Nichelle POV

2 weeks later...
It was 8:30 PM and for the life of me I couldn't sleep. I hadn't been able to sleep full hours because I'm so angry, my body just won't let me.

Then when I sleep, i don't know, I just don't sleep 8 hours. I wake up after 4 hours and I'm back into crying and overthinking.

I turned the lights on and I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. In passing the living room I stop in front of a mirror.

I start analyzing my facial features my hair my smile. "What is it that she has that I don't?" I mumbled

I moved on to my room and I grabbed my phone. I typed in Vanessa Kelly into my Instagram search bar.

Immediately her account came up and i clicked on it.

She had tons of pictures and obviously a lot of men loved her.

She obviously had a good body and good hair. She was pretty, gorgeous even. I got up to look at myself and I became self conscious.

Maybe it's because my hair needs to be longer? Or maybe I need to go to gym and become curvier?

I was interrupted by my doorbell ringing. I left my room and went to the door.

I peeped through the window and saw Mr. Avery.
I opened the door and saw my baby laid asleep in his arms.

"Hi Mr. Avery"

"Hi Nichelle, can I come in?" I nodded "sure" I stepped aside so he can walk and shut the door when he did.

"Thank you for holding her"  I took her from him. "It's no problem, she can come by anytime"

"One second, I'm gonna put her down" I left to put my baby in her bed and returned to Mr. Avery.

"So, were you able to get some sleep?" I sighed and sat in the couch.

"I have but it's not enough" I almost cried saying that.

He came over and sat in the couch.
"It's not my place to ask but I'm concerned for you dear." I look at him and can see the genuine concern.

"Why won't you speak with your husband?" I turned around and began to look everywhere else.

"Umm.." I struggle to say it because it's so embarrassing.

"He cheated" I whispered. My eyes betray me as tears began falling out.

"I'm so sorry Nichelle" he said as I covered my face and cried.

I feel his arms enveloping around and I allow him to hug me. "I can't believe he did that to me" I manage to say in between crying.

I cried for what feels like forever. I simmered down and continued to lay in his embrace.

"He's my best friend Mr. Avery"

"I can't even phantom the idea of being with someone else because of the profound love I have for him"

I finally decided to sit up. "Did he ever tell you why?"

"He said it was a mistake"

"Yeah but how did it lead up to that moment?Why did it lead up to that moment?"

"Every man has a reason behind cheating and there should be a reason behind what he did because as you said, you two share a unique and deep love for one another. It doesn't make sense for him to just cheat on you"

"You're a beautiful woman, highly respected and successful. You've both created a beautiful family and Zachary is a man of honor. Excellent man to work with, morals, values are good so there's got to be a reason behind this"

I sat back and listened. I began to think. What if she was leading Zachary on? Playing him into her hand?

Either way Zachary still is to blame but I wouldn't know for sure until I spoke with him.

"I think you two should talk" I fold my arms. Was I ready to hear this? Was I ready to learn the truth?

"It's not going to be easy but I think this conversation is necessary"

"I agree" I said finally speaking up. He sighed and rested his arm on my shoulder.

"If at any point you need me to rough him up, just call me" he said earning a smile from me.
I shook my head "there goes that smile"

"Why are you helping me? What's your reason behind your kindness towards me?"

"You're special"

"Yeah but what makes me special to you?"

"Remember when I told you I did something bad to someone before?" I nodded.

"And I tried to make amends?" I nodded "but she wouldn't forgive you" he nodded "right"

"Well aside from you being a great and kind person, you also remind me of her and I hope it doesn't bother you that I treat you kindly because it makes me feel better"

I smiled a little "Mr. Avery you really need to forgive yourself and let that go. It's been years and I can't imagine the pain you must feel of beating yourself up about it"

He was already in grandpa phase he needed to chill out before he started having health issues.

He smiled at me "you did all you could in the best way that you could and if she chooses not to forgive you then that's her choice and you just have to respect it and move on"

He chuckled "how did the roles reversed here?" I laughed myself because I had no idea.

"I don't know myself but it looks like we both have some forgiving to do" he said and we both looked at each other. I don't know about that, that seems like a big pill to swallow right now.

"Talk to him" I sighed.

I don't why but I feel a warmth towards him "I hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable but can I have another hug?" He smiled and opened his arms which i gladly accepted.

He had a comforting yet protective hold on me and I don't know.. it's almost like the way Amira is with Zach that I feel with Mr. Avery.

"Thank you for everything Mr. Avery" I mumbled and I pulled away.

"Never a problem Nichelle, just let me know if you need anything"

"Actually, I need a favor" he stood and put his hands in his pocket.

"Tell me"

Zach POV

It was 10:30 PM and the weather got so bad. It was raining and thundering.

I just didn't want to go home. My family wasn't there. I hadn't seen Amira in over a week. She calls me though and it frustrates me that Nichelle just took her.

