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Chapter 13 : I Don't Believe in Love
Last Updated:
2024-09-11 14:04:42
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Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 14 : Spill the Beans
Mia's POVIt was early in the morning and I could already smell the bacon sizzling from my room. My mom was the kind of woman who felt that it was her calling to be a homemaker. And she was really good at it too. I was still in bed, too groggy to move.I could hear the garbage truck outside, loudly shuffling through cans and emptying their contents into the top of the truck. I listened to the birds sing their song in the tree just outside my window and I lay there peacefully, enjoying all the sounds around me.“Mia?” I heard Amber say with a knock on my door. “What?” I groaned, not wanting to be bothered yet.She opened the door and peeked her head inside. She looked over at me, still in bed, and gave me a judgmental look. “What?” I said again, this time with more annoyance in my tone. “I have to do a research assignment for school and I was wondering if you could help me.” She said, walking in.“What’s it about?” I said, coldly as I sat up in the bed to fix my
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 15 : The Promised Land
Mia's POVThe plane ride was short, a little over an hour altogether. Ryan was awoken from a dead sleep when the tires hit the asphalt and jolted him awake. I flinched as we made contact with the ground below us and Ethan squeezed my hand. He was so sweet the entire flight. He never once took his arm from around me, and I was curled up on his chest until we were safely back on the ground. The seatbelt light switched off, once we were completely stopped and I waited a few extra seconds before unbuckling just in case.Once I could think clearly again, I felt my stomach rumble and I realized how hungry I was. The flight attendants offered my brunch on the plane but I was too overwhelmed to eat. “How are you feeling?” Ethan asked me with kind eyes as we gathered our things.“Okay.” I nodded, struggling to make eye contact with him. To be honest, I was a little embarrassed that he had witnessed me at my very worst. I had only known the guy for a couple of weeks and alrea
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 16 : Plain Old Mia
Mia's POVEthan seemed agitated by this woman’s presence. He didn’t even bother to smile when she came skipping over to us. She was absolutely gorgeous. She wore her hair in a sleek bun and her mini black dress accentuated her legs perfectly. I felt like a shrimp standing next to her in her tall stiletto heels and I wondered if perhaps she was an ex from Ethan’s past.“Ethan Black, is that really you?” The woman squealed with delight. She wrapped both arms around Ethan’s neck and dangled her feet a few inches off the ground. I felt a little awkward just standing there, watching this all happen, but I had no idea what to do. Ethan didn’t hug her back. He just let her hang from his neck until she had enough common sense to get off of him.Once she was back on the ground, she gave Ryan and Hector polite nods but didn’t speak to either of them. I must have been the last person she wanted to see because she didn’t even bother to look in my direction.“How are you?” The woman a
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 17 : Shop 'Til We Drop
Ethan's POVI couldn’t believe that Victoria Sinclair crashed my dinner with Ryan and Mia. I hadn’t seen the woman in years and now suddenly she was at the same mall as me? I was so grateful to Mia that she didn’t get upset over it. I was baffled that Victoria could be so blatantly rude. Luckily Mia was a class act. She didn’t even feel threatened by her. The alone time with Mia was proving to be the best thing that could have happened to our day. After Ryan excused himself, we headed to an ice cream shop in downtown West Village by the lake. The city was alive with good energy when we arrived. There were people wearing swimsuits, children riding bikes, and old people holding hands as they enjoyed the sights. It felt like we were at a festival. “This is so cute!” Mia squealed as Hector pulled up to a curb on the main street. “Are we still in West Village?”“Yep.” I chuckled, happy to see her excitement. She was cute when she got excited. “We’re in downtown West Village
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 18 : You're a Grown Woman
