Chapter 1Three years post-divorce, my ex Liam shows up with roses and that cocky-ass grin.
"Babe, told you I'd be back. Right on time."
Three years ago, he lost a game of Truth or Dare to his childhood bestie, Claire.
Her dare?
"Let's test if you two are actually in love. Divorce. No contact for three years."
"If she takes you back after, fine—I'll buy that it's real."
His buddy tried to stop him. "Dude, divorce isn't a joke."
He didn't even hesitate. "Bet's a bet. Let's do it."
"I trust us. My wife only wants me. She'll take me back. Guaranteed."
I stayed quiet the whole time.
Now he shoved the roses at me.
I stepped back, voice flat.
"I can't. My husband doesn't like me taking flowers from random guys."
...
Liam's grin didn't budge. If anything, he looked more sure of himself.
"Still mad? Come on, I'm here now."
Same old Liam—thinking a few sweet words would fix everything.
He stepped closer, reaching for me.
I backed up again. "Mr. Hayes, back off."
His hand froze, but his eyes stayed locked on me.
"Okay, you're really pissed. Tell me what you need. I'll fix it."
Still so damn sure of himself.
He moved in again. I kept backing up.
The look in his eyes shifted—hungry, determined.
"Liam, three years changes people."
He nodded slightly. "True."
My back hit the wall. Nowhere left to go.
He caged me in. Classic Liam move.
Back when we were dating, he'd pin me like this and kiss me under the stars.
"So... boy or girl?"
His hand came up, thumb stroking my cheek.
Thinking about that baby made my chest tighten.
Three years ago, he knew I was pregnant. Knew it when he agreed to Claire's stupid dare. And he still went through with the divorce.
Then three years. Not one call. Not one text.
And now this guy seriously thinks I had his baby and just waited? Like some loyal little dog?
I almost laughed in his face.
Just as I opened my mouth to tell him I'd gotten rid of it, his phone rang.
The screen flashed [My Princess].
Claire.
He said he'd called her that since they were kids.
Whatever. Didn't matter anymore.
He answered instantly.
"Liam... please... cramps are killing me..."
Claire's voice came through all shaky and pathetic.
"I'm coming! Don't move!" He hung up and took off running.
After a few steps, he turned back and ruffled my hair like I was a good little pet.
"Claire needs me. I'll come back later."
Then he left and disappeared for a whole month.
Chapter 2
Claire posted right after. Of course she did.
Photo: her sprawled in Liam's arms, hair all sweaty and messy. Him rubbing her stomach like she was dying.
Caption: He's always loved me most. Since we were kids. No matter how important something—or someone—is, if I'm not feeling well, he drops everything. Best man in the world!!!
I liked it.
Just like I'd liked the other 1,094 posts over the past three years.
Every. Single. One.
She posted daily. Always the same shit—just different packaging.
How she didn't work but had Liam's credit card. Unlimited spending.
How she lived in our old house. Used my stuff. Tossed whatever she didn't like.
For three years, they'd done everything couples do.
I knew she was posting them for me.
Every like was my way of saying: I don't give a damn, bitch.
But Claire thought I was jealous. Obsessed. Desperate for attention.
Next time I saw Liam, he and Claire walked into my café together.
Matching camel-colored outfits. Couple goals, apparently.
Liam—who'd always worn boring suits—was dressed in some trendy blazer.
I used to suggest matching outfits.
He always said he was "too used to suits" to change his style.
Guess he just needed the right person to ask.
Claire looked around like she'd discovered some hidden gem.
Meanwhile, Liam looked confused.
"I gave you millions. Why the hell are you working in a café?"
When we divorced, I'd asked for half of everything.
He didn't hesitate. Gave it all.
I kept making coffee, didn't even look up.
"Because I want to. Not your problem."
His face didn't change. Still convinced I was just playing games.
Claire put on her fake-sweet voice. "Ava, it's been forever. How've you been?"
