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Chapter 52
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2024-09-09 11:04:05Related chapters
Hired Fiance Chapter 53
Emma's POV We fell into an easy conversation after that, swapping stories about our childhoods, our likes and dislikes. For a while, it was almost as if we really were just two friends hanging out, the awkwardness slowly fading away. But every now and then, I would catch him looking at me with a strange intensity, his gaze lingering on my lips or the curve of my neck, and the tension would creep back in.At one point, he reached over to brush a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my skin. The touch was brief, but it sent a shiver down my spine, and I turned my head quickly, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest"Emma, you are so beautiful." he said softly, his voice low and serious now. I swallowed hard, my heart beating faster. " Ryan, You know we don't have to keep up this act when it's just the two of us. You don't have to say all that to me."He was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and took my hand in his, his thum
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Hired Fiance Chapter 54
Emma's POV The morning dawned bright and clear. The estate was buzzing with activity, as preparations for Eva’s big day were well underway. Ryan and I had spent the night in the same room, but he was still not back to our room. I went out looking for him and saw him in the garden, looking as fresh and charming as ever, having tea with my grandmother.He greeted me with a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek, his arm slipping around my waist as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Good morning, beautiful. I was wondering if you were awake or not and was about to come back to our room to wake you up. Ready for today?"I nodded, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach. "As ready as I’ll ever be."I greeted my grandmother who was looking at us with scrutiny. " You are looking beautiful as always. I swear, you looked so pretty sleeping in my arms that I didn't want to get up till we had another round... But I didn't have the heart to spoil your beauty sleep. " He said ca
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Hired Fiance Chapter 55
Emma's POV Watching them together, I wondered if Eva was truly happy or if she was simply going along with this to please our father. Dad had always been difficult to please, his expectations impossibly high, and I feared that Eva, in her desire to make him proud, might be sacrificing her own happiness.As I walked into the grand ballroom, memories I’d rather forget came rushing back, uninvited and unwelcome. The faces around me were the same ones that had been present at my engagement to Daniel, and at what was supposed to be our wedding day. They had witnessed my decision to cancel the wedding just a day before the ceremony, and I knew that people had not forgotten. In fact, I could feel their eyes on me, and the whispers that followed me like a shadow, reminding me that this was not just Eva’s night; it was also a painful reminder of my past.The room was filled with elegant women in glittering gowns and men in sharp tuxedos, all gathered to celebrate my sister’s happiness. But be
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Hired Fiance Chapter 56
Emma's POV For the first time that night, I felt a little lighter, the oppressive weight of the past beginning to lift.But the night wasn’t over yet. As we continued to mingle, others took their turn trying to get a reaction out of me. Some were subtle, like Mr. Thompson, who made a pointed comment about “second chances” while glancing between me and Daniel across the room. Others were more blatant, like Mrs. Greene, who openly asked how it felt to see Eva with Daniel as if they were expecting me to confess some deep regret.Each time, Ryan was there, quick with a sharp retort or a subtle redirection that left the other person either flustered or silenced. It was as if he could sense when I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, stepping in to shield me from the worst of it.At one point, during a particularly tense conversation with an old family friend who couldn’t resist bringing up the past, Ryan simply took my hand and squeezed it gently, cutting the conversation short with a disa
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Hired Fiance Chapter 57
Emma's POV As the night wore on, I found it increasingly difficult to distinguish between what was real and what wasn’t. Ryan’s touch, once merely a part of the performance, began to feel more natural, more genuine. His presence was a comfort, a steadying force that kept me grounded amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. I could feel myself slipping, the lines between pretend and reality beginning to blur. Every time he smiled at me, every time he held me close, I had to fight the urge to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was something real between us.The engagement ceremony was a spectacle in itself. The room was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and soft music as Eva and Daniel exchanged rings, their every move followed by the watchful eyes of the guests. Ryan stood by my side the entire time, his hand resting gently on the small of my back, a constant source of support. He made sure I was included in every conversation, always making me feel like we belo
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Hired Fiance Chapter 58
Emma's POV Ryan walked with me, his arm around my waist as we made our way out. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the warmth of the ballroom, and I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. But even as we walked outside, the events of the night played over and over in my head, a whirlwind of emotions that I couldn’t quite make sense of.When Ryan reached for my hand, his fingers lacing through mine, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I looked at him, his profile illuminated by the passing streetlights, and I realized that, for better or worse, I was no longer sure where the act ended and where the truth began.As we walked inside we saw my family sitting there. They all were happy about the party and discussed how it went so well. Once we had a nightcap, we all went to our rooms and I was again feeling conscious of the fact that we were going to share the room as well as the bed. I cleaned my makeup, freshened up, and changed into my nightwear. I got into my bed on
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Hired Fiance Chapter 59
Emma's POV The morning after Eva’s engagement party, I woke up to an empty bed. The space where Ryan had been lying just hours ago was now cool. I lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, trying to summon the energy to get up. The events of the night before played on a loop in my mind—the way Ryan had held me, his arm draped protectively around my waist, his warm breath tickling the back of my neck. It had felt so real, so right, that I’d almost forgotten we were just pretending.Almost.But now, in the harsh light of day, reality had come crashing back in. I wasn’t sure where Ryan had gone, but the house was still quiet, everyone else likely sleeping in after the party. I should have been relieved for a moment of solitude, but instead, I felt an inexplicable need to find him.I slipped out of bed, grabbed my robe, and padded down the hallway. As I made my way through the house, I noticed that the door leading out to the garden was slightly ajar. Curious, I stepped outsid
Last Updated : 2024-09-12Hired Fiance Chapter 60
Emma's POV Ryan shook his head, his expression earnest. "I appreciate that, but lly love to do this for her. She loves it when I cook for her; please try some of it; it may not be as good as your professional chef's, but you may like it as she does. "My heart did a little flip at his words. He was so good at this, so convincing, that I almost believed it myself. Almost. But the truth was, this was still just a charade, and I had to keep reminding myself of that, especially with my grandmother watching us so closely."Well, in that case," my grandmother said, clearly charmed by his sincerity, "I suppose I can’t argue with that. Just don’t make too much of a mess in our kitchen, young man."Ryan laughed, the sound rich and full. "I’ll do my best, Mrs. Wales."He turned back to me, his hand outstretched. "Come on, Emma. Let’s go make some pancakes."I hesitated for a moment before taking his hand and letting him pull me to my feet. His touch was warm, his fingers strong and reassuring
Last Updated : 2024-09-12
Latest chapter
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
Hired Fiance Chater 258
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
Hired Fiance Chapter 257
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
