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Pretend to Want Me

Name: Pretend to Want Me
Author: Jenne Lopes

Romance

Last Updated : 2025-03-08

By: Jenne LopesOngoing

Language: English

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Synopsis

When a fake marriage turns into a real romance, secrets and lies threaten to tear it apart. Can Alex and Ava overcome their past and enemies to rekindle their love, or will their second chance at happiness slip away forever?

Latest chapter

Pretend to Want Me Promises at Dinner
AvaNearly an hour later, Alex and my father finally emerged from the study, both looking relaxed and slightly flushed from the brandy. My father's eyes were bright with satisfaction, Alex's with something I couldn't quite read."There they are!" my father announced. "Been having an excellent chat, haven't we, Alex?""Absolutely," Alex agreed, his gaze finding mine across the room. "Your father is a remarkable man, Ava.""He has his moments," I acknowledged, noting the genuine warmth in Alex's voice. "But it's getting late, and it's a school night for Emilia.""Of course, of course," my father said. "But you must all come again soon. Next time I'll grill. Nothing like a man in a wheelchair handling open flames to really liven up a dinner party."
Last Updated : 2025-03-08
Pretend to Want Me Table Talk
AvaThe dining room, like the rest of the house, was designed for accessibility without sacrificing aesthetics. My father wheeled up to a space at the head of the table where a chair had been removed. Alex held my chair for me, his fingers lightly brushing my shoulder as I sat—a casual touch that somehow felt startlingly intimate.Dinner was a surprisingly relaxed affair. The paella was delicious, the wine flowed freely, and conversation moved easily from business to politics to my father's latest hobby—adaptive gardening techniques he was developing for others with mobility issues."It keeps the mind active," he explained to Alex. "After the accident, I could have just retreated, let the world pass me by. But what's the point in that? There's still work to be done.""That's an ad
Last Updated : 2025-03-07
Pretend to Want Me Family Ties
AvaAs we approached the front door, it swung open before we could ring the bell. My father sat in his wheelchair, his broad shoulders and commanding presence undiminished by his seated position. At sixty-five, George Silver was still an imposing figure, with salt-and-pepper hair and the same green eyes I'd inherited."There they are!" he boomed, his face splitting into a wide grin. "My girls... and the man brave enough to take on my daughter.""Dad," I warned, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Behave.""Grandpa!" Emilia darted past me, throwing herself into his lap with practiced ease. He hugged her tightly, then set her back on her feet with a theatrical grunt."Getting too big for that, peanut," he told her, though we all knew he'd never refuse
Last Updated : 2025-03-07
Pretend to Want Me Arrival
Ava"Mommy! He's here!" Emilia's voice echoed up the stairs, a mixture of alarm and fascination.Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs. Alex was standing in the foyer, looking unfairly handsome in a perfectly tailored navy suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and trim waist. He was holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a gift bag in the other."Ava," he said, his eyes widening slightly as I descended the stairs. "You look... incredible."Something warm unfurled in my chest at the genuine appreciation in his gaze. I tamped it down quickly, reminding myself that Alex Russo was a master of manipulation. This was all part of the act."Thank you," I said, my voice more breathless than I'd intended. "You clean up pretty
Last Updated : 2025-03-06
Pretend to Want Me Crowning Moment
