"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, 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*.

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