FLASH BACK- 10 YEARS AGO"Raymond needs to come home, William. This isn't right!" Hannah’s - Raymond mom voice echoed through the large living room, out of frustrationMr. William stood firm, arms crossed over his chest. "No, Hannah. He stays abroad until he regains his memory. I won’t risk bringing him back until then."** Hannah exhaled sharply, her hands trembling. "Keeping him away won’t help him remember. He needs to be around familiar faces, familiar places!"William’s eyes darkened. "You don’t understand what’s at stake. If word gets out that my son, the future heir, has memory issues, do you know what that would mean for us? For me?"Hannah’s heart ached at his words. "So this is about your reputation?" she whispered, shaking her head. "Not about Raymond? Not about what’s best for him?"William’s jaw tightened, refusing to answer. A heavy silence stretched between them before Hannah finally spoke again. "I won’t sit back and watch you do this to our son."**One week later,
AVA POVI stared at Mr William, my fingers tightening around the check. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening.“Why do you want me to divorce Raymond?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Without answering, he slid a document across the desk toward me. I hesitated before picking it up, my eyes scanning the words. My heart pounded harder with each line I read.It was a contract.A contract that stated I would divorce Raymond quietly, without telling him I had been forced to do so. I was to leave and move far away, taking our daughter, Bella, with me. In return, I would receive additional financial support every month.My hands trembled as I lowered the paper, my eyes locking onto Mr. William. I studied his face, searching for any sign of emotion, but he remained as cold and distant as ever.Why now? Why was he so desperate to erase me from Raymond’s life?Then I remembered.The way his entire demeanor shifted the last time he saw my father’s pict
AVA POVRaymond stood there, his whole body tense. His fists were clenched at his sides, and I could tell he was trying really hard not to lose his temper. His jaw was tight, and he was breathing slowly, like he was forcing himself to stay calm.The air in the room felt heavy, but before I could say anything, my phone buzzed in my hand. I looked down and saw a message from William.“I hope you received the letter, and note: No drama. Respect is a beautiful thing, you know what to do.”I swallowed hard, quickly clearing my throat and forcing a smile onto my face as I looked up at Raymond.“I think… this is a good thing,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “I can just stay at home, look after Bella, and also…” My words trailed off as I struggled to finish the sentence.Raymond’s eyes darkened, his hands balling into even tighter fists.Before he could say anything, I quickly stepped forward, pecked him lightly on the lips, and turned on my heels, rushing out of the office before my emoti
AVA POVI went to pick Bella up from school, trying my best not to let the frustration of not working at the company anymore get to me. As we drove home, I played her favorite songs, letting the music fill the car. She was vibing to it, clapping her hands and singing along, her little voice making me smile.But then, she suddenly turned to me. "Mom, you should be at work with Dad. Why did you come to pick me today?"I glanced at her and smiled. "Is it now a crime to pick my child from school?"She pouted, looking a bit sober, but then, as another of her favorite songs played, she nodded along again, her mood lifting. I let out a silent breath.At HomeBella was eating at the dining table while the maid served her, and I was checking her bag for assignments. As I flipped through her school notes, my eyes caught a small brown envelope tucked inside. At first, I thought it was just a regular message from the school. They usually sent emails, but sometimes they sent physical notes too."B
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
AVA POV I stood at the entrance of Raymond’s office building, fingers wrapped around the cool metal of the door handle. I paced back and forth, trying to decide whether to go in. I thought of Mr. Daniel’s words and that's the only word that confused me back here.."Either way, whatever he did to you, why can't you consider this deal as payback? Deal with him, if you can."Those words stuck with me, reminding me why I was here. This wasn’t about me anymore; it was for my daughter’s future. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.When the elevator doors opened, I walked out with purpose. I wasn’t here to dwell on the past. I had a goal, and nothing was going to stop me from reaching it. I moved swiftly through the hall, avoiding eye contact with anyone, my mind set on the task ahead.I reached his office and paused at the door. I didn’t look back. I walked in, forcing myself to remain composed.Raymond was standing by his desk. He glanced up when I entered, his
