Chapter 1753

Avery didn't want a life in which she saw no end in sight. She didn't want to be someone's stand-in forever. When Avery finished speaking, Mason suddenly looked up at her. Their eyes met, and hers were firm. Ever since she was young, Avery had always been clear-headed. Even though her brief relationship with Mason had swept her away for a while, the moment she realized something was off, she pulled herself back together. It was tough trying to take back the affection she'd given, but she managed it bit by bit. Mason had never considered her question. Over so many years, Avery was the only woman he'd met who resembled Juliet. Seeing Mason remain silent, Avery knew her question had stumped him. She didn't press further or put him on the spot. She simply stood up and said softly, "I'll head back now." From the moment she'd seen Mason up to this point, she'd stayed calm. She hadn't broken down or lashed out. She'd laid everything on the table without uttering a single harsh word. A