Unwilling Bride: The 1V5 Love Drama novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40 The Weight of Being Chosen

“Tone it down,” Ava snapped, scrunching her face. “Drop the velvet–radio–host thing before I actually throw up.”

Keith laughed, completely unfazed. “That one doesn’t work for you? No problem. I’ve got options. Plenty of them. One of these days, I’ll run the full lineup and see which one lands.”

Midway through the sentence, his voice shifted–lower, smoother, and deliberate.

Ava had not braced herself for that.

“Seriously,” she muttered, shaking her head. “You should cash in on that–voice acting, podcasts, or audiobooks. You’d make stupid money.”

“Keith! Mom’s been calling you. Didn’t you hear?” Lila jogged over, breathless. “Ava, dinner’s ready.”

Ava gave a small nod.

Before she could take another step, Lila lunged forward and grabbed her hand, fingers tight, possessive in the way only kids ever got away with.

Keith’s grin flickered for half a second. He followed behind them, unhurried and calm. He looked like someone who believed the long game was already his.

Lila absolutely did not share that confidence–not while she was here. Ava belonged to her.

Lunch at the Holcomb Residence dragged on longer than expected, polite and carefully paced. Jane eventually suggested they head out.

Everyone understood the circumstances, so no one pushed for more time.

Before Ava left, Claire clasped her hand and stated apologetically, “We didn’t have much time to prepare today. Next time you visit, I’ll make it up to you properly.”

The words hit Ava like a freight train.

This felt uncomfortably close to meeting–the–family territory. Her back straightened without permission. It wasn’t unfamiliar territory, but something inside her had shifted, and that made the whole thing heavier.

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Chapter 40 The Weight of Being Chosen

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They entered the light armored vehicle while Keith remained outside, waving as it drove of

Claire turned her head, unimpressed. “Satisfied?”

“Yes,” Keith replied without hesitation. “I found someone I want to protect. You’ll support me won’t you?”

Light caught in his eyes, bright and unguarded.

She hadn’t seen that look in years.

He had spent his entire life trying to be flawless. People praised her parenting, applauded th Holcomb Corporation for raising a model heir.

Claire knew the truth.

Perfection had never made her son happy.

“You have my blessing,” she told him gently. “Your happiness matters more than anything. I love you.”

Inside the hovercar, Ava rested against the window, drained to the bone, as she watched the city skyline fade by.

Jane broke the silence. “So, what’s your read on Keith?”

Ava watched the buildings streak by and answered quietly, “He checks every box. Good family, strong resume, stable career, looks decent, and temper’s fine. If this were real dating, I don’t know if it would last.”

“Impressive, huh?” Jane sounded unconvinced.

Just a few days earlier, Ava had wanted no part of this setup. If she had her way back then, this whole meet–and–greet wouldn’t even be happening.

“I never called him perfect,” she replied.

Keith looked like something buffed until it gleamed–smooth on the surface with fragile underneath.

Jane laughed. “That still counts as high praise from you. His reputation’s clean. Aunt Claire and Uncle Samuel are solid. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be another daughter.”