CHAPTER 273: CHAPTER 273

Immediately she leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees, her hands locked together tightly. "It’s just too sudden. And knowing how they operate, I don’t think this is a family reunion. I think they’re planning something. And I need to be very careful this time."

Then Oliver leaned back on the couch, his eyes never leaving Cora’s face. He could tell she was deeply troubled her eyes were tense, her tone unsteady. He had seen her upset before, but this... this felt different.

He slowly nodded. "Yeah... I remember everything, Cora. I remember how your uncle used to treat you. I remember what Clinton did that time at the event how smug he was, always trying to outshine you. You’ve never had peace with them."

He paused, watching her reaction carefully. "But..." he added, cautiously, "what if you’re overthinking it? I mean, what if they really are just coming back in good faith? What if they want to fix things this time?"

Cora turned to look at him sharply, her voice low but firm. "Oliver, people like them don’t do ’good faith.’ They move with reasons. With strategy. Every smile, every hug, every word, it’s all part of something. I’ve learned that the hard way."

Oliver let out a slow breath. "So... you really believe they’re coming back with an agenda?"

"Yes," Cora said without hesitation. "I feel it in my bones. And I can’t take any chances this time."

At that moment, upon hearing what Cora just said, Oliver narrowed his eyes slightly. He could see the worry still sitting in her gaze despite how calm she tried to act. He leaned a little closer and asked with a softer tone, "So... what are you planning, Cora?"

He knew her too well to believe she came all the way here without something brewing in her mind. "You calling me here like this... I know you. That means you’re definitely planning something. So... what’s up? What is it?"

Cora drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Her fingers twisted together in her lap, and her voice was low when she finally spoke. "Well," she started, "I actually know the reason my father is coming. And I hate to admit it... but I know him. I know how he thinks."

She paused for a moment and looked at Oliver as if silently asking for his full attention.

"My father is not just coming for vacation or to check up on me," she continued. "No. He’s coming to tag me up with someone. To force me into a marriage I don’t want. That’s the reason. That’s the only reason he ever gets involved directly like this."

Oliver blinked, a bit stunned. He opened his mouth but closed it again, letting her continue.

"He always sees marriage as important for the family. And I’m the pawn, Oliver," she said with a slight shake of her head. "He tried it before. But I ended up with James. But this time, I don’t think I’ll be able to escape that easily."

Cora’s voice cracked slightly at the end, but she pushed past it.

"And as for my uncle," she added, her tone shifting to something more guarded, "and his son Clinton their return has nothing to do with love or family. It never does. They must be here for something else, and I’m telling you now... whatever it is, it’s not going to end well for me."

At that point, Oliver tilted his head slightly, studying her expression. He could see it the quiet desperation in her eyes, the way she avoided eye contact when talking about Clinton, the way her hand trembled just slightly on her knee.

He didn’t interrupt. He gave her time.

But finally, he leaned forward and asked, with honest confusion in his voice, "Wait... wait, Cora... what is going on? Like... why would your father actually do something like that?"

At that moment, Cora slowly shook her head, her eyes fixed on Oliver with a seriousness that made him sit up straight. "Well," she began quietly, "that’s my father for you, Oliver. You don’t know half of the things he’s capable of. He always has a plan, and he rarely cares how it affects me."

Oliver’s brows knitted in concern. He leaned in a little, studying her face. "Cora... you’re starting to worry me. What’s going on?"

She took a breath and clasped her hands tightly on her lap. "That’s exactly why I called you here today. I need your help. And it’s not just any kind of help. It’s something extremely important something only you can do."

The room went quiet. Even the ticking wall clock seemed to slow down. Oliver blinked at her, unsure of what she meant, but already sensing that whatever she was about to say wasn’t something small.

Cora hesitated, her voice trembling just a bit. "You see, Oliver, the last time you saw my father... you were just a teen then, still trying to find your way. My dad doesn’t know you now. He has no idea what you’ve become, the man you’ve grown into. Which makes this... easier."

That statement made Oliver sit back slightly. His face twisted in confusion. "Cora, what are you saying?" he asked, his voice low. "What are you driving at?"

She looked directly at him, her eyes not blinking, her tone serious and firm. "I want you and me to pretend," she said. "Pretend like we’re in a relationship. A serious one."

Oliver’s jaw parted slightly, clearly caught off guard. "Wait... what?"

"I need my father to believe I’m already in love with someone," Cora pressed. "That I’ve chosen someone for myself. Someone he can’t control or arrange for me. I need him to believe I’m already committed, and I want that person to be you."

For a moment, Oliver just stared at her, speechless.

"I know it’s a lot," Cora added quickly. "I know it’s a huge ask. But this is the only way I can get out of whatever arrangement he’s cooking up. I know my dad. If I don’t act now, I’ll be trapped. And I trust you, Oliver. That’s why I came to you."