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A path forward
Last Updated:
2025-01-26 15:46:03
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Pretend to be mine A moment of truth
Avon wanted to surprise Lucia. Avon slipped through the doorway of the city council chambers right at six. He’d wanted to get there early, but he didn’t want Lucia to see him before the meeting started. She hadn’t acknowledged the doughnuts, but he knew she’d gotten them; he’d followed the delivery guy to her office to make sure.He found one of the only empty seats in the back of the council chamber, next to a woman with lots of curly hair who looked vaguely familiar. She looked up and smiled at him for a second before looking back down her phone, her thumbs flying across the screen.He saw Lucia up at the front of the room, sitting next to Nolan and behind a woman he assumed was the mayor. Damn, it felt so good to see her again, even from across the room. She was sitting there, intent on the proceedings, in one of those suits he loved, looking like she was in her element. She was in her element.Maybe she was relieved to not have him taking up her time anymore. Maybe Nolan had a
Last Updated : 2025-01-27Pretend to be mine A change of heart
Avon.Her mind went blank. What was he doing here? She hadn't told him about the meeting, and she certainly hadn't invited him. A flutter of surprise mixed with a dash of anxiety stirred in her chest.How did he even know about this meeting? Lucia's thoughts whirled as she struggled to maintain her composure. She couldn't let her emotions get the better of her, not now, not when she was so close to achieving her goal.But Avon’s presence threw her off balance. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Why had he come? Was he here to support her, or to sabotage her efforts?Lucia's eyes locked onto Avon’s , and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The room around her melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of uncertainty.There was something in his eyes, something that looked almost like... longing. Lucia's heart skipped a beat. No, she must be imagining things. Avon had made it clear he wasn't interested in her, not in that way.But as she looked into
Last Updated : 2025-01-27Pretend to be mine Seeking blessings and advice
“Miss Hills?” The voice came from the doorway. Lucia put her head on his shoulder, laughing into his mascara-stained shirt before she turned toward the security guy. “I was going to lock up. Should I, um . . .” Lucia cleared her throat. “Sorry about this, you can lock up. Let me just get my stuff.” She picked her purse back up from where she’d dropped it on the ground and took Avon’s hand. “Let’s go home.” He squeezed her hand and walked with her out the door. “Aren’t you forgetting that we have to meet up with everyone from your office?” She stopped and laughed as she wiped her face with the sleeve of her suit jacket. “I can’t believe it, but I had forgotten that. I’ll text Nolan; he’ll understand. Carolyn can come over . . . a little bit later.” Avon shook his head. He wanted nothing more than to take her straight home and make up for all of their lost time, but he knew she’d regret missing out on this night with her crew. “No, no, you can’t not go. This is your night of
Last Updated : 2025-01-28Pretend to be mine The proposal
“Why can’t James meet us at the restaurant?” Lucia said walked into the Lacoste , almost a year and three months after they’d met there. James and Lucas were in town and were staying there for some reason, instead of one of the more convenient hotels downtown. Avon had insisted on meeting them in their room, instead of at the restaurant where they were having dinner. Lucia was trying not to complain about it, but it was a Thursday night at eight , she’d had a long day, and she was ready for a cocktail and an enormous plate of French fries.“He needs your opinion on his outfit. I don’t know.” Avon had been distracted their whole drive there and kept checking his phone. She knew he had a few patients he was worried about, but this was unusual for him.She pressed the button for the elevator and looked up at him and smiled, ready to reminisce about their elevator, but he wasn’t looking at her; he was looking off in the distance. Okay. She tried not to take it personally.In the past ye
Last Updated : 2025-01-29Pretend to be mine Forever entwined
The air vibrated with a nervous energy, a happy hum that buzzed through the meticulously decorated gardens. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, painting shifting patterns on the white linen tablecloths and the faces of the assembled guests. Today was the day. Today, Avon would marry Lucia. Avon, usually a whirlwind of nervous energy, stood surprisingly calm beneath the gazebo. His dark hair, usually unruly, was slicked back, and the tailored suit felt both familiar and foreign all at once. He adjusted his tie for the tenth time, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He glanced around at the crowd - familiar faces filled with love and anticipation. His parents, beaming with pride, his mother, playfully winking, and his boisterous group of friends, all trying to mask their own emotions with jokes and backslaps. He was ready. Or at least, he told himself he was. He had imagined this day countless times in his mind, each time a little different, each time culminating in
Last Updated : 2025-01-29Pretend to be mine A Change of plans
