After escaping a toxic workplace, Ellie starts selling cookies on the street and pretends to be pregnant to keep unwanted men away. Her plan works until Julian, a kind and handsome regular customer, begins to fall for her.When Ellie's secret is finally revealed, she must face the truth about her past, her fears, and the feelings growing between them. With humor, courage, and plenty of sweet surprises, The Cookie Pretense is a heartwarming romance about starting over and finding love where you least expect it.
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"I saw this in a shop window," he explained, a genuine warmth in his eyes, "and it just made me think of you. A little something for the little one."
Ellie stared at the rattle, then at Julian, then back at the rattle. Her mind raced. A baby rattle. For a baby that didn't exist. This was a new level of commitment to the lie.
"Oh! Oh, that's... that's so thoughtful, Julian! Thank you! The... the little one will... rattle it. Very much." She forced a smile, her hand trembling slightly as she took the gift.