“Pretend You Love Me, Please…” — Powerful CEO Begged Single Dad Right In Front Of His Ex.
You’re right, Sofia, but rainbows only appear when it’s sunny and rainy at the same time. The little girl looked at her very seriously. “So you and Dad are like a rainbow. He’s the rain. You’re the sun.” Miguel and Lucía looked at each other, moved. Sometimes children say the greatest truths without realizing it. Lucía leaned over and kissed the little girl’s forehead. “And you are the light that unites us.”
For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The noise of the city, the cars, the clocks, everything disappeared. There was only that small, makeshift family that, without planning it, had found a home in each other’s hearts. But the calm, as always, doesn’t last long. One morning, as Lucía walked into her office, she noticed the tense atmosphere.
Her assistant, Marta, was waiting for her with a worried expression. Lucía, we have a problem. What’s going on? The London investors have requested an urgent meeting. They say your public image is affecting market confidence. Lucía raised an eyebrow. My public image. Yes, there are articles, comments on social media. Marta lowered her voice.
They call you the SEO of working-class love. Lucía let out a bitter laugh. And that’s bad for them. Yes. They say an executive at your level can’t mix her love life with a maintenance worker. Lucía remained silent inside. Her temper was boiling, but she knew that in her world, appearances were worth more than facts. “Call the meeting,” she ordered. “I want to speak to them face to face.”
The video call took place that same afternoon. On the other side of the screen, the British partners watched her coldly. “Miss Ortega,” one of them said, “we don’t doubt your talent, but you must understand that your current relationship creates uncertainty. Clients expect an image of success, not of… ” She paused. Social mixing. Lucía took a deep breath.
I understand, but I’m not going to justify who I love. It’s not about love, it’s about reputation, the other partner insisted. If this continues, we might reconsider our involvement. For the first time in a long time, Lucía wasn’t afraid. “Then reconsider,” she said calmly, “because my life isn’t an advertising campaign.” And she hung up. Marta looked at her from the doorway, mouth agape.
You just challenged your investors. Lucía smiled tiredly, but firmly. Yes. And you know what? It feels liberating. That night she went to Miguel’s house. He was finishing preparing dinner: pasta with tomato sauce and a little grated cheese. “It smells good,” she said, coming into the kitchen. “It’s the only thing I know how to make without burning the house down,” he joked. Lucía took off her heels, sighing.
It’s been a long day. Miguel noticed her tone and put down his spoon. “Something happened? The investors are threatening to leave. They say my relationship with you reflects poorly.” He was silent for a moment. “So what are you going to do? I already did. I told them I’m not going to choose between my company and my life.” Miguel looked at her with a mixture of pride and concern.
You’re incredible, Lucía, but I don’t want you to lose everything for me. I’m not doing it for you, she replied. I’m doing it for me, for the woman I am when I’m with you. He approached slowly and hugged her. So, no matter what happens, I’m with you. Lucía rested her head on his chest and in that moment she felt a peace that no success had ever given her.
The following days were tough. The media continued to attack, the company’s stock plummeted, and Lucía became the center of attention. But she didn’t hide; she continued attending events, even bringing Sofía along on occasion. When reporters asked, she smiled and replied, “Yes, I love a man who cleans floors, but he has taught me not to stain my soul.”
That phrase went viral. The social media was divided: some admired her, others despised her, but the common public, the simple people, embraced her with affection. Lucía had unwittingly become a symbol of authenticity. One Sunday afternoon, while they were having churros and chocolate on a terrace, Miguel said to her, “Do you realize that now you’re more famous for being human than for being rich?” Lucía laughed.
That must be a miracle. It’s not justice, he replied. Sofia was looking at them from her cup of hot chocolate with a sweet mustache. “Are you getting married?” she asked suddenly. Lucía almost choked. “What are you saying, Sofia? Well, whenever a pretty girl and a good dad love each other, they get married in the movies.” Miguel smiled. “Movies don’t always get it right, little one.” Lucía added, amused.
Although sometimes happy endings do exist. That night, as she returned to her penthouse, Lucía felt something strange: fear and hope at the same time. She knew that love wasn’t enough to keep safe a world that demanded masks, but she also knew that Miguel had taught her the value of being imperfect.
She turned on her computer to check her email and saw a new message. It was from Derek. I heard your investors have left. If you change your mind, I can help you. There’s always a price for everything. Lucia slammed her laptop shut. For a moment, her past returned like a shadow. She knew Derek wouldn’t stay put, and she also knew the storm wasn’t over yet. She looked out the window at the sleeping city.