Seeing Lucia in pain like that was killing Avon. His heart ached for her with every scream she let out and every tear that fell from her eyes. He called his mom, dad, and Carolyn to let them know that Lucia had gone into labor. They stopped in the room for a few minutes to talk to her and then took seats out in the waiting room. Avon and Lucia had discussed that they didn’t want anyone else in the room during the delivery. The nurse asked him to step out into the hall. “I don’t want you to worry, but Lucia isn’t dilating like she should be. I’m getting concerned because her water broke, and I don’t want to risk an infection setting in. I think we need to let her get up and do some walking around to try and get her dilated.” “You tell me not to worry, but you’re worried about an infection,” Avon said. “I’ll call Dr. lee and ask him what he advises,” he said as he put his hand on my shoulder. “I’m watching her and the baby very carefully.” “Thanks for keeping me posted,.” He sighe
Last Updated : 2025-01-29Pretend to be mine Asher Carson
“I love that name.” She smiled. “ Asher is a beautiful name, and I think it fits him perfectly.” Avon leaned over and kissed her lips. Seeing him sitting there and holding Asher was one of the happiest moments of her life. Anyone who looked at him could see and feel the love he had for that child. “All stitched up, Lucia ,” Dr.Lee said said. “If you want, you can hold your baby now.” Avon looked at her and smiled as he put Asher in her arms. “Are you feeling okay?” Avon asked. “I’m feeling great.” She smiled as she kissed her baby’s forehead. Diana and Lucas walked over to them. “Congratulations, you two,” they said as Diana kissed her head and Avon shook Lucas’s hand. The nurse wheeled her out of the operating room and back into her room. She couldn’t believe that their son was here. It seemed like only yesterday that she found out she was pregnant. Once she was back in the room and settled in bed, Avon left to go tell our family and friends that Asher had arrived. As Ashe
Last Updated : 2025-01-31Pretend to be mine Morning After
Lucia woke up to the sound of Avon's gentle snores, a contented smile still plastered on her face. Last night had been incredible, and she felt like they had finally reconnected on a physical level. She snuggled deeper into the blankets, feeling happy and relaxed. Avon stirred beside her, his eyes opening to gaze at her with a warm smile. "Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep. Lucia smiled back, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Good morning." They laid there for a moment, enjoying the peacefulness of the morning. But as they started to get out of bed and begin their day, the atmosphere shifted. Avon mentioned something about needing to go into the office, and Lucia felt a pang of frustration. "You're going to leave me alone with the baby again?" She asked, trying to keep her tone light. Avon's expression turned defensive. "I have to work, Lucia. You know that." She sighed, feeling a familiar argument brewing. "I know, but it feels like you're always
Last Updated : 2025-01-31
Latest chapter
Pretend to be mine Epilogue
Asher had long since moved out, starting his own family with his beautiful wife, Sophia. Ellie, now a stunning young woman, had grown into her own, spreading her wings and exploring the world.As the seasons changed, Avon and Lucia found themselves surrounded by the next generation of their family. Asher and Sophia's kids, Ava and Ethan, were the apples of their grandparents' eyes. And Ellie, well, Ellie was busy making her own dreams come true.“Look at you,” Avon said as he walked through the door.“Hi, Dad.” Ellie smiled as she turned around and looked at him. He took in a deep breath as he shook his head. “You’re so beautiful, Ellie, You look just like your mother did on our wedding day. Where did the years go? My little princess is all grown up and getting married,” He said as his eyes started to swell with tears.“Daddy, don’t. You’re going to make my mascara run and then mom will kill you.”“You’re right, and we can’t have that.” He smiled.“I can’t believe I’m getting marrie
Pretend to be mine All grown up
Few years later….. Asher, now a handsome and confident 18-years- old, stood tall at 6’1” with broad shoulders, chiseled features and a bright, charming smile. His once-messy brown hair was now styled neatly, framing his bright blue eyes that sparkled. He stood by the door way with a suitcase in his hand. Lucia couldn't help but feel a lump form in her throat as she looked at her son. How had time flown by so quickly? It seemed like just yesterday she was changing his diapers and singing him lullabies. Avon put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. “Hey, its okay,” he whispered. “He's going to do great things. We're so proud of him.” Lucia nodded, trying to hold back tears. “I know, I just can't believe he's leaving us already.” Asher smiled, his eyes shining with excitement. “I'll be back, mom. I promise. And I'll stay in touch.” Ellie, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly piped up. “I'm going to miss you, Asher! Who's going to play with me now?” Asher chu
Pretend to be mine A night out
Lucia was busy getting the kids ready for bed when Avon walked into the house, a smile on his face."Hey, beautiful," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I've got some news. Dr. Smith from work is having a party this weekend and he's invited us."Lucia's eyes lit up. "That sounds like fun! What's the occasion?"Avon shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I think it's just a general get-together. He's renting out a private room at a restaurant downtown."Lucia nodded, already thinking about what she would wear. "That sounds great. I could use a night out."Avon grinned. "I'll make sure to get a babysitter for the kids. We can make it a date night."Lucia smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. She loved spending time with Avon, and a night out without the kids sounded like the perfect way to recharge.The day of the party arrived, and Lucia spent hours getting ready. She curled her hair, put on a new dress, and did her makeup. Avon whistled when he saw her, making her blush."You look stun
Pretend to be mine New Year’s Day
