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Chapter 71
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Hired Fiance Chapter 72
Emma's POV I didn’t like where this was going. Or maybe I did, but that was the problem. The idea of Ryan lying next to me, without any clothes on, was both terrifying and undeniably appealing. But I couldn’t let him know that. I had to stay in control.“Interesting how?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at me. “Well, if we’re going to be convincing, we should probably get used to being close. Really close. And what better way to do that than by sharing… everything?”I swallowed hard, my mind racing with all the implications of his words. Was he really suggesting that we…? No, surely not. But with Ryan, I could never be sure.“Ryan,” I began, trying to sound stern, “we’re supposed to be convincing, not reckless.”“Reckless? Who said anything about being reckless?” he asked, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying we should be comfortable with each other. You know, as an engaged couple would be.”“Comfortable
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Hired Fiance Chapter 73
Emma's POV I shook my head, still smiling, as I settled back into bed. Despite all the teasing and banter, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t expected. Being with Ryan, even in this strange, pretend engagement, was starting to feel… right. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for us—if this was just a temporary arrangement, or if it could be something more.But for now, I was content to let things unfold naturally, to enjoy the playful moments and the way he made me feel. Because as much as I hated to admit it, Ryan had managed to break through my walls in a way no one else ever had. And maybe, just maybe, I was okay with thatI closed my eyes, willing myself to relax. But just as I was beginning to drift off, I felt him move closer again, his body heat enveloping me.“Goodnight, Emma,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.“Goodnight,” I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.And as I lay there, my heart pounding in my
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Hired Fiance Chapter 74
Emma's POV There were freshly baked scones, still warm and golden, their golden crusts still warm from the oven, and their buttery scent filling the kitchen. They were accompanied by small jars of clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. He had selected an assortment of cheeses—creamy brie, sharp cheddar, a tangy blue, and a nutty gouda—along with thin, crispy crackers and slices of crusty baguette.He had also packed a selection of muffins and finger food. Nestled among the savory items were bowls of plump, juicy strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, their deep, rich colors a feast for the eyes. He had even thought to include delicate cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, some cutlets, and for dessert, he had packed a small tin of chocolate truffles, each one rolled in cocoa powder and filled with rich, velvety ganache and doughnuts, a nod to the traditional English picnic. To top it all off, there were chocolate truffles, rich and decadent, nestled in a small tin
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Hired Fiance Chapter 75
Emma's POV We wandered away from the picnic, following the path that led down to the riverbank. The air was cooler here, the shade of the trees providing a welcome relief from the warmth of the day. The river flowed gently beside us, its surface shimmering in the light. It was a perfect setting, almost too perfect, and I felt a strange mixture of nervousness and excitement as we walked in silence.I don't know why but I felt a Deja vu....When we reached the water’s edge, Ryan paused, looking out at the river with a thoughtful expression. “It’s beautiful here,” he said softly.I nodded, my eyes following his gaze. “It is.”He turned to look at me then, his expression shifting to something more serious. “Emma, I know this isn’t easy for you,” he began, his voice gentle. “But I want you to know that I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’re in this together.His words touched me in a way I hadn’t expected. There was something about the way he said them, the sincerity in his voice, that
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Hired Fiance Chapter 76
Emma's POV I didn’t let him finish. Something inside me snapped, and before I could stop myself, I leaned up and kissed him. It was the first time I’d ever kissed someone willingly, and the moment our lips met, it felt like everything around us disappeared. The world shrank until it was just the two of us, tangled together in a moment that felt both inevitable and surprising.The kiss started slow and tender as if we were testing the waters, afraid that the slightest misstep would shatter the fragile connection between us. His lips were warm and soft against mine, and I could feel the careful restraint in his touch, as though he was afraid to push too far too quickly. But I didn’t want restraint—I wanted to feel everything.I deepened the kiss, pouring every unspoken emotion into it. The longing, the fear, the overwhelming sense that this was where I was meant to be—it all rushed to the surface, and I kissed him like I’d never kissed anyone before. The intensity of it took me by surp
