The Contract That Changed Everything

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 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*.

"Ava, wait!" Raymond's voice followed me, but I didn't stop.

I reached the hallway, my chest heaving as I pushed the door open and broke into a run.

*****

I didn't know how I managed to get home. The city traffic was brutal, but I didn't notice much of it. I'd plugged in my headphones, blasted music, and focused on not thinking.

Once I enter my tiny apartment, I dropped my bag and immediately dove into cleaning. Sweeping, wiping, scrubbing-anything to keep my hands busy and my mind blank.

I forced myself to sing along to the music playing in the background, even danced so hard like a crazy person. Fake smiles, fake energy-it didn't matter. I just needed to escape the storm brewing inside me.

When my phone rang, I froze, staring at Mr. Daniel's name on the screen. My chest tightened, but I ignored it. I wasn't ready to explain anything.

****

The next morning, I dragged myself to work at the coffee shop. The familiar routine gave me comfort, but my mind was elsewhere.

The bell above the door jingled, and I turned to see Mr. Daniel walking in. He smiled cheerfully, but his eyes held questions.

"Ava," he said, leaning casually on the counter. "Are you avoiding me now? You just bolted."

I hesitated, pretending to wipe an already spotless surface.

"I... It was just too much," I mumbled.

"Too much?" he pressed. "Come on, talk to me. Did you know him? "

His words struck a nerve, and my stomach twisted. My hands stilled, gripping the edge of the counter as my thoughts spiraled.

How could I explain this? How could I tell him that Raymond was the boy I once loved, the boy who took everything from me?

I can't bring myself to narrate my shameful past, I thought bitterly. How would I even start? Raymond was my high school sweetheart, the one who spent a year breaking down my walls, running after me just to win my heart. And when I finally gave in, when I finally trusted him... he took my virginity and disappeared the next day.

The memories clawed their way to the surface. I found out through his friend that he'd relocated abroad without a word. And the worst part-the part I still can't fully process-was the video clip his friend showed me then. Raymond, laughing, bragging, and making a bet that he could get me into bed.

My throat tightened. That one night ruined my future, but it also gave me the one thing worth living for-my beautiful daughter - Bella

"Ava?" Mr. Daniel's voice broke through my thoughts.

I blinked, realizing I'd been standing there, silent. His concerned gaze pierced through the walls I was desperately trying to rebuild.

And just like that, the dam broke.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, unstoppable, and I buried my face in my hands.

"Ava" Mr. Daniel's voice was gentle, but I couldn't answer.

How could I.....

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 eyes scanning me briefly before he masked his surprise with that all-too-familiar smirk. I didn't smile back. I wasn't here for small talk.

"I'm here for business, Mr William," I said, my voice steady. "Nothing more."

I sat down and placed my purse on the desk, waiting for him to get to the point. I wasn't interested in anything else.

Mr. Daniel walked in a few moments later, placing a folder on the desk between us. I didn't look up, keeping my attention on the papers in front of me. He smiled at me briefly before addressing Raymond.

"I have the contract," he said, his tone professional.

Raymond nodded, but I wasn't paying attention to him. I flipped open the folder and scanned the contract quickly. I didn't need to read every line-I knew what I was here for.

When I saw the section I was looking for, I picked up the pen and wrote:

**No communication about my past. No single question.**..Yes, I added that to the contract rule myself

I signed the document without a second thought. This was business, and I wasn't about to let anything distract me from that.

*********

The stylists and model arrived shortly after, ready to change my look. I let them do their work, stepping into the new persona they were creating for me. The model showed me how to walk-confident and poised.

Raymond office is giving another form of mansion on his own.

As I stood in front of the mirror, I briefly thought of my daughter. As I sat on the stool, a picture of her peeked out from the corner of my bag. I couldn't help but reach for it. Staring at her bright, innocent face, I smiled. It was a small moment of warmth, a reminder of why I was doing all this.

But my thoughts were shattered when Raymond's voice broke through.

"Is that your daughter?"

I froze for a second but quickly blocked the picture from his view with my hand. I turned my head slightly and hissed, refusing to answer him. The stylists and models around us, clearly uneasy, turned their attention elsewhere, pretending not to notice the tension.

And it obvious Raymond feel embarrassed..

As I started to walk past him, ready to leave the room, Raymond grabbed my wrist, pulling me back firmly but not harshly.

"Mrs. Ava," he said, his voice cold and commanding, "I'm sure being rude is not part of the contract rules. And just so you know, bringing past emotions into this arrangement is also not permitted, you added that particular rule yourself."

His tone made me shiver slightly, even though I tried to appear bold. I hadn't expected him to react so sharply. His words hung in the air, and I could feel my heartbeat quicken.

Raymond released my wrist and turned to leave. His posture was stiff, and his every step carried authority. But just as he reached the doorway, he stopped and turned back to look at me.

"Daniel will be here soon to take you to the new apartment," he said. "I hope he told you that you won't be staying in your old one."

Without waiting for a reply, he walked out, his commanding presence filling the room even in his absence.

I stood there speechless, unsure how to react. I could feel the stylists and models watching me, but the moment my gaze met theirs, they quickly looked away.

The ringing of my phone saved me from the awkward silence. I grabbed it from the table and answered without looking at the screen.

"Hello?"

