The Pretend Bride

Good news

Ava’s pov.

I couldn't believe my eyes as I checked my phone. An email from Smith & Co., the company I had applied to days ago. My heart racing, I opened the email and read the contents. They were offering me the job! I had gotten the position I had interviewed for.

I felt like screaming with excitement, but then I remembered where I was.

I looked up to see Ethan sitting across from me, his eyes fixed on his phone.

"Ethan, guess what?" I said, unable to contain my excitement.

"What is it?" he replied, not looking up.

"I got the job at Smith & Co.! I'm going to be their new marketing manager!"

Ethan finally looked up, his expression unchanging.

"Congratulations, Diane," He said, but every letter of that word dripped with sarcasm.

I expected more, but he just went back to his phone.

"Ethan, aren't you happy for me?" I asked, feeling disappointed.

"Is it that obvious?" he said flatly.

"Just remember, our agreement is still in place, Diane. Don't mess it up."

I clenched my jaw in frustration.

"What do you mean? I thought we were... never mind."

"Just remember, Diane, you're my wife now. Don't do anything stupid that will mess up our agreement. Or you'll face the consequences."

His words were cold, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

"I understand," I said quietly, feeling a sense of unease and fear grip me.

Ethan nodded and went back to his phone, dismissing me.

I sat there for a moment, feeling frustrated and trapped.

But then I remembered my new job, and my excitement returned.

I would make the most of this opportunity, no matter what Ethan said.

But I would also be careful enough not to do anything that would irk my husband.

Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes into hours, and soon it was the next day.

I walked into the Smith & Co. building, feeling confident and excited for my first day. I had gotten the job, and I was ready to start this new chapter of my life and show my parents that I can survive without them.

As I stepped out of the elevator, I took a deep breath and made my way to the CEO's office. I was about to meet my new boss and discuss my role in the company.

Just as I was about to enter the office, I bumped into someone. Mumbling sorry, I turned to see who it was.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw Julian, my ex, standing in front of me. We had a complicated history, and I hadn't expected to see him here.

"Julian," I said, surprise in my voice. "What are you doing here?"

But he didn't respond with his name; instead, he called me by mine.

"Ava," he said, feeling surprised . "What are you doing here?"

I tried to play it cool.

"I just got a job here."

Julian's eyes widened in surprise.

"No way. I'm the CEO of this company."

My jaw dropped. I had no idea.

"What? I had no idea it was your company."

Julian smiled.

"Yes, I acquired it a few months ago. And now, you're working under me."

I felt a mix of emotions: surprise, embarrassment, and a feeling of unease.

I hadn't expected this twist.

"It's good to see you, Ava," Julian said, his voice low and smooth.

"Welcome to Smith & Co. I'm looking forward to working with you."

I smiled, trying to hide my unease.

"Thanks, Julian. I'm excited to work here."

As we were speaking, I could feel someone's eyes on me.

As I turned, I saw Sophia, one of the ladies who interviewed me the first time and Julian's secretary, staring daggers at me.

"Enjoy your first day at work." Julian said and walked away.

I gulped hard as I looked at Sophia.

Something in me told me she didn’t like me.

As the day went on, I tried to focus on my new job and stay away from Lidia's gaze.

Before I knew it, the day was over, and it was time for me to go home.

Just as I was packing up to leave, Julian appeared at my desk.

"Hey, Ava, can I talk to you for a minute?"

I hesitated but nodded.

"Sure, what's up?"

"I was thinking, maybe we could grab dinner tonight? Catch up on old times?"

I didn't want to go down that road again.

"Julian, I don't think that's a good idea."

He looked shocked, hurt in his eyes.

"Why not? We're adults now. We can put the past behind us."

I shook my head.

"I'm married now, Julian. I don't want to complicate things."

Julian's expression changed.

"Married? Already?"

I nodded.

"Yes, it's a long story. But I'm happy, and I don't want to revisit the past."

Julian sighed.

"Okay, I understand. But can I ask, who's the lucky guy?"

I hesitated, not sure how much to reveal.

"Just someone I met. It's not important."

Julian nodded, his eyes on mine.

"Okay, Ava. I respect your decision. But if you ever change your mind..."

I smiled politely. "I won't,Julian . Thanks for understanding."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling relieved but also a little uneasy.

Ethan’s POV.

I leaned back in my chair, tapping my fingers on my office desk as I gazed out the window. My mind kept wandering back to my new bride, Diane. She was different from what I expected. The person I spoke to on the phone weeks ago seemed so... meek. But now, she's... lovely.

"Diane seems different from what I expected," I said to Gideon, my friend and secretary. Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Different from what?"

I turned my attention back to him. "From the person I spoke to on the phone. She seemed so timid, but now she's... more vibrant. More confident."

Gideon's brow shot up in curiosity . "Vibrant? Confident? That's not the word I'd expect from you, Ethan. What do you mean?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. She's just... more captivating than I expected. And her smile... it's beautiful ."

Gideon chuckled. "Ethan Thompson , you're smitten."

I hissed. "I am not smitten. I'm just observing. And I don't know what to make of it."

Gideon leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips . "Well, maybe this marriage won't be as dull as you thought it would be."

I scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Gideon. Diane is just a means to an end. No more , no less.”

But as I spoke, I couldn't shake off the image of Diane's bright smile and that pout she does when my response is not what she wanted.

I turned my attention back to Gideon. "Send the marriage documents to Diane's email. The one she gave me weeks ago."

Gideon nodded. "Already on it, Ethan. But are you sure you want to send it to her? You know she's still getting settled in."

I waved my hand dismissively. "Send it anyway. I want her to have a copy. And make sure it's the updated version, with all the... arrangements we discussed."

Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Arrangements?"

"Yes, Gideon. The ones we agreed on. Make sure they're all included in the document."

Gideon nodded. "Understood, Ethan. I'll send it to her email right away."

As Gideon turned to leave, I called out to him. "Gideon?"

"Yes,Ethan?"

"Make sure Diane understands the... terms of our agreement. I don't want any misunderstandings." Gideon nodded. "I'll make sure she understands,Ethan."

“this should be fun...” I whispered, thinking of what might happen in days to come.

Just then, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence.

“Grandfather..” I grunted.

“Ethan!” The old man hissed from the other end of the phone.

“Yes?”I answered in a flat tone.

“You insolent brat! How dare you get married without inviting your family!” The old man yelled.

“Am I married or not?” I asked, my words dripping with disdain.

“And your point is!” He yelled.

“You said, the first among the sons birthed to any of your daughters to get married will be the one inheriting the business.” I mimicked him.

“And how am I sure this is not some sham to claim the company?” The old man replied, matching my sarcasm.

“That is up to you to find out.” I grunted in reply.

“Well, there has been a change in clause,” the old man paused and exhaled deeply. “The first grandson to give birth to a male child, gets the company!” With that he hung up the call.

“Heir!”