claws , filed her teeth .
Tamed her .
Shes a bird in a gilded cage .
I woke up with a gasp , my back drenched in sweat .
The wind howled against the windowpane , breaking the spell .
It had been a dream .
Id never met anyone as repulsive as Ethans father .
The thought of his taming philosophy made me sick to my stomach .
It was still afternoon .
Id slept for three hours .
Sixteen missed calls from Ethan < I called him back .
Before I could speak , his frantic voice filled my ear .
Why didnt you answer ? You saw him , didnt you ? What did he say ? Are you leaving me ? Are you going to call off the wedding ? Stop .
I interrupted , exasperated .
I was asleep .
Thats all .
Silence .
Then , a small , broken voice .
Avery , Im scared .
The raw fear in his voice sent a wave of protectiveness through me .
Dont be .
I sighed .
Hes your father , but hes a stranger to me .
I trust you more .
Okay ? He didnt reply , just whispered , Avery , I need to see you .
Ethan picked me up .
He pulled me onto his lap the second I got in the car , holding me tight , his face buried in my neck .
Dont believe him .
Dont believe a word he says .
Okay .
I stroked his hair .
I only believe you .
He looked up , tears clinging to his lashes .
My coaching had paid off ; he was finally expressing his emotions .
He mumbled , Please dont see him again .
I was so scared … when you didnt answer … I thought I was going to die … Dont say that .
I covered his mouth .
Youll live to be a hundred .
He blinked , momentarily stunned .
I smiled , stroking his hair .
If you dont want me to see him , I wont .
I only met him because of you , anyway .
Ethan , have some faith in yourself .
| took his hand .
I dont care what anyone else says .
I trust what I see , what I hear , what you tell me .
Youre amazing , Ethan .
Youre brilliant .
Remember that .
وو Ethans insecurity ran deep .
I didnt know what had happened in his past , but he was terrified of being unlovable , especially in romantic relationships .
He constantly second- guessed himself , convinced I would leave .
I complimented him constantly , on everything from his looks to his intelligence , even the shape of his fingernails .
Confidence was the key .
I wanted him to relax , to enjoy our relationship , not constantly worry about pleasing me .
く Ethan , Im an adult .
I can make my own decisions .
I wont let some strangers words change how I feel about you .
I hugged him .
I love you .
And I can tell you that myself .
And youre so … incredible , I wouldnt want to let you go anyway .
وو His eyes sparkled , brighter than any diamond .
The coldness that had clung to him was fading , replaced by something warmer , more human .
He wasnt that brittle , broken man anymore .
I was finally getting through .
I knew Ethans childhood must have been difficult , but I was still shocked when he confessed he hated his name .
He blamed me for coming between him and my mother .
He named me Ethan , hoping Id die young .
r Ethan … a name that meant strong , enduring .
His father had wanted him dead from birth .
How could anyone be so cruel ? I squeezed his hand .
But your mother loved you .
No , she didnt .
He gave a bitter laugh .
I trapped her .
She wasnt like you , Avery .
She was … traditional .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Believed a womans place was at home , even with her education .
After I was born , her rebellion became … pointless .
She couldnt leave me , but she couldnt give me the life she wanted on her own .
So she gave up .
دو His voice was thick with pain , his eyes shimmering with unshed tears .
My heart ached for him .
That wasnt your fault , Ethan .
Your fathers sins arent yours to bear .
I held < him close .
Youre amazing , Ethan .
Your mother would be so proud of you .
He gave another sad laugh .
Only you think Im good .
Thats why … Avery , youre all I have .
He hugged me tighter .
You cant leave me .
Please .
Ill go crazy .
The harassing emails started a few days later .
I briefly considered confronting Ethans father .
How much hatred could one man hold to try and sabotage his sons happiness like this ? I took a deep breath and deleted them .
They were mostly threats , interspersed with pictures of my exes , detailing their various misfortunes , warning me to stay away from Ethan .
I was too busy with wedding preparations to care .
We hadnt talked much .
So , when his assistant called , frantic , saying Ethan had attempted suicide , it didnt register at first .
Then the world went ice cold .
Ethan had seen his father just before .
I didnt know what hed said , but it had pushed Ethan over the edge .
Hed slit his wrists .
Theyd found him in time .
I huddled in the waiting room , clutching a shawl , my teeth chattering .
What kind of father did that to his son ? He knew Ethan was fragile .
When they wheeled Ethan out , he was pale , an IV dripping into his arm .
All the healthy color Id coaxed back into his face was gone .
I sat beside him , staring , until he woke up .
His eyes found me , his voice a dry rasp .
Avery .
I didnt respond .
I called the doctor .
When he was finally alone with me , I stood by his bed , silent , watching him .
The fear in his eyes was palpable .
Please … yell at me .
Hit me .
Just … く 33 dont be like this , Avery .
Dont ignore me .