All Chapters of Pretend to Want Me: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

AlexThe car hummed along the road, but the silence inside was deafening. I glanced at Emilia, seated beside me, her gaze fixed straight ahead. Her fingers deftly twirled a small, triangular piece of metal, the motion so fluid and practiced it was mesmerizing. For a child her age, the skill was impressive. Unsettling, even. I cleared my throat, trying to catch her attention. But Emilia remained lost in her own world, the metal dancing between her fingers without missing a beat. I swallowed, a part of me wanting to leave her be. The silence was fine, I told myself. No childish questions, just blessed quiet. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. This Emilia was a far cry from the bubbly girl I'd met at the house. The way she stared ahead, so intense and knowing... it was almost as if she was aware of something I couldn't see. "So, Emilia," I ventured, attempting to break the ice. "How's school going? You like your teachers? Your classmates?" Her responses were clip

AvaAfter hanging up, I leaned back in my chair, exhaustion washing over me. The headache was getting worse, and I still had hours of damage control ahead of me.My gaze drifted to the family photo on my desk—me, James, and Emilia on her fourth birthday, just months before the accident. We looked so happy, so complete. Would we ever feel that way again? Could Emilia and I ever be whole without him?The thought of Alex Russo—arrogant, infuriating Alex—being involved in my daughter's life seemed absurd. And yet, he'd volunteered to drive her to school, bought her thoughtful gifts...I picked up the book he'd left for Emilia—a signed first edition of "Starstruck." How had he known she wanted it? The puzzle too—it was exactly the kind of complex challenge she loved. It showed an attention to detail, a consideration I wouldn't have expected from him.My phone buzzed with another text message. This time from Alex: Emilia safely delivered to school. She might have mentioned I ask "stupid que

Alex."So, gentlemen, that concludes our quarterly overview." I closed the presentation with a decisive click, surveying the boardroom. The usual suspects stared back at me – old money in expensive suits, their expressions ranging from boredom to barely concealed curiosity. I knew what they were waiting for, and it wasn't my thoughts on our Asian market expansion."Any questions?" I asked, deliberately casual.Harold Kensington, a relic from my father's era, cleared his throat. "Just one, Alex. This... engagement to Ava Silver. Is it wise?"I kept my expression neutral, though my jaw tightened. "In what way, Harold?""Strategically speaking." He adjusted his glasses, giving him time to choose his words. "Silver Innovations directly competes with us in three key markets. The board is concerned about potential conflicts of interest.""A competitor turned partner," I corrected smoothly. "Our collaboration on the clean energy initiative has already increased projected valuations by eighte

AlexA soft knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. My assistant poked her head in. "Your sister is here to see you."Before I could respond, Claire burst into my office, a whirlwind of energy and expensive perfume."Well, if it isn't the man of the hour," she announced, dropping dramatically into the chair across from me. "Engaged! To Ava Silver, no less. You certainly know how to keep things interesting, big brother."I couldn't help smiling at my sister's theatrical entrance. Four years younger and infinitely more sociable than me, Claire had always been the family charmer."It's not what you think," I started.She held up a perfectly manicured hand. "Save it. Mother already called me ranting abou

Ava."Seriously, Mom? That's what you're wearing?"I glanced down at my outfit—dark jeans paired with a simple blue blouse—then back at my daughter, who was regarding me with the kind of withering judgment only a nine-year-old could deliver."What's wrong with this?" I asked, smoothing the blouse self-consciously.Emilia rolled her eyes dramatically. "It's boring. You look like you're going to work, not dinner with Grandpa." She paused, then added with reluctant honesty, "And that guy.""That guy," I repeated, biting back a smile. "You mean Alex?""Whatever." Emilia flopped onto my bed, watching as I rummaged through my closet. "Grandpa's going to think you don't even care."I sighed, pulling out a burgundy wrap dress I hadn't worn in months. "Better?"Emilia's nose scrunched up as she considered the dress. "I guess. But you should wear the green one. The one Grandpa says makes your eyes look pretty."My heart squeezed at her concern for my father's opinion. Despite her occasional pre