Combined POV“We most certainly are not staying here.” I glared at Ethan from the back of the car.He must have been crazy if he thought I was going to stay with him overnight in a hotel room together. I knew it was only a matter of time before he let his testosterone get the best of him.“Did you have this planned all along?” I asked, crossing my arms. “Of course not!” Ethan said, shaking his head and laughing. “I just want you to meet someone.”“Who?” I asked, with my guard still up. “An old friend.” He said, turning to look me in the eye. “I swear it’s not like that.”“Fine, then let’s meet him and then drive back to Greenbrooke.” I said, turning to open my door. “It’s not that easy.” Ethan said, reaching for my arm. “He’s already turned in for the night. We’ll have to meet up with him tomorrow.” “I can’t stay.” I said sternly. “I didn’t tell my family I’d be staying out. They’re expecting me home tonight.”“Aren’t you a grown woman?” Ethan asked me,
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 19 : A Tearing in My Heart
Mia's POVI woke up around seven. I forgot where I was for a second and sat up in the bed, confused by my surroundings. Then it all came back to me; the flight to West Village, the dinner date, the run in with Ethan’s ex, and the best adventure I’d ever had by the lake. Yesterday was a dream. I got out of bed and went to check on Ethan. I opened the door and walked over to the couch. To my surprise, he was gone. His blanket had been folded neatly and his pillow had been placed carefully on top of it. There was a note on the coffee table and I quickly reached for it.HAD TO RUN A QUICK ERRAND. TREAT YOURSELF TO A PREPAID MASSAGE AT THE HOTEL SPA AND I’LL BE BACK IN A FEW.I practically melted as I read the words. He was the most thoughtful fake boyfriend ever. I quickly ran back to the bedroom to take a shower. I grabbed my phone and headed toward the giant bathroom. I checked my messages as I walked into the beautifully decorated bathroom and realized I had two missed
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 20 : Damn He's Hot
Mia's POV“So who is this friend of yours?” I asked on the way to pick up Ryan.“A childhood friend.” Ethan replied, as we held hands in the backseat of the car. “I’ve known him since kindergarten.”“What’s his name?” I asked, suddenly feeling a little tired. “Oliver.” Ethan answered plainly. “Oliver Grant.”I nodded but said nothing. It felt a little odd to me that we’d need to stay an extra night just to meet this man. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I was flying back to New York with Ethan. Why not meet him then?“Why is this meeting so important?” I asked, rubbing Ethan’s thumb. “Is there something I’m missing?”“Not really.” Ethan chuckled. “Oliver’s just a big part of my life. It’d be strange if you didn’t meet him early into the relationship.”“I see.” I said, understanding a little better. “So he’s from New York too?”“Actually, he’s from London.” Ethan corrected, as he shifted in his seat.“London?” I asked, confused. “How can he be a childhood
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 21 : She's My Baby Sister!
Ethan's POVIt was already evening when we landed back in Greenbrooke. Mia was so happy to be back on the ground that she kissed the ground once we exited the jet. I shook my head and laughed at her theatrics.Hector fetched the car and I offered to take Mia home before heading back to my hotel. She agreed, and we climbed into the back of the car. “I really like your friend, Oliver.” She said as she stared out the window. “He’s nice.”“Most people think so.” I reached for her hand and kissed her wrist. “Those stories about your childhood were cute.” Mia giggled as she turned back toward me. “I wish I could have known little Ethan back then.”“Trust me, you don’t.” I chuckled. “I was a bad kid.”“No way!” Mia gasped in shock. “I don’t believe you.”“Really, I was!” I tried to convince her. “I was always getting in trouble. I probably got suspended at least twice a semester.”“That’s insane.” Mia raised her eyebrows. “What did your parents do?”“Nothing.” I
Last Updated : 2024-09-11
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Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 50 : Fate
Mia's POVHours seemed to pass while Ethan and I waited to hear word on Emily. During our time of waiting, Ethan was gracious enough to call her family and arrange for them to come to the hospital. He was absolutely amazing, and I was so grateful that he was with me. Finally, a surgeon came out of O.R. to talk to us. “For Emily Thompson?” He approached us.“Yes.” I said, as we both quickly stood to our feet to greet him. “How is she?”“She’s stable.” The surgeon added. “I’m Doctor Branson. I was the head surgeon in the operating room.”Doctor Branson shook both of our hands before continuing. I was desperate for more information and I prayed that Emily was okay.“She’s got a long road of recovery ahead of her.” Doctor Branson said, honestly. “But we do believe she’s going to pull through.”“Oh, thank god.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Doctor Branson.” “Absolutely.” Doctor Branson smiled. “Emily’s currently being transported to a room in I.C.U. Once
