She dressed ugly to ruin her father’s arranged visit, but the suitor was the millionaire she had secretly loved for nine years.

She dressed ugly to ruin her father’s arranged visit, but the suitor was the millionaire she had secretly loved for nine years.
My name is Clare Montgomery, and I had deliberately dressed like a fashion horror masterpiece.
An old oversized hoodie, faded plaid pajama pants, flip-flops worn with white socks, bird’s-nest hair, and my grandmother’s giant 1980s glasses.
It was supposed to be the ultimate sabotage to make my father stop setting me up on blind dates.
I walked down the stairs proud of my disaster, eager to scare off the poor rich guy in the living room.
Then I turned the corner and the world stopped spinning.
Standing in our living room in a tailored suit was Theodore Ashford—my childhood crush, the boy from the almost-kiss at the pool nine years ago.

I was so shocked that my legs forgot how to work, and I tripped on the last step, falling flat on my butt.
My flip-flop flew to one side, my grandmother’s glasses flew to the other, and my face burned with ultimate shame.
Theo ran over, his strong hands gripping my arms and lifting me with incredible gentleness.
Clare Montgomery, Theo said, his deep blue eyes looking into mine. Wow. You’ve grown up.
I was standing there dressed like a lost homeless person, holding onto the man I had secretly loved for nine years.
PART 2
I stared at the polished floorboards, wishing a black hole would swallow me right through the rug.
Instead of laughing or walking out, Theo let out a soft, warm chuckle that melted my panic.
You haven’t changed at all, Clare, Theo said softly, picking up my oversized glasses and handing them back to me.
You’re still the most delightfully unpredictable girl I’ve ever known.
My father cleared his throat nervously, but Theo turned to him with a genuine smile.
Mr. Montgomery, Theo said, I actually requested this meeting because I wanted to see Clare again.
My heart slammed against my ribs as Theo’s words sank in.
Give me ten minutes, I stammered, scrambling up the stairs faster than humanly possible.
I scrubbed my face, threw my hair into soft waves, and put on a navy sundress.
When I returned downstairs, Theo offered me his arm and invited me out for a quiet dinner.
At the restaurant, Theo held my hand across the white tablecloth.
I never forgot about our almost-kiss at the pool nine years ago, Theo admitted, his blue eyes shining.
Before I could answer, an arrogant businessman named Julian, who had tried to force my father into a bad deal, approached our table.
Julian sneered at me, mocking my father’s smaller company.
Theo stood up slowly, stepping between me and Julian with commanding authority.
Clare is with me tonight, Theo warned coldly, and if you disrespect her again, I will cancel your firm’s contracts.
PART 3
Julian tried to laugh it off, but Theo pulled out his phone and executed an immediate corporate buyout of Julian’s firm.
Julian went deathly pale, realizing he had just lost his entire company, and fled the restaurant in total humiliation.
Theo turned back to me, taking my hand gently.
Let’s get out of here, he whispered.
He drove me to the old community country club pool where we used to spend our summers nine years ago.
The outdoor pool was illuminated by golden fairy lights, reflecting softly off the clear water.
We walked along the edge of the pool where we had almost kissed when we were fifteen.
Theo reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Inside lay a delicate silver charm bracelet featuring a tiny crystal water droplet.
I bought this nine years ago, the day after our almost-kiss, Theo confessed gently.
I promised myself I wouldn’t give it to anyone else until I found you again.
Tears of joy filled my eyes as Theo fastened the bracelet around my wrist.
I didn’t come to your house for an arranged date, Clare, Theo whispered, cupping my cheek.
I came back because I have loved you for nine years.
PART 4
Theo leaned down, and nine years of waiting melted away as he kissed me under the stars by the water.
It was soft, passionate, and completely breathtaking—everything I had ever dreamed of since I was fifteen.
Over the next few months, our connection blossomed into a deep, loving, and joyful romance.
Theo spent every weekend with me, taking me on adventures and supporting all my art career goals.
My father was thrilled beyond words, not because of the Ashford fortune, but because he saw his daughter radiant with love.
One year later, Theo and I were married in a stunning garden ceremony surrounded by family and friends.
During our reception after-party, I pulled out my old oversized hoodie and white socks with flip-flops as a joke.
I put them on over my white lace reception dress and walked onto the dance floor with a mischievous grin.
The entire room burst into laughter, and Theo swept me into his arms, laughing until tears came to his eyes.
You look absolutely magnificent, Mrs. Ashford, Theo whispered, kissing my cheek.
I laughed, hugging my husband tightly as we danced under the golden lights.
Operation Horrible Outfit had ended in the absolute best love story of my life.