The Acceptance

Caspian

"You're quite dressed up for a fake girlfriend, don't you think?" I asked, my gaze traveling over Ava's stunning, sparkling black dress that featured a tasteful side slit and matching black heels.

She rolled her eyes, reluctantly taking my outstretched hand. "I'm just trying to impress your parents, that's all. Don't read too much into it."

We quietly made our way inside. My parents were seated, my mother enjoying a slice of apple while my father scrolled through his phone.

"Oh my goodness!" My mother chuckled, standing up and rushing toward Ava. "You're here!"

She smiled brightly, nodding her head. "Yes, Mrs. Wright."

"Nonsense!" she laughed. "Call me 'Mother.' You look really beautiful, dear."

Ava's expression shifted slightly, but she simply murmured a thank you and allowed my excited mother to lead her away. My mother seemed more excited to see Ava than her own son, whom she hadn't seen in person for two months.

"Ava Thompson?" my father asked, observing her.

"Yes, sir," Ava replied, taking a seat in front of them as I joined her.

"Isn't she your friend's sister?" he asked, turning to me as he adjusted his glasses.

"Yes," I answered, watching as my mother offered us glasses of fruit juice and placed them on the coffee table.

"I see the resemblance," he commented, nodding. "How long have you two been dating?"

"A few months now," I responded before Ava could speak.

"But why didn't you tell us?" my mother asked, my father nodding in agreement.

"We thought it would be better to keep our relationship private," I explained, trying to maintain composure. "We were planning to make it official soon, but things happened a little sooner than we anticipated."

My father sighed. "I'm happy for you both, but revealing your relationship by leaking pictures and videos of the two of you kissing is—"

"I'm truly sorry about that, sir. It was my fault," Ava interjected, embarrassment and guilt lacing her voice.

"It's alright, dear," my mother assured her with a chuckle. "My dearest husband has taken care of it. He already removed the videos from the internet, and now he's working to keep the matter under wraps, so it doesn't get any more attention."

"Thank you so much," Ava smiled, looking relieved.

"Anyway, when are you two planning to get married?" my father asked.

My eyes widened, and I could feel Ava's questioning gaze boring holes at the side of my face. I couldn't even look her way. It was only when she touched my thigh that I turned to face her.

Her puzzles expression showed that she was caught off guard. "Marriage? That was never part of the plan," she asked, whispering.

"Haven't you two thought about it yet?" my father pressed, his voice rising. "Son, didn't you promise to bring a woman into the family soon? And you know what would happen if you don't."

I knew what would happen well enough. Not only would I be arranged with some random lady, but I would also lose my father's influence to secure a crucial merger deal.

I forced a fake smile, holding Ava's cold, small hand in mine. "Actually, we've already discussed the idea of marriage," I said, avoiding eye contact with her.

"We have?" Ava asked, her voice tinged with surprise, but I ignored her.

"We've decided to get married before the end of the month," I announced, causing Ava to abruptly stand up from her chair.

All eyes turned to her, and I could see the anger, confusion, and shock on her face.

"I... I'm sorry, but I need to leave now," she whispered apologetically, hurrying out of the room. The sound of her heels clicked loudly as she walked.

"What's going on, Caspian?" My mother asked with concern.

"Don't worry about it, mother. I'll go talk to her," I said, rushing outside. She was about to enter a waiting taxi.

"Ava, wait," I called out, grabbing her arm, which she instantly pulled away.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she yelled, her chest heaving with emotion. "This wasn't part of the plan, was it?"

"Stop yelling and listen to me," I said softly, trying to keep my own emotions in check.

"I really hate you, Caspian," she snarled.

"You don't need to remind me," I replied flatly.

"Why on earth would you say we're getting married? That wasn't part of the plan!," she said, her jaw clenched in anger. "I can barely look at you because of how much I hate you, and yet you expect us to live together? Over my dead body. Besides, why would you want to marry someone you so callously rejected years ago?"

"Ava, listen to me!"

"No, you listen to me, Mr. Wright," she snapped, shaking her head. "Tomorrow morning, call a press conference and tell them we've ended our relationship due to unforeseen circumstances. I can't do this. Never."

"Are you finished?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.

"Yes, I am. Now, I'll take my leave and pretend none of this ever happened. Let's not see each other again," she said, turning away.

I felt so furious, and grabbed her hand, pulling her away as she yelled and struggled to break free. When we reached the backyard, I pinned her against the wall, my body inches from hers, her chest heaving with agitation.

"What are you doing?" she yelled, her face red with fury.

"I've had enough of your outbursts, Ava," I replied, my voice firm. "You've had your say, and I listened. Now it's your turn to hear me out."

"I don't need to hear anything because I won't agree to your ridiculous idea anymore!" she shouted.

"Oh, you will," I said, my voice colder than ever.

She was glaring at me so hard that if eyes could kill, I would've been dead.

"I need you to marry me, Ava. Wear my ring for just a year, and I'll give you everything you want and need," I offered, my voice low and intense.

"No, I don't need anything from you," she snapped. "I'm fine. Besides, I'm not the only girl in the world. Find someone else."

I wondered what her problem was. Ava just had that ability to always provoke me. I took her chin possessively between my thumb and forefinger, my touch skimming her jawline.

"It's you I want, Ava Thompson," I murmured, my voice husky.

"Excuse me?" she laughed mockingly.

"If you agree, I'll make you an even greater poet than you've always dreamed of. I'll also help your mother with her health struggles, and give you everything your heart desires."

Her emotions seemed to waver for a moment, and her eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. "Will you really do that? Will you help my mom?" she asked softly.

I've always known that her mother was her weak point, and I knew that because her brother had always talked about it.

"Yes, and even more," I replied, maintaining my hold on her chin.

She swallowed hard, her tearful eyes blinking rapidly. "Can you please help my mum retire? Watching her continue that hectic job makes me worry, and she won't even listen to my concerns."

Before I could respond, she started sobbing, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"If I lose her like I lost my dad, I won't be able to go on." Her voice broke with emotion.

I sighed deeply and instinctively wrapped my arms around her in a comforting embrace. Surprisingly, she hugged me back, crying into my chest.

"I won't let anything happen to her," I promised, holding her tightly.

Just then, she pulled away, wiping her face and looking into my eyes.

"My dream is to become an award-winning, bestselling poet, but I have been struggling to showcase my work to the world. Will you bring this dream to life?"

"It's as easy as flicking my fingers," I replied, my voice neutral.

"Okay then, it's a deal," she said softly. "I accept your proposal."