DYLAN

"Does she know about your mother?" Dad asks in a serious tone, as he brings the glass of wine to his lips. He has an intense expression on his face. And that light-hearted, casual expression left pretty much as soon as Mom left with Avery to show her the house. Pursing my lips, I shake my head.

"She doesn't have to," I answer quietly. I could feel the lack of determination in my voice. Especially because, I am not sure of what I just said. However, I know that involving Avery and telling her about my mother will only complicate things. Moreover, there is a chance of Mom finding out about this whole thing. Which is absolutely the last thing I want.

"She is your wife!" By the way, he snapped, I can infer that he is furious. But sticking to my plan, I dont flinch. Instead, I look at him with a blank face, giving nothing away. Ever since the wedding day, I've tried quite a few times to tell her but it's ridiculous to think she would help me. That woman literally, hates me. I can't blame her for that, can I? I've been behaving like an asshole towards her. Even after turning her world upside down.

"I know..." I sigh and sit back. My father is now sitting straight up, with his jaw tight, shooting daggers at me through his eyes.

"That girl agreed on that silly agreement. Maybe she is being profited by this but no amount of money can be compared to something as precious as marriage!" Damnit! He doesn't know this is not Julie. He wasn't there when Mr Simpson came to me with the proposal of switching bride thing. He was with Mom. Nor did I get time to tell him. For me, all that mattered at that moment was Mom's wish being fulfilled. Shit! I should have thought about it.

"She is not Julie." Holding my breath, I wait for his reaction.

"What?" His voice comes out in a mere whisper. He is looking at me with a confused expression on his face.

"I know I should have told you before but... She is not the girl I was supposed to marry. She is not the one with the business."

"I thought you made that vet thing up so that your mom doesn't doubt."

I shake my head, " no, she is a vet. She is Julie's cousin."

"Where's Julie, then?" He leans forward and keeps his glass, still containing wine, on the table and gives me his full attention. I dont know why but I can't seem to look at his face while saying this. Maybe because I realize how fucked up this sounds.

"She eloped on the wedding day. Mr Simpson then told me that Julie's cousin was ready to marry me instead. " I look up from my lap at him then look away. "At that time all that mattered to me was getting married. I couldn't tell mom about the bride eloping 'cause then I had to explain everything else."

I remember almost freaking out for a good five minutes. Though I managed to keep it inside, I did freak out as hell. The worst part was that I knew Julie personally. I haven't dated girls in a long time but I liked Julie enough to pretend we're happily married for these three months. But when they told me about her cousin, I had no idea who she was. What she was like.

Every thought blurred out the moment I saw that beautiful brunette walking down the aisle, in a white lacey wedding dress, towards me. Looking link an angel, stealing every last breath. I've never felt as mesmerized by someone as I was by her.

I kept thinking it was just mere physical attraction, as I should have had for a woman and it would go away pretty soon but even the way she glares at me all the time, pulls me towards her some more.

"She didn't even put any amount on that agreement, " I inform him. He knows everything about the agreement and even the amount that Julie put in. So, of course, it was needed to be mentioned. He goes silent for a second, soaking in the new information while I can't seem to divert my mind which keeps picturing Avery's face.

"She did so much, selflessly, and you don't even think she deserves to know the reason?!" He snaps. Oh Damn! He is right!

"I...yeah, " I sigh.

Taking in a deep breath, he puts one hand on his knee and looks up at the stairs. "Look son, " he turns his attention back at me and continues, "marriage is a big thing. It isn't just about two signatures. It's about the faith of spending your life with someone."

"It isn't the same..."

"I know but what about her thoughts on marriage? Did she want to do this? Or was she pressurised? Do you know any of the answers?" I look down ashamed of how complicated things have become because of me. I definitely, took advantage of her.

"I'll tell her today..." I say. I might not be fully confident in telling her everything but just as much as she needs to know. She is still a stranger to me. I can't trust a stranger completely.

***

They come down the stairs and hell if I look at something other than how hot she looks in that red slack. Her hairs in curls are resting on one side of her shoulder, cover the upper part of her breast. She is smiling but something is off about that smile. I look at my Mom, who is beside her, still talking enthusiastically while Avery observes her. As they reach the end of the stairs, I go and put my hand around her waist.

Mom might wonder why we aren't staying close to each other. Of course, It's not like I want to be stuck by her side. Like I couldn't care less for her if it wasn't for my mom. I think...

"We should get going, I guess, " I say. Avery tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and looks at me. There is something different in the way she looks. Something...something which isn't hatred. In fact, quite opposite. As if she is searching for something in my eyes. "You okay?" I ask, unable to stop myself.

She nods and looks away hastily. She seems to be lost in thoughts. And not the pretty ones for sure. This is getting me worried. Did I do something wrong?

"Are you coming here with Bear tomorrow?" My Mom asks holding out both her hands for Avery, with a broad smile.

"Yes, I am." She smiles cheekily and reaches out to hold Mom's hands. They hug each other tightly. Whereas I and Dad are standing behind observing them. I wasn't afraid of them getting along 'cause my mom is a very friendly lady and as much as Avery hates me, I know for sure that her hatred is directed just towards me with no hard feelings for my parents.

"Who is Bear?" Dad asks.

"My dog."

"Her dog." We both reply, simultaneously.

"Oh Great."

After hugging both of my parents, we leave. Right from the moment we step out of their house, I start feeling it. As if although physically she is sitting right beside me in the car, her mind is somewhere else. Only sparing me some hooded glances, she keeps looking out of the window.

It's raining outside and only the blurred lights of the city are visible. Her fingers lay interlocked in her lap. The lights fall on her face, making it look even more beautiful. One lock of her hair is falling on her face, gently guarding her heavenly profile. For the first time since the last week, the urge of touching her is starting to build on me.

I dont realise how much time I spend staring at her face until we are pulling into the driveway. Just as the car stops under that shade, Avery doesn't waste a moment before jumping out of the car. As if she is running away from something. Now, no matter what she says, I need to know what's bothering her.

I hastily unlock the door and run to catch her. She is already into the house, hurrying towards the living room when I call, "Avery!" She stops in her tracks but doesn't turn around. I stride up to her side so that I can see her face. Her head is tilted down and her hands are clutching her purse tightly in front of her. "What's wrong?" I reach out to hold her hand.

She doesn't flinch, nor does she withdraw her hand. She just looks up with watery eyes, sucks in a deep breath and says, "this marriage was because of your mother, wasn't it?"