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Chapter 19 : A Tearing in My Heart
Last Updated:
2024-09-11 14:04:42
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Pretending 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 : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 22 : Partners in Crime
Mia's POVMy mom woke me and Amber up early this morning to help with the household chores. It was a little past six but I didn’t have to be at the library until nine. I was still feeling a little jet lagged and I wasn’t expecting for Ethan to hang out as long as he did with my parents the night before. Still, I was grateful that it went so smoothly. “Why do we have to get up so early?” Amber complained while she collected eggs from the chickens’ coop. “Mia’s got work and I have to be at school. We should be able to sleep in.”“When you live under my roof, you have chores.” My mom began spreading chicken feed on the dirt as the chickens crowded around her. “Now hurry up, I need you to sweep the stairs after this.”“This isn’t fair!” Amber pouted. “How come Allie doesn’t have to help?”“Because Allie’s still over at Lewis’.” My mother said sternly. “Now finish your work.”“Why do Allie and Mia get to spend the night with their boyfriends and I can’t?” Amber complained,
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 23 : Babe
Mia's POV“Hello ladies.” Jake awkwardly approached us. “Emily, i-it’s good to see you.”Emily gave Jake a sour look and pretended to look through her purse. Jake turned toward me with a helpless expression and I knew he wanted me to help fix it.“Nice to see you.” I said, forcing a smile. “What brings you in here?”“I was at the convenience store across the street.” He was nervous. “I saw you guys through the window and thought I’d say hi.”The three of us were quiet for a moment. It was clear no one really knew what to say next.“Alright, I guess I’ll say it.” Emily said, looking at Jake. “It’s pretty low of you to date Rachel after all she did to Mia.”“Come on.” Jake sighed. “She’s not the same person she used to be.”“So?” Emily scoffed. “She put Mia through hell. How could you even like her?”“I don’t know.” Jake shrugged, carelessly. “I just do. It just sort of happened.”“Whatever.” Emily rolled her eyes.I was surprised that Jake wasn’t trying harder t
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Mia's POVEmily arrived at my house around eight-thirty. My mom was just getting home and was kind enough to let her in. I could hear the two of them chatting from my room and I knew I needed to save Emily before my mom forced her into eating something.I made my way down the hall, past Allie’s bedroom. Her door was closed and she told Amber and me that she wanted to be alone. We reluctantly agreed, even though neither one of us wanted to leave her. I tiptoed down the stairs so I wouldn’t disturb her and made my way into the kitchen. Emily was sitting at the table, talking about some military story while my mother fixed her a cup of tea. I kissed my mom on the cheek and sat down next to Emily. “Tea, baby?” My mother asked, holding up the kettle. “I’m okay.” I shook my head. “The first six weeks in Honduras were hell.” Emily continued her story. “I’ll bet.” My mother giggled as she poured tea into two teacups. “Mark and I went to Honduras for his birthday years
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Mia's POVI was flooded with emotions as Ethan and I kissed. The way that he held me made me feel so alive, so special. I didn’t understand what I was feeling, but all I knew was I didn’t want the feelings to stop. That kiss was different. I was lost in it. Ethan’s hands felt right around my waist, and I never wanted him to let me go.When I came back from the fantasyland my heart had traveled to, Jake was still sitting there, looking painfully uncomfortable and green with envy. He and Ethan shared a look and I noticed Ethan gave him a cocky smirk. It felt as if I were watching a movie that I was the main character in.Jake looked away with disgust in his eyes and I could tell, clear as day, that he was jealous. I felt my face get hot as the two men competed for my attention.“Come on, babe.” Ethan said, taking my hand. “Show me what you’ve got.”Ethan pulled me on the dancefloor, and the rest was history. We danced for another hour at least, and it was the best fun I’d ha
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 26 : White as a Ghost
Ethan's POV“Where’s Hector?” Mia asked, as we stepped outside the bar.“I gave him the night off.” I guided her to a parking lot around back. We passed through a narrow alley to where the hidden parking lot was. We walked through the lot of empty cars in silence, as I held onto Mia by the waist. She didn’t seem to mind it, so I kept my hand there. I was so confused. A few days ago, this was all just a game, but tonight felt real. ‘Take it easy, Ethan.’ I thought to myself as we approached my black corvette. ‘You’re just pretending.’I clicked a button on my keys and the headlights came on. I guided Mia to the passenger side door and held it open for her.“This is your car?” She asked in disbelief.“Is that a problem?” I was confused. “No.” She shook her head. “We just don’t see a lot of cars like this in Greenbrooke.”“Only the best for you, babe.” I chuckled as I gestured for her to get in. She happily took her place inside the corvette. I caught a whiff o
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Mia's POVI was surprised at how rested I felt this morning. I was so worried I’d wake up groggy and hung over for work, but to my surprise, I felt amazing. I turned off my alarm on the nightstand and laid in silence for a bit.It was six-thirty and the sun was just high enough to shine through my window. The early morning hues of pinks and blues made the sky look like cotton candy and I found myself daydreaming about last night.I couldn’t believe how Ethan and I kissed. Not just at the bar, but also once we made it home. I felt my body tingle as I fantasized about his hands all over my body. I wanted to feel him on top of me.There was something different now between us. Yes, that kiss at the bar could have been pretended, a little, but not when we were home. Not when no one was watching. I know now that he also feels attracted to me, and this made me feel more bold, more special.Yes, emotions, he said it was only going to be fake, I was not going to imagine he fell in
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
