Page 12 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

I’m not about to accept defeat. Sooner or later, she’ll have to face me and make a decision.

I know she’d be furious if I showed up at her workplace again, but with the season’s kickoff party tonight, I see an opportunity to change her mind.

Dressed in my black tuxedo, I arrive at the event. The halls are buzzing with celebrities from across the globe. Spotting Ava in this crowd seems impossible, so I wait patiently, sipping my drink and making polite conversation.

As I’m being ushered toward a short interview, I see her.

Ava walks in wearing a stunning short red dress, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She strides past the flashing lights, ignoring the cameras, her discomfort in the spotlight clear. Yet, she holds her head high, exuding an effortless confidence that makes her even more captivating.

Among all the glittering faces at the party, Ava stands out. Not because she tries to meet anyone’s expectations, but because she sets her own. While everyone else basks in curated perfection, Ava’s authenticity shines through. It’s something I hadn’t truly noticed before tonight.

The halls are lavishly decorated to mark the beginning of a new season, the perfect setting to show everyone that I’m ready to get my act together. And with Ava by my side, they’ll believe it.

Our eyes meet across the room, and she starts walking toward me, her expression a mix of irritation and determination.

“You’ve got some nerve!” she says, pulling me aside the moment she reaches me.

“So, you did get my email,” I reply, smirking.

“You know I’m not going to accept it,” she hisses, her voice low but sharp.

“We can talk about that later,” I say, taking her hand and pulling her into a dance.

“I’m not falling for it this time,” she protests, trying to pull away.

I glance toward the cameras and flash a big grin. Ava notices the attention we’re drawing, and I feel her reluctantly relax in my arms.

“How does it feel to be in the spotlight?” I tease, pulling a rose from my pocket and tucking it gently behind her ear.

Her reaction isn’t as charmed as I hoped.

“You can’t buy me, Sebastian. You can’t just try to impress me with your money,” she says, her frustration still palpable.

“I’m not trying to buy you. I’m trying to show you my good-guy side,” I explain.

“Then you’ll need to try harder,” she shoots back.

Convincing Ava isn’t going to be easy.

“I want to help you, Ava,” I say earnestly.

Her expression shifts slightly, and she narrows her eyes at me. “What’s in it for you? What do you want?”

“You know what I want,” I reply. “Be my pretend girlfriend. Help me secure my inheritance, and you’ll get your project fully funded—by me and McNeal. After that, you’ll be in the clear.”

“You know I can’t do that,” she says, her voice tinged with hesitation.

I spin her around, catching her as she falls into my arms.

“Smile,” I murmur, noticing the cameras focused on us.

Ava glances at the photographer and flashes a forced smile.

“It’s a win-win for both of us,” I continue. “I know how much this project means to you. This is your ticket to make it happen.”

“And we go our separate ways afterward?” she asks, her voice softening as if she’s starting to consider it.

“Exactly.” I smile, sensing her resolve starting to crack.

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