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A personal stake
Last Updated:
2025-01-15 17:49:45
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Pretend to be mine Opening up
Avon pulled her closer to him, so happy to be with her. It felt wrong to be happy when she was on the point of tears, but he was honored that she was sharing this with him. This conversation felt like a gift.“You know that’s not true, right? That if it doesn’t pass this time it’s not your fault? That all you can do is give everything you have to this, and you know you have been? You do know all that?”She shrugged and turned away from him. Okay. Did that mean she didn’t want to talk about this anymore? He wasn’t sure if he should keep talking, but he had one more question for her.“Have you talked to your sister about this? Have you told her what you’re trying to do, and why?”She hesitated and shook her head.“We haven’t . . . We don’t really talk about that at all. At first, I was too ashamed to say anything, and now it seems like it’s been too long.”He didn’t respond at first, not quite sure what to say. She reached for the slice of pizza he’d put on her plate and had eaten half
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Pretend to be mine Diana
Diana and Lucia’s friendship was the stuff of legends. They'd met in school, bonding over late-night pizza and study sessions. Diana had been immediately drawn to Lucia’s sharp wit and determination, while Lucia admired Diana’s quick thinking and creative approach to problem-solving. As they navigated the challenges of school together, their friendship deepened. They became each other's sounding board, offering advice and support through thick and thin. After graduation, Despite her demanding career, Diana always made time for Lucia. The two friends would meet for brunch every Sunday, discussing everything from their love lives to their latest career triumphs. Diana’s own love life was a bit of a rollercoaster. She'd had her share of high-profile romances, but nothing seemed to stick. Lucia often joked that Diana was too intimidating for most men, and that she needed someone who could keep up with her sharp tongue and quick wit. When she wasn't working or dating, Diana love
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Pretend to be mine Complicated emotions
Lucia got to work the next morning groggy but blissful. In the middle of the night she’d woken up to him kissing the back of her neck and turned to give him access to the rest of her body. This time it was slower, gentler, quieter, but the fireworks had gone off just the same. He’d refused to let her drive him to the airport that morning. He’d insisted it was too early and she should get some of the sleep that he’d robbed her of. She hadn’t gotten any of that sleep—she’d jumped in the shower as soon as they’d kissed good-bye at her front door—but she’d loved him for saying so. She sank into her desk chair and barely managed to avoid spilling her coffee as that thought sank in. Loved him? Wait, no, that’s not what she’d meant. She couldn’t feel that way about him. That way was surely headed for heartbreak with a guy like Avon. But he clearly cared about her, right? He jumped on a plane to come see her for less than twelve hours; he had to feel something for her. Or was she just
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Pretend to be mine Unfinished sentences
Avon left straight from the hospital to pick Lucia up at the airport, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. He had been looking forward to seeing her all day, and the stress of the past few days was starting to catch up with him. As he walked down the hall toward the elevator, Lucas high-fived him. "You'll be at 4th of July party on Sunday, right?" Avon nodded, smiling. "See you there." The elevator doors opened, and Avon stepped inside, feeling a sense of anticipation. He had been thinking a lot about his relationship with Lucia , and he was starting to realize that he wasn't ready to let her go just yet. When he arrived at the airport, Lucia walked out of the terminal just as he pulled up, looking stunning in her business attire. Avon jumped out of the car to kiss her, feeling a rush of excitement. "Hey," he said, smiling. "Welcome back." Lucia smiled back, looking a little tense. "Hey," she replied. "Thanks for picking me up." Avon nodded, opening the trunk to grab her lugg
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Pretend to be mine Facing fears and finding comfort
“I knew you’d like the pancakes, even though the biscuits are my favorite.”He pulled out her ponytail so he could run his fingers through her hair, and she sighed and rested her head against his shoulder.“Hills?”She turned and smiled at him, but she looked anxious again, like she had the night before.Maybe she needed to get work done? Yeah, that was probably it. She always needed to get work done.“I was maybe going to go for a run. Did you . . . is that cool? You’ll be okay here for a while, right?”She turned away from him and sat up.“Yeah, that’s fine. I can get some work done while you’re gone.”Yeah, he’d figured. He kissed her again as he stood up to go change into his running clothes. When he came back into the living room, her laptop was on her lap and she had that worried look on her face again. Still.“Everything okay?”She jumped at the sound of his face and looked up.“Oh . . . yeah, fine. Just checking my email.”He didn’t quite believe that. He wanted to sit down ne
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Pretend to be mine Sangria,sausages and small talk
She walked over to refill her glass of sangria. A guy Avon had just introduced her to followed her. "Lucia, right? Having fun so far?" He put an arm around her. Lots of huggers at this party. "Yeah, it's great." She stepped to the side so she could pour her drink. "Ethan, right?" "Yeah, so smart of you to remember." Ethan liked to stand close, didn't he? "So Lucia , where are you from?" She took a sip of her sangria and a half step backward. "San Francisco . I'm just down here for the weekend." Oh look, he'd moved closer. "You live in San Francisco ? That's cool. But I meant, like, where are you really from?" Now she knew where this was going. Like she couldn't "really" be from California? Why did people always try to ask her about her ethnicity in the clumsiest of all possible ways? Getting this question, especially in this way, always made her feel like such an object of curiosity. Today it made her feel like even more of an Other in this party full of golden-hai
Last Updated : 2025-01-20Pretend to be mine Secrets and smiles
Lucia held her glass out to Dorothy for a refill. “Maybe not an expert, but I did graduate from Law School, so . . .” Lily crossed the room so fast she almost knocked into Dorothy . “Tell me everything.” After Lucia went inside, Avon got his share of teasing from Ryan and Julian. “Good God, you should see the way you look at her,” Luke said. “It’s like me when I’m looking at . . .” “A really fat sausage?” Julian suggested. “Oh, shut up, both of you,” Avon said, after Ryan and Julian recovered from their peals of laughter. “No, no, but it’s cute,” Julian said. “Look at you—you keep glancing toward the house to see if she’s coming back and trying to pretend that you’re just looking at your drink.” Avon shifted his eyes back in their direction. Okay, fine, they caught him looking for her. He was just trying to make sure she made it back outside okay. No, that excuse didn’t even work in his own head. Eventually, Cassie , another doctor at the hospital, came over to the
Last Updated : 2025-01-20Pretend to be mine Behind the smile
Avon pointed and went back to munching on chips and listening to Lucia and Julian talk about hiking. Unsettled? He wasn’t unsettled. It was possible he would prefer Lucia to be standing next to him than over on the other side of the party talking to three strange men, but he wasn’t unsettled. He watched Lucas approach her group and tap her on the shoulder. Lucia threw her arms around Lucas and beamed her bright smile at him and absorbed him into her cozy little group. Avon waited for her to look around for him. She was probably just waiting to catch his eye to signal to him to come join them. But she didn’t turn her head. Lucia was glad she hadn’t tried to have the Talk with Avon before coming to the party. She would have made some humiliating speech about how she felt about him and how she wanted a relationship with him, and he would have looked at her with pity in his eyes. She’d always known what the deal was. That was the worst part. She’d known from the beginning who and wh
Last Updated : 2025-01-20
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
