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Chapter 156
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2024-11-03 11:08:54Related chapters
Hired Fiance Chapter 157
Emma's POV The following morning, the air in our home felt different, like a subtle shift that I couldn't quite place. Ryan had been quieter than usual, contemplative, as though something weighed on his mind. I watched him from the kitchen, noting the furrow in his brow and the distant look in his eyes, hoping he’d share what was troubling him, but I didn’t want to press. Ryan wasn’t the kind of man to let things weigh on him lightly, so whatever was bothering him must have been significant. Yet he hadn’t said a word. I was tempted to ask, to pry into whatever was going on, but something told me to wait, to let him come to me when he was ready. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to change, but before I could voice my concern, his phone rang, breaking the stillness. He glanced at the screen, and I saw his expression shift the moment he answered. His usual calm exterior broke, and I watched as worry etched deep lines into his face.He answered it, and I watched as
Last Updated : 2024-11-03Hired Fiance Chapter 158
Emma's POV I opened my mouth to argue, but then I hesitated and bit my lip, torn between wanting to support him and understanding the precarious situation with his grandfather. I had my own experience with emotionally charged family members. My mother and grandmother could be incredibly sensitive when it comes to family matters, especially weddings and introductions. And while I loved them dearly, I understood how delicate such matters could be. If his grandfather was anything like them, this wasn’t the right time.“But what about you?” I asked softly, searching Ryan’s face. “I don’t want you to go through this alone.”“I won’t be alone,” he reassured me. “The doctors are with him, and his staff are there to take care of everything. I just need to get there as quickly as I can.” A part of me wanted to insist on going, to be by his side through whatever awaited him. But I also understood his concern, and I didn’t want to make a difficult situation even more complicated.“I’ll stay,”
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Hired Fiance Chapter 159
Emma's POV The week felt like a whirlwind. Between my exhibition, managing clients, and making sure everything was perfect, I barely had a moment to breathe. The exhibition had been on my calendar for months, and as one of the most renowned fashion designers in the country, expectations were always high. People from all over the industry had been invited, and this time, it wasn’t just a showcase of my evening gowns and bridal wear—it was an auction.I poured every ounce of my energy into preparing for it, despite the worry gnawing at the back of my mind about Ryan and his grandfather. Every day we spoke on Skype or through video calls, and each time, the concern on Ryan’s face grew deeper. He would give me updates about his grandfather, and although his condition hadn’t worsened, it hadn’t improved either.“I don’t understand,” Ryan had told me during one of our late-night video calls. “His health was fine just a few weeks ago. Now, it’s like he’s holding on, but barely.”I could see
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Hired Fiance Chapter 160
Emma's POV “Wow! What a grand welcome,” he chuckled, his arms tightening around me. “I didn’t know you missed me this much. If I had, I would’ve come back sooner.”“I wish you had,” I whispered against his chest. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? And how is your grandfather?”“He’s still the same,” Ryan said, his tone softening. “But I couldn’t miss this—being with you, seeing you in your element. So I came. I’ll stay for a few days, catch up on some work at the office here, and then head back. Maybe this time, you can come with me if things are better.”I nodded, my heart still racing from the surprise of seeing him. I couldn’t believe he was here—after all the stress and worry, after all the work, Ryan had made it back to me.Later that evening, we attended a small post-exhibition party, but despite the success and the elation I should have been feeling, I couldn’t shake an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. The day had taken its toll on me, and as the night wore on, I starte
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Hired Fiance Chapter 161
Emma's POV “Ryan, please,” I gasped, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks, not from desire, but from the oncoming sickness. But he wasn’t listening. His hands were insistent, pulling me closer as if he could will me into wanting what he wanted.Before I knew it, the nausea won out, and I threw up—right on his chest.His reaction was immediate. He cursed under his breath and let go of me, standing back with a mixture of shock and disgust on his face. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, and then, without a word, he turned and stormed out of the room. I heard the door to the guest bedroom slam shut, and I was left alone, sick and bewildered.The next morning, I tried to explain. After a long shower and a bit of rest, I felt slightly better, but Ryan was still clearly annoyed. I could see it in the way he avoided my eyes and the tightness in his jaw when I tried to approach him.“Ryan, I’m sorry about last night,” I said softly, reaching for his hand. “I’ve been feeling so sick lately.
