All Chapters of Hired Fiance: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Emma stepped into the office, her skin still tingling from the Mediterranean sun, her mind struggling to switch from holiday mode. The ten days she had spent backpacking through Europe with her five-year-old son had been a much-needed escape from the humdrum of her daily life, a break Henry and Hazel had practically forced upon her as she had not met her son since she had put him in a boarding school. Now, she was back, carrying a large bag filled with souvenirs for her colleagues, ready to settle into her usual routine. She had lots of gifts in her car for Henery and Hazel, the couple who were the only couple she cared for now. And who helped her when she was most vulnerable. They gave her a job and helped her raise her son till now. She was extremely lucky to have them and missed them a lot on the vacation But as she walked through the familiar corridors of HW Financial Consultancy, something felt amiss. The office, typically abuzz with activity, was eerily quiet. Her colleagues,

Emma's POV Once I got into my small car, I sat for a whole minute, just breathing deeply, What was Ryan doing here? And how on earth did he find out where I was? Does he know about James? No, of course not, or he would have asked me. He must not come to know about him. I shook my head and called James. " Hey, honey! " " Mom, why were you not picking up the call? " " I am sorry, I was in a meeting. " " I am missing you, Mom. I do not want to stay here, please keep me with you. I can study there. " " I am too busy to take care of, my son. But soon, I will do something about it. " I lied to him. I might have thought of getting him back here, but now that Ryan was here and I quit the job, I would have to find a job, or I would not be able to pay his fees. Under no situation could I bring him back here as Ryan would not leave me alone for some time. Trying to steady my trembling hands enough to start the engine. My entire world had just been upended, and the shockwaves were stil

Ryan's POV15 days ago ...The water in the club’s pool was cool against my skin, a welcome reprieve from the heat of the day and the fire that always seemed to smolder inside me. Each stroke through the water was an attempt to drown out the frustration that had become a constant companion these past six years. But no matter how hard I pushed myself, she was always there in my mind—her laughter, her smile, and the haunting memory of the day she walked out of my life, believing the worst of me.I reached the end of the pool and paused, my breath heavy but steady. I was about to push off for another lap when I noticed someone approaching. Daniel. The sight of him was enough to sour the calm I’d been trying to find. I’ve never liked the man. He had a way of twisting every situation to his advantage, his smirk always suggesting he knew something you didn’t.Ignoring him, I turned back to the water, hoping he’d get the message and leave. But then he spoke, his voice as slippery as the man

Emma's POVIt had been an hour since he came and I sent him back, but he was still there in my mind. I tried to sleep but could not as my past incidents kept coming and going in front of me like some shots of a movie. All those parts that I wanted to forget desperately... I recalled quite vividly how and when he came into my life and changed it forever. A little more than 6 years back... NoI was deeply immersed in the final touches of my latest collection when a gentle knock interrupted my concentration. With a sigh, I looked up, momentarily irritated at the intrusion, only to find Tina, one of my old friends, standing at the door with her trademark grin.“Emma! I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, stepping inside without waiting for my reply.A smile crept onto my face despite myself. “Tina, it’s been ages! It’s great to see you.”She chuckled, making herself comfortable in one of the armchairs across from my desk. “You’ve become quite the elusive figure lately. We hardly see y

Emma's POV“Mom! Eva? What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice filled with surprise as I spotted them at my office door.Eva rushed forward, arms outstretched, enveloping me in a tight embrace. “Isn’t it obvious? We missed you, darling.”I hugged her back, feeling a mix of joy and unease. “I missed you too. But why the sudden visit?”“To remind you that you’ve been working too hard and it’s time to settle down,” Mom chimed in, her tone both affectionate and insistent.“Mom, please, not this again.” I rolled my eyes, but I knew from experience that she wouldn’t drop the subject so easily.“You may not like this discussion, but that doesn’t mean we can avoid it forever.”“Mom, can I tell her my news?” Eva interjected, clearly irritated by the direction the conversation was heading.“What news?” I asked, turning to my sister.She grinned and held out her left hand, showing off a dazzling diamond ring.“I’m engaged!” Eva exclaimed, her excitement palpable.For a moment, I stood there,