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The room falls silent. I hold my breath, watching Avery intently. She hesitates, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her head. The crowd starts to murmur, and I feel my palms grow sweaty.
Come on, Avery. You've got this.
And then, as if a switch has been flipped, I see her transform before my eyes. She stands taller, her chin lifting slightly. This is the Avery I know - the one who challenged me at every turn, who fought tooth and nail for her community. The woman I fell for, hard.
Her voice rings out clear and strong. "Yes, I would be honored to accept this role."
My heart soars. I didn't even realize how much I wanted - needed - to hear those words.
She continues, her eyes blazing with that familiarfire. "I promise to keep this development on the right path for our city and community. We have a unique opportunity here to create something truly beneficial for everyone, and I intend to see that through."
Her gaze finds mine again, and we share a smile. Just like that, all my nerves evaporate. In that moment, I know we can do this. Together.
"Thank you, Ms. Bennett," the board member says, sounding impressed. "We look forward to working with you."
I can't take my eyes off Avery. God, she's amazing. How did I ever think I could do this without her?
I turn back to face the board members, my heart still racing from Avery's acceptance. The chairman leans forward, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"Well, Mr. Stone," he says, "it seems you've really put in the work to address the community's concerns. We're impressed."
The other board members nod in agreement, murmuring their approval. I clear my throat, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish.
"Thank you, but I can't take all the credit," I admit. "If it weren't for Avery leading the charge, I might never have seen just how amazing this community is."
I pause, thinking of all the times Avery challenged me, pushed me to see beyond profit margins and blueprints. "She opened my eyes to the heart of Worcester, to the people who make it special."
The chairman chuckles, a knowing look on his face. "Sounds like you needed someone to stand up to you, Stone."
I can't help but laugh along with him. "You have no idea, sir."
As the laughter dies down, the chairman calls for a vote. My pulse quickens as hands raise one by one. It's unanimous.
"Congratulations, Mr. Stone," the chairman announces. "Your development plan is approved."
The room erupts in applause. Board members stand, shaking my hand, patting me on the back. But all I can think about is Avery. I need to see her, to thank her.
I turn around, scanning the crowd for her familiar face. My stomach drops.
Where is she? I crane my neck, searching desperately. But Avery's gone.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Victor
The last personfiles out of the town hall, leaving me alone in the cavernous space. My eyes scan the room one final time, searching for Avery's familiar form.
"Damn it," I mutter, pulling out my phone. I dial Avery's number, listening to it ring endlessly before going to voicemail. "Hey, it's me. Can we talk? Please call me back."
I fire off a quick text too:
Avery, I need to explain. Let me know you're okay.
Silence. The message shows as delivered, but not read. I sigh, running a hand through my hair.
Did I really think this grand gesture would fix everything? Deep down, yeah, I guess I did. Saving thecommunity was the right thing to do, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't also about her.
For a split second during my speech, our eyes had met across the room. I saw a flicker of... something. Pride? Forgiveness? Whatever it was, it gave me hope.