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CHAPTER 4: WHO IS BELLA FATHER

Author: Godwin's Pen
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-03-12 20:33:55

**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 expression. My mind flashed back to the dining room earlier—how she’d covered up her slip so smoothly, twisting the whole “daughter” comment into a lighthearted joke. Everyone had ended up laughing, even Grandma, who’d been so taken with her quick wit.

“You...” I started, unable to hold back the words forming on my lips. But before I could finish, her phone rang.

Ava glanced at the screen, her face tightening with concern. “I should take this,” she said quietly.

I gave her a brief nod, stepping back to let her answer. Just as I turned to leave, her sharp, panicked cry froze me in my tracks.

“No... Bella! Bella, relax. Mummy will be there now, sweetheart!”

Her voice cracked, raw with urgency, and before I could process what was happening, she bolted past me, running toward the street. “Ava!” I called, catching her by the arm. She was shaking, tears streaming down her face, completely lost in her panic.

“Bella needs me!” she cried, her words tumbling out in a frantic mess. “Something’s wrong—my daughter—she needs me!”

Her daughter.

The realization hit like a punch to the gut, but I didn’t have time to think about it. Ava was unraveling, and someone had to keep their head straight. I grabbed her shoulders gently, steadying her. “Calm down,” I said firmly, meeting her panicked eyes. “Where is she?”

She stuttered out an address, barely coherent, but it was enough. I guided her back into the car and jumped into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with a roar.

The address she gave was on the outskirts of the city—miles away from here. Without hesitation, I slammed my foot on the gas, the car leaping forward as I pushed it to its limit. The speedometer climbed higher and higher, but I didn’t care.

Ava sat beside me, clutching her phone and whispering frantic reassurances to her daughter. “Mummy’s coming, sweetheart. Just hold on for me, okay?” Her voice broke again, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing softly.

I tightened my grip on the wheel, my jaw clenched. I didn’t know what I was racing toward, but whatever it was, I had a gut feeling it wasn’t good. The fear in Ava’s voice told me that much.

“Just hold on, Bella,” I muttered under my breath, pressing the gas pedal harder.

*****

Before the car even came to a full stop, Ava threw the door open and bolted out.

“Ava, wait!” I called after her, but she didn’t even glance back.

I slammed the door shut and ran after her as she sprinted into the small building, her movements frantic and unsteady. The apartment door was slightly ajar, creaking as she pushed it wide open. Inside, the place was dim and quiet, the faint smell of old furniture lingering in the air.

In the corner of the living room, Bella sat huddled, her small body shaking with sobs.

“Mummy!” she cried, reaching out toward Ava. Ava didn’t hesitate, dropping to her knees and pulling Bella into her arms.

“Shh, sweetheart, I’m here,” Ava whispered, though her voice quivered. She kissed Bella’s forehead, holding her tightly. “What happened?”

Bella sniffled, her tiny hand trembling as she pointed toward a room at the end of the hallway.

“She’s in there…” Bella whimpered, her voice barely audible.

Ava froze, her body stiffening as fear flickered across her face. Then, without a word, she stood and ran toward the room.

“Ava, wait,” I said, following her closely.

She shoved the door open, and the sight inside hit like a punch.

An elderly woman lay slumped on the floor beside the bed, her head tilted at an unnatural angle. Her skin was pale, lifeless.....no doubt, she's dead

“No…” Ava whispered, her voice breaking. She rushed to the woman and dropped to her knees. “Grandma? Grandma, wake up!”

Her voice rose into a scream as she shook the body, her movements desperate and frantic. “No, no, please, no! Don’t do this to me! Wake up!”

I stood frozen for a moment, the scene unfolding before me too heavy to process. Ava’s cries tore through the room, raw and unrelenting. She clung to her grandmother’s body, sobbing uncontrollably, her hands trembling as she tried to wake her.

“Grandma! Please! Don’t leave me, you are the only one I have left” she screamed, her voice cracking with each word.

Behind us, Bella’s cries echoed through the apartment. I turned sharply, rushing back to the living room.

Bella stood in the doorway, her wide, tear-filled eyes fixed on the scene. Her little hands clutched a stuffed bunny, her lip trembling.

“Bella,” I said softly, crouching down in front of her. I scooped her up into my arms, her small body trembling against mine.

“It’s okay,” I murmured, though I knew it wasn’t. “You’re okay, smart girl. Come here.”

I carried her to the couch and pulled a pair of earbuds from her bag. Sliding them into her ears, I turned on the music from my phone. “Smart girls don’t cry,” I said gently, brushing her tears away. “You’re so brave, Bella. Just sit here, okay?”

She nodded, clutching her bunny tighter as the soft melody drowned out the chaos.

I turned back to the bedroom. Ava was still on the floor, rocking back and forth as she sobbed, her hands clutching her grandmother’s frail shoulders.

