AVERY

I stand up from my desk and start wrapping everything up. It's been a long day with meetings and appointments. The pressure is a bit more right now provided the new hospital opening in Florida and all. As much as I have to work, the outcome is going to make it all worth it, at last.

I have a plan to move to Florida permanently. I don't have anything left here other than the hospital. Once the one in Florida is set up, I won't need to stay here. I can go there. Away from this place which has nothing but sad memories left for me. I just have to wait until the marriage is over... Which is what I want, isn't it?

It's Monday. We haven't talked since Saturday night. Things have been a bit tight between me and Dylan. I can't forget how it felt when I held his hand in mine and he looked at me for comfort. I have been dealing with my share of losses but seeing someone going through the same pain, does nothing but remind you that you're not the only one.

Behind the hard upper countenance that he keeps up, there is a soft side of him hidden, indeed. The side that loves his mother. The one for whom everything isn't a business deal. The one for whom feelings and emotions matter. But why do I care?!

Letting out a long breath, I put my palms on the tabletop and close my eyes. Someone knocks at the door and I turn around to find Stacy, my assistant standing at the door. "Are you okay?"

"Uh yeah... I'm fine," I answer and face her completely. "Do you need anything?"

"I left a file on your desk, did you read it?"

"No. I didn't get any file." I shake my head. "What was it about?"

"About the funding for the government program, " she frowns and walks up to my desk. While removing the things and searching for the file, she says, "I'm sure I kept it here..."

"Let me help you. " I say and start searching for the same. A few minutes pass by when she pulls out a file from one drawer and holds it out for me.

"Here you go. I must have kept it there instead."

I take it from her and say, "okay thanks. When do you have to send it?"

"The sooner the better. Would you mind looking at these right now?"

I glance at the wall clock which says it's 6.30 p.m. Pretty late but I could manage some more time. "Oh...yeah. Sure. I don't have anything to do at home, anyway, " I mutter and nod while walking around to take a seat.

"Okay great. Just make the changes, I'll send them first thing in the morning!" Stacy exits the room as I start turning the pages.

It's a government program which involves feeding and treatment of the stray animals. Something that was much needed. The funding of this programme is being taken care of by an agency. They've sent the offer to a few veterinary hospitals asking for vets who would like to do the job. One team from our hospital is going for it as well.

After making the required changes and filling in the form for the necessities, I close the file and look at the time. It's already 9.00 p.m. I didn't realize how late it was until now.

I hurry up to finish off the stuff as fast as I can and leave. Luckily, Bear is not with me today. Mrs Griffin has become his official caretaker. She loves to play with him as much as he loves her.

It's too late already. I drive as fast as I can. When I reach the house, it's already dark. Mrs Griffin has probably left. I walk up to the front door and enter the code. She gave me the code in case I have to come when she isn't home. Guess that helped. The lock disables and I get in. Even the front end of the house is dark. Locking the door back again, I make my way into the living room. Surprisingly, the lights are on in here. A faint rumbling can be heard from the TV. My eyes fall on the figure lying on the couch.

Taking a few steps towards the couch, I find Dylan, sleeping peacefully. His features are relaxed and soft. He is holding a cushion to his chest with both of his hands. His one leg is straight while the other is bent and rests on the back of the couch. Involuntarily, a smile forms on my face looking at his baby-like face. He barely ever smiles and there is a frown on his head, always.

I quietly open my shoes there and step around towards the stairs. Carefully, enough not to wake him up. He looks so exhausted. Can't blame him though.

I reach my room to freshen up. Bear is sprawled upon the covers in the middle of my bed. After changing into comfy nightwear, I walk back down. I'm sure Mrs Griffin has put some food aside for me. If not, I can put something together, it won't take time.

As I reach the living room, I find the TV turned off and Dylan is no more lying on the couch. Hearing the shuffling noise from the dining room, I step in that direction. In the dining room, I find Dylan laying the dinner table and it looks...special? There are candles spread all over the table and even flowers. What's going on?

"Dylan?" I call, taking a step forward.

"Yes, Olivia?" He answers, with is back still at me. And God! I don't like that name.

"First of, my name is Avery. And secondly, what's all this?"

"First of, your name is Olivia. Avery is your middle name and secondly, this was supposed to be an apology dinner but provided that you took your sweet time showing up, I doubt how much apology is still left in me, " he speaks, still keeping his back turned towards me.

I cross my arms and scowl at the back of his head. "First of, I prefer Avery and secondly, I didn't know you were waiting for me. It's not like we are actually husband and wife."

He spins around suddenly and takes two huge strides towards me, taking me by surprise. He stands right in front of me, looking down. My legs are fixed to the ground. Our chests are almost touching. I can instantly hear my staggered breaths. My eyes are opened wide, staring into his grey eyes. "Mrs Olivia Walker, stop saying we aren't married when we are, legally. We aren't just 'playing' this part. I took the vows and so did you. The sooner you accept it, the better."