Husband With Benefits
Chapter 665: Fear

Chapter 665: Fear

Ava left the café, the woman’s words echoing in her head. As she walked down the busy street, her thoughts spiraled. The fear of her past being revealed gnawed at her, more intense now than ever before.

The last week had been magical. She’d never felt so cherished or even loved in her life. She knew of course Erasmi didn’t love her, but she also knew that he cared for her and even valued her. And as she’d basked in that feeling, she’d forgotten the fears that she had kept locked inside.

Ava could still feel the woman’s grip on her wrist, a chilling reminder of the power she held. She had to find a way to stop this, to protect herself and her new life. She thought of Erasmi, again. When she’d discovered the way he had punished those who had offended him. How would he react when he discovered her own deception. That she wasn’t as upright and honest as he believed her to be?

Would he believe her? After all, that woman had not been lying.Even though she had not planned everything in the same sinister way that she had mentioned, everything had indeed turned to be well in her favour. And when presented in a way coupled with her past, even she would have found it difficult to believe herself.

She stopped at a park bench and sat down, burying her face in her hands, trying to think. There had to be a way out of this. Some way that could save and not let everything be destroyed.

How could she have been so careless? Letting herself believe, even for a moment, that she could outrun her past? She had known better, always kept her guard up. But Erasmi had made her feel safe, had given her a sense of stability she hadn’t felt in years. She had let her guard down, and now she was being asked to pay the price.

Could she come clean to Erasmi. Maybe if she told him everything, she would be able to explain everything. He might even believe her. But even as the thought entered her mind, she dispelled it.

No, coming clean to Erasmi wasn’t an option. His sense of honor was too rigid, too unforgiving. The risk was too great. She couldn’t bear to lose Caius. And she couldn’t bear to lose... Erasmi.

If only, she had insisted on signing the pre nuptial agreement then everything would have been okay. She wouldn’t have to worry about losing Caius...What was she supposed to do?

Ava took a deep breath and rose from the bench, forcing herself to move forward. She walked home in a daze, her mind racing with a mix of fear and uncertainty. At least for now, she’d managed to dodge the bullet and convinced her that she needed some time to think this through.

When she finally reached home, she hesitated for a moment at the door, gathering her composure. Pushing it open, she was greeted by the warmth of the house and the familiar scent of home.

Suddenly, she was held from behind and as she felt Erasmi’s scent around her, she felt herself relax. As he turned her around, kissing her slowly, she felt herself forgetting all about her fear and melting into him.

As he pulled back, he looked into her eyes, concern flickering across his features. "How did the job interview go?"

Ava shook her head dejectedly, not trusting herself to speak.The worry must have shown in her eyes because Erasmi immediately pulled her into a comforting hug.

"It’s okay," he murmured into her hair. "There must be other better options for you."

Ava nodded against his chest, even as she felt a pang of guilt.

Erasmi pulled back slightly, studying her face. He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a file, extending it to her with a gentle smile.

"What’s this?" Ava asked, not making a move to take it.

"It was a wedding gift," Erasmi said, his eyes twinkling with affection." but things changed so quickly that I forgot to give it. I planned to give it back when we came back, but then you had this job interview lined up and you were so excited about it..."

Ava’s heart skipped a beat. She took the file with trembling hands and opened it slowly, her eyes scanning the contents. It was a deed to the biggest commercial building in town.

"Erasmi, this is..."

"Its for you. I know you were planning to start your own business before you fell sick and then everything came crashing down. So, now that everything is back on track, I think you can consider re-starting everything..."

Ava felt tears welling up in her eyes. The gesture was so thoughtful, so generous. So...trusting. She shook her head," I cannot take this. I didn’t marry you for your money, Erasmi. Or for what you could do for me. I... cannot take this."

Erasmi smiled, his eyes softening as he cupped her face in his hands. "I know, Ava. But this isn’t about money. It’s about giving you the opportunity to pursue your dreams. I want you to have the freedom to be who you are meant to be."

Ava felt a lump in her throat, the weight of his words settling heavily on her heart. She wanted to tell him everything, to explain the turmoil inside her, but fear held her back. How could she risk losing this, losing him?

"I don’t know what to say," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You’ve given me so much already."

Erasmi pulled her into another hug, his embrace warm and reassuring. "Just say you’ll think about it. No pressure, no rush. I believe in you, Ava. Whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you."

And those words which should have comforted her, given her hope for the future, crushed her, settling into her heart like a stone.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Ava made a silent vow to herself. She would find a way to protect this happiness.

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