Raymond POVI bounced onto my bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. Ava's face wouldn’t leave my mind—the way she walked off earlier, her back straight, but her eyes I can't even describe that look, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.“Idiot!” I slapped my cheeks hard, trying to snap myself out of it. What was I even doing? Bringing my shameless ex here? For what? To make Ava jealous?I groaned, sitting up and running a hand through my hair. “That was so stupid,” I muttered to myself. I hit my forehead with my palm.I used to be better than this. I told myself I’d given up on love a long time ago. Every woman I met only cared about my money. None of them ever cared about me. I stopped believing in love after that.But then, Daniel brought Ava into my office. The moment I saw her, it was like something inside me woke up. Just seeing her face made me feel things I hadn’t felt in years.Ava was my first love. She’s the only woman who ever made me believe love was real. The only one who ever
**Raymond’s POV**The drive back to Ava’s apartment was suffocatingly silent. The only sound came from the low hum of the music playing through the car speakers. She sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clenched together on her lap. I could tell she was blaming herself for almost ruining the plan, but somehow, she’d managed to turn the moment around. No one suspected anything, not even my grandmother, who could see through most facades.When we finally pulled up outside her building, the tension was still thick. Ava unbuckled her seatbelt, and we both exchanged polite nods, bowing slightly to acknowledge the end of the night. Just as I turned to leave, her soft voice stopped me.“Raymond...”I turned back, my hand still on the car door. She hesitated for a second, her head bowed slightly as she said in a low, almost broken voice, “I’m sorry for almost ruining the plan tonight.”I froze, my eyes lingering on her face. There was something so vulnerable, so... innocent about her
AVA POVI went to pick Bella up from school, trying my best not to let the frustration of not working at the company anymore get to me. As we drove home, I played her favorite songs, letting the music fill the car. She was vibing to it, clapping her hands and singing along, her little voice making me smile.But then, she suddenly turned to me. "Mom, you should be at work with Dad. Why did you come to pick me today?"I glanced at her and smiled. "Is it now a crime to pick my child from school?"She pouted, looking a bit sober, but then, as another of her favorite songs played, she nodded along again, her mood lifting. I let out a silent breath.At HomeBella was eating at the dining table while the maid served her, and I was checking her bag for assignments. As I flipped through her school notes, my eyes caught a small brown envelope tucked inside. At first, I thought it was just a regular message from the school. They usually sent emails, but sometimes they sent physical notes too."B
AVA POVRaymond stood there, his whole body tense. His fists were clenched at his sides, and I could tell he was trying really hard not to lose his temper. His jaw was tight, and he was breathing slowly, like he was forcing himself to stay calm.The air in the room felt heavy, but before I could say anything, my phone buzzed in my hand. I looked down and saw a message from William.“I hope you received the letter, and note: No drama. Respect is a beautiful thing, you know what to do.”I swallowed hard, quickly clearing my throat and forcing a smile onto my face as I looked up at Raymond.“I think… this is a good thing,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “I can just stay at home, look after Bella, and also…” My words trailed off as I struggled to finish the sentence.Raymond’s eyes darkened, his hands balling into even tighter fists.Before he could say anything, I quickly stepped forward, pecked him lightly on the lips, and turned on my heels, rushing out of the office before my emoti
AVA POVI stared at Mr William, my fingers tightening around the check. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening.“Why do you want me to divorce Raymond?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Without answering, he slid a document across the desk toward me. I hesitated before picking it up, my eyes scanning the words. My heart pounded harder with each line I read.It was a contract.A contract that stated I would divorce Raymond quietly, without telling him I had been forced to do so. I was to leave and move far away, taking our daughter, Bella, with me. In return, I would receive additional financial support every month.My hands trembled as I lowered the paper, my eyes locking onto Mr. William. I studied his face, searching for any sign of emotion, but he remained as cold and distant as ever.Why now? Why was he so desperate to erase me from Raymond’s life?Then I remembered.The way his entire demeanor shifted the last time he saw my father’s pict
FLASH BACK- 10 YEARS AGO"Raymond needs to come home, William. This isn't right!" Hannah’s - Raymond mom voice echoed through the large living room, out of frustrationMr. William stood firm, arms crossed over his chest. "No, Hannah. He stays abroad until he regains his memory. I won’t risk bringing him back until then."** Hannah exhaled sharply, her hands trembling. "Keeping him away won’t help him remember. He needs to be around familiar faces, familiar places!"William’s eyes darkened. "You don’t understand what’s at stake. If word gets out that my son, the future heir, has memory issues, do you know what that would mean for us? For me?"Hannah’s heart ached at his words. "So this is about your reputation?" she whispered, shaking her head. "Not about Raymond? Not about what’s best for him?"William’s jaw tightened, refusing to answer. A heavy silence stretched between them before Hannah finally spoke again. "I won’t sit back and watch you do this to our son."**One week later,