Ava."Seriously, Mom? That's what you're wearing?"I glanced down at my outfit—dark jeans paired with a simple blue blouse—then back at my daughter, who was regarding me with the kind of withering judgment only a nine-year-old could deliver."What's wrong with this?" I asked, smoothing the blouse self-consciously.Emilia rolled her eyes dramatically. "It's boring. You look like you're going to work, not dinner with Grandpa." She paused, then added with reluctant honesty, "And that guy.""That guy," I repeated, biting back a smile. "You mean Alex?""Whatever." Emilia flopped onto my bed, watching as I rummaged through my closet. "Grandpa's going to think you don't even care."I sighed, pulling out a burgundy wrap dress I hadn't worn in months. "Better?"Emilia's nose scrunched up as she considered the dress. "I guess. But you should wear the green one. The one Grandpa says makes your eyes look pretty."My heart squeezed at her concern for my father's opinion. Despite her occasional pre
Last Updated : 2025-03-06
Pretend to Want Me Boundries
AlexI turned to my computer, trying to focus on work, but my mind kept drifting. I found myself typing Ava's name into a search engine, scanning recent articles about her. Most focused on our engagement, but some highlighted her business achievements, her journey as a young widow raising a child while running a tech empire.One photo caught my eye—Ava at what appeared to be a school function, crouched down to Emilia's level, both of them laughing. There was such joy in their expressions, such genuine connection. It made something in my chest ache with a longing I couldn't quite identify.I closed the browser quickly, unsettled by my own reaction. This was getting too personal, too complicated. I needed to refocus, to remember why we'd started this charade in the first place.Business.
Last Updated : 2025-03-05
Pretend to Want Me Family Intervention
AlexA soft knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. My assistant poked her head in. "Your sister is here to see you."Before I could respond, Claire burst into my office, a whirlwind of energy and expensive perfume."Well, if it isn't the man of the hour," she announced, dropping dramatically into the chair across from me. "Engaged! To Ava Silver, no less. You certainly know how to keep things interesting, big brother."I couldn't help smiling at my sister's theatrical entrance. Four years younger and infinitely more sociable than me, Claire had always been the family charmer."It's not what you think," I started.She held up a perfectly manicured hand. "Save it. Mother already called me ranting abou
Last Updated : 2025-03-05
Pretend to Want Me Fake Love, Real Crisis
Alex.With a sigh, I answered. "Vivian.""Finally," her voice was tight, controlled. "I was beginning to think you'd fallen off the face of the earth.""I've been busy.""Too busy to explain those photos?" The hurt beneath her anger was palpable, even through the phone. "You told me it was just business, Alex. That kiss didn't look like business."I winced, knowing exactly which photos she meant. The balcony. Ava pressed against me, my hands on her body. It had looked real because in that moment, it had been."Vivian—""Don't 'Vivian' me," she cut in. "I believed you when you said this engagement was fake. I agreed to be patient. But what I saw in those photos wasn't acting, Alex.""It was for the cameras," I said, aware of how hollow the excuse sounded. "The media was watching. We had to make it convincing.""That convincing?" Her voice cracked slightly. "Your tongue was down her throat, Alex. Your hands were all over her. You never touch me like that in public."I closed my eyes, sh
Last Updated : 2025-03-04
Pretend to Want Me Conflicted Loyalties
Alex."So, gentlemen, that concludes our quarterly overview." I closed the presentation with a decisive click, surveying the boardroom. The usual suspects stared back at me – old money in expensive suits, their expressions ranging from boredom to barely concealed curiosity. I knew what they were waiting for, and it wasn't my thoughts on our Asian market expansion."Any questions?" I asked, deliberately casual.Harold Kensington, a relic from my father's era, cleared his throat. "Just one, Alex. This... engagement to Ava Silver. Is it wise?"I kept my expression neutral, though my jaw tightened. "In what way, Harold?""Strategically speaking." He adjusted his glasses, giving him time to choose his words. "Silver Innovations directly competes with us in three key markets. The board is concerned about potential conflicts of interest.""A competitor turned partner," I corrected smoothly. "Our collaboration on the clean energy initiative has already increased projected valuations by eighte
Last Updated : 2025-03-04

