CHAPTER 1: CONTRACT

AVA POV

“Are you nervous?”

Mr. Daniel’s voice jolted me from my thoughts as the car cruised down the city street.

“No,” I lied, gripping the edge of my seat so tightly my knuckles turned white.

He chuckled, glancing at me. “You’re a terrible liar, Ava. Relax. This is just a business meeting.”

“A business meeting that requires me to pretend to be someone’s fiancée,” I shot back, my voice edged with disbelief. “Feels like a little more than just business.”

“Okay, fair point,” he said with a grin. “But come on, think about it. The money you’re getting for this is life-changing. No more scrubbing coffee machines for minimum wage, no more sleepless nights worrying about Annabel. This is your ticket to a better life for both of you.”

I sighed, biting my lip at the mention of my daughter. He wasn’t wrong. That’s the only reason I agreed to this insane plan—to give her the life she deserved. One week ago, I’d sent her to stay with my mother, telling her it was temporary. Telling myself it was worth it.

“And you’re sure your boss doesn’t care who plays this part?” I asked.

“Positive,” he said, parking the car outside a towering glass building. “He just needs someone convincing enough to keep his stepbrother off his back. You’re perfect for this.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, following him into the pristine lobby. Mr. Daniel had been a regular at the coffee shop where I worked part-time, his easygoing nature and relentless optimism making him one of the few bright spots in my day. Until he comes with this proposal of pretending to be his boss fiance's till he gets his rightful inheritance and be the heir or whatever he want to achieve...

The elevator ride was a blur, and before I knew it, we were stepping into an enormous office.

“Mr. Williams, this is Ava,” Mr. Daniel said as we entered, his voice light and professional.

I glanced up, forcing a polite smile—and froze.

The man behind the desk looked up, and my heart stopped.

Raymond, the last person I ever expected to see ...no, not even the last person.....RAYMOND.

His name slammed into my mind like a freight train. He looked different now—older, sharper, every inch the powerful businessman. But those piercing eyes, that chiseled jawline—I would’ve recognized him anywhere.

My chest tightened as memories I’d buried years ago came rushing back.

His eyes widened in recognition. “Ava?”

My breath caught. Hearing my name in his voice, after all these years, was like a punch to the gut.

Before I could react, he was on his feet, striding toward me. Without warning, he pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around me like he’d been waiting for this moment forever.

“Ava,” he murmured again, almost like he couldn’t believe it.

“Don’t touch me,” I hissed, shoving him away with all my strength. My voice was sharp, but my hands trembled. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He stared at me, his expression unreadable. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

“Well, here I am,” I snapped, taking a step back. “But this isn’t a reunion. I’m married, and I’m only here because of the contract. That’s it. And at this point, I am no longer interested.”

His jaw tightened, but before he could say anything, I turned on my heel and headed for the door. My heart was pounding, my mind racing. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t play pretend with *him*.

“Ava, wait!” Raymond’s voice followed me, but I didn’t stop.

I reached the hallway, my chest heaving as I pushed the door open and broke into a run.

*****

I didn’t know how I managed to get home. The city traffic was brutal, but I didn’t notice much of it. I’d plugged in my headphones, blasted music, and focused on not thinking.

Once I entered my tiny apartment, I dropped my bag and immediately dove into cleaning. Sweeping, wiping, scrubbing—anything to keep my hands busy and my mind blank.

I forced myself to sing along to the music playing in the background, even danced so hard like a crazy person. Fake smiles, fake energy—it didn’t matter. I just needed to escape the storm brewing inside me.

When my phone rang, I froze, staring at Mr. Daniel’s name on the screen. My chest tightened, but I ignored it. I wasn’t ready to explain anything.

****

The next morning, I dragged myself to work at the coffee shop. The familiar routine gave me comfort, but my mind was elsewhere.

The bell above the door jingled, and I turned to see Mr. Daniel walking in. He smiled cheerfully, but his eyes held questions.

“Ava,” he said, leaning casually on the counter. “Are you avoiding me now? You just bolted.”

I hesitated, pretending to wipe an already spotless surface.

“I… It was just too much,” I mumbled.

“Too much?” he pressed. “Come on, talk to me. Did you know him? ”

His words struck a nerve, and my stomach twisted. My hands stilled, gripping the edge of the counter as my thoughts spiraled.

How could I explain this? How could I tell him that Raymond was the boy I once loved, the boy who took everything from me?

I can’t bring myself to narrate my shameful past, I thought bitterly. How would I even start? Raymond was my high school sweetheart, the one who spent a year breaking down my walls, running after me just to win my heart. And when I finally gave in, when I finally trusted him… he took my virginity and disappeared the next day.

The memories clawed their way to the surface. I found out through his friend that he’d relocated abroad without a word. And the worst part—the part I still can’t fully process—was the video clip his friend showed me then. Raymond, laughing, bragging, and making a bet that he could get me into bed.

My throat tightened. That one night ruined my future, but it also gave me the one thing worth living for—my beautiful daughter - Bella

“Ava?” Mr. Daniel’s voice broke through my thoughts.

I blinked, realizing I’d been standing there, silent. His concerned gaze pierced through the walls I was desperately trying to rebuild.

And just like that, the dam broke.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, unstoppable, and I buried my face in my hands.

“Ava” Mr. Daniel’s voice was gentle, but I couldn’t answer.

How could I.....