Chapter 62

Emma's POV

"Why don’t we go for a walk after breakfast?" Ryan suggested, squeezing my hand lightly. "I’d love to explore more of the estate with you."

"That sounds lovely," my grandmother chimed in, clearly pleased with the idea. "It’s a beautiful day for it."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. My emotions were too close to the surface, too raw. The idea of spending more time alone with Ryan, of being out in the open where anyone could see us, filled me with a mix of excitement and dread. How much longer could I keep this up before I completely lost myself in the illusion we had created?

After we finished breakfast, Ryan insisted on cleaning up, much to my grandmother’s amusement. She watched us with a fond smile as we worked side by side, Ryan washing the dishes while I dried them. It was such a simple, domestic task, but it felt strangely intimate like we were a real couple going about our morning routine.

At one point, Ryan bumped his shoulder against mine playfully, causing