I woke up to the beautiful sight of Avery lying next to me. She looked peaceful, like an angel. Her chest was rising and falling with every breath, and her lips were slightly parted. I stared at her face for a while, feeling a strange flutter in my chest. It was a feeling I had never felt before, and it made me happy and scared at the same time. I didn't want to disturb her, so I slowly slipped out of bed. The floor was cool beneath my feet as I walked across the room. I was wearing only my boxers, and the morning air was a bit chilly. I shivered slightly as I made my way to the sitting room. As I entered the sitting room, Liam and Jason stopped arguing and looked at me with mischievous grins on their faces. They were sitting on the couch, surrounded by empty beer bottles and pizza boxes. The room was a mess, but I didn't care. I was used to their messes. "Speak of the devil," Liam said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The playboy has finally graced us with his presence." I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in amusement. "What's going on here?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. Jason, ever the instigator, chimed in, "We're just discussing the finer points of your love life, Ethan. Or should I say, lack thereof." I chuckled, playing along with their antics. "Ah, you mean the endless stream of ladies dying for my attention? The constant broken hearts and shattered dreams trying to own this fine specimen?" Liam snorted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You make it sound like you're a curse, Ethan." I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "All you have to do is tell them what they want to hear, and they're putty in your hands." But as I said the words, I felt a pang of guilt, a nagging sense that I was being dishonest, not just with them, but with myself. Because the truth was, since I'd met Avery, I hadn't been interested in anyone else. She had awakened something in me, something real and raw and beautiful. My friends continued to tease me, their words a gentle hum in the background as my mind wandered back to Avery. I decided to check on her, make sure she was okay, and see if she wanted to grab some breakfast. As I walked back to the bedroom, I was surprised to find she wasn't there. I looked around, thinking maybe she'd gone to the bathroom, but she was nowhere to be found. A faint sense of unease crept up my spine, like a whisper in the dead of night. I didn't have time to dwell on it, though. My phone started ringing, and it was my little sister, Emily. I sighed, wondering what she wanted. Hope she doesn't want to convince me to let her join us on the vacation, I thought. Her words won't change my mind. I picked up the call, ready to tell her what's on my mind, but then I realized she was crying. "Em, why are you crying?" I asked, my tone softening and my senses on high alert. The next thing she said shocked me, made my heart skip a beat. "Mom's been involved in an accident, Ethan. She's in the hospital." My world came to a standstill. Mom? In an accident? I rushed out of the house, dialing the phone to arrange for a flight. I had to get to New York, to my mom's side. As I waited for the car to arrive, my mind was racing, a jumble of worst-case scenarios and what-ifs. What had happened to Mom? Was she okay? Would she... The questions swirled in my head, a mix of fear and uncertainty, as I stood there, frozen in shock, waiting for the world to come crashing down around me. I felt like I was in a nightmare, and I couldn't wake up. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, but I was trapped in a dark, cold world of fear and uncertainty. The car arrived, and I jumped in, my heart racing with anxiety. I couldn't wait to get to the airport, to get to my mom's side. As the car sped through the streets, I felt like I was on the edge of a cliff, staring into the abyss. What was waiting for me at the other end? Would my mom be okay? The car pulled up to the airport, and I jumped out, my heart racing with anticipation. I had to get to my mom's side, no matter what.

Ethan's POV

I arrived in New York, the city's familiar skyline a blur as I rushed through the airport. I hailed a taxi to the hospital normally a driver would have been waiting for me, but since I came back in a rush I didn't contact him to pick me up. We sped through the streets, my heart racing with every passing minute. As we arrived at the hospital, I rushed into the building I saw my dad and sister Emily outside the emergency room, their faces etched with worry. "How is she?" I asked, my voice shaking. Dad's eyes were red-rimmed, but he managed a weak smile. "She's still unconscious, but the doctors said she'll be fine." I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. We waited for what felt like an eternity, the silence between us thick with unspoken fears. "But how did accidents happen?" I asked my dad "She was on her way to Harrison Luxury Events she had an early meeting, when a drunk driver bumped into her car." my dad explained with a calm demeanor. "So what about the driver" I asked "he wasn't injured, he has been arrested." Better that he was arrested if I had laid my hands on the bastard he would have been in the ICU not in jail. Finally, after an hour of waiting, Mom woke up, her eyes fluttering open. I felt a sob catch in my throat as I rushed to her side, hugging her gently. "Mom, I'm here," I whispered, trying to hold back tears. Emily rushed immediately to call the doctor. The doctor came in, his expression reassuring. "She needs to rest, but she's stable. The scans are clear, and she's lucky to have avoided any serious damage. We need to keep an eye on her and make sure she gets plenty of rest." As Mom drifted off to sleep, I turned to Dad, my eyes asking the question he knew I was too afraid to ask. "She'll be okay, son," he said, his voice low and steady. "She's strong." I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. My parents' love was the stuff of legends, the kind of love that made you believe in fairy tales. I hoped to build something like that with Avery someday. But then I remembered I hadn't told her what had happened, hadn't had a chance to explain before rushing off. I wanted to call her, but then I remembered I didn't have her number, and I had no way of getting in touch with her. Jason and Liam her already made their way back to New York I am sure they would be here soon to check on my mom, I left in a rush I didn't even inform them, but they found out after the news of Mom's accident had spread on the news and social media and so now I was left with no way to reach Avery. Five days passed, and Mom was discharged from the hospital. I spent two days with her, trying to make sure she was comfortable and settled. But as soon as I could, I headed back to Willow Creek, determined to find Avery and explain why I left without saying goodbye. I arrived in Willow Creek, my heart racing with anticipation. But as I drove to the diner, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. I pulled up to the diner, and that's when I saw it. The sign was still there, but it looked...different. The lights were off, and the doors were locked. I tried the handle, but it was locked. I knocked on the door, hoping someone would answer, but there was only silence. I looked around, feeling a growing sense of unease. Where was everyone? I spotted Mrs. Jenkins, a neighbor, watching me from across the street. I approached her, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mrs. Jenkins, where's Avery?" Her expression was somber, her eyes filled with pity. "Avery's gone, Ethan. Her grandmother passed away, and she left town haven't seen her since then."She said, "Nobody here in Willow Creek knows her whereabouts " I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the air knocked out of me. Gone? What did she mean? I stumbled backward, feeling like I'd lost my footing. Avery was gone, and I had no way of finding her. No I won't give up on my only shot at finding true love, I would search for Avery no matter what it's takes.

