❤️
When I woke up again, it was already in the afternoon. As I sat up on the bed, I noticed I wasn't shivering anymore and the violent coughs had already stopped.
Though the fever wasn't really gone, I was feeling much better than I did in the morning. I pulled off the already dried rag from my forehead before standing up.
I went to the living room and noticed it was empty, Diana must have left already. She did so much in taking care of me so I decided to at least thank her.
I picked up my phone and was about to dial her number when I noticed notifications from the chat group I was in with Savannah and Jenny. Seems like they had left a lot of messages for me in the morning.
"I can't believe your father would do that to you. I mean, how can a father call his child crazy just because you want to put yourself first?" Jenny's text read.
"I mean, isn't what they always wanted. They've always made you feel unwanted all your life, putting someone who isn't even related to them before you. I thought they wanted you out and Riley in as their biological daughter." Savannah texted with an angry emoji.
"I know it must be hard seeing something like this from your own father and being an outcast to your own family... but please, don't forget you still have us."
"Yeah... we are your family too and you know you can come to us whenever you need a shoulder to cry on." Seeing their texts and missed calls, I couldn't help but get teary.
Even if my family and mate didn't want me, I realized that there are people that still cared about my wellbeing amd are willing to put my needs first.
I couldn't help but feel grateful to them for not letting me be on this lonely and painful ride alone.
"Thank you so much guys. I really wouldn't have been able to go on without you." I typed, as I sniffed away my tears.
"Don't say that baby. We know how strong you are so even without us, you would still go far." Savannah replied.
"True and just for the record, your family and that mate of yours don't deserve you. If they think you would be easily replaced by someone like Riley or any one at all, they are very wrong." I smiled bitterly.
If only that was true.
It was very easy for my mother to forget I existed when Riley took my place. The only reason I'm here is because my father values blood over any other form of relationship.
He needs me to take over as his heir but still wouldn't acknowledge me as someone that also needs his care and affection.
I'm just tired, tired of trying to win them over, tired of trying my best to let them finally see me as their daughter, tired of hearing that damned family name.
I'm already used to the fact they they will never love nor care about me even just a little bit so there's no need to feel hurt about them anymore.
"You are smart, beautiful, caring, strong and the most hardworking lady I have ever met and Riley can never achieve even half of what you have." Jenny texted, making a smile appear on my face.
"They will regret their decision later. No amount of Riley can ever catch up with our Avery." My smile brightened upon seeing that text from Jenny.
As always, my friends were able to cheer me up. As I closed the group chat, I noticed another text, from Albert this time.
"Hello Avery... How would you like a future cooperation with the Sanders Corp?"
My breath hitched upon seeing the text. Did he just ask for a business cooperation? That means I don't need to have that date anymore.
I felt my heart thmp against my chest in happiness. This is going to really benefit my company but first, I need to play it cool. I can't let him know how excited I am.
"You'd be cooperating with a crazy lady. Aren't you worried?" I texted back.
He sent a laughing emoji, then; "Don't worry, your beauty is enough distraction to cover up that issue. I'm sure no one would really think that far." I chuckled when I saw his reply.
He really has his way with words. I knew he was trying to help brighten up my mood and it worked.
"Alright then.."
Then, we began texting about plans for the cooperation. The chat became more professional with the both of us sharing business ideas with each other.
"You're good, very good and I know I'm not going to regret this decision." He complimented.
"I'll do my best so you won't ever regret it in future." I answered, still upholding my professionalism.
"I know Avery. On that note, how about that date?" The formality of his words were gone by the time he sent that text.
I stared at it silently, not knowing what to say. I couldn't reject him now or he would realize the only reason I agreed in the first place was so I could get the business cooperation from him.
I also couldn't accept him because I wasn't interested in him. The only thing to do was to leave him in the middle.
"I'll think about it." I texted before ending the chat.
Just then, my doorbell rang. I walked over to answer to who was there but upon opening the door, I couldn't find anyone. Was it a prank? Who would prank someone in a penthouse?
I was about to go back in when I noticed the brown paperbag resting on the floor close to my door. I picked it up and checked it's contents only to find more drugs in it.
They matched the ones that the doctor had prescribed to me so I figured it should be from Liam because it was only Diana, the family doctor and him that knew I was sick.
Also, it made sense that he would leave the drugs here without seeing me. I picked up my phone and dialed his number.
"What is it?" His rather annoyed voice came in.
I rolled my eyes and; "Did you send me any drugs?" I asked as I placed the paper bag on the table.
There was a brief pause at his end, then; "No." He muttered in a curt manner before hanging up.
I stared silently at my blank phone, feeling a tinge of disappointment. What really was I expecting?
I sighed and dropped my phone. I was about to go freshen up when I heard the doorbell again. Who's it now?
With a frustrated look, I opened the door. My eyes widened when I saw him standing in the small hallway with a worried look on his face.
"Liam."
TBC