Chapter 19When I reached my car, I collapsed into the driver’s seat, my whole body shaking with the force of my sobs. How could I have been so dumb and stayed engaged to him till now? How could I have let it get this far? All those months of pretending, of forcing myself to do something I wasn’t interested in, just to please my father, to live up to his expectations. And for what? To be humiliated, to have my heart shattered by a man who didn’t even care enough to be faithful?I drove aimlessly for hours, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Every time I thought I had cried myself out, another wave of tears would hit me, harder than the last. I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of my despair.Eventually, I found myself parked outside my home, the one place where I had always felt safe. But tonight, even that sanctuary felt tainted, the walls closing in on me as I sat there, staring at the house through tear-filled eyes.I didn’t want to go inside. I coul
Emma's POVI have been staring out of the window, my fingers tapping the glass rhythmically. I had a feeling this conversation was going to be tough.Eva's voice broke the silence. "Emma, what are we going to do now? And why aren't you interested in getting married? What happened to the man you mentioned two months ago? Don’t tell me there’s no one, and you were just buying time."I sighed, turning to face my sister. "He’s still around, but we’re not together. I met someone else, and we have just started our relationship."Eva's eyes narrowed. "Oh, and you'll need more time again... Don’t play games now.""I'm not playing games. There's someone else," I explained, my frustration rising."I don't trust you now, but if there's someone, it's good for you. The rumors won't stop; you're famous and wealthy. Reporters will make you more famous for the wrong reasons," Eva said, expressing her doubts."Why do people have to judge me?" I wondered aloud. "Even if I'm homosexual, it’s my life. Wh
Emma's POV " I don’t understand. Why can’t you get married? May I know what you have done?" Ryan asked, prompting George to explain a bit."It’s not your fault; you’ve been chasing your goals, but what is the problem? Why are you not ready to get married? Are you actually interested in a woman?" Ryan asked."No!" I replied quickly."A married man?" he guessed."No!!" I shot back."You love someone, but he loves someone else?" he asked again."No!!!" I exclaimed."Then what is the problem?" Ryan asked, exasperated."I'm just busy. I don’t want to settle down and be a simple housewife," I explained, and Ryan smiled."But that can’t be the reason," Ryan insisted."I don’t want to talk about it; I just can’t get married. It’s not for me," I asserted. I could not tell him that I was not meant to marry. "Try to understand your parents or make them understand you," Ryan suggested.Maybe he was right but they needed to understand that I did not want any relationship. I didn't believe in the
Emma's POV I felt a mix of anger and anxiety as George left. I was alone with Ryan, the most irritating person I had ever met. I didn't want to be alone at home after his weird suggestions and flirty comments. There was no doubt that I was safe with him, but I felt uncomfortable around him as he was interested in kissing, cuddling, etc. "We should go and meet them. I want them to be rest assured that there is someone in my life, let's go and get it over with." I suggested."Wait! We can't be there like this. There is so much to do. Let's plan out everything. We have to go and meet them but before that, we have to tell them how and when we met and how we. fell in love with each other," Ryan insisted."Yes, we need to talk and plan everything. We need to plan carefully to make it work," I agreed getting tensed as it was very difficult for me to pretend to be in love. " Yes! But don't worry, everything will go smoothly. I am a good actor, trust me, they would be happy and have medic
Emma's POV "Now, let's talk about your family. What should I know about them?" Ryan asked.I sighed. "My family is very traditional. My mom, Margaret, and my grandmother, Helen. They’re the ones pushing me to settle down. Dad is very strict and a typical man who thinks women are good for nothing but keeping home, raising children, being a trophy wife... " I stopped myself from saying more. "And what about your sister, Eva?" Ryan inquired."Eva’s more understanding but still worried about our mom and grandma. She’s getting engaged to Daniel next week. The engagement party and the wedding are going to be big events," I explained."Got it. So, I need to impress your Dad, mom, and grandma and be supportive at the engagement party and wedding," Ryan summarized."Exactly. They need to believe we’re in a serious relationship," I affirmed.Ryan grinned. "No problem. I can be very convincing."Emma looked at him doubtfully. "We’ll see about that. What about your family?" I asked."Tell them
Emma's POVI looked at his clothes though they were fashionable enough for an aspiring actor or model to wear for a casual meeting, my family would not approve of him or even take him seriously. They might think that I randomly asked one of the guys who models my clothes to come and pretend as my boyfriend in front of my family. No!! I can't afford that. " George, ask Lily to get some decent semi-formal clothes in Ryan's size and come here. " " But what is wrong with my clothes? They are good, it is the latest fashion... Well, at least you should know that. " Ryan got a bit offended. " I know all that, but you don't know my parents they are very conservative. So don't argue just tell him the size of your clothes and shoes. He will send some options for you. You can choose out of them. " I said. After about half an hour, Lily came carrying four or five bags. We selected his outfit for the day and he got ready in no time. I wore a big diamond ring that I had bought for myself. **
Emma's POV Ryan's hands traveled confidently along my back, creating the illusion of an intimate connection. My family watched, their worry lines softening as they saw us locked in what appeared to be a loving hug.Breaking away, he planted a lingering kiss on my forehead, his lips brushing against my skin with a calculated tenderness. I blushed, playing my part, as he leaned in and planted a tender kiss on my cheek. My family's eyes widened, and my grandmother managed a broad smile as if she had already approved of our love story, her eyes sparkled with joy, convinced that she was witnessing the blossoming of a genuine romance.Ryan's touch was light, but the gestures were deliberate—reassuring touches, lingering hugs, and stolen glances that painted a picture of affection."Oh, how sweet of you, Ryan," my mom chimed in, genuinely pleased. "Emma, you never told us how lucky you are to have such a handsome and wonderful man. Hey, you already have a ring on your ring finger... You go
Emma's POV I couldn't help but admire Ryan's ability to play the part flawlessly. Despite my initial discomfort, there was an undeniable chemistry in our staged encounters. ********"We went back to my office, George was shooting for a portfolio but as soon as George saw us, he took a break and came to us." Hey, did you go to meet them? " He asked us. " Yes, we did. " I said." And?? " " It was good, they were convinced that I have someone in my life now. " I said. " So everything is sorted now, they started taking the medicines?? " George asked. " Yes!! Thankfully! " " Great! So, mission accomplished!! " He grinned. " It is just the beginning, these three were easy to handle. I will have to go for Eva's engagement and wedding. Daniel and Dad would not be so easy to convince. As it is Daniel is waiting for a chance to get even with me."" I am sorry, I forgot about this man. Who is Daniel?" Ryan questioned. " Her ex... " George replied when I didn't say anything. " Really?