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 49 : The Man Upstairs
Ethan's POVWe all seemed to be frozen in time as Mia held Emily in her arms. I couldn’t believe that Jake had actually shot her, and I prayed, for his sake, that Emily was still alive. “Don’t just stand there, you idiots!” Mia shouted at the three of us as we all stood there watching. “Someone call 911!” The three of us snapped out of our trance as we hopped into action. Hector ran behind the front desk to use the phone while I kicked the gun away with my foot and pushed Jake to the floor. I bound his arms behind his back and held him tightly.“It’s okay, baby.” I said to Mia as she held Emily. “It’s going to be okay.”She nodded, but I could tell that she was terrified. After Hector hung up with the police, he came over to take Jake from me.“Go ahead, sir.” He said. “I’ve got this guy.”“Thank you.” I nodded as we traded places. I ran to Mia’s side and wrapped an arm around her as she tried her best to stay calm. She was shaking as she held Emily, and I cou
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 48 : Call 911
Mia's POVEmily and I were trapped. Jake had cornered us and there was no escaping him now. We huddled together at the end of an aisle, praying that Jake would come to his senses. He was acting like a menace, and I wondered how he could have gotten to this point. “Jake, don’t do this.” Emily tried to reason with him. I was suddenly so grateful that I had a friend in the military. I hoped she could find a way to get the gun from him. “Shut up!” Jake said, pointing the gun at her.His eyes were crazed and his hand was shaking as he pointed the gun. We both trembled with fear, wondering how he could do this.“Why are you doing this?” I asked through tears. “Get up.” Jake said to me.I didn’t move. I couldn’t move.“I said get up!” Jake shouted as he sent two gunshots through the roof. I jumped as I stood to my feet, shaking with fear. “Please.” I begged. “Let’s just talk about this for a second.” “I swear to god.” Jake looked at me with spiteful a
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 47 : We Got Her
Ethan's POVAfter breakfast at Mia’s parent’s house, the day was nonstop. I had Hector take me straight to the warehouse site for the mall project. I had a feeling Victoria was still working overtime to destroy my project, and I wasn’t about to let her win. When I arrived at the job-site, the head contractor, Darren Wess, was already there. As soon as Hector opened my door I was ambushed by the local news crew. Cameras flashed and journalists shouted questions at me as I stepped out of the car. “Mr. Black!” One shouted. “Tell us what you plan to do about the homeless crisis in Greenbrooke.”“Mr. Black!” Another called out. “Is it true Victoria Sinclair bribed most of your workers? Is she trying to sabotage you because of your romantic history?”I waved them off as I pushed through the crowd. Hector created a barrier around me with his hands as we made our way onto the job-site. Darren Wess was already talking to his team of workers about the day. He nodded at me as I jo
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 46 : Run
Mia's POVAfter Ethan left, my mother put the rest of us to work, cleaning up the kitchen. My father walked over to me as I washed up a few dishes in the sink and put his arm around me. He kissed the top of my head and squeezed me tight.“I’m so proud of you. It seems like all my baby’s dreams are coming true.”“Thanks, daddy.” I said, smiling. “I love you, kiddo.” He said, before letting me go.“I love you too.” I smiled and continued to wash the dishes. My dad excused himself and retired to the living room while the rest of us girls cleaned up the mess from breakfast. “Lewis.” My dad said, just before leaving. “Come join me. Otherwise the women are going to put you to work.”“Oh, Mark!” My mother was annoyed. “Men do chores in this house too.”“It’s fine.” Allie shrugged. “Go ahead, babe.”Lewis sprinted out of the kitchen, clearly thankful for an out. Allie laughed and shook her head as she cleared the table. “What do you girls have planned for th
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 45 : To Mia!