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Hired Fiance Chapter 162
Emma's POV The receptionist greeted me with a polite smile and informed me that Ryan was in his office. I thanked her and made my way to the elevator, the prospect of seeing him and mending our strained relationship brightening my spirits.The elevator doors opened, and I walked down the corridor toward Ryan’s office. The corridor was unusually quiet, with only the soft hum of office equipment and the occasional murmur of distant conversations. I approached Ryan’s office door, feeling a mixture of eagerness and trepidation.When I arrived at his office, I was greeted by his assistant, who gave me a sympathetic smile as she showed me into Ryan’s private office. He was sitting behind his desk, frowning at his computer screen, clearly engrossed in whatever he was working on. He looked up when I entered, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something—surprise, perhaps—cross his face. But then his expression shifted back to the same tired frustration I had seen that morning.“Emma,” he sa
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Hired Fiance Chapter 163
Emma's POV The next few days were a blur of exhaustion and disappointment. I continued to feel unwell, the pregnancy symptoms making even simple tasks seem Herculean. Ryan was busy with the office and his grandfather’s condition, and our interactions were brief and strained. He seemed to be struggling to balance his professional life with the personal turmoil of his grandfather’s health, and my presence—my need for support and affection—seemed to only add to his stress.I did my best to be patient and to give him the space he needed while trying to manage my own emotional and physical well-being. I had scheduled follow-up appointments with my doctor, trying to stay on top of the health checks for both myself and the baby. But it was hard not to feel hurt by Ryan’s distance. He was preoccupied with his work and his family issues, and while I understood that he was under immense pressure, it didn’t make the situation any easier for me.One evening, as I sat alone in the living room, th
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Hired Fiance Chapter 164
Emma's POV I remained frozen, my hands limp in my lap, staring at the space where he had been just moments ago. What had happened to him? To us? How had the man I thought I knew turned into this cold, insensitive stranger? He hadn’t always been like this. We had been in love once, hadn’t we? Or had I been fooling myself all along?A knot tightened in my stomach as his words replayed in my head. Abort the child for us, he had said, as though it were some minor inconvenience to rid ourselves of. My baby. Our baby. And yet, he wanted to erase it from existence as if it meant nothing. I blinked hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. No. I would not cry. I would not allow myself that luxury.He’s just stressed, I reasoned with myself. He’s been acting strange ever since he returned from his grandfather’s. He must be overwhelmed with everything, that’s all. He doesn’t mean what he’s saying. He can’t. When things calm down, when I explain properly, surely he’ll see sen
Last Updated : 2024-11-06
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Hired Fiance Epilogue continued
Emma's POV The hours that followed blurred together—Ryan by my side, holding my hand, whispering words of encouragement. He whispered words of encouragement, his gaze full of love and strength, his fingers tracing soft circles over my skin, soothing me. His strength became my strength, his voice a lifeline. Every time I looked into his eyes, I felt anchored, loved, and understood in a way that words could never express.At last, the moment came. I heard the first wail, and as they placed her in my arms, I felt the first weight of her in my arms and a rush of love so deep, it was overwhelming, and my heart expanded in ways I hadn’t thought possible. Ryan was beside me, his eyes fixed on her with a look of absolute awe. He kissed my forehead, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His hand cradled her tiny head, and he looked at me, eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Emma,” he whispered, leaning down to press a tender kiss to m
Hired Fiance Epilogue
Emma's POV One month had passed since our island escape, and coming back to the life we’d built here felt different now—lighter somehow as if love had settled into every corner of our home. Ryan had slipped into our family life effortlessly, filling each day with small acts of tenderness that wove us closer together. For the first time in so long, I felt whole.But nothing could have prepared me for the morning. I realized my life was about to change once again.The signs were subtle at first—just an unusual fatigue, a lingering wave of dizziness now and then. I brushed it off as the after-effects of our busy schedules. But soon the signs became clearer, and I found myself looking down at a positive pregnancy test, a swirl of emotions overwhelming me. I sat there, staring at it, joy and disbelief intermingling. I was going to have another baby.Ryan came home later that evening, his face lighting up as he saw me. He wrapped me in his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Hey,
Hired Fiance Chapter 265
Emma's POV We headed back to our suite, but Ryan had one last surprise waiting for me. When we entered the room, the lights were dimmed, and the air was filled with the scent of jasmine and vanilla.A path of rose petals led to the bathroom, where a luxurious bubble bath had been drawn, candles flickering around the edges of the tub.“Ryan…” I gasped, turning to him with wide eyes. “Did you—?”He grinned, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my cheek. “I figured after a day like today, you deserved a little pampering.”My heart swelled with love for this man, who knew exactly how to make every moment special. He led me to the tub, helping me slip into the warm, fragrant water before joining me. The bubbles rose around us, and I leaned back against his chest, closing my eyes as his hands massaged my shoulders.We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound of the gentle lapping of the water and the soft flicker of the candles. It was peaceful, intimate, and everyth