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An Unexpected Engagement

Ava. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans enveloped me as I pushed open the heavy glass door of Café Noir. At least, I think that's what I smelled. My senses were a bit dull that morning, probably from the three—or was it four?—international video calls I'd fielded before most people had even hit snooze. Being CEO of a multinational corporation meant my day started when normal people were still dreaming. Not that I'm complaining. I loved my job. Most days. "The usual, Ava?" Sarah, the barista, called over the hiss of the espresso machine. I nodded, fumbling for my wallet. "Please. And maybe an extra shot today?" Sarah laughed. "Rough morning already?" "You have no idea," I muttered, though to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure how my morning had gone. It was all a blur of spreadsheets and shareholder expectations. As I waited for my latte, I leaned against the cool marble countertop, idly scrolling through my phone. The café buzzed with the usual morning crowd – a mix of busin...

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23 Chapters

An Unexpected Engagement

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Last Updated : 2024-07-24

Charade

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

I've always hated the sound of my alarm. It's not the gentle chime most people imagine for someone of my... status. No, it's an unholy screech that jolts me awake at 4:30 AM sharp. But that's the point, isn't it? No time for a gentle wake-up when you're running an empire. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my toes sinking into plush carpet. The floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse offered a view of Seattle that still, after all these years, took my breath away. The city twinkled in the pre-dawn darkness, full of promise and possibility. And problems. Always problems. Speaking of problems, my mind drifted to yesterday's bombshell. The fake engagement to Alex Russo. God, what a mess. How did a simple misunderstanding spiral so out of control? And why did I agree to go along with it? I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside. No time for that now. I had a company to run, a daughter to raise, and a world to change. Just another Tuesday. My home gym called to me, and I answ

Last Updated : 2024-07-24

Alex's Morning Storm

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Alex. The steady rhythm of my feet on the treadmill matched the pulsing beat in my ears. Seattle's skyline stretched before me, bathed in the soft light of dawn. My penthouse gym offered a view most would kill for, but my eyes were fixed on the security monitor mounted on the wall. Vivian stood at the gate, her perfect model poise barely concealing the storm I knew was coming. I sighed, knowing what this meant. The engagement news had reached her. I stepped off the treadmill, grabbing a towel to dry the sweat from my face and chest. Three. Two. One. The elevator dinged, and hurricane Vivian burst into my penthouse. "What the hell is this, Alex?" She thrust her phone in my face, nearly smacking me with it. The headlines screamed about my supposed engagement to Ava Silver. "Is this your idea of a joke?" I stayed silent, watching her. Sometimes, silence said more than words ever could. My lack of response only fueled her anger. "I knew it! I knew there was something going on betwee

Last Updated : 2024-07-24

The Meeting

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Ava. The gentle hum of my office couldn't mask the tension that crackled through the air as Alex sauntered in, looking infuriatingly composed. I straightened in my chair, determined not to let him see how his mere presence set my nerves on edge. "Ava," he greeted, that trademark smirk playing on his lips. "Lovely as always." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Let's skip the pleasantries, Russo. What's this about?" Alex settled into the chair across from me, crossing his legs with an elegance that shouldn't be legal. "Why, our engagement, of course. We need to discuss our public appearances." "Public appearances?" I echoed, disbelief coloring my voice. "You can't be serious." "Oh, but I am." His blue eyes glinted with something I couldn't quite name. Amusement? Challenge? "This is a golden opportunity, Ava. We'd be fools not to capitalize on it." I leaned back, crossing my arms. "Enlighten me, then. How exactly do you propose we 'capitalize' on this farce?" Alex's grin widene

Last Updated : 2024-07-24

The First Public Appearance

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Ava. I stood before the mirror in the restroom, my fingers working methodically as I applied another layer of mascara. My reflection stared back at me: high cheekbones accentuated by a light dusting of blush, full lips painted a deep red, and eyes that seemed to smolder with a mix of resignation and defiance. I blinked, scrutinizing my work. The makeup was flawless, transforming me from CEO to red carpet ready in a matter of minutes. On any other night, I might have felt a twinge of satisfaction. Tonight, it left a bitter taste in my mouth. "Fucking circus," I muttered, reaching for my lipstick. My hand hesitated over the tube. Did I really need another coat? Who was I trying to impress? I knew the answer, even if I didn't want to admit it. This whole charade was for Alex's benefit. Sure, I stood to gain from our arrangement too, but right now, it felt like I was nothing more than arm candy for Seattle's most eligible bachelor. The door swung open without warning. My eyes fli

Last Updated : 2024-09-05

The Fallout

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Ava. I woke up with a pounding headache and a mouth that tasted like something had died in it. Groaning, I rolled over, my hand brushing against unfamiliar silk sheets. Wait. Silk sheets? I sat up, blinking against the harsh sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. This wasn't my room. This wasn't my bed. And I definitely didn't own a nightgown like the one I was currently wearing - a flimsy, barely-there scrap of lace that left little to the imagination. What the hell had happened last night? Fragmented memories swirled through my mind. The gala. The balcony. Alex's mouth on mine, hot and hungry and full of promises. And then... nothing. A blank space where the rest of the night should have been. I looked down at myself, my cheeks flushing hot. I hadn't put this nightgown on myself, which meant... oh God. Had Alex undressed me? Had he seen me, touched me, while I was passed out drunk? The thought made my stomach churn with a mixture of embarrassment and somet