Avery's POV 

I stood in Grandma's room, surrounded by the familiar scent of her perfume and the memories we had shared. The soft, golden light of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. I felt a lump form in my throat as I took in the familiar sights the old wooden dresser, the comfy armchair, and the bed where Grandma had slept for so many nights. The creaks and groans of the old house seemed to whisper her name, and I half expected her to walk through the door, a warm smile on her face. The air was thick with the scent of old books and lavender, and I could almost hear the echoes of our laughter and tears. I sat on her bed, feeling the softness of the mattress and the familiarity of the blanket. I closed my eyes, and for a moment, I could almost hear her gentle voice, whispering words of comfort and love. As I sat there, my eyes fell on the drawer where she kept her important stuff. I remembered the letter she had mentioned in her note, the one she wanted me to read after her funeral. I opened the drawer, my heart racing with anticipation, and found the letter folded neatly inside. I could perceive the smell of cinnamon and cloves on the paper, and the ink was still shining bright like it was written this morning, the words were beautifully, written in Grandma's distinctive handwriting. I unfolded the letter, my hands trembling as I began to read. My dearest Avery, If you are reading this, then I am gone. I know I never mentioned your dad, and that's because I was angry. He broke your mother's heart and married someone else. Though, a year after her death, he sent me a letter apologizing, saying he did it to protect her. His parents had arranged a marriage for him, and when he refused because he loved your mom, they threatened to cut him off. But then they threatened to cause harm to your mom and me. He knew they weren't bluffing because he knew what they were capable of. I wrote back to him and told him that your mom was late, but I didn't mention you. I was scared he would take you from me. I know I was selfish, but you were my only family, and I just couldn't let you go. A few days ago, I wrote to him and told him about you. I know if he gets the letter, he will come for you. Please go with him, Avery. You deserve a chance at a better life. With all my love, Grandma I finished reading the letter, my eyes welling up with tears. I felt a mix of emotions - shock, anger, sadness, and confusion. Why had Grandma kept this secret from me? Why had she never told me about my dad? As I stood there, trying to process everything, I heard a knock at the door. I wiped my tears, wondering who it could be. I wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door, and my heart skipped a beat. A tall, handsome, elderly-looking man in his late forties, wearing an expensive black suit, stood at the door. His green eyes, identical to mine, sparkled with a mix of curiosity and sadness. He had a strong jawline and a chiseled nose, and I could see the lines of age etched on his face. "Can I help you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The man looked at me, his eyes scanning my face, taking in every detail. "Avery?" he asked, his voice low and husky. I nodded, feeling a shiver run down my spine. Who was this man? "I am Richard Windsor," he said, his words like a thunderclap in my mind. "I am your father." I stumbled backward, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. My father? The room started spinning, and I grabbed the doorframe to steady myself. I could feel my heart racing, and my breath caught in my throat. Richard Windsor took a step forward, his eyes filled with concern. "Avery, are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of worry. I shook my head, trying to clear the fog. This was my father? The man who had broken my mother's heart? The man who had married someone else? I looked at him, really looked at him. He had the same green eyes as I, the same nose and lips. I saw a resemblance to myself, and it was like looking into a mirror. I felt a strange sense of connection, like a thread had been pulled tight, connecting us. "I...I don't know what to say," I stammered, my voice shaking. Richard Windsor smiled, a sad smile. "You don't have to say anything, Avery. I just wanted to meet you, to see you." I stared at him not saying a word, everything happening felt like a dream I was just trying to process it's all.