1. A reunion.

"Dad!" I exclaimed as I leaped into my father's welcoming embrace, overjoyed to be reunited with the one man who had always been a pillar of strength and love in my life—the best father anyone could ask for.

"My dear Avery!" His voice brimmed with affection as he enveloped me in a tight hug, his warmth flooding my senses and instantly melting away any residual distance between us.

After eight long years spent living with my mom in California, I had returned to New York to complete my final year of high school. Yet, more than anything, I had yearned for this moment, to be back in the comforting presence of my father, whom I had sorely missed during our time apart. As they say, absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.

"You've grown up so much since the last time I saw you," my father remarked, his eyes twinkling with pride as he surveyed me. "Look at you. I can't tell whether you're a child or an adult." He teased playfully, his words carrying a hint of nostalgia as he ushered me towards his car, effortlessly shouldering the weight of my heavy luggage.

"Your hair has grown long and dark, your stature tall and imposing, with those big, beautiful grey eyes just like your mom's," he continued, his gaze filled with admiration. "Rosy cheeks, a healthy tan, and you've even shed a few pounds. You look just like a supermodel," he added with a chuckle, as if discovering these details for the first time, despite our numerous video chats and exchanged photos.

"Well, I'm turning into an adult in just a month, Dad, which means I'm no longer a child," I gently reminded him as I settled into the passenger seat of his car.

"Don't remind me. I wish I could freeze you at seventeen forever, just to keep you close," he teased, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness that made me chuckle.

"I'll always be close to you, Dad," I reassured him, reaching over to squeeze his hand affectionately.

"So, how have things been going? Have you found a girlfriend and been too scared to tell me?" I quipped, prompting an immediate objection from him.

"I've been so busy lately working for Ortega Financial Group that I haven't had time to even think about finding someone for myself," my father offered as an excuse, though I could not help but detect a hint of evasion in his tone.

Ortega Financial Group—now there was a name I would never forget. Led by none other than Jake Ortega, the strikingly handsome billionaire tycoon who had captured my attention since I was eight years old.

Jake wasn't just any crush; he was my former neighbor and the one who had stolen my very first kiss. He embodied everything I had ever fantasized about and more. Even after all these years, since my departure to California, thoughts of him had never left my mind.

Even with the lingering memory of my numbskull ex-boyfriend, who had only wanted to use me, not even his antics could erase Jake from my mind. In fact, the prospect of seeing Jake again was something I truly hoped for upon my return.

I felt destiny might be at play, orchestrating our reunion once more. The last time our paths crossed, I was a mere ten-year-old, while Jake, already an adult at eighteen, had left a lasting impression on my young heart.

Now, with Jake at twenty-five and myself on the cusp of eighteen, I could not help but wonder what the universe had in store for us this time around.

"And how are things between you and Mom?" Dad's voice interrupted my reverie, pulling me back to the present moment. "And what about her and Liam?"

"Things are going well between Mom and me," I replied, keeping my tone light, though I deliberately omitted the details regarding her relationship with Liam. I knew all too well that Dad still harbored strong feelings for Mom, despite the passage of time.

In truth, things between Mom and Liam were anything but smooth sailing. Liam, in my opinion, was the epitome of irresponsibility, constantly mooching off Mom instead of finding gainful employment. He had even had the audacity to blame their rocky relationship on me, a notion I found both infuriating and absurd.

Leaving behind the tension and frustration of dealing with Liam, and being able to reunite with my dad, was an immense relief. Still, I hoped that Mom would soon come to her senses and end things with Liam for good.

The divorce between my parents stemmed from Dad's overwhelming dedication to his job, which left Mom feeling neglected and unloved. Despite her continuous pleas for more attention and affection, Dad's priorities remained elsewhere, leading to years of arguments and friction between them. Eventually, Mom reached her breaking point, unable to endure the emotional distance any longer.

Neglect and a lack of romance had undoubtedly played a significant role in their separation, ultimately resulting in my relocation to California with Mom. A few minutes later we manage to reach home and unload my luggage's from the car.

"Well, I think you're going to enjoy being back in New York, and I'm thrilled to have you here to spend time with your dad," Dad remarked, his smile genuine and heartwarming.

Just then, the front door of our home swung open, and my eyes widened slightly in surprise. I hadn't anticipated seeing him so soon.

It was Jake.

He sauntered in with an air of confidence, his presence filling the room effortlessly. At six feet tall, his broad shoulders exuded strength, and his piercing blue eyes held a hint of mischief.

His sleek, dark hair was tousled just enough to give him that effortlessly sexy look. With a chiseled jawline and a smile that could melt hearts, Jake was the epitome of smoking hot.

Any girl would want him inside them.

Upon approaching my father, I couldn't help but admire his confident stride and the way his eyes sparkled with warmth. Handing over some sort of document to Dad, he then turned towards me, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight of his bright smile.

Feeling a rush of warmth flood my cheeks, I secretly reveled in his attention.

"Baby girl, Avery," he cooed, as he pulled me into a hug, I could not help but notice how intoxicating he smelled, sending a wave of excitement through me.

"It's always nice to visit your father, you've grown so much." he said, his voice low and soothing, making me melt even further into his embrace.

Unfortunately, our hug was short-lived as he broke away.

"I'm really happy to visit my father, and I've heard a lot about how well you take care of him," I said, with a small smile. "Thank you, Jake." His response caught me off guard, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

"Now that you're here, I can take very good care of you," Jake whispered softly, his words sending a tingle of pleasure down my spine.

A faint smirk was playing on his lips, and I was forced to wonder what his words were really trying to say.

Was there a hint of teasing in his tone, or was it just my imagination? My interest was piqued, and I was eager to find out the meaning of Jake's enigmatic smile.

"Oh, I can't wait." I say, biting my lips with a small innocent smile.

Thing were about to get interesting.