Chapter 11

I slipped into a floral dress that brushed just above my knees, its soft fabric swaying as I moved. Modest yet charming, it was a surprise to find such a piece among Ash's collection. The absence of low cuts or flashy designs gave it an understated elegance I could appreciate.

Gathering my hair into a breezy ponytail, I descended the stairs, the tantalizing aroma of food drawing me toward the kitchen. As I stepped inside, I stopped mid-stride, my eyes widening at the sight before me. Hunter stood by the stove, an apron tied snugly around his waist, flipping something in a skillet.

A chuckle escaped my lips. "You cook?"

He glanced over his shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Why? Didn’t think I could?"

I slid onto one of the stools at the counter, eyeing the dishes spread out before me. Pastrami on rye, black-and-white cookies, and bagels with cream cheese were arranged neatly. Each looked as if it belonged in a high-end deli.

"Impressive," I muttered, reaching for a plate of cream cheese. The rich, savory aroma teased my senses, prompting an audible growl from my stomach.

Hunter’s grin widened. "You better take care of that."

I wasted no time serving myself a generous helping of pastrami, the first bite bursting with flavor. "This is amazing," I said between mouthfuls. It was a far cry from the usual spaghetti and meatballs Ash served, or the occasional taco nights.

Hunter’s voice broke the comfortable silence. "You should check out the garden when you’re done eating."

I nodded, unable to respond with my mouth full. After swallowing, I finally managed a, "Sure, sure."

"And tomorrow morning," he added, his tone firm but not overbearing, "I’d like to take you shopping."

I raised an eyebrow. "You don’t have to do that."

He leaned casually against the counter, crossing his arms. "If you’re going to play the part of a billionaire’s wife, you might as well dress the part."

"I’m no billionaire’s wife, Hunt."

I reached for the carton of fruit juice on the counter, bypassing the glass beside it. As I downed the juice straight from the carton, I caught his amused expression. My cheeks flushed. Great. Classy move, Elaine.

Setting the carton down, I straightened up, brushing off the embarrassment. "We just want people to think that, right?"

"Exactly." His voice softened as he scratched the back of his neck. "So don’t fight me on this. Please."

I sighed, leaning back against the stool. "You’ve already done so much. You bought this entire mansion for an act. Who does that?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" I scoffed. "Why are you even helping me?"

His eyes darkened with something unreadable. "Because I want to help."

"That’s not a reason." My voice trembled with frustration, rising more than I intended.

"Just let me help you," he said quietly, the plea in his tone softening my resolve.

I sighed, grabbing a napkin to dab at my mouth, suddenly hyperaware of how unrefined I must have seemed. "I’ll be in the garden," I said, rising from my seat. Hunter watched me go, his gaze heavy with thoughts he didn’t share.

The summer air greeted me as I stepped through the grand back doors, warm and inviting. A gentle breeze tousled my ponytail, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. The sun was kind today, its rays brushing against my skin without the searing heat of midday.

My attention was drawn to a cluster of white roses. Kneeling beside them, I inhaled their delicate fragrance, a smile tugging at my lips. I wandered further, discovering a gazebo draped in pink blossoms at the garden's edge. Inside, a table sat poised for an afternoon tea straight out of a fairy tale. Beyond that, a sparkling pool stretched toward a panoramic view of mountains and trees. The sight stole my breath.

Circling back to the roses, I heard a small voice break the stillness. "My bug! It flew away!"

I turned toward the sound, spotting a little girl with dark strawberry hair on the other side of the fence. She clung to an older woman’s skirt, tears streaking her cheeks. My heart clenched.

“We’ll get you another bug,” the woman said soothingly. Her voice was kind, but it did little to comfort the child.

I approached the fence, my voice light. "Hello there, neighbor!"

Both heads turned toward me. The older woman’s face lit up, and she waved as she walked closer. Her red gown bunched as she moved, adding to her warm demeanor.

"Oh, hi! You must be the new neighbor. I heard someone moved in recently."

"That’s right," I said with a smile. "My husband and I just settled in yesterday."

I glanced at the little girl, my heart aching for an introduction.

“Ah, that’s Autumn,” the woman said, following my gaze. “She’s my husband’s niece.”

She beckoned the girl over, and Autumn shuffled toward us shyly, clutching the hem of her shirt.

“Say hi to our neighbor,” the woman encouraged.

Autumn looked up at me with wide, tear-filled eyes. "Hi," she said softly, extending her tiny hand.

I took it gently, my throat tightening. "Nice to meet you, Autumn."

The woman—Nicole, if my research was correct—smiled warmly. "Autumn lost her father a few years ago. My husband and I are planning to adopt her."

I swallowed hard, my nerves fraying. "What about her mother?"

Nicole’s face darkened briefly. "She passed away a few months ago. She was never really fit to raise Autumn anyway."

Her words stung, but I held my composure, even as anger bubbled beneath the surface. Before I could respond, Hunter appeared beside me, his arm snaking around my waist.

"There you are," he said, pulling me close.

Nicole’s eyes twinkled. "Good to see you, Mr. Grayson."

I froze, my stomach flipping at the way she addressed him. For the hundredth time, I wondered if Hunter’s presence in my life would ever stop feeling like a whirlwind.