Our Wedding Was Ruined and I Found a Husband 45

Chapter 45 

After she left, I locked the door again. Leaned my full weight against it. 

One month to prove myself. And now I had to march into the exact place I’d avoided for six years. 

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That evening at the hospital, Ava was awake. Coloring in her new book. 

“Mama! You’re back!” 

I kissed her forehead. “Of course, baby. You know I’ll always come back.” 

“Uncle William brought more pastries today. He told me funny stories about fancy cars.” 

“That sounds nice.” 

She studied my face. “You look worried.” 

“Just work stuff. Nothing you need to stress about.” 

“Is it the mean lady at your office?” 

Of course Ava knew about Sheila. I needed to be more careful about what I said around her. 

“A little. Mama can handle her though.” 

Ava set her crayon down carefully. “Uncle William said something today. He said you’re the strongest person he’s ever met. That you can handle anything.” 

My throat went tight. “Uncle William’s very sweet.” 

“He’s right though. You are strong. You take care of me all alone. Run a whole company. You never cry even when stuff gets really hard.” 

I did cry. I just made sure she never saw it. 

“Thanks, sweetheart.” 

“So don’t be scared of that mean lady. Or work problems. You’ve totally got this.” 

I pulled her into a tight hug. Drew strength from her absolute faith in me. 

Later, after Ava drifted off, I sat strategizing. 

The pack visit was unavoidable, and I needed to play this smart. 

Six years had changed my appearance significantly. Different hair, styling, mannerisms. I’d lived as Vanessa so Jong that Laila felt like somebody I used to know. 

But some people might still recognize the foundation underneath. Bone structure. Eyes that don’t change. 

Keep it professional. Brief interactions. Business only. 

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Chapter 45 

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The following evening, I had a talk with Ava before bedtime. 

“Sweetie, we need to discuss something important.” 

“Okay.” She set her coloring book aside. 

“If anyone asks about your daddy, you tell them you don’t know him. Just you and Mama.” 

“But what if they ask more stuff?” 

“Say it’s private. Mama doesn’t discuss it.” 

Ava’s face scrunched up. “Why can’t I say the truth?” 

“Because truth’s complicated right now, and it could cause serious problems.” 

“What kind?” 

“The kind where we might not get to be together anymore. 

Her eyes went huge. “Would somebody take me away?” 

“No, baby. I won’t let that happen ever. But we need to be careful. Understand?” 

“Okay. I’ll remember.” 

I hoped to God she would. She was only six years old. 

That night, sleep didn’t come. I lay there planning every detail. Outfit. Hair styling. Which assistant to bring. How long to stay. 

Different hair color, makeup, six years of living another life–the differences should be enough to get me through undetected. 

Should. 

Unless someone who truly knew Laila looked too closely. Someone who’d loved her. Memorized every tiny detail. 

Someone exactly like Jason. 

Riley’s words echoed. The intensity burning in his eyes. That obsession. 

He was hunting answers. And I was about to waltz straight into his territory. 

My phone buzzed. A text from William. 

“You sure about this? Not too late to cancel.” 

I typed back: “I’m sure. I can handle it.” 

My hands shook sending that message though. 

Another text arrived. My assistant Jacob this time. 

“Meeting confirmed. Day after tomorrow. 9 AM at Moon Ridge Pack House.” 

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Chapter 45 

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The day after tomorrow. Under forty–eight hours away. 

I closed my eyes. Forced myself to breathe deep. 

The real Vanessa had been brave beyond measure. She had trusted me with her entire legacy. Her sisters. Her company. Her actual name and identity. 

I couldn’t let her down by running scared now. 

Even if walking into that pack house felt like entering a lion’s den with fresh meat tied to my back. 

Even if Jason’s suspicions grew stronger with each passing day. 

Even if one tiny mistake could demolish everything I’d built from scratch. 

I had to go. I had to face this head–on. 

For Ava. For Vanessa’s memory. For the life I’d clawed and fought to create. 

I just prayed I wouldn’t slip up. Give myself away with some unconscious gesture or familiar expression. 

Because if I did? Game over. 

D 

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