"Mommy!" my daughter's cheerful voice echoed through the speaker. My heart warmed instantly, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

We chatted and laughed like we always did, her innocent happiness making me feel lighter. I couldn't let her know about the turmoil I was feeling-not now, not ever.

After the call, I finished the last of the lessons-learning how to walk with grace and handle myself like someone who belonged at high-profile events. The models critiqued and guided me, ensuring every move was polished.

When it was finally over, I felt relieved and stepped out of the training room, ready to head home. But as I entered the mini sitting room near the office, the sight before me stopped me dead in my tracks.

There he was, Raymond, holding a tall, stunning woman in his arms. His lips were on hers, and his hands roamed her body without hesitation.... romancing each other roughly.

My stomach twisted, and my chest tightened. I wasn't sure if it was anger or disgust-or maybe both. Either way, I froze, watching them for a moment before I forced myself to look away.

The sound of their moan echoed as I walked out, trying to ignore the emotions swirling inside me. This wasn't supposed to matter to me.

Ava, don't be stupid...

Raymond POV

I 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 loved me for me, not for my money or my name.

It all started back in high school. I was the typical playboy back then-popular, cocky, always chasing fun. But Ava was different. She didn't try to impress me or chase after me. Somehow,it started as a joke, when I approached her to prove a point to my friend, but she stole my heart completely.

But fate ruined everything. The night we graduated, the night I took her virginity, my world turned upside down.

That car accident.

I clenched my fists as the memory hit me. That crash ruined my life. My parents took me abroad for treatment and hid everything from everyone. They didn't want the news to ruin their reputation.

I spent six months in a coma. Six more months trying to remember who I even was. And when my memories finally came back, the first thing I thought about was her-Ava.

I came straight back home and searched everywhere for her. I hoped I'd run into her on the street or at one of our high school reunions. But no matter how hard I looked, she was nowhere to be found.

All I heard was that her parents had died and no one knew where she had gone. She disappeared, just like that.

And now, she's back. She's standing in front of me again, but it's not the same. She's keeping her distance, acting like I don't mean anything to her.

Is it because she's married now? Maybe her husband doesn't let her express herself. But then again, why would a married woman agree to this kind of contract? Or is she divorced?

I've asked Daniel about her so many times, but he won't give me any answers. He just brushes it off every time I try.

I got up from the bed and walked to my desk. I opened the bottom drawer and pulled out an old photo.

It was from high school, a picture of the two of us. She was smiling so brightly, her eyes full of happiness. I stood next to her, grinning like the cocky idiot I used to be.

I ran my finger over her face in the picture, a small smile creeping onto my lips. "Ava," I whispered softly. Just saying her name made my chest tighten.

She was the only woman who ever made me feel real love. And now that she's back, I don't know if I'll ever get her back.

---

The next day came faster than I expected. It was time to make the announcement about our fake relationship. But before that, there was a dinner planned at the family mansion to introduce Ava to everyone.

I pulled up outside Ava's apartment, glancing at the clock. She didn't keep me waiting long. The sound of her heels echoed as she stepped out of the building, and my breath caught for a second.

She was stunning in a simple, fitted dress that hugged her figure just right, her hair falling in soft waves. She carried herself with a confidence that somehow made her look even more elegant.

I quickly got out and walked around to open the car door for her, but Ava acted like she didn't see it. Instead, she walked to the other side and opened the door herself, sliding into the passenger seat without a word.

I stood there for a second, my hand still on the handle. Shaking my head, I went back around and got in.

The drive was quiet, the tension almost suffocating. I kept glancing at her from the corner of my eye, but she stared straight ahead, arms crossed like she was trying to build a wall between us.

**

It was a relief when we finally reached the family mansion.

Fast forward to dinner.

The dining room was grand, as usual, the long table adorned with silverware and a centerpiece of fresh flowers. My grandmother, always lively, was the first to greet Ava.

"Oh, you're even more beautiful than Raymond described!" she said, pulling Ava into a hug. Ava stiffened for a moment, clearly surprised, but then smiled politely.

"Thank you, Mrs. ......," Ava replied.

"Call me Grandma," she cut her off, her eyes twinkling. "You're practically family now!"

My father gave Ava a respectful nod. "It's good to meet you, Ava. Welcome."

But the atmosphere shifted when my stepmother and stepbrother entered. Their cold expressions were impossible to miss. They sat at the table without saying much, occasionally exchanging looks that made their disapproval clear, what am I expecting, no one expect a jack like me to introduce a fiancee..

Still, Grandma kept the mood light, chatting away and cracking jokes. "So, Ava, are you ready for Raymond's antics? He's always been a handful, you know."

Ava smiled, her guard lowering just a little. "I'll try my best to keep up."

The twins, my younger cousins, joined in the teasing, clearly enjoying Ava's presence, and Ava played her role smartly. She's just giving every daughter in law vibes, and she also calls me "Babe", touching my cheeks, while she and Grandma laughed and teased.

"You know, you remind me of myself when I was younger. Always quick with a comeback." Grandma said..

Ava laughed softly and replied, "My daughter once said that to me-"

The words hung in the air as silence fell over the room.

Did Ava just say "My daughter"....

I stared at her, Her eyes widened as the realization hit her. She froze, her hand shaking, and the glass of wine slipped from her fingers, crashing onto the table.

Everyone stared, the sound of shattering glass echoing in the room.