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Chapter 53
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Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired 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
Hired Fiance Chapter 61
Emma's POV My mother waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I didn't realise...no, no. You two enjoy yourselves. I just came in to see how things were going." She got a bit embarrassed. " Please join us, I make very good pancakes. Ask Emma. " He said but I was not in a condition to say anything at the moment. I just nodded both mom and grandma smiled and tasted the pancakes. "You missed a spot," he teased, his voice so low that only I could hear it.Ryan turned back to me, his smile softening as he reached out to wipe a bit of whipped cream from the corner of my mouth. I froze as he brought his finger to his lips, licking off the cream with a playful glint in his eyes.My mother didn’t seem to notice the exchange, too busy admiring the pancakes that Ryan had prepared, but my grandmother saw it, and I could see in her eyes that she loved it. But I felt like I was about to combust. My entire body was on high alert, every nerve ending tingling with the awareness of him. It was too much,
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Hired Fiance Chapter 206
Emma's POV Stepping into the kitchen, I leaned against the counter, the tension of the evening finally catching up with me. This wasn’t just about James’s happiness. This was about us. About the unresolved past, the hurt, the betrayal.Ryan might be trying to play the hero now, but I couldn’t forget how we had ended up here. And no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn’t let myself fall for his charm again.As much as I had enjoyed seeing James so happy tonight, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Ryan was playing a game. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to play along anymore." Hey! Let me help you. " " No thanks! I don't need your help. And what the hell do you think you were doing there? " " Where? What did I do now?" He asked, feigning an innocence and he looked exactly like a mature version of James when he did that." Oh, you have no idea, what you were doing there in that damn tent? Don't you dare to touch me again? I don't like to be touched like that." I yelled. And my eyes got mo
Hired Fiance Chapter 205
Emma's POV " Yey!! Let me get the snacks. " James got out of the tent. " You are so soft... I want to bury myself in you..." He said as soon as James went away." Shut up! And get away from me." I tried to get out of his arms but he tightened his arms around me." Why don't you accept that your body is melting against mine." He said. " Ryan! Back off! " " No! I am having fun with my family." Just then James brought the snacks in. They both started enjoying the snacks and made me eat too. While Ryan's left hand was still on my belly, holding me against him. While James was busy telling his story. I was just aware that he was saying something while Ryan's reactions seemed to be normal as if he was not holding me. James was still very happy and excited.God! Please put him to sleep. " Let's go out and have dinner as well. I prepared your favorite, baked pasta." I tried to tempt James with his favorite dish as I wanted to go out of there. " No! Wait! I will get that too. " He wen
Hired Fiance Chapter 204
Emma's POV " We should be comfortable and yet should sit as close as possible to be more cosy and safe, in case some ghost comes here. " He said already shifting behind me." Dad!!! A ghost can come here??" He looked scared " Maybe... Ghosts are naughty. " Ryan said smirking at me. " Momm!!!" James caught my hand tightly. " Don't worry, honey, I will kill the ghost if it tries to be naughty," I said, glaring at him over my shoulder, and he burst out laughing. " What is so funny? " I asked. "Isn't your Mom very cute and funny, James? She can't kill the ghost; they are too stubborn and naughty. Do what they like; you can't stop him. " " Mom, a ghost is already dead, how will you kill it?" He also started laughing. " I can kill a few stubborn, notorious ghosts." I glared at Ryan. He whispered against my ear, 'Kill me with your lips, Love. Kiss me, every inch of me. I will die out of pleasure." I hit him in his ribs with my elbow. He just chuckled. Idiot!!!My back was plastered
Hired Fiance Chapter 203
