CHAPTER 6

The shrill sound of the doorbell pulled Luke out of his late afternoon slumber. He reluctantly opened his eyes and moved to the door.

He checked the screen to see who it was. Eve? What is she doing here?

He opened the door and smiled at Eve. "Eve" he called, opening his arms to her.

Eve got in and closed the door behind her, before moving into his arms. "How's my favorite brother?"

Luke shrugged and spread his arms "As you can see, I'm just living."

Eve smiled and moved to the sofa, kicked off her shoes, and jumped in.

"So, how's work? You're killing it, I know"

"I'm trying," Luke answered and moved to the kitchen.

"You need water?" Eve nodded.

"Heard back from Farida?" She asked. There was a pause, then Luke answered "Not yet. Still expecting."

Eve rolled her eyes. This Farida girl did a number on her brother.

She never really understood why he loved Farida, but she knew he had to move on, because Farida was gone from his life, and she sure as hell knew she wasn't willing to look back. She knew the likes of Farida.

Luke came out of the kitchen, holding a glass of water. Eve eyed him surreptitiously as she took the glass from him. "Luke, you have to move on. Farida isn't coming back".

Luke groaned "Not you too, Eve." Please—!

"I went home yesterday, and thought deeply about it," she stated "and I realized it's not such a bad idea" "You can move on from your toxic experience with Farida. Dad gets his company back on track, the Graysons get what they want out of this marriage, and it's a win-win".

Luke raked his fingers through his hair, confused. "It's not that simple, Eve."

"I know, but you have to look at this from a positive angle. It might be the best decision you make this year" Eve urged. Luke studied her "You think so?"

"I know so. It'll all be over soon anyway, just let time do its thing".

Luke thought for a moment. He could agree with other terms, but having a child with a total stranger in the space of a year? That was going to be difficult.

He picked up his phone from the table and dialed. On the second ring, the call connected. "Hey, Dad. I'll do it."

As difficult as it was for him, he had decided to go with the flow. Moreover, he believed there was no harm in trying.

Pharrell Carter sounded excited over the phone. "You've just made the best decision, no doubt"

"I'll communicate with the Graysons and get back to you when you two can meet." He said gleefully and the line went dead.

He looked at Eve and smiled. "I hope this doesn't go south." Eve chuckled. "Relax, bro."

Later that evening, Pharrell called him back to give him details of the meeting with the other party.

He knew Ava Grayson, the only child of Billionaire business mogul, Thomas Grayson, but not on personal grounds.

It amused him how he was about to get beyond personal with her, someone he barely knew, without any warning.

Alexis looked up from the pile of papers on her desk, eyes wide with surprise. "You're not kidding, right?"

Ava shrugged and plopped down on the sofa.

"This is huge, Ava. You should be happy about this. It's also going to solidify your stance as the soon-to-be CEO of Grayson Int." Alexis continued gleefully.

Ava rolled her eyes at that. "I'm not interested in that, Alexis. Moreover, the terms of the contract are too harsh".

"I'm expected to have a child in the space of a year, with someone I barely know? Come on "what if he isn't my type?" I don't know this guy. I might have heard of him, yeah, but that's as far as it goes."

Alexis stood up and joined her on the sofa. "Ava, look, all that does not matter, It's going to end in a year, so you shouldn't bother."

Ava looked at her friend, "are you sure you're not my father's biological daughter? You sound so convincing, just like him."

"Please" Alexis expressed. rolling her eyes playfully.

"Now, I'm supposed to meet with him to sign the documents today," she paused. "I'm skeptical about this, Lex."

Alexis moved closer and took Ava's hands in hers. "You shouldn't be, Ava. This is good" she assured her while caressing her fingers.

Ava smiled half-heartedly and said in a weak voice, "If you say so, Lex."

Alexis jumped up in excitement. "Now, moving forward, You need a dress."

"What dress, Lex? I have a wardrobe full of clothes I've never worn in my life" Ava countered.

"Well, this is a special occasion, Ava.

"You're meeting with your soon-to-be husband, so you should look mind-blowingly good".

We need him to be blown away if he's not blown away already. He's marrying a Billionaire's daughter anyway." Alexis quipped and Ava chuckled.

Alexis was excited for her. She picked up her car keys and grabbed Ava's hand.

"Let's go find you something gorgeous," she added and they both strolled out.

Later that evening, Alexis dropped off Ava in front of Rewind, the five-star restaurant where the meeting was scheduled.

"Go in there and kill it as usual. I don't want you making any spur-of-the-moment decisions" Alexis added, patting Ava's thighs.

"You look so hot," she affirmed winking, and Ava chuckled. She alighted from the car and waved at Alexis as she pulled away.

Then she inhaled deeply. It was time to face reality. She was about to make a very tough decision, because of her father.

The restaurant doors slid open as she got to the doorstep and she stepped in. There was a young guard at the door, who ushered her in with a smile. "Welcome, Miss Grayson."

Ava returned the kind gesture. "Thank you."

Just then, a pretty waitress appeared by her side. "I'll take you to your partner. He's been waiting" the waitress announced and I quivered at the statement.

"Partner?"

I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could say anything, a warm hand grabbed my arm.

I whirled around to see who had grabbed me without any warning. I turned to look at the man that had grabbed my arm, confused and pissed. Then I immediately recognized him.

The guy from the club. I gasped, as the realization hit me hard. I had completely forgotten about him.

I stood and stared at him, lost for words. I tried to shrug his hand off, but he held on tightly.

"Get your hands off her." a voice came in from behind.

Ava flinched at the chill tone. She turned towards the voice and froze. Mr. Red?