A MONTH AFTERRAYMOND’S POVHaving a peaceful dinner, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. The clinking of spoon and plates filled the air, and for here I am, not eating alone or staring at my step mother, there was no tension. Just these two around me, sitting together like a real family and yeah.. This are my fucking family...Bella was excitedly talking about her new school, her tiny voice animated as she shared everything that happened."And guess what, Daddy?" She grinned, rolling her eyes. "I made a new best friend today!"I smiled. "Oh yeah? What’s her name?""Eliza!" she chirped.Ava choked on her water. She coughed dramatically, her eyes widening in pure horror."Eliza?!" she repeated, almost dropping her spoon.Bella nodded proudly. "Yes! She’s so nice. She even shared her lunch with me!"Ava’s face twisted like she had just swallowed something sour. "Eliza? That name is cursed."Bella giggled, her tiny hands covering her mouth. "Mommy, you’re so dramatic!" She tea
AVA’s POVRaymond was the one laying Bella to bed after all the crying. I stood at the doorway, watching him, my heart heavy. I still couldn’t believe he went to get a DNA test. The way he had explained everything that happened ten years ago kept playing in my head. Tears filled my eyes again, even though we had cried the whole day. We were happy and sad at the same time.We both blamed ourselves. Even though I blamed myself more, Raymond still thought it was all his fault. But it was never his fault.Bella had been clinging to him the whole time. She only fell asleep after we had spent hours apologizing to each other and breaking down every side of the story. We never even realized she was behind us, listening to everything. She broke down in tears with us, but at the same time, she was more than happy to learn Raymond was her father. Every few seconds, she would look at him and blush, unable to hide her happiness.“She’s okay now,” Raymond said, pulling me from my deep thoughts.He
AVA POVI collapsed. My legs were shaking like I had no control over them anymore.What did I just hear Samuel say?His words kept ringing in my head, over and over again.“I know Bella is Raymond’s daughter.” I thought that's the shocking words but NoHe just told me more, I mean everything..what I don’t know that happened 10 years ago.Raymond really had an accident. He lost his memory. He was transferred out of the country….Samuel just said all of that All this time, I thought he abandoned me, used and dumb me. I thought he knew and didn’t care. But he didn’t know. My chest tightened, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe, remembering how I never give him a small chance to explain.No. No, this has to be a lie.Everything I thought I knew about the past… it can’t be true. This has to be a mistake.I struggled to breathe, my heart racing so fast it hurt. I looked up at Samuel, and something inside me snapped.“Why didn’t you tell me?” My voice was sharp, my hands curling into fists.
“Disappeared… this deadbeat… that’s me…God…yes….its ……me.”Raymond sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Bella as she slept. Her little face was still wet with tears, her lips moving slightly as she whispered, “Mom… I’m sorry…” over and over again.His chest tightened. She had cried herself to sleep, not even understanding all Ava words, but she’s just pained seeing her mum lash out badly.He reached out, brushing her messy curls from her forehead. She looked so small, so fragile. And yet, she held so much love for him. More than he probably deserved.His mind kept replaying Ava’s words.“Disappeared when she was forming in my stomach…”He squeezed his eyes shut. No. That couldn’t be true. If it was, then…His heart started pounding as he did the math in his head. Bella is now 9…10, left high school…….the accident night…... That meant—His eyes snapped open.It lined up. The timeline… it fit…...A sharp breath left his lips. His hands curled into fists.Could she really be his daught
AT THE OFFICE RAYMOND POVI sat in my office, barely paying attention to the papers in front of me. My mind was somewhere else, just instructed Daniel to make arrangements for the valentines date with Vivian.Daniel still stood nearby, looking like he was about to lose it.“Valentine….Really…Raymond… the ancient company… we need to focus now,” he said, his voice laced with frustration.I didn’t respond. My eyes drifted to Ava’s desk, the chair she used to sit in.“Just this last time,” I muttered under my breath.Daniel sighed, probably realizing I wasn’t listening. Without another word, he bowed slightly and walked out.As soon as the door shut, I got up and walked to Ava’s desk, running my fingers over the surface.I could still picture her sitting there, and staring at my direction secretly.I could still hear Bella’s laughter echoing in my head, dragging us into her little games. Ava pretends to be annoyed but always gives in.A small smile tugged at my lips.But Then—a suddenly