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?
Ryan's POV Great! Simply great!! Now you see, my love, how I won you back; no matter what happened in the past, I am going to resolve it and have you in my home, in my bed, and my arms, soon, very soon. You are mine!! Emma's POV “Fine,” Ryan said, finally relenting, though his tone was still far too smug for my liking. “If you insist on your flat, we’ll go there. But don’t think this is over, Emma. We’ll talk more about what’s best for James.”I glared at him but said nothing; he drove back toward my flat. I was looking out of the window. Just then James asked from the back seat, “Mummy! Can we stop for lunch? I’m starving!”“Starving?” Ryan scoffed dramatically, quickening his pace to catch up with James. “Didn't you eat breakfast, son?”James giggled. “But that was 3 hours ago! I’m a growing boy.”Ryan smiled at him through the rearview mirror. “Alright, alright. You’re right. A growing boy needs fuel. How about we stop at that diner just up the street? The one with those massive
Emma's POV “Are you out of your mind?” I hissed, barely able to keep my voice steady.Ryan’s eyes darkened, his smile fading into something more cold, more calculated. “Yes, I am. I’ve lost all sense of reason after finding out you’ve been hiding our child from me. The best I can do now is ensure he lives with me, where he belongs. You can come along if you like, or I’ll take you to court. And trust me, Emma, I’ll make sure you don’t get to live with him. You deprived me of his love. The choice is yours.”His words struck like a blow, knocking the wind out of me. I knew he wasn’t bluffing. He had the resources, the connections, and the determination to follow through. And James—oh God, James would be caught in the middle of this, pulled apart by our war. My stomach twisted at the thought.I stood there, my pulse thundering in my ears as Ryan’s words sank in. His smile was too calm, too assured as if he already knew how this would play out. As if he’d won. I clenched my fists, resisti
Emma’s POVHalf an hour ago…I woke up in the quiet stillness of the hotel room, my head heavy but the sharp edge of the migraine thankfully dulled. Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, and I blinked, adjusting to my surroundings. The space beside me brought a pang of unease. Where was Ryan?My heart quickened as fragments of last night flickered in my mind—Ryan’s warm, steady hands taking care of me, holding me through the worst of the pain. Was it real, or had I dreamt it? And now, he was gone.Then the realization hit me like a cold wave. James. School.Ryan had been insistent about removing James from the hostel, determined to bring him home. My breath caught as dread clawed its way into my chest. He hadn’t waited for me to wake up. He didn’t as he was going to take James away from me.“Oh, God,” I muttered, panic rising. Why hadn’t I realized it sooner? I shouldn’t have agreed to this, I shouldn’t have let him take the reins. I had to stop him.I threw on yesterday’s
Ryan's POV I wasn’t going to let our son stay in that hostel any longer. He belonged with us, with me. And I knew Emma. She wouldn’t let me take him away from her. She loved him too much for that. It was the one card I had to play, and I was going to play it carefully and strategically. She’d have no choice but to come back. And once she was here, once we were together again, I’d make sure she never left.I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, and smiled. “You were born to be with me,” I whispered, my lips brushing against her skin. “And I’ll get you back, my love. By hook or by crook.”She stirred slightly, but I didn’t move. I wanted to hold her longer, to stay like this forever, but I had things to do. I couldn’t afford to waste time, not when the plan was already in motion. I gently untangled myself from her, careful not to wake her, and slipped out of bed. She needed her rest. Last night had taken its toll, and I wasn’t going to rush her recovery. I could wait. I h
Ryan's POV I hadn’t planned for things to turn out this way.But this time she shocked me. Not only did she leave me without saying a word, even when we had a baby together. Why did she leave? What was the reason that had torn us apart? My jaw tightened as the memory surfaced. How could she not have told me? Didn’t I deserve to know? Didn’t I have a right to be angry?But then, looking at her now, so pale and fragile, all that anger seemed to dissolve into something else. Something softer, more desperate. I didn’t just want answers. I wanted her. I wanted to hold her, pull her close, and make all of this go away. I wanted her back in my life, in my arms, where she belonged.But I couldn’t do that. Not yet. Not until we talked. Talked.Despite everything, I could never fall out of love with her. For now, I had to be patient. I had to let her rest, let her heal. There would be time for everything else later.But as I sat there, watching her sleep, I knew one thing for certain: I wa
Ryan's POV I sat down next to her, not saying anything at first. She didn’t move, didn’t look at me, but I knew she was aware of my presence. After a while, she spoke, her voice, barely a whisper, “I hate it here.”It wasn’t a dramatic statement, just a simple, heartbreaking truth. She wasn’t talking about the river or the house or even her life. She was talking about being stuck in a world that didn’t let her be herself. I didn’t know what to say. I was just a kid too, barely able to handle my own emotions, let alone someone else’s.But I wanted to comfort her, to let her know she wasn’t alone. So, I did the only thing I could think of—I took off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. It wasn’t much, but it was something. She looked up at me then, and for the first time, I saw her really look at me, not as her older brother, or a family friend, or some orphan boy her parents had taken in, but as someone who mattered to her. It was in that moment that I realized I cared about
Ryan's POV Everyone was worried about her, and she was hiding in my room. I had no idea how she’d managed to slip past her mother’s watchful eyes, but there she was, curled up under my bed. At first, I thought she was just playing some game, but then I realized she was sleeping. She must have been so exhausted from constantly having to be someone she wasn’t. I watched her for a while, not sure what to do. Should I wake her? Should I let her sleep? In the end, I just left her there. She looked peaceful, and I wasn’t about to disturb that.When she got up and I felt the moment under the bed I bent to see her. " Hello!! " " H..Hi!! " She said looking a bit scared. " Come out!! " I said and she came out feeling embarrassed for being caught. " What are you doing here?? " I asked. " Hiding." She bit her lip. " But why?" I asked her. " My mom wants me to learn to play music and Dad wants me to take classes to be like him... I..." She told me hesitantly. " And you don't want to do th
Ryan's POV I swallowed, glancing at Emma. She was resting now, her face still pale but the lines of pain were slowly easing. "I didn’t know," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "Why didn’t she tell me it was this bad?""People tend to downplay their pain," the doctor said, standing up. "Especially when they don’t want to burden others."His words hit me harder than I expected. Had I made her feel like that? Like she couldn’t tell me? Like her pain didn’t matter? My fists clenched at my sides as I nodded, watching as he packed up his things."Just keep an eye on her," he said before leaving. "Make sure she rests."As the door closed behind him, I stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of everything settle on my shoulders. The anger, the frustration—it was all still there, simmering beneath the surface. But it was tangled up now with guilt, with worry, with the desperate need to make things right.I walked back to the bed, watching her sleep, her chest rising and falling
Ryan's POV " Emma, we need to calm down and talk, properly." " Then why did you try to..." " I was trying to fix things, and got carried away," I said before she could finish her sentence. "This won’t fix anything. We need to talk," she said, her voice softer now, but still strained. "Just talk."I nodded, stepping back, though every fiber of my being screamed at me to pull her close again. "You’re right. But don’t think for a second I’m letting you go. You still belong to me."Her eyes met mine, and for the first time since all this started, I saw a flicker of something else in her gaze. What was that?? But I knew, somehow, that this wasn’t the end. Not even close."Ryan! We can't talk like this. We will talk later..." She said. " We will talk about it right away, don't you think we should have talked about this years ago? No, we will talk right away. " " I have a severe headache. " She said pressing her head. Enough of her excuses... She used the same one last night as well