PERFECT LIE

The moment the café doors exploded inward, the world turned into chaos. Screams filled the room.

Glasses shattered against the floor. Chairs scraped violently as terrified customers rushed toward the exits, desperate to escape whatever nightmare had just entered their ordinary evening. Ava sat frozen.

Her mind refused to understand what her eyes had just seen. One second, she had been sitting across from a billionaire asking her to pretend to be his girlfriend. The next, she was caught in what looked like a scene from an action movie. Ethan-"Don't move."His voice cut through the noise. Cold,

sharp and commanding.

The warmth and amusement she had seen earlier were completely gone. This was a different Ethan Blackwood, A man who didn't panic, a man who expected danger, a man who knew exactly what to do when it arrived. Two men dressed in dark clothing stepped into the café.

Their faces were hidden beneath black masks.

They scanned the room with unsettling patience, as if they already knew exactly who they were looking for. Ava's breathing became uneven.

"Who are they?" she whispered. Ethan didn't look away from them. People who should never have found you."The words made no sense. Found her?

Before she could ask what he meant, Ethan grabbed her wrist. Come with me."Wait-"

"Now, Ava."Something in his voice stopped her from arguing. She followed.

Ethan moved quickly through the frightened crowd, guiding her toward a narrow hallway behind the café. Ava stumbled as they reached the kitchen; employees stood in shock, some crying, others hiding behind counters. The sounds of breaking furniture echoed from the front.

They were getting closer. Ethan, tell me what's happening!"He pushed open a metal door.

"Later."The answer is always later with you!"

For a brief second, he looked at her. His expression softened. I know."Then his face became unreadable again. But right now, keeping you alive is the only thing that matters."The words sent a chill through her. Keeping her alive?

Why did everyone keep speaking as if she was the target? They stepped into the alley behind the café. Rain poured from the dark sky, soaking them instantly. A black luxury car waited near the curb.

A driver stood beside it. When he saw Ethan, he opened the door.Sir."Change of plans, Marcus," Ethan said. "We are leaving now."Marcus nodded.

"Security team?"Compromised."The driver's eyes widened slightly.

That small reaction frightened Ava more than anything else. Even the people around Ethan were afraid. She climbed into the car; Ethan followed, closing the door behind them. The vehicle pulled away just as the back door of the café slammed open.

The masked men emerged into the alley; one of them pointed toward the car."They're escaping!" he shouted. Ava's stomach dropped. The car accelerated, and the city lights blurred outside the windows as they raced through the rain-covered streets. For several minutes, nobody spoke.

Ava tried to steady her breathing. Her hands trembled. She hated that Ethan noticed. He removed his expensive jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She stared at him. What are you doing?"You're shaking."I'm angry."

His expression didn't change. I know."No, you don't."Her voice rose. I walked into that café because I needed money."She pointed toward the window. I didn't agree to be chased by armed strangers!"Ava-"

"No."For the first time since meeting him, she didn't care about his money, his power, or his cold confidence. She was terrified and furious.

"You investigated me. You knew things about me. You offered me millions of dollars to become part of your life, but you never told me that your enemies might break into a café."A shadow crossed Ethan's face. You're right."The admission surprised her. What?"

"I should have told you more."The sincerity in his voice made her hesitate. Just a little."Then start talking."Ethan looked out the window. The city reflected in his dark eyes. Some powerful people have spent years trying to control me."

"Business rivals?"Some."Criminals?"His silence was enough. Ava swallowed. Oh my God."

"Don't jump to conclusions."

"That's easy for you to say. You live in a world with private security, armored cars, and people willing to break down doors to get to you."

The corner of his mouth moved slightly. A humorless smile. You think I chose this world?"

She paused. The question sounded genuine.

Before she could answer, Marcus spoke from the front seat.Sir."Ethan immediately became alert.

"What is it?"I think we're being followed."

Ava's heart stopped. She turned around. Two black SUVs moved through traffic behind them, the same vehicles from outside the café."No," she whispered.No, no, no."

"Marcus."Already taking an alternative route."

The car suddenly turned onto a smaller street.

The tires screeched against the wet road. Ava grabbed the seat; the SUVs followed. They're still behind us!"

"I can see that," Marcus replied. Ethan reached into a hidden compartment beside his seat.

Ava's eyes widened when he removed a small handgun. Her breath caught. You're carrying a gun?"I carry many things that keep me alive."

That answer did not comfort her. Ethan, this is insane."

"I know."The honesty in his voice was almost more frightening than anything else. The car sped through empty streets. Rain hammered against the windows. The pursuing vehicles remained close.

One moved beside them. Ava saw the dark shape of a masked man in the passenger seat. He raised something. Ethan-"

"Down!"Ethan pulled her toward him. A loud crack echoed outside; the rear window shattered. Ava screamed. Glass rained over them, and Ethan shielded her with his body. The gesture was automatic.

Instinctive as if protecting her mattered more than protecting himself. Why? They had known each other for less than an hour. Marcus!"

"I'm trying!"The driver swerved sharply. The pursuing SUV lost control on the slick road and crashed into a street barrier.

The second vehicle slowed to avoid the collision.

Marcus used the moment; the car shot forward, disappearing into the maze of city streets.

Several minutes passed before anyone spoke.

Finally, Marcus checked the mirrors. We lost them."

Silence, heavy, unbelievable silence. Ava stared at her shaking hands; she had nearly died tonight.

Because she accepted a meeting. A meeting that had promised easy money. Slowly, she turned toward Ethan. Tell me the truth."His eyes met hers.

Every mask he had worn earlier was gone. The billionaire, the cold businessman, the man who always controlled everything. For the first time, he looked troubled. Are they your enemies?"He didn't answer. Her chest tightened.Ethan."

He looked away. That was when she knew the truth was worse than she imagined. Who are they after?"A long silence passed. The rain continued falling outside. The car moved through the darkness, carrying them toward a destination Ava didn't know.

Finally, Ethan looked back at her. His expression was deadly serious. They're not after me."Ava's blood turned cold.

"What?" His jaw tightened.

His next words shattered everything she thought she knew.

"They're after you."