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?
Emma's POV "Have you gone mad? How can you even suggest something like that? " I got annoyed at George, hearing that."No, I am perfectly sane. Try to understand, Emma; it will be easier to convince your family further. " He gave his reason. " But they are already convinced. " I retorted. " What if they get to know that he is living in a hotel, they will get to know that you both are not serious about your relationship; otherwise, why would he live in a hotel when you have such a big and cozy home? It is not normal, Emma. " He said. " Fine!! He can come after two days, I need to make arrangements. But you, Ryan, stick to your room and don't interfere in my life or home. You will have to follow my rules if you want to stay there. " " Okay, ma'am!! " He grinned and nodded. Idiot!! " George, help him select some formal, partywear clothes and shoes for Eva's engagement and wedding ceremony. " " Hey, I have good clothes. Do you think I can't afford to have good clothes? I earn th
Emma's POV Beneath the suit, I chose a crisp white dress shirt, meticulously tailored to fit him perfectly. The shirt's subtle texture added a hint of luxury without overshadowing the overall ensemble. A silk navy-blue tie adorned with a discreet pattern completed the look, providing a tasteful pop of color against the charcoal backdrop.I carefully curated a sophisticated ensemble for him, ensuring he exuded charm and refinement. " Why are you so tensed, this is a part of the deal. I am not going to ask you to pay for the clothes. Consider them as perks of the deal. " I said. "I appreciate the effort, Emma, but I don't want your parents to think that I was trying too hard and I'm just after their money." "It's not about the money; it's about the image. If they see you as a successful, sophisticated man, they'll back off from pushing me to marry someone of their choice." I sighed, my frustration apparent.After much deliberation, they compromised on a stylish ensemble that struck
Emma's POVAs we explored more options, Ryan couldn't resist teasing me by suggesting some daring choices, like a bold velvet jacket or a flamboyant bow tie. "Come on, Emma, let's add a dash of wild to the mix. Your parents will love it!" "Ryan, we're not attending a circus. We need something classy." I raised an eyebrow and said. Amidst the formality, Ryan managed to slip into a few casual outfits that exuded charm without compromising style. He twirled in a well-fitted blazer, winking at Emma. "What do you think? Can I wear this to the pre-wedding festivities?"I couldn't help but laugh. "You're going to turn heads, that's for sure."We continued the process of trying on different outfits, each exchange made me more aware of him. As they moved on to accessories, Ryan couldn't resist a playful attempt at tying a bow tie. I couldn't resist teasing him about the silk tie as he had not tied the naught perfectly. "Oops, I think I messed it up. Mind helping me, Emma?" he asked me to t
Emma's POV "I think I am paying you to work, not to gossip. Go and do your work, or I will deduct your salary. " I threatened her but she smiled. " I said shut up!! He is just a friend. " " Liar!! If he is just a friend, why are you getting so hyper?? I am happy for you. " " Go and do your work, Lily. " I said. She smiled and went away, saying, " But I liked this one, very handsome and hot. Introduce me to him if he is single by any chance, and if, you are not interested. " Crazy girl!! Why do I have to deal with all the crazy people in the world? I kept working on some new designs, and after a few hours, it was my time to go home, so I drove home. I opened the door of my cottage; it was absolutely clean and calm, the way I liked it. That's why I bought this nice beautiful cottage on the outskirts of the city, away from the busy life and heavy traffic of the city. It had been a good summer, but now we were in October, and the blue sky beyond my window held the clear pureness
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ryan's POV A message from James’s school with a link to James’s tracker. My heart pounded as I opened it, the pulsing dot representing my son, my little boy, out there in the unknown, moving farther and farther away from safety. It took everything in me to keep my breathing steady.The dot moved slowly, indicating a car, but it was erratic, stopping occasionally before starting again. I relayed the location to my security team, ordering them to monitor it, and I contacted the authorities as well. Every second counted.The location kept shifting. It was going away from the city and then stopped at a filling station then surprisingly it started coming back towards the city. After about 5 minutes, it stopped on the way, and it started moving away from the city again. What the hell was happening?? I was nearly thirty minutes behind them, a lifetime in situations like this, but I pushed forward, my focus razor-sharp. I was halfway to the edge of the city when the dot stopped moving, fi
Emma's POV " What do you want from him?? " " Now that I have you and your son tucked away in this secluded, abandoned house in the jungle, it feels as though everything is finally aligning. I could practically taste the power—the empire I would inherit, the life that had always been promised to me yet repeatedly snatched away. I would use both of you, Emma and James, to get exactly what I wanted. And if it meant sacrificing you along the way, so be it. I would do whatever it took. You would see soon enough that your darling, Ryan wasn’t the saint you believed him to be. And when all was done, when I'd hollowed out everything he cherished, Ryan would finally know what it felt like to lose everything. And in the end, he’d have no one to blame but himself." Just then, a flash of movement caught my eye—a shadow slipping between the trees. I dared not look too closely, afraid of giving anything away, but hope flared within me. Ryan. It had to be him. He must have tracked us here.But I