Chapter three: A Deal Neither of Them Expected

Ava didn't know why she got into Adrian Kingsley's car. Perhaps it was because she no longer had anywhere else to go. The hotel behind her no longer felt like a place she belonged, and the people inside had made it painfully clear that they had already erased her from the future she'd spent years building. Whatever waited ahead couldn't possibly hurt more than what she had just left behind.

The chauffeur quietly pulled away from the hotel, leaving behind the flashing cameras, curious onlookers, and Daniel's desperate shouts. Rain streaked across the tinted windows, blurring the city into a wash of gray and silver. Inside the luxurious Rolls-Royce, however, there was only silence.

Ava sat with Adrian's suit jacket wrapped around her shoulders. It still carried the warmth of his body, and somehow that simple detail made her feel safer than she wanted to admit. She glanced sideways at him. He hadn't said a word since they left.

Instead, he looked out of the window with the calm expression of a man whose life was ruled by logic rather than emotion. His posture was relaxed, yet there was something guarded about him, as if he had spent years building walls no one had ever managed to climb.

"I'm sorry," Ava said quietly, breaking the silence. Adrian turned his head. "For what?" "For dragging you into my mess." A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips. "You didn't drag me." "I chose to step in."

"But why?"

It was the question that had been bothering her since the moment he'd stood between her and Daniel.

"You don't even know me."

"I know enough."

She frowned.

"You keep saying that."

"Because it's true."

He folded his hands on his lap before continuing.

"I know you didn't scream or throw things when you caught your fiancé cheating. You walked away with your dignity. I know you didn't ask me for money or try to use my name the moment you recognized me. And I know that despite everything you've been through today, you're still apologizing for inconveniencing a stranger."

His gray eyes met hers.

"That tells me far more about your character than a hundred conversations ever could."

Ava felt her throat tighten.

No one had ever described her that way before.

Daniel used to tell her she was too soft, too trusting, too forgiving.

Yet somehow, Adrian spoke about those same qualities as though they were strengths rather than weaknesses.

"You make me sound better than I am," she said with a small laugh.

"No."

"You've simply been surrounded by people who failed to appreciate you."

The words lingered between them.

For reasons she couldn't explain, they reached a part of her that had been hurting for a very long time.

The car came to a smooth stop at a red light.

At that exact moment, Adrian's phone rang.

His expression changed the instant he looked at the screen.

"Grandfather." He answered immediately.

"How are you feeling?"

Even from where she sat, Ava could hear the weak but cheerful voice coming through the speaker. So you've finally answered."

"I've been in a meeting."

"Liar."

A soft chuckle escaped Adrian.

"I've missed that voice."

"So have I."

The old man coughed lightly before speaking again.

"The doctor says I need surgery."

"You do."

"But I refuse."

Adrian's smile disappeared.

"You don't have a choice."

"I do."

Silence.

"I'll only agree to the surgery if you stop living like a machine."

"Grandfather—"

"No."

"You've spent years hiding behind work."

"I want to see you happy before I leave this world."

"You will."

"When?"

"When I find the right person."

The old man laughed.

"You've been saying that for five years."

"And now the newspapers are saying you've left another wedding with a bride."

Adrian glanced sideways at Ava.

She quickly looked away, pretending she hadn't heard.

"So..." his grandfather continued.

"Is it true?"

Adrian hesitated for the first time since she'd met him.

"...Yes."

The old man went completely silent.

Then...

"You've met someone?"

"Yes."

"Bring her to me."

"Grandfather, now isn't—"

"Today."

"But—"

"Today, Adrian."

The line went dead.

Adrian slowly lowered the phone.

Ava couldn't help smiling.

"He seems stubborn."

"He is."

"It runs in the family?"

A reluctant laugh escaped him.

"You have no idea."

The chauffeur cleared his throat gently.

"Sir..."

Adrian looked up.

"What is it?"

"We've arrived."

Ava turned toward the window.

Instead of an office building, they were parked outside the largest private hospital in the city.

She frowned.

"I thought you had a board meeting."

"I did."

"You skipped it?"

"My grandfather is more important."

She nodded.

"I understand."

Adrian remained silent for a few seconds before turning toward her.

"There is something I need to ask you."

His tone had changed.

It was more serious now.

She felt her heartbeat quicken.

"What is it?"

"My grandfather believes I've finally found someone."

Ava waited.

"He won't agree to the surgery unless he meets her."

Realization slowly dawned on her.

"No..."

Adrian held her gaze.

"I'm asking you to come inside with me."

She blinked.

"As... your girlfriend?"

His expression remained calm.

"As the woman I'm going to marry."

Ava's breath caught.

"What?"

"I know it sounds absurd."

"It does."

"But if he refuses surgery, he could die."

She stared at him, searching his face for any sign that this was a joke.

There was none.

Every word he spoke was sincere.

He leaned slightly closer, his voice lowering until it was almost a whisper.

"I'm not asking you to lie forever."

"I'm asking you to help me save the only family I have left."

Ava looked down at the engagement ring-shaped mark still visible on her finger.

Only an hour ago, she'd been abandoned by the man she thought she'd spend forever with.

Now...The most powerful billionaire in the country was asking her to pretend to be his future wife.

Before she could answer, her phone suddenly rang. The screen lit up with a name she never wanted to see again.

Daniel Calling...

Adrian's eyes settled on the screen before lifting to meet hers. "Are you going to answer it?"