I walked to her side and knelt down, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “Ava,” I said quietly, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. “Ava, you need to let go.”

She didn’t respond, her body trembling as tears poured down her face.

“Look at me,” I said, my grip firm but gentle.

She finally turned her tear-streaked face toward mine, her eyes wide with anguish.

“She’s gone,” I said softly, my voice cracking despite my best efforts. “Ava, she’s gone.”

Her face crumbled at those words, and she let out a heartbreaking wail that shook me to my core.

“No! She can’t be gone!” she cried, clutching her grandmother tighter. “She was fine earlier! I should’ve been here!”

Her sobs grew louder, more desperate, and I could see the guilt consuming her. I gently pulled her into my arms, holding her as she fell apart.

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered, though I knew nothing I said would ease her pain.

Ava buried her face in my chest, her body shaking as her cries echoed in the room. I held her tighter, my own chest heavy with an ache I couldn’t explain.

***

**Later That Night**

The silence in the apartment was deafening after they’d taken her grandmother’s body away. Ava looked like she was barely holding herself together, but she stayed strong for Bella, tucking her into bed with shaky hands.

I watched from the doorway as she leaned down and kissed Bella’s forehead, whispering soft reassurances. “Mummy’s here. Everything’s going to be okay.” Her voice was calm, but the weight behind it was crushing.

Bella finally fell asleep, clutching her stuffed bunny like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Ava smoothed the blanket over her one last time, lingering by the bedside before she quietly left the room.

She didn’t look at me as she walked down the hall, her steps slow and heavy. I didn’t say anything either. Instead, I followed her, watching the way her shoulders slumped under the weight of everything that had happened.

She walked outside, heading toward a small flower garden tucked behind the building. The air was cool, the faint scent of roses drifting on the breeze. She stopped in front of the blooms, her arms wrapped around herself.

I stepped closer, careful not to startle her. “You can cry if you still want to cry,” I said softly.

She turned her head slightly, just enough for me to see the faintest trace of a smile. “I think I’ve run out of tears,” she said, her voice quiet and tired.

She moved to sit on a small stone bench, her fingers brushing against the petals of a flower. I stood a few feet away, giving her space, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

After a long moment of silence, she spoke, her voice so soft I almost missed it. “I can’t believe I couldn’t say goodbye to her too.”

I stayed quiet, letting her set the pace. She tilted her head back slightly, staring up at the dark sky as if searching for answers.

“This… this was exactly how it happened ten years ago,” she said, her voice trembling. “I got a call, just like tonight. I rushed back, and…” Her breath hitched. “I found them. My parents. Both of them, lying there. Gone.”

My chest tightened as she spoke, the pain in her voice cutting through me. I didn’t interrupt, just stood there and listened.

“They disowned me when they found out I was pregnant,” she continued, bitterness laced with pain. “My father… he had all these dreams for me. His only child. He wanted me to become a doctor, to carry on the family legacy.”

She let out a bitter laugh that made me wince. “When they found out, they didn’t even ask questions. They just threw me out. My grandmother was the only one who took me in. She’s the one who held my hand when I gave birth to Bella.”

Her voice cracked, and I took a step closer, not sure what to say. I wanted to comfort her, but I knew she didn’t need empty words right now.

Instead, I asked quietly, “What about Bella’s father?”

She froze. The question hung in the air, and for a moment, I thought she wasn’t going to answer. Then, slowly, she turned to look at me.

The expression on her face stopped me cold.

Her eyes were wide, filled with a mixture of fear and something else—something darker.

“You want to know about Bella’s father?” she asked, her voice low and strained.

I nodded, unsure of what to expect. But the way she looked at me sent a chill down my spine. Whatever she was about to say, it wasn’t going to be simple.

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  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 5: MARRY HER

    AVA POV“Who is Bella’s father?” Raymond’s question caught me off guard.I forced a small smile, trying to stay calm. “He’s dead,” I said quietly. “Not in the way you think. He’s alive, but to me… he’s as good as dead.”Raymond looked at me, waiting for more. I hesitated before adding, “He’s my first enemy, and he’ll always be my enemy. He’s the reason I never got to feel my parents’ love. The only time I saw them again was when they were dead.”Before Raymond could respond, Bella’s scream cut through the room. We ran inside to find her tossing and turning, caught in a nightmare.I hurried to her side, stroking her hair gently. “Mummy’s here, baby. Relax. It’s okay, I’m here.”Her little body slowly calmed under my touch, and she drifted back to sleep.I sat beside her for a moment, my thoughts lingering on everything I’d just said.*****TWO MONTHS AFTER“Mom, why am I changing my school all of a sudden?” Bella asked, her small voice breaking the silence in the car.I glanced at her