Hired Fiance Chapter 264
Emma's POV After several hours in the sky, we began our descent, and I noticed a glimmer of turquoise below, almost like a hidden jewel nestled in a sea of endless blue. As we got closer, I could make out an island ringed with pristine beaches, the sunlight casting golden highlights across the sand. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the scene—the untouched beauty of white sand, palm trees swaying gently, the promise of secluded beaches.“This is…all yours?” I asked, a sense of disbelief coloring my words. It felt almost unreal.Ryan laughed softly, wrapping an arm around me. “Not just mine. Ours. Consider this our private retreat.The thought of it—an entire island, untouched and serene, where we could simply be together—sent a thrill through me. Once we landed, a small team greeted us, but they quickly disappeared after helping us settle in. It was just the two of us, alone in paradise.Ryan wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close against him. I leaned into his c
Hired Fiance Chapter 263
Emma's POV Once we were certain that Daniel and Evan were safely behind bars, I felt like I could finally exhale. It was surreal to think that the shadows of their crimes—murder, kidnapping, so many lives shattered—were now confined, unable to reach us. The damage, though, still lingered, especially in Eva’s life.Daniel’s conviction allowed her to obtain a swift divorce and full custody of their son, Danny. But while she had her freedom, she deserved a chance at happiness too.Eva had been through unimaginable hardship, and now, with a young son, Danny, to care for, her life was far from settled. Thankfully, the charges against Daniel made it relatively easy for her to get a divorce and secure sole custody of Danny. Still, she was young and had lost much; it wasn’t right for her to face the future on her own.Ryan, in his characteristic way of looking after people, was the first to offer support. It was Ryan who first suggested a way to help her move forward. He introduced her to on
Hired Fiance Chapter 262
Ryan's POV As the officers secured him in handcuffs and began reading him his rights, I turned to Emma. She was still trembling, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as though trying to shield herself from the horrors she’d just endured. Her eyes, red and puffy from tears, met mine, and I saw a mix of relief and determination there.“Ryan,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “There’s something you need to know.”I stepped closer, my hand brushing against hers in a gesture of comfort. “What is it?”She hesitated, glancing at James, who clung to my side, his small fingers gripping my shirt. I knelt, cupping his face gently.“It’s okay, buddy,” I murmured. “Everything’s going to be fine now.”I turned to one of the officers. “Can someone take my son outside? He doesn’t need to hear this.”An officer nodded, extending his hand toward James. “Hey, champ, why don’t you come with me? We’ve got some juice and snacks in the car.”James looked at me, uncertainty flickering in his wide
Hired Fiance Chapter 261
Ryan's POV With a swift kick, the door slammed open, the sound reverberating like a gunshot through the room. Evan spun around, startled but not surprised. He stood over Emma and James, both bound to chairs. My heart clenched as I took in their faces—pale but alive, their eyes widening in shock and relief at the sight of us.“Emma,” I murmured, my voice low but filled with urgency. “It’s alright. I’m here.”Relief seemed to flood through her, and she nearly collapsed in the chair as if she had been holding her breath, the tension finally breaking. But there was no time to rest. Evan was already recovering, his face twisted with rage.“You,” he spat, his voice dripping with hatred. “Always ruining everything.”“This ends now, Evan,” I said, “You’ve done enough.”Evan laughed, “Oh, you think you’re the hero now? After everything you took from me?”My jaw tightened, and my fists clenched at my sides. “I didn’t take anything from you, Evan. You did this to yourself.”Evan’s face twisted
Hired Fiance Chapter 260
Ryan's POV Just ahead, I saw tire marks in the mud, leading away from the area. I crouched down, examining them, my mind racing. I followed the impressions of the tires in the mud and was shocked by what I saw ahead.I saw a car, just like mine, with the same number.What the hell?He used this to make them think it was me, not him, so they’d believe him.I saw a candy wrapper lying there—a Swiss chocolate candy I’d bought for my son. I picked it up, frustration coursing through me, a flood of helplessness rising with it. I was used to solving problems with precision, but here, every step felt like I was grasping at shadows. Emma and James were out there somewhere—alone, scared, with that monster.Gritting my teeth, I swore I’d kill that man. For the first time in years, I felt powerless, as if everything I valued was slipping through my fingers.Finally, the team managed to pinpoint Emma’s phone’s last ping just outside an abandoned cottage—the perfect hiding place. A surge of deter
Hired Fiance Chapter 259
Ryan's POV Then, the final revelation, the one that sent a chill through my veins. “Evan doesn’t just want to ruin you, Ryan,” Daniel said, his eyes glinting with perverse satisfaction. “He wants to be you. He’s been planning this for months. Changing his look, studying you—down to your bloody mannerisms. He’s got a way out, a clean record. No one would question it if he walked right back into your life, because no one would know.”The room fell silent, his words hanging in the air, heavier than anything I’d imagined. Evan planned to kill us, to eliminate every trace of my existence, and then live as me—he’d done everything necessary to erase his old life and assume mine, seamlessly.The realization gripped me like a vice. Emma and James were in the hands of a man who was not only ruthless but methodical, who wouldn’t hesitate to kill them just to ensure his twisted plan played out perfectly. I could feel the rage, the cold, calculated fury that settled deep in my bones, overriding t