I know she was mad but Amira is my daughter too.

I got pulled out of my thoughts when I heard the elevator dinged. What the hell? Who was here?
Why did security leave anybody come up at this time anyway? Somebody getting fired.

I walked out of my office and came face to face with Nichelle.

She was drenched from the rain and her face look like she had been crying.

My heart broke at the sight. "Nichelle-"

"Why did you do it?" She tried to sound stern but I could hear the brokenness in her voice.

"I don't know Nichelle, I made a mistake-"

"That's bull and you know it"

"Why did you do it Zachary?" I sighed stuffing my hands in my pocket.

"Why did you ruin our marriage? We have a family for Christ sake!" She yelled

"What is she suppose to believe about men when she grows up? That they all cheat?"

"Nichelle it ain't like that!" I said getting annoyed

"I didn't sleep with her!"

"It's not about sleeping with her Zachary!"

"That woman slept in your arms, played with my child, you two kissed!"

"Nichelle-"

"Are you trying to replace me Zachary?"

"Nichelle it's not like that"

"Then what's it like?!" She yelled and then cried.
Tears forming at my eyes at this point. This thing with Vanessa was a whole mistake.

"I'm sorry Nichelle" I shake my head and let the tears fall.

"I thought I found a friend, someone I could trust in and talk to, like you"

"You can't front in my face like you've been around, you barely are. We barely hang out and we barely talk because you're so consumed with work to pay attention"

"Oh so it's my fault?"
I sighed and shook my head.

"It's my fault you cheated with this girl?" She said coming closer in a threatening way.

"Nichelle-"

"Answer the question!"

The elevator dinged again, making me and Nichelle turn to look at who's coming in and as if this couldn't have gotten any worse...

Vanessa walked in with a bag in her hand "Hi Zach, I knew you'd be working late again so I brought you some dinner" she raised it and smiled.

I think Vanessa was slowly losing her mind. She hadn't been here since my father took her in by his branch.

How's she know I was doing late nights?

Nichelle scoffed and looked back at me before shaking her head "and you're still seeing her?"

"No I'm not!-"

"Zachary don't say that-"

"Nichelle i haven't seen her since-"

"Save it Zachary" she interrupted me, before turning away and rushing in the elevator.

"Are you crazy?!"

"You need to let her go Zach!"

"It's obvious she doesn't love you like she says she does!" I looked at her like she lost her mind.

"I can't deal with this shit" I run to the next elevator and got in. Immediately I pressed the button for the lobby.

Once I reached the lobby, I ran around, looking for her and once I didn't see her, I  exited the building to the parking lot.

I saw her walking towards her car "Nichelle wait!" I yelled running after her.

"Leave me alone Zachary!" She unlocked her car and I grabbed her elbow before she could get the door open.

"Leave me alone"

"Baby it's not what it seems like"

"Don't call me your baby because I'm not!"

"Nichelle I love you and I don't know why she showed at up my job! She hasn't been here since that day"

"I don't care anymore Zach!" She pushed me away. "Nichelle, I promise to you that I'm not lying, I cut off every contact I had with her"

"I don't believe you Zach, how'd she know you was here at this hour and that you haven't eaten?"

"I don't know! I'm just as confused as you!" Tears continue to fall from her eyes.

She shook her head and entered her car. I sighed in defeat "Nichelle please" I rest my hand on her car door. Hoping she would to listen to me.

She started the car and looked at me before shaking her head.

She put the car in reverse and exited the parking lot. I sighed as I watched the car leave.

What the hell did I get myself into?

Nichelle POV

I was so angry. My body was filled with anger and overwhelmed with sadness.

It was a big mixture but I wasn't even sure if I should be driving right now.
She showed up at his job!
Late night and with food.

I get angry thinking that this could've been happening since that day I left him.

I angrily started punching the steering wheel while driving. How could he do this to me?!

We have a child at home and we've together for so long!

My eyes were blurry from all this crying and I couldn't see all I saw was a flashing light before it went black.

Mr. Avery POV

I couldn't sleep.

After I had spoken with Nichelle I couldn't sleep. She reminded me so much of Lisa. I held a picture up of Lisa and tried to see analyze it.

She resembled her in some way but I couldn't see it all the way.

She shares the same empathy as her and kindness. Could it be? Could she be the one I've been looking for? Their traits are similar, they both can't stand nonsense or stupidity.

I shook my head.

There's thousands of people that look alike in this world and are not related to each other. It couldn't possibly be her and plus Lisa doesn't live in Chicago.

Atleast that was the last time I checked.

It still wouldn't hurt to try.

Interrupted by my phone ringing. Who's calling me after 11 at night.

I answered "Hello?"

"Good evening am I speaking to Daniel Avery?"

"This is Chicago police department and we've just been notified that the car registered under your name has recently been in an accident."

I immediately stood up at that.

"What?!"