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 6: I WILL NEVER MARRY YOU

    Ava's POVNo, Ava! I screamed internally. I sat down, covering my face with both hands. My chest rose and fell quickly; my legs bounced restlessly against the floor. I was angry, upset, frustrated – so many feelings I couldn't even name. It felt like everything was closing in on me, and I couldn't breathe.I heard Raymond try to say something, but I didn't let him finish. I raised my hand, silencing him without looking his way. I couldn't deal with him right now, not with everything racing through my mind."Marriage?" I muttered, incredulous.Without a word, I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the apartment. I didn't wait for him to explain, apologize, or make excuses. I didn't care; I just wanted to get away.I reached my car, slid into the driver's seat, and drove straight to the apartment Raymond had set up for me when this fake engagement nonsense started. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, but I didn't stop; I just kept going.As soon as I got inside, I didn't waste a s

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 7: LIONS DEN

    RAYMOND POVI picked up Bella from her boarding school, pulling a few strings to get her out for the weekend. Ava had given her permission, and I wanted this time alone with Bella. She was nearing ten, but her smartness is something else, and it was time she knew about my relationship with her mom, even though I can’t tell her it’s fake and just for 6 months. Ava insisted on telling her about the marriage herself, but definitely not the Fake part.We spent the day hopping from restaurants to parks. She laughed easily at things, her laughter to every one of my jokes is contagious. As we sat on a bench, watching the ducks glide across the pond, I took a deep breath.“Okay Bella girl, what would you think if someone wanted to marry your mom?” I asked, trying to sound casual.She looked up, eyes wide. “I would love that!” she exclaimed. “As long as he’s not a bad guy. Maybe then Mom wouldn’t look so sad when I ask about my dad. And I could tell my friends I have a daddy now.”Her words hi

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 8: ANYONE CAN HAVE HER 6 MONTH AFTER…….

    My heart skipped a beat as soon as our eyes met. I hadn’t expected this. Raymond, not aware of the tension, smiled and casually introduced us. “Ava, this is my cousin, Dr. Samuel. He’s a pediatrician.”I forced a smile, but it felt like a mask. “Nice to meet you,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though my pulse was racing.Dr. Samuel’s handshake was firm, and he looked at me for a longer than moment, that looks unnecessary. it made my stomach twist. Had he remembered? Did he know? Ofcourse, he will remember the drama I displayed at the hospital that day, no one might ever break that record…..“Ava, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he finally said something , his voice warm, but there was an undertone to it that I couldn’t quite place.I glanced at Mrs. William, who was watching the exchange closely. Her eyes darted between me and Dr. Samuel, and I couldn’t shake the feeling she could sense something was off. Grandma beamed with pride, happily watching her family reunite, the twi

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 9: STOP THE EMPTY THREATEN

    Raymond’s POVAs I drove to Ava’s house, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. What are you going to say when you get there? a voice asked in my head. Won’t you look foolish?I gripped the wheel tighter, shaking off the thought immediately “No,” I muttered under my breath, refusing to entertain the doubt. I reached over and turned up the radio to drown out the noise in my head.But the universe wasn’t on my side tonight, I guessThe radio presenter’s first words hit me like a slap, it was too straight and direct.“You will look stupid when you keep chasing a woman who doesn’t want you.”“What…No!” I shouted, slamming my palm against the wheel. “Bullshit!” I quickly turned off the radio, my chest tightening.“She’s my first love,” I growled to no one but myself, as if the presenter could hear me.“And she will be my wife soon,….. contract wife” I added but with a low voice with zero confidence I flipped to another station, and this time, a love song played. It was almost mocking, but instea

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 10: FINDING THE OLD CELLPHONE

    RAYMOND POVI sat in the meeting, trying to focus, but my mind wasn’t here at all. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ava. She didn’t even bother to call. Well, she doesn’t normally call, and to be honest, I’m scared of calling her first.The manager was talking about some projections or something, but I wasn’t listening. I kept glancing at my phone like it would suddenly light up. Nothing.“Did I overreact?” I muttered, my thoughts flashing back to what happened yesterday.Then I noticed the room had gone quiet. I looked up and realized I had actually said that out loud. All the staff were staring at me. Great. Just great.I waved them off. “Just keep working, I’m fine,” I said.But it’s a lie, I wasn’t fine. I couldn’t sit there anymore. I stood up, grabbed my phone, and left without another word.The moment I got to my office, I started pacing up and down. Should I call her? Could I even do that? I tried to talk myself into it, but my chest felt heavy.I unlocked my phone and hovered o

