Oh, No! The CEO and His Kid Again?

The Imperial Hotel. A grand engagement ceremony was underway, buzzing with excitement and energy. The grand, luxurious banquet hall was decked out in stunning decor—champagne, roses, and balloons everywhere, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. Ava, dressed in an intricately designed gown, stood at the center of the banquet hall, the center of attention. “Ava, do you take this man to be your husband, to stand by him through sickness and health, and in good times and bad…” Ava clenched her lips, her heart screaming 'No!' She had no intention of marrying Eliberto! But after a long illness, her father had taken control, forcing this marriage without giving her any say. Eliberto glanced at Ava, as if sensing her reluctance, and wrapped an arm around her slender waist, whispered gently, “Ava, I’ll treat you well…” Ava remained silent, but the minister’s voice rang out, “If no one objects, I now pronounce Ava and Eliberto husband and wife!” “I object!” Before the deep, cold voice faded, a thunderous crash echoed through the hall as the heavy double doors were violently kicked open. Dozens of black-suited bodyguards stormed in uninvited, forming two imposing lines. The crowd stared in shock, murmuring among themselves—had the Brools and Christopher families invited some VIP? But the scene looked less like a celebration and more like a full-blown chaos. Ava looked up to see Eliberto’s equally confused expression. Then, a tall, strikingly handsome man strode into the room, commanding everyone’s attention. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his impeccable physique, his cold, intimidating presence only added to his charm. He exuded an aura so chilling, it felt as though the devil himself had stepped into the room. His gaze swept across the hall before locking onto Ava in the center. Without hesitation, he strode straight toward her. “You…” Ava found herself momentarily frozen under the intensity of his presence. She took a shallow breath, trying to calm herself. “Are you here for the engagement…” Before she could finish, the man suddenly pulled her into his arms, right in front of everyone. “Ava.” He spoke her name, his handsome face cold as ice, his dark eyes piercing into her. “You abandoned your husband and child, ran off to this place to get engaged, and now you’re playing dumb?” “Wh…what?” Ava’s face paled, her confusion clear. “Come with me.” Simon tightened his grip on her wrist, pulling her close. “Who the hell are you? Let her go!” Eliberto, blocked by the bodyguards, finally snapped to attention. “Security!” Simon, about to leave with Ava, turned at the sound of his voice. A faint smirk curved his lips as he suddenly yanked Ava closer, his lips pressing down on hers in a fierce, possessive kiss. Ava’s eyes widened in shock, her heart racing as his face filled her vision. The entire room watched in stunned silence. “Mm…” Ava’s cheeks flushed crimson as she pushed against his chest, but the man was unyielding, his kiss searing and relentless, as if he wanted to consume her completely. “Let her go!” Eliberto roared, his face twisted in anger as two bodyguards held him back. The shout echoed in Ava’s ears, fueling her desperation. She bit down hard on the man’s lip, her teeth sinking in with a sharp bite. He winced in pain and released her. But before he could react, a resounding slap landed across his strikingly handsome face. Ava glared at him, her cheeks flushed with humiliation. Sure, he had the kind of looks that could turn heads, but how dare he kiss her like that in front of everyone? It was beyond outrageous! "Let go of me! I don’t even know you!" Ava’s voice was icy, piercing the air. "You don’t know me?" Simon chuckled, a mocking glint dancing in his eyes. "But I know you, Ava. Every inch of you." "You—" Before she could finish, her world tilted. In one swift motion, Simon scooped her up, turning on his heel to stride toward the exit. Ava gasped, her heart pounding. This was the first time anyone had ever treated her so roughly. "Put me down! Help! You’ve got the wrong person!" she cried out, her voice trembling with panic. Her mind flashed back to his earlier words—about abandoning a husband and child, about knowing her intimately. None of it made sense. She was certain he had mistaken her for someone else. But Simon didn’t seem to care. He forcefully pushed her into the car, ignoring her protests. "I really don’t know you—" "Slam!" The only response was the sharp slam of the car door, leaving no room for argument.