The New Year’s Day sun streamed into Lucia’s cozy living room, painting golden stripes across the floor. Avon, Lucia’s husband, was already up, his hands busy making pancakes. The kitchen buzzed with happy chaos. Six children – two of Lucia’s and four of her sister Susan’s and Carolyn’s – tumbled over each other, giggling. Their shrieks of laughter mingled with the sizzle of the pancakes and the clinking of mugs. Eight year Lily, Susan’s eldest, was carefully arranging tiny plastic reindeer on the windowsill. Her younger brother, six-year-old Tom, was attempting, with limited success, to build a tower out of pancake batter. Baby Ellie , was gurgling contentedly, clutching a bright red ball. Across the room, Carolyn’s children, ten-year-old Chloe, seven-year-old Ben, and Asher were engaged in a boisterous game of hide-and-seek. Susan herself bustled into the kitchen, her cheeks flushed with the cold morning air. Behind her trailed her husband,carrying a large,decorated cake. Carolyn
Pretend to be mine Merry Christmas
Five months later… Baby Ellie had been born. Avon took his family to dinner. Christmas fast approaching and Asher was excited to see Santa Claus. They sat in the restaurant, waiting for their food. Asher was sitting next to Avon, and Ellie in her stroller close to Lucia. Asher was coloring a picture. Asher kept looking at the group of men who were at the next table. They kept looking over at Avon. Avon noticed them looking at Lucia , but he didn’t say anything. The waitress walked over and set our their food down in front of them. “Asher, eat your food,” Avon said. “I will, Daddy, don’t worry,” he responded as he kept looking at the table next to them. Avon knew those men were staring at my his wife. After Lucia has Ellie. She got more attractive and her skin was glowing more than usual. Avon had a problem with those men. But he'd toned it down, and he didn’t embarrass Lucia as much. Out of the clear blue, Asher looked at Lucia. “Mom, those men keep staring at us and that’s ru
Pretend to be mine A medical Trip
Avon walked into the living room, where Lucia was sitting on the couch, reading a book. Asher was playing with his toys on the floor, and Lucia’s belly was noticeably rounded with their unborn baby. “Hey beautiful,” Avon said, giving Lucia a kiss on the cheek. “ I need to talk to you about something.” Lucia looked up from her book curious. “What is it?” Avon sat beside her. “I’ve been invited to attend a medical conference in Chicago with some other doctors, including Dr. Kim. It’s a great opportunity, but you have to be careful. You’ll be traveling with other doctors, but you still need to watch other for yourself. Avon smiled, reassuring her. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll be with a group of doctors, and we’ll be staying at a hotel in the city. I’ll be perfectly safe.” Lucia nodded, seeming to relax a bit. “ okay just promise me you’ll be careful .” Avon promised, then turned the conversation to Lucia. “How are you feeling ? Will you be okay taking care of Asher and …?” He g
Pretend to be mine Diana's big day
Three months later…. The sun was shining brightly on the day of Diana's wedding. Lucia was bustling around, making sure everything was perfect for her bestfriend's special day. She had been looking forward to this moment for months, and she couldn't wait to see her friend walk down the aisle and marry the love of her life. Avon was helping Martins get ready, making sure his tie was straight and his shoes were polished. Asher, who was now able to walk, was running around. The area faced the breathtaking sunset. At the end of each seated aisle, scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle was white leaves, as far as the eyes could see, slightly moist so they wouldn’t crack when you stepped on them. Diana had a small group of close family and friends dressed in beach attire for comfort. On either side of the aisle, they sat in white chairs set up for them on the sand. Just then, Diana appeared , looking stunning in her white wedding dress. Lucia's eye
Pretend to be mine Asher is one
It was Asher's first birthday and party. Lucia and had spent the last two months planning for his birthday. Lucia worked from home and occasionally went into the office. Caterers had been in and out of the house all day, preparing for Ashers party. He had just started walking and took his first steps. His first word was “dada” and Lucia was not happy with that. All around the house were balloons that were hanging everywhere, Avon walked up to Asher's room, where Lucia was getting him ready for the party. The minute he saw Avon, he said, “Dada” and smiled. As soon as Lucia put on his dress on him, Asher walked over to Avon and hugged his legs. “Can you keep an eye on him while I go and get ready?” Lucia asked. “Of course I can,” Avon said as he picked up Asher. Avon took him out of the room and went downstairs. He smiled and pointed when he saw the balloons. “Those are for you,” he said as he kissed his cheek. Asher looked at Avon and then screamed to hold one. Avon
Pretend to be mine The proposal
“I’m so sorry. Please tell me you forgive me,” he begged as he buried his face deep into Lucia's neck. “I forgive you, but we need to talk,” she said. “I know, and I’ll do anything to make things right. I love you, and I missed you so much.” Lucia broke their embrace and placed her hands on his face. “I missed you too,” age said as she kissed him. “Come sit down and have some coffee and the hangover cocktail I just made.” “You know I hate that stuff.” “I know you do, but it works and you have to be feeling pretty lousy right now.” “I am,” he said as he rubbed his head. Lucia picked up the glass with the cocktail in it and sat down on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and as she brought the glass to his lips. “Drink.” she smiled. He looked at her, made a face, and took a sip as she tilted the glass. He took it from her hand and chugged it down as fast as he could, then placed the glass on the counter. “Where’s our baby?” he asked. “He’s at my mom's with Dian