Last Updated : 2024-09-05

The Morning After

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Alex.The car hummed quietly as I navigated the streets of Seattle, the early morning sun just starting to peek through the clouds. Beside me, Ava was slumped in the passenger seat, her seatbelt on but her body curled into a tight ball. She'd pulled the hood of her sweatshirt up, burying her face in the soft fabric.I glanced over at her, my lips twitching. When I'd handed her the tracksuit back at the hotel, I'd half-expected her to ask about last night. To demand answers about how she'd ended up in that barely-there nightgown, about what had happened between us. But she'd just taken the clothes, her jaw tight, and disappeared into the bathroom to change. Maybe it was better this way. Better to leave the past in the past, to focus on the game we were playing now.I'd offered her one of my patented hangover smoothies before we left, pressing the green concoction into her hands with a grin. She'd eyed it suspiciously, her nose wrinkling."Relax," I'd said, moving around the suite as I

Last Updated : 2024-09-06

Ghosts and Gardens

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Alex. The garden was a riot of color and life, a stark contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the house. I followed the winding stone path, the sound of childish laughter and splashing water growing louder with each step. As I rounded a corner, I spotted them. Ava, kneeling by the edge of a small, ornate fountain. And Emilia, her dark curls damp and clinging to her cheeks, her little hands plunged into the water as she giggled and played. For a moment, I just watched them, something warm and unfamiliar stirring in my chest. Ava's face was soft, unguarded in a way I'd never seen before. She was smiling, her eyes crinkled at the corners as she watched her daughter play. But there was a sadness there too. Faint, but it was there, it flickered across her face when Emilia wasn't looking. It was the same sadness I'd glimpsed that day at her office, when she'd reluctantly told me about her husband. I must have made some noise, because suddenly Ava's head snapped up, her eyes locking

Last Updated : 2024-09-06

Pancakes and Promises

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Alex. I followed Ava and Emilia into the house, my hands tucked into my pockets. I'd done what I came here to do - brought Ava home safe and sound. But for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to leave. Maybe it was the way Emilia had looked at me, with those big, curious eyes. Or maybe it was the memory of Ava's face in the garden, so raw and vulnerable. Whatever it was, I felt like I needed to stay, just a little longer. Of course, I knew Vivian would be waiting for me when I got back to my place. She'd probably been there all night, pacing and worrying. I'd promised her this thing with Ava was just a charade, a means to an end. But after last night, after the things I'd said and done... I couldn't shake the feeling that I was betraying her, somehow. We entered the kitchen, and I took a moment to appreciate the space. It was impressive, even by my standards - all top-of-the-line appliances and custom finishes. The kind of kitchen you'd expect to find in a multimillion-dollar home

Last Updated : 2024-09-06

Phone call with Dad

Pretend to Want Me/Jenne Lopes

Ava.I stood in the kitchen, watching Alex hurry towards the door with Emilia skipping ahead of him. The migraine that had been pounding at my temples mere seconds ago faded into the background, forgotten in the face of this moment.Something about the scene before me felt achingly familiar, and painful difficult to ignore. As Alex and Emilia disappeared from view, my late husband's face superimposed itself over Alex's in my mind's eye. "James," I whispered absentmindedly, the name slipping out unbidden.A heavy, shaky breath escaped me, snapping me back to reality. Suddenly, I became aware of a dampness on my cheeks. I swallowed hard, reaching up to wipe my face. I'd been crying without even realizing it."Ms. Ava?"Rosa's voice startled me. I turned to find her standing at the threshold that led to the main lodge of the house. I hadn't even heard her approach. She tilted her head, genuine concern shining in her eyes. She didn't say anything more, but her gaze held a wealth of unspok

Last Updated : 2024-09-07

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Pretend to Want Me

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