The Rebirth of My Dead Billionaire Wife

Chapter 249

Avery stepped off the plane, her skin still kissed by the tropical sun of Bora Bora. The vacation with Ryan Hayes had been nothing short of magical—days filled with laughter, nights under the stars, and a connection that felt deeper than ever. But as they rolled their suitcases out of the airport and into the crisp autumn air back home, reality began to settle in.

“Back to the grind,” Ryan said, glancing over at Avery as they loaded their luggage into the car.

“Back to reality,” Avery replied with a small smile. “But at least we got a break from it all.”

Ryan leaned over, stealing a quick kiss. “I’ll make sure we get another one soon. You deserve it.”

She laughed softly. “We’ll see about that. You have a knack for spoiling me.”

The following evening, Avery decided it was time to catch up with her best friend, Janice. The two had texted nonstop during Avery’s vacation, and Janice had been dying to hear all the details in person.

“I need all the gossip,” Janice said as they settled into their seats at the movie theater. She handed Avery a bucket of popcorn and leaned in conspiratorially. “How was Bora Bora? Was it as dreamy as the Instagram-worthy pictures?”

“Better,” Avery said, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It was… perfect. The sunsets, the water, the food. Everything.”

Janice gave her a playful nudge. “And Ryan? Did he live up to the hype?”

Avery rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her. “He was amazing, Jan. He’s thoughtful, funny, and so sweet. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

“Aw, look at you,” Janice teased, mock-wiping a tear from her eye. “Living the dream life.”

Avery laughed, throwing a piece of popcorn at her. “Shut up and watch the trailers.”

The movie—a lighthearted romantic comedy—was the perfect choice for a relaxing evening. Avery and Janice laughed through the funniest scenes, exchanged whispered commentary, and enjoyed being in each other’s company.

After the movie, Janice and Avery walked out of the theater, chatting animatedly about their favorite moments.

“I’m starving,” Janice declared, rubbing her stomach. “Wanna grab something to eat?”

“Absolutely,” Avery said. “Let me text Ryan. He mentioned he might be free after work.”

Within minutes, Ryan had joined them at a nearby diner. He greeted Avery with a quick kiss on the cheek and gave Janice a warm smile.

“Hey, Janice,” he said, sliding into the booth beside Avery. “How’s it going?”

“Not as good as you, apparently,” Janice teased, nodding toward Avery. “She’s been glowing ever since Bora Bora.”

Ryan laughed, wrapping an arm around Avery. “What can I say? She makes me look good.”

Avery rolled her eyes, though the blush on her cheeks gave her away. “Alright, let’s focus on food. I’m starving.”

The three of them ordered burgers, fries, and milkshakes, falling into easy conversation. Janice regaled them with stories from her latest shifts at the hospital, while Ryan and Avery shared a few anecdotes from their trip.

“Wait, wait,” Janice said, laughing so hard she almost spilled her milkshake. “You actually tipped the canoe? How?”

“I told her not to lean too far to the side!” Ryan protested, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. “But she didn’t listen.”

“I was trying to get a better look at the fish!” Avery shot back, laughing along with them.

Just as their food arrived, Ryan’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting as he picked it up.

“Sorry, I have to take this,” he said, standing and stepping away from the table.

Avery watched him go, a small frown tugging at her lips.

“Everything okay?” Janice asked, dipping a fry into ketchup.

“Yeah, probably work,” Avery said. “It’s been pretty busy for him lately.”

When Ryan returned a few minutes later, his expression was apologetic.

“Sorry, guys,” he said, sliding back into the booth. “That was my boss. Something urgent came up, and I have to head to the office.”

Avery nodded, though she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of disappointment. “It’s okay. We’ll catch up later.”

Ryan leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Janice, don’t let her eat all the fries.”

Janice grinned. “No promises.”

Not long after Ryan left, Janice’s phone buzzed as well. She glanced at the screen and sighed.

“Duty calls,” she said, standing up and grabbing her bag. “They need me at the hospital for a double shift. Sorry to bail on you, Aves.”

Avery gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. You’re saving lives. Go be amazing.”

Janice leaned down to hug her. “You’re the amazing one. Call me tomorrow and tell me how your night goes.”

“Will do,” Avery said, watching as her best friend hurried out of the diner.