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Hired Fiance Chapter 77
Emma's POV Deep down, despite all my fears and doubts, I knew that he was different and that he was worth the risk.But for now, I’d take it one step at a time, one moment at a time, letting the tension between us build until I was ready to embrace whatever it was that was growing between us. And when that day came, I hoped that I’d be brave enough to face it, to let go of the past and embrace the future that was waiting for me, just beyond the edge of the cliff.Because as much as the thought of falling scared me, the thought of never taking that leap, of never knowing what could have been, scared me even more.I wanted him but was scared that maybe it was fake, a part of our original plan“You don’t have to say anything,” he replied, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek. “Just…be here with me. Right now.”And so I did. I let myself be present in the moment, soaking in the warmth of his touch, the depth of his gaze, the connection that was building between us. The world around
Last Updated : 2024-09-21Hired Fiance Chapter 78
Emma's POV I finally found my voice, though it was softer than I’d intended. “Thank you for today,” I said, my eyes not quite meeting his. “You didn’t have to do all of this, but…I’m glad you did.”Ryan’s gaze was steady, unreadable for a heartbeat, and then he smiled—a slow, genuine smile that made my heart skip in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying. “I meant what I said earlier, Emma. I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”His words should have comforted me and should have made me feel safe. But instead, they sent a shiver down my spine, a sensation that I didn’t quite know how to process. I could sense him moving closer, even though I hadn’t looked at him. It was in the way the air between us seemed to hum, in the warmth of his breath that I felt more than heard.When he reached for my hand, I didn’t pull away. I let him take it, though I knew my trembling would betray the tumult of emotions coursing through me. His hand was warm, his grip firm but
Last Updated : 2024-09-21Hired Fiance Chapter 79
Emma's POVI didn’t know how to respond to him, so I simply nodded, though my mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions. I wanted to say that I wasn’t ready for this, that I wasn’t sure if I would ever be ready. But the truth was, I didn’t know if I could accept him as my partner or let go of him now, not after everything we’d been through.Ryan seemed to sense my turmoil, because he didn’t push me for a response. Instead, he took a step back, creating the distance he’d spoken of, though it felt like a physical ache in my chest. He smiled at me, a little ruefully, and said, “Don’t worry, Emma. We’ll figure this out together.”The words were meant to reassure me, but all they did was deepen the conflict inside me. Because as much as I wanted to figure this out, as much as I wanted to believe that we could take things slow and find our way, I couldn’t ignore the past that was weighing down on me.I’d spent my entire life surrounded by men who had no respect for women. My father had treat
Last Updated : 2024-09-22
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Hired Fiance Epilogue continued
Emma's POV The hours that followed blurred together—Ryan by my side, holding my hand, whispering words of encouragement. He whispered words of encouragement, his gaze full of love and strength, his fingers tracing soft circles over my skin, soothing me. His strength became my strength, his voice a lifeline. Every time I looked into his eyes, I felt anchored, loved, and understood in a way that words could never express.At last, the moment came. I heard the first wail, and as they placed her in my arms, I felt the first weight of her in my arms and a rush of love so deep, it was overwhelming, and my heart expanded in ways I hadn’t thought possible. Ryan was beside me, his eyes fixed on her with a look of absolute awe. He kissed my forehead, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His hand cradled her tiny head, and he looked at me, eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Emma,” he whispered, leaning down to press a tender kiss to m
Hired Fiance Epilogue
Emma's POV One month had passed since our island escape, and coming back to the life we’d built here felt different now—lighter somehow as if love had settled into every corner of our home. Ryan had slipped into our family life effortlessly, filling each day with small acts of tenderness that wove us closer together. For the first time in so long, I felt whole.But nothing could have prepared me for the morning. I realized my life was about to change once again.The signs were subtle at first—just an unusual fatigue, a lingering wave of dizziness now and then. I brushed it off as the after-effects of our busy schedules. But soon the signs became clearer, and I found myself looking down at a positive pregnancy test, a swirl of emotions overwhelming me. I sat there, staring at it, joy and disbelief intermingling. I was going to have another baby.Ryan came home later that evening, his face lighting up as he saw me. He wrapped me in his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Hey,
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
