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Chapter 28 : Don't Make Waves
Last Updated:
2024-09-11 14:04:42
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Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 29 : A Cold Shower
Ethan's POVMy parents and I all crowded into Lily’s room. She was asleep when we came in so we waited for her to wake up naturally. My mother took the chair closest to Lily’s bed while my father and I sat in the seats by the window.“So that Mia girl.” My mother folded her arms. “How did you two meet?”I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for anymore of my mother’s mind games. She could be the nicest person in the world or the cruelest person you’d ever met. Today, she was clearly choosing the latter.“Like she said.” I answered coldly. “We met in Greenbrooke. I’m working on a project out there.”“Right.” My mother said, still not satisfied. “You know, it wouldn’t kill you to be a little more forthcoming about your personal life.”“Grace.” My father cut in. “Give it a rest, will you? He doesn’t have to share every detail about his life with us.”“The hell he doesn’t!” My mother snapped. “I’m his mother. I raised him and I expect a little more respect.”“What is the
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 30 : Don't Scream
Mia's POVThe day had been long, and I was grateful to finally be alone. Ethan put me up in a guest bedroom at the far end of his apartment and I was enjoying a moment to myself. I laid back in my bed and enjoyed the view of the tall buildings surrounding us.I couldn’t believe that people actually lived like this. It felt like I was living in a fairy tale.I rolled over on my stomach and pulled out my phone. I dialed my home phone number, which had been etched into my brain since I was ten years old, and called home. After a few rings, Amber picked up.“Jones residence.” She said, sounding a little tired.“Amber, it’s me.” I said, surprised at how happy I was to hear her voice.“Mia, where are you?” She quickly asked once she realized it was me. “I thought we were going to have a girl’s night for Allie tonight.”“I know.” I said, feeling guilty. “I-I had to leave town suddenly.” “Is this about your new boyfriend?” She asked, with an attitude. “I can’t believe yo
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 31 : Don't Be a Pervert
Ethan's POVIt wasn’t my intention to stare. I honestly don’t know how it happened. I was in the kitchen, pouring myself a well deserved glass of whiskey. I told myself it might be nice if Mia joined me and we could talk about life and perhaps sit out on the balcony to enjoy the view of the city for a while. I walked down the hall to my guest bedroom where Mia was staying and noticed that her door was cracked just a hair. I peeked through the small opening to see if she had already gone to bed and that’s when I saw her. She was wearing nothing but a towel and was laying across the bed looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her. I didn’t mean to stare. I just couldn’t help but to watch as she made herself comfortable in my bed. A part of me wanted to go in and make love to her right then and there. I wanted to be with her, and there was no denying it now. ‘Stop it.’ I thought to myself. ‘This isn’t right.’But I couldn’t look away. I needed to watch her. It was as
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 32 : Passion
Ethan's POV“Well?” Mia glared, as she demanded an explanation. “What the hell were you doing?”Once again I was frozen. But this time it was out of fear. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I usually had much more tact than this and I was wracking my brain trying to come up with an excuse.“I-I’m sorry.” Was all I could manage to say. Mia raised her eyebrows, not satisfied with my response. She said nothing but continued to glare at me with justified anger. “I’m really sorry.” I said, still trying to dig myself out of the hole I was in. “I just wanted to check on you, if you needed anything, then I…” I shook my head. “It won’t happen again.”Mia continued to glare at me in silence. I didn’t know what she wanted, but I knew I had to fix this. She was clearly waiting for me to give her a better explanation of some kind, but what could I possibly say? I was spying on her and there was no way around that. Even in my predicament, I still couldn’t keep my min
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 33 : The Waiting
Combined POVMiaThis entire night had been one big whirlwind of confusion. I was so angry with Ethan for spying on me. But now, it was all I could do to keep myself from marching back into that hallway and ripping his clothes off. I felt safe with him, and my body seemed to like that. Though I was furious with Ethan for spying on me, it was arousing to know that he had been watching. If I really thought about it, I suppose I was only angry because I didn’t want our attraction to each other to sabotage our deal. But I wanted him. And it was even hotter to know that he wanted me back. I waited in the darkness of my room, hoping that he would follow me in. The waiting seemed to take forever as I sat at the side of my bed. I could see his silhouette in the hallway. He seemed to be frozen in time as he tried to decide what he would do next.Every second was agony. I just wanted Ethan to make up his mind already. A part of me wanted to go get him, but I felt it was best if he
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 34 : Texting Frenzy
Mia's POVWhen I woke up, Ethan was gone. I thought it might be cold for him to leave, but then I figured he wanted to give me a little privacy to move about my room since I was still completely naked.The memory of what we shared last night came rushing back to me, and my entire body tingled as I reimagined Ethan’s hands all over my body. It was like a dream. I had never felt like that before, but I was so happy that it happened with Ethan.I wondered if Ethan felt the same way. A part of me felt a little insecure that he wasn’t with me when I woke up. Perhaps he thought it was all a mistake. The feeling crushed me and I forced myself not to think that way.No matter what I was feeling, today was about Lily. Everything had to go smoothly for her sake. I decided I’d talk to Ethan later, after we came back from the hospital. Until then, I’d be the perfect pretend girlfriend. I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I waited for the water to get warm before stepping i
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 35 : Only Family
Mia's POV“Did you enjoy your breakfast?” Ethan asked on the way to the hospital. “Oh, my god.” I said, playfully rolling my eyes. “I’ve never had so many options before!”“That’s Stacy.” Ethan laughed. “She’s a bit of an overachiever.”“She can overachieve my meals anytime she wants.” We both laughed.We were quiet for a moment. My mind started thinking about last night and I was growing more and more anxious the longer we went without talking about it.“How are you feeling about everything?” Ethan asked as Hector slowly pushed through traffic.“Okay.” I shrugged, feeling a bit strange. He hadn’t even mentioned last night to me yet. Was he just going to pretend it never happened? The thought of it was making me anxious, and I was trying my best to compartmentalize so we could focus on Lily. We stopped at a coffee shop on the way and got cold brews. Ethan ordered his with lots of cream and sugar, while I ordered mine plain black. We stood in the corner c
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Pretending with the Billionaire Chapter 36 : I Want to be Scared
Mia's POVWe had to sterilize ourselves before entering Lily’s room. Apparently Lily’s immune system was so weak that even an innocent cough could send her body into a downward spiral.Ethan had told me once before that Lily’s body was producing an alarming amount of abnormal white blood cells which were failing to function properly. He said that soon she’d have no way to fight off sickness altogether. It was the ugly truth about leukemia and many people didn’t survive it. A nurse had us wash our hands in a nearby sink, before putting on gloves and masks, to cover our noses and mouths. They were only letting in a few people at a time, so Ethan and his parents went in first, while Ryan and I waited in the hall for our turn. I noticed that Ryan was heavily sweating while we waited in the hall. He seemed to be nervous about something, and he was struggling to stand still. He kept taking in deep breaths and shaking out his hands like he was trying to pump himself up.“Are yo
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
