LOVE IN DISGUISE

Just then, my father intervened, a look of confusion on his face. "Ava, do

e of our earlier encounter, but I also didn't want to lie to my father. "I

eet you." He smiled charmingly and shook my father's hand, his eyes neve

took my hand in his, intertwining our fingers in a gesture that was both intimate a

a show for our fathers. And I knew I had to play along. Two could play this game, after all. So

d feel the weight of our fathers'

a warm ambiance around us. Alex still held onto my hand, his grip firm but not unyielding. I

whispered through clenched teeth, "Can you let go of my han

d into a hot coal, he dropped it like it was burning his skin. His eyes fl

ed. Alex's gaze lingered on mine, his expression unreadable. I wondered what he

e spreading across his face as he gently clicked his glass against the table. The sound echoed through the room, commandin

ooming through the restaurant. I felt my heart sink, my palms growing swea

savoring the attention. "My daughter, my pride and joy," he began, his voice dripping with insincerity. We both knew he didn

a person, with thoughts and feelings and desires. And right now, my des

ith false enthusiasm. "So, I want you all to toast to them." The room erupted into a chorus o

arching for an escape route. This was a nightmare, and I couldn't wake up.

ar as he whispered, "Are you ready, wife?" The word sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a surge of

sing to come out. Instead, I nodded curtly, my eyes still fixed on the floo