All Chapters of The Comeback of a Star: Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

AYRAI walk into the restaurant, dressed head to toe in designer clothes, fully aware of the impression I'm making. Brielle and I had agreed looking materialistic would be the perfect strategy for tonight. She followed me in but would be entering after I did, hiding behind dark glasses to watch the date unfold from a distance. My Jimmy Choos clicked sharply against the floor with each step, the sound of them echoing in the space.A server led me to my table, confirming I was Brielle Rosa Caruso when my eyes landed on a fine pair of grey ones. His beauty had a roughness to it. The table was empty, and he had been looking at the menu. There was nothing on the table, which was a sign that he wasn’t going to impose, waiting for me to make the first move. Not bad. I moved closer and said, “Hi, Valentino.”He looked at me, taken aback by my appearance, maybe, but I schooled my face straight, betraying none of my thoughts.“Rosa? You look a bit different. Well, I haven’t seen you since you

AYRA"He also wants you to fake date someone else to take the heat off the whole situation, so it wouldn't seem like you feel miserable about the whole divorce thing."I didn't know why I expected any better, but I didn't dare say anything. I just stood there and listened to my father speak like he wasn't asking me to commit social suicide. And what broke the camel's back was when he said:"And he's also giving me the investment I asked for. I already have everything planned, the business is finally looking better—""You can't be serious… You can't be bloody serious," I said, my voice deadly low. My nails dug into my palms, threatening to draw blood."Ayra, what is your problem this time? This is basically a win-win for every one of us. Can't—""Can't I what? Understand? Make space? This is what I've always been and will always be to you, isn't it?—a bargaining chip." The words tasted bitter on my tongue, years of resentment bubbling to the surface.Ayra, get married to Christopher Ya