorantly and wrapped her hand around his neck then stood on her toes to kiss him.
She mumbled on his lips, ” I want you, Gavin.”
He held her waist and pulled her away. ” Not now, I’m not in the mood. I need to sleep.”
She didn’t want him to go up to Sydney. She wanted to see the look on Sydney’s face when she caught them making love but Gavin wouldn’t give in.
She squirmed in frustration as he walked up the stairs. It was Sydney and Gavin’s anniversary, what if they made up because of it?
There was nothing she could do but just hope they would never make up.
Gavin noticed the LED ceiling had changed into something more mother-nature-like when he entered the room. It reminded him of Sydney’s mother.
His lips curled into a weak smile remembering her. He took Ashley like the mother he never had. It was sad he couldn’t save her from her husband, she threatened to kill herself if anyone reported Caleb to the cops.
Gavin woke up from his reverie when he heard mumbling coming from the bathroom.
Was he hearing things or did Avery invite anyone to his home? But, he didn’t give her access to his room.
Gavin walked to the bathroom door and peeked through the small opening.
His throat turned dry when he saw Sydney naked as she stepped out of the bathtub holding her phone to her ear.