Emma's POV James, completely oblivious, clung to the edge of the blanket, his excitement bubbling over. “Dad, what was the scariest thing you’ve ever seen?”Ryan shifted closer to me, his leg brushing against mine, sending a shudder through my body that I tried to ignore. “Hmm,” Ryan mused, pretending to think while his fingers traced small, lazy circles on my knee. I bit the inside of my cheek, willing myself not to react. Not in front of James.“The scariest thing?” Ryan repeated, his hand inching higher towards my core creating havoc in me. “I think it’s when your mummy tries to drive on the motorway.” he winked at me. Idiot!! James burst out laughing, his giggles filling the small space, while I elbowed Ryan sharply in the ribs. “Very funny, I drive perfectly. I was worried about James. ” I muttered, shifting slightly to move his hand away.But Ryan, the persistent devil that he was, simply smirked and let his hand slide right back, resting it lightly on my waist this time. Th
Hired Fiance Chapter 202
Emma's POV As I searched through the cupboards, pulling out bags of crisps, marshmallows, and some leftover biscuits, I couldn’t help but listen to the laughter coming from the living room. James was full of giggles, and Ryan—he had this way of making everything seem like an adventure. I heard furniture scraping against the floor and Ryan giving exaggerated instructions as if they were on a grand expedition.For dinner, I prepared, Pasta bake (cheesy, family-friendly, simple but comforting, perfect for their mood of a cozy night in the camp.I peered around the kitchen doorway to see them dragging chairs into the middle of the room, draping blankets over the top to create their makeshift tent. Ryan was completely in his element, crouched on the floor with James, carefully placing cushions inside their new “camp.” I had to admit, it was adorable watching the two of them.“Careful with that blanket,” Ryan said in an overly dramatic tone. “This is no ordinary blanket, James. This is our
Hired Fiance Chapter 201
Emma's POV " Would not it have been better if we had gone to my hotel room? " He asked and I glared. He raised his hands in surrender, still smiling. “Alright, alright. Just offering. But you know, with the three of us in that one little bedroom tonight, it’s going to get cozy.”I nearly choked on the water, I was drinking, my face flushing. “Excuse me?”James, completely oblivious to the innuendo, laughed. “It’ll be like camping, Mummy!”Ryan grinned at me, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Yeah, like camping. Just us three… all snug and close. Cozy.” he winked. Idiot! As if...But I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “You’ll be on the sofa, Ryan. Don’t even think otherwise.”He chuckled, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping so only I could hear. “Oh, c'mon, Emma, we both know, you will enjoy having me in bed. Don't bother to deny it.”I glared at him, ignoring the way his nearness sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. This wasn’t happening. I was not going to let him
Hired Fiance Chapter 200
Emma's POV Suddenly, James tugged at my sleeve, pulling me from my thoughts. “Mummy, are you okay?”I forced a smile, nodding. “I’m fine, sweetheart.”Ryan’s eyes flickered toward me, his expression softening for just a moment before he turned back to James. “Right, let’s finish up and get home. We’ve got a living room to camp in, remember?”As we left the diner, James happily chatted about all the “camping” supplies they’d need; I couldn’t shake the growing unease in my chest. Ryan was laughing and planning with James as if we were a normal family, but things were far from normal. I wasn’t sure if I could let my guard down.One thing was clear, though: James was thrilled. And as long as he was happy, I would go along with their ridiculous plans… even if it meant letting Ryan be a little too close for comfort.We reached my home, and he stopped the car; before he could say Anything, I got out of the car, turned on my heel, and headed for the door. He followed behind me, his footsteps
Hired Fiance Chapter 199
Emma's POV Ryan raised an eyebrow but didn’t press it. Instead, he turned back to James. “So, mate, I’ve been thinking. Once we finish this monstrous milkshake, we should plan something fun. You know, a real adventure. How about we build a fort when we get home? Or…” His eyes twinkled mischievously. “We could camp in the living room tonight. I’ll bring my torch, and we’ll tell scary stories. What do you say?”James gasped, bouncing in his seat. “Can we, Mummy? Please? Can we camp in the living room?”I blinked at them, half-expecting Ryan to burst out laughing at the absurdity of his suggestion. But he was dead serious—and so was James. “I don’t think we have space for that…”Ryan cut in, shaking his head. “Emma, where’s your sense of adventure? We don’t need space. We’ll make it work. Move some furniture, throw down some blankets. It’ll be like we’re out in the wild!”“Camping… in my flat?” I asked, incredulous.“Exactly,” Ryan said, giving me a grin that I both hated and… found a l
Hired Fiance Chapter 198
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