Mia's POVBy the time we made it back to my house, the morning routine was already in full effect. I told Ethan I wanted him to be with me when I told my family the news. As we walked inside, the smell of bacon seemed to fill every corner of the house. “Mom!” I called out from the foyer. “Allie!”“In here!” I heard Allie’s voice say from the kitchen.We followed the sound of her voice to the kitchen to find Allie frying bacon and placing biscuits in a baking dish. When she saw that Ethan was with me, she lit up.“Hey!” she started wiping her flour dusted hands on her apron. “I didn't know we were having company. Are you staying for breakfast?”“I'd love to.” Ethan smiled.“I'm Allie, by the way.” She said, extending a hand out to him. “I'm Mia’s older sister.”“Ethan Black.” He shook hands with her. “I'm Mia’s… boyfriend.”I couldn't believe where life had taken me in only a few short weeks. Ethan and I shared a smile, and my heart fluttered when he looked at me.“
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 44 : The Best Day Ever
Ethan's POVI called Mia at six in the morning. I had made a decision and it was time to make my move. “Hello?” She answered, sounding groggy. “I need you to get dressed.” I almost ordered as I finished tying my tie in the hotel bathroom mirror. “What? Why?” I could hear her waking up.“I’m coming to pick you up.” I said, with confidence. “I have a plan.”“Okay.” Mia fully trusted me, and that only made me admire her more. “When will you be here?”“Hector’s bringing the car around now.” I said, buttoning the cuffs on my sleeves. “I should be at your house in twenty minutes.”I hung up with Mia and gathered my things. Hector met me just outside the hotel lobby with the car. He nodded at me as I handed him two briefcases. “Put these in the trunk. Watch them like a hawk.”“Yes, sir.” Hector said, taking the briefcases from me. We made it to Mia’s house just as she was walking outside. I stepped out of the car to help her get in. She looked radiant as w
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 43 : I Need Her
Ethan's POVMia and I laid together for an hour before she finally fell asleep in my arms. I couldn’t believe how lucky I had become to find a woman like her. All I wanted was to make her mine. The past few days had been a whirlwind, and my mind was completely preoccupied. I hoped that once we were back to Greenbrooke that we could finally have a chance to talk about everything that had happened between us.I snuck out of the bedroom after quickly dressing and came out into the main seating area of the jet. As soon as I sat down with my laptop at a nearby table, Ryan called me. Lately it seemed we only talked when bad things happened and I was getting tired of that narrative. “Hello?” I answered, hoping for some good news.“Hey.” Ryan sounding fatigued. “Are you on your way back to Greenbrooke?”“Yep.” I cleared my throat. “We’re headed there now. I want to get ahead of this Victoria situation before it gets out of hand.”“She’s acting like a total nut.” Ryan was righ
Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 42 : Ready for Takeoff
Mia's POVEthan called Mayor Pippins on the way back to his place. He put him on speaker while he tore off his jacket. “I don’t care what she offered.” Ethan said, angrily. “Don’t sell it yet.”“I haven’t.” Mayor Pippins was obviously nervous. “But what do I do? She’s offering enough money to repave every street in Greenbrooke.”“Damn it!” Ethan shouted, as he tried to think. “How did she even know I was looking at the library?”“I-I may have told her.” Mayor Pippins admitted. “What?!” Ethan blared. “Why the hell would you do that?!”“I-I’m sorry.” Mayor Pippins stammered. “I didn’t know it was private. She called my office asking for information on real estate trends in Greenbrooke. I didn’t know it was a secret.”“It’s not.” Ethan sighed, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not your fault. I just have a bad history with her. Thank you for letting me know.”Ethan hung up with Mayor Pippins and laid his head back against the seat. He let out a deep sig
