Chapter 2

The night before the meeting, Ava couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, the reality of her situation sinking in. She was a celebrity, her life meticulously planned and curated for public consumption. Now, this. An arranged marriage to a man she had never met. She thought about it logically, like a role she had to play. It was a duty to her family. A strange, unexpected plot twist in her life's script. By morning, she had accepted it.

She spent extra time getting ready. She chose a simple but elegant dress, something that was sophisticated but not trying too hard. She wanted to make a good impression, not as a famous actress, but as Ava Hayes, a respectful young woman meeting her future family.

Her family was already waiting in the living room when the doorbell rang. Her mother rushed to open it.

An older man with a kind face and a sharp suit stood at the door, accompanied by an assistant. "Mrs. Hayes, it's a pleasure," he said, his voice warm.

"Mr. Grayson, please, come in," Grace said, ushering him inside.

This was Liam Grayson' s grandfather, the man who had made the promise with her own grandfather all those years ago. Ava stood up and gave a polite bow.

"You must be Ava," he said, his eyes twinkling. "You've grown into a beautiful young woman."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir," Ava replied softly.

They sat and made small talk. He was charming and easy to talk to, completely putting her family at ease. But Ava couldn't help but notice that her supposed fiancé was missing.

"I apologize for my grandson," Mr. Grayson said, noticing her subtle glances toward the door. "He had an urgent meeting that ran late. He's on his way now."

The delay only made Ava more nervous. The main character of this strange drama was yet to make his entrance.

Mr. Grayson reminisced about the old days, telling stories about his friendship with Ava's grandfather. He spoke of their shared dreams and the promise they made, not as a business contract, but as a bond of deep affection. His words gave the arrangement a weight and sincerity that Ava hadn't expected.

"I know this is sudden for you young people," he said, looking at Ava kindly. "But I have great hope for this union. I've watched Liam grow up. He's a good man."

Just as he finished his sentence, the front door opened.

A man stepped inside, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. He was tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and lean frame. His features were sharp and defined, almost like a sculpture, and his eyes held a calm, focused intensity. This was Liam Grayson.

Ava felt her own breath catch in her throat. Her brother wasn't exaggerating. He was handsome. More than handsome. He had an aura of power and confidence that was impossible to ignore.

Liam walked over to his grandfather. "Grandfather, I apologize for my tardiness."

He then turned to Ava's parents and greeted them with perfect, respectful politeness. His voice was deep and smooth, matching his appearance.

"And you must be Ava," he said, his gaze finally landing on her. His eyes were a deep, captivating shade of grey. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"You too," Ava managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt.

"My grandson is always so busy," Mr. Grayson said with a chuckle. "He's been single for so long, I was starting to worry he'd never make time for a family."

"Grandfather," Liam said, a faint hint of amusement in his tone.

"Don't worry," her own father said, joining in the lighthearted mood. "We understand. We just want what's best for them. Of course, their own feelings are the most important thing." The words were meant to be comforting, to give them an out, but Ava knew the promise was a heavy one.