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 11: THE WEDDING DAY

    RAYMOND POV“Do you, Raymond, take Ava to be your wedded wife?” the pastor asked.“Yes, I do,” I said without hesitation.“And do you, Ava, take Raymond as your wedded husband?”“Yes, I do,” she replied softly.Ava looked stunning, she looked incredible—her wedding gown hugged her perfectly, her hair elegantly donebut I reminded myself this was fake—a six-month deal, nothing more.The ceremony passed in a blur, the church packed with unfamiliar faces—businessmen, investors, politicians, socialites, The whole thing felt excessive, thanks to Grandma’s for making everything go this far, despite the fact I pleaded for a low key wedding At the reception, my father stood to give a speech. “As a gift to my son on his wedding day, I present him as the new owner and CEO of Diamond Stars Company!” The applause was deafening, but my eyes went straight to Desmond, my stepbrother, storming out of the hall. His mother clapping with a fake smile on her face, biting her tongues at the same timesSa

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 12: TRIP TO PARIS

    AVA POVI couldn't believe what was happening. One minute, I was chatting with Babe, showing the best way to pose for the camera and the next, Raymond was twisting his arm, his eyes blazing with anger."Raymond! Stop! You're hurting him!" I exclaimed, trying to push him away.But he didn't move. His grip on Babe's arm only tightened, his face twisted like that of demon"I was shocked. I had never seen Raymond like this before. He was always so calm and collected, but now he seemed to be on the verge of losing control.Babe was crying out in pain, and I knew I had to do something. I tried to push Raymond again, but he was too strong.Just when I thought things were going to get out of hand, Raymond suddenly released Babe's arm, his chest heaving with anger.The store fell silent, the only sound was Babe's heavy breathing and the stunned murmurs of the other customers.I turned to Babe, helping him to his feet. "Are you okay?" I asked, concern etched on my face.Babe nodded, wincing in

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25

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  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 32: FLASH BACK- 10 YEARS AGO

    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,

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 31: UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

    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

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 30: HOW ARE WE GOING TO TELL THEM…..

    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

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 29: SO, SHE’S MINE

    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.

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING     CHAPTER 28: BELLA IS MY DAUGHTER

    “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

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING     CHAPTER 27: VALENTINE SURPRISE

    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

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 26: THANK YOU DADDY

    RAYMOND POVI sat in the hospital room, my leg bouncing as I stared blankly at the white walls. The needle in my arm barely registered—I didn’t even flinch when the doctor drew my blood. My mind was too far gone to care.Ava.How was she going to react when she found out Bella was in the ICU?I could already picture it—the panic in her eyes, the way she’d demand answers no one could give. Bella was everything to her. And now, she was lying in a hospital bed, fighting to stay alive.A deep sigh snapped me back to reality.“All done,” the doctor said in a flat, professional tone. He pulled the needle out and pressed a cotton swab to my arm.I barely acknowledged him.He stared at me for a beat before clicking his tongue. “Wow. No ‘thank you, doctor’? Then He sighed dramatically. “Man, tough crowd.”I looked up at him sharply, frowning. Was this guy serious? That serious Doctor just dropped street slang..He smirked, shaking his head. “Fine, fine. I gotta you now, let's pray it’s a match

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 25:A DONOR

    RAYMOND POV“Looking at myself in the mirror as I tie my wristwatch, I know Vivian is too emotional to play this kind of game with, but I need the good side of her.”I adjust my white shirt, leaving the top button undone, the silver necklace resting against my skin. I don’t usually care about details like this, but tonight, I need everything to be right. As I step out of the closet, I have no plans to say anything to Ava. She’s been keeping to herself lately, and that works for me most tonight. If she’s minding her business, I’ll mind mine.I reach for the door, ready to leave, when I hear soft footsteps behind me. Turning back, I see Ava standing there in oversized pajamas and big fluffy slippers, lazily eating Pringles. She looks at me, chewing slowly, then tilts her head.“Where are you going?” Her voice is casual, but the question catches me off guard.I wasn’t expecting her to ask. She doesn’t always care, so why now? I swallow, trying to come up with an answer. Lying isn’t an op

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 24:A WIN WIN

    “Just make sure everything is ready before I move in,” Samuel said into the phone, his voice steady.The person on the other end - An interior designer spoke for a moment, and he nodded. “Yeah, I want it exactly how I told you. No surprises.”He ended the call and tossed his phone on the table. Leaning back into the couch, he let out a deep breath. His eyes flickered to his bag.After a pause, he reached for it, his fingers brushing over the zipper before pulling it open. He dug around for a second before his hand wrapped around an envelope.The DNA test he carried out secretly…Samuel pulled it out and stared at the paper inside. He already knew what it said. 99.9% match. Bella was Raymond’s daughter.He scoffed, shaking his head. “So all these years… and she kept this from him?”He ran a hand through his hair, he sat there for a moment, staring at nothing. His fingers twitched. His thoughts were thinking about the whole stuff Without thinking, he pulled a cigarette pack from his po

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