"Fine."
She looked surprised I wasn't falling apart.
Liam's phone rang. He stepped outside.
The second he was gone, Claire dropped the act. Her smile turned sharp and mean.
"Drop the hard-to-get routine, Ava. But don't get too excited."
She looked at me like I was beneath her.
"Even if you remarry him—so what?"
"His mom hates you. She's always wanted me as her daughter-in-law."
"Liam's only coming back out of obligation."
"He even asked my permission before coming to see you."
"Oh, and you're signing a prenup. I wrote it myself, actually."
She slapped a document on the counter.
I glanced down.
No claim to Hayes family assets.
Can't call his mother "Mom"—only "Mrs. Hayes."
Can't claim the title "Mrs. Hayes" in public. Only "ex-wife."
Seriously?! Oh, the nerve.
I shoved it back. "If his mom loves you so much, where's your ring? Three years and he still won't wife you up. Pathetic."
Claire's face twisted with rage. Her hand flew up—
Footsteps echoed behind her.
She changed instantly. Tears streaming.
"Ava, I really do want you and Liam to get back together."
"As his best friend, I just want him to be happy."
"The prenup's just a formality. Please don't be upset, okay?"
Same performance as three years ago.
And Liam fell for it every time.
A complete fucking idiot.
Chapter 3
"Claire, what happened?"
Liam pulled her close immediately, all worried.
Claire shook her head, tears streaming. "Nothing. My fault. Don't blame Ava."
Classic move. The more she played innocent, the more Liam thought I'd hurt her.
"Ava!" His voice went cold. "Apologize. Now."
Like I was his damn employee.
I didn't move.
He frowned, annoyed. "Claire's like my family! We grew up together."
"Why can't you just be nice to her? For me?"
For him? Wow. That's the funniest joke I'd ever heard.
I'd seen this exact scene a hundred times three years ago. Now I was over it.
Just as I was about to kick them both out, my phone lit up.
A video call from my Baby Boy.
Liam saw it and immediately grabbed my phone before I could even react.
My two-year-old son's face popped up.
"Mommy! I miss you!"
Liam heard "Mommy" and his whole face changed.
Just like that, he'd made up his mind—the kid was his. Of course.
I yanked my phone back. "Love you, sweetheart. Mommy's gotta go."
Hung up before Liam could pull any shit.
"Wait! I wanna see him!" He was beaming like he'd won the lottery.
Claire's smile vanished.
I stared at him. "Back off! He's Not your kid."
"Now both of you. Get the fuck out! "
"Okay, okay. Chill."
He didn't even flinch. Just kept that smug-ass smile.
"Ava, I just want you to know that I miss you and missed our son. Very much."
OK, fine. Guys like him need to see shit to believe it.
He wouldn't buy that I'd moved on till my husband was standing right in front of him.
"Mom's birthday's next week. Make her favorite stuff. You're good at cooking."
"Perfect chance to patch things up."
Oh so he knew his mom had put me through hell for three years?
Mrs. Hayes hated that I was poor.
Didn't matter that I was Liam's actual wife—she never let me near family dinners.
If she showed up, I got kicked to the kitchen.
I hated her right back.
We didn't talk. Didn't look at each other. Ice cold.
And Liam? Never said a damn word.
I laughed."Liam. Say I cook a whole-ass feast."
"Your mom still won't let me sit down. What then?"
He stopped. Really thought about it.
"Just... sweet-talk her. She'll cave. You know her. All bark."
Claire jumped in, playing helpful. "Ava, Mrs. Hayes loves it when someone gets on their knees and begs."
Bitch wanted me to grovel before my enemies like a dog.
I looked Liam straight in the eye.
"Three years, Liam. I was already moved on."
"I got married. I had a kid. And he's definitely not yours."
"Oh, and Claire. Save the tips for yourself. Three years and he still hasn't put a ring on it? Yikes."
