The Contract That Changed Everything

mon

leave my mind-the way she walked off earlier, her back straight, but her

myself out of it. What was I even doing? Bringing

ough my hair. "That was so stupid," I mutter

long time ago. Every woman I met only cared about my money. None o

saw her, it was like something inside me woke up. Just s

er made me believe love was real. The only one who

sing fun. But Ava was different. She didn't try to impress me or chase after me. Somehow,it starte

we graduated, the night I took her v

ar acc

ife. My parents took me abroad for treatment and hid everything

remember who I even was. And when my memories finally

I'd run into her on the street or at one of our high school reuni

died and no one knew where she had

again, but it's not the same. She's keeping her d

let her express herself. But then again, why would a marrie

es, but he won't give me any answers. H

to my desk. I opened the bottom d

as smiling so brightly, her eyes full of happiness. I stoo

ll smile creeping onto my lips. "Ava," I whispered

feel real love. And now that she's back,

-

nouncement about our fake relationship. But before that, there was a

idn't keep me waiting long. The sound of her heels echoed as she

just right, her hair falling in soft waves. She carried herself

acted like she didn't see it. Instead, she walked to the other side and

still on the handle. Shaking my he

ing at her from the corner of my eye, but she stared straight ahe

we finally reached

ward to

ed with silverware and a centerpiece of fresh flowers. My

" she said, pulling Ava into a hug. Ava stiffened for a

rs. ......,"

off, her eyes twinkling. "You

ectful nod. "It's good to

mpossible to miss. They sat at the table without saying much, occasionally exchanging looks that mad

d cracking jokes. "So, Ava, are you ready for Raymon

ring just a little. "I'll

and Ava played her role smartly. She's just giving every daughter in law vibes, and s

f when I was younger. Always quick

replied, "My daughter o

he air as silence f

t say "My d

t her. She froze, her hand shaking, and the glass of wi

ound of shattering gla