Pear-Shaped Marriage.

Masquerade Ball.

Jason was at his desk, typing away, trying to drown out the mess in his personal life with work. His thoughts were still clouded by the image of Sophie and that guy from the coffee shop. The more he tried to push it aside, the more it gnawed at him. He was in the middle of an email when the phone on his desk buzzed.

"Mr. Jason, you have a visitor waiting for you in the conference room," the front office informed him.

Jason furrowed his brow. He wasn't expecting anyone.

"Who is it?" he asked, half-distracted.

"Not sure, sir. But he says it's urgent and that he's an interested investor."

Jason's curiosity piqued. A potential investor showing up unannounced? That's rare. But business is business. He clicked off his computer and straightened up, grabbing his files.

Just as he was heading to the door, Daniel and Laura appeared, an excited energy buzzing between them.

"Hey, Jason!" Daniel called out, "We just heard the news. Some big-time investor's here? You need backup?"

Laura, always eager to jump into any high-stakes meeting, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, we can join. Maybe chip in with some ideas to sweeten the deal?"

Jason considered it for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, let's go. Could be a huge opportunity."

The three of them made their way to the conference room, Jason mentally preparing himself to switch into business mode. But as soon as he stepped into the room, his heart nearly stopped.

Sitting there, casually sipping from a glass of water, was Ryan Miller.

The same Ryan who had been sitting with Sophie at the coffee shop a few days ago. Her ex.

Jason felt his chest tighten, but he couldn't afford to lose his composure. Not now. Especially not in front of Daniel and Laura, who were oblivious to the history between him and this stranger.

Ryan stood up as they entered, flashing a polite smile. "Jason, nice to meet you," he said smoothly, extending his hand.

Jason forced a smile, gripping Ryan's hand a bit tighter than necessary. "Likewise."

Daniel and Laura took their seats, completely unaware of the tension swirling in the air. They were too focused on the potential windfall this meeting could bring.

The conversation kicked off, and Ryan was quick to dive into the details of his proposed investment. He spoke with confidence, outlining his vision and how he believed their company could grow with his capital infusion. It was a tempting offer, and Jason could feel both Daniel and Laura practically salivating over the possibilities.

But Jason's mind was elsewhere. Every time Ryan spoke, he could only think about that afternoon at the coffee shop. The way Sophie had smiled at Ryan. The way they seemed so comfortable with each other. His own paranoia was eating him alive, making it impossible to focus entirely on the deal.

It was when Daniel asked a seemingly innocent question that things took a sharp turn.

"So, how do you two know each other?" Daniel asked, sensing some kind of awkwardness but not understanding the full story.

Jason didn't even think twice before responding, his voice cold. "Ryan here is Sophie's ex."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Laura's eyes widened in shock, while Daniel's jaw dropped, though both tried their best to play it cool. Jason could feel the weight of their stares, but he kept his gaze fixed on Ryan.

Ryan, to his credit, didn't flinch. He merely raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly as if he was enjoying the tension. "That's true," he said, casually. "But that was a long time ago. I'm here for business today, nothing more."

Jason clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn't afford to blow this opportunity, even if every fiber of his being wanted to throw Ryan out of the room. If this deal went through, it would be a game-changer for the company. Jason had to put his personal feelings aside.

The meeting continued, albeit with an undercurrent of tension. Jason managed to keep his cool, staying professional even though his thoughts were racing. Every time Ryan made a suggestion or smiled that smug smile, it took everything in Jason not to snap.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally wrapped up. Ryan stood, offering one last handshake. "I'll be in touch soon," he said with a smirk before exiting the room.

Once the door closed behind him, Daniel let out a low whistle, looking between Jason and the door.

"Man," Daniel muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "That was... awkward as hell."

Jason sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, no kidding."

Laura, still processing the shock, shifted in her seat. "So, Sophie's ex just happens to be a potential investor? That's... intense."

Jason didn't respond immediately. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on. But before he could dwell on it any longer, Daniel's phone buzzed.

It was a text from Sophie.

"Game on, Daniel."

Daniel glanced up, his heart skipping a beat. What was Sophie planning? He knew she had asked him to keep quiet about Jason's affair, but this?

He quickly shot back a message.

"I just met Ryan. You sure about this, Soph?"

Her response came almost immediately.

"Relax, Daniel. It's all part of the plan."

Daniel stared at his phone, slightly amazed. He had no idea how far Sophie was willing to go. But one thing was clear—she was ready to play this game, and Ryan was a key piece on her board.