Semua Bab Bouquet Of Deception : Bab 61 - Bab 70

61 Riley I watched Ethan disappear into the building, my fingers still gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. I shouldn’t have said anything. But the thought of him walking into work like it was just another normal day—like he didn’t have a goddamn clue what was coming—made my stomach churn. I exhaled sharply, drumming my fingers against the wheel. I should leave. Drive off, go to work, pretend none of this was my problem. But it was my problem. Because Ethan—stubborn, oblivious Ethan—had no idea what he was walking into. And that was dangerous. I glanced at my phone, the screen lighting up with a notification. Unknown Number: You were warned, Riley. I clenched my jaw. Of course, I had been. But warnings never stopped me before. With a sigh, I put the car in gear, pulling away from the curb. But instead of heading to work, I took a different route. I needed to check something first. And I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what I foun

59 Ethan I left the kitchen before Riley could see just how much his words affected me. I shouldn’t care that he was still here. I shouldn’t want him to stay. But I did. I stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a deep breath. Focus, Ethan. I needed to get my head straight before work, not stand around analyzing every little thing Riley said or did. I turned on the shower, stepping under the hot spray with a sigh. The warmth eased some of the soreness in my muscles, but it did nothing to clear my mind. I kept thinking about him. About last night. About the way he touched me—like he wasn’t just claiming my body but something more. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. Riley wasn’t like that. This was nothing. Just a one-time thing. Even if he had stayed. Even if he was making pancakes in my kitchen. Even if— I groaned, tilting my head back under the water. I was losing it. After washing up, I turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around my wa

61 Ethan I watched Ethan disappear into the building, my fingers still gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. I shouldn’t have said anything. But the thought of him walking into work like it was just another normal day—like he didn’t have a goddamn clue what was coming—made my stomach churn. I exhaled sharply, drumming my fingers against the wheel. I should leave. Drive off, go to work, pretend none of this was my problem. But it was my problem. Because Ethan—stubborn, oblivious Ethan—had no idea what he was walking into. And that was dangerous. I glanced at my phone, the screen lighting up with a notification. Unknown Number: You were warned, Riley. I clenched my jaw. Of course, I had been. But warnings never stopped me before. With a sigh, I put the car in gear, pulling away from the curb. But instead of heading to work, I took a different route. I needed to check something first. And I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what I found. — The place

Chapter 67: The dinnerRiley’s POVIt was the second time I was meeting Ethan’s parents. The first had been brief—a passing introduction with polite smiles and a few exchanges—but this time, we had to uphold the lie for an entire evening.That we were a real couple.Ethan and I arrived at Ron and Ella Donovan’s estate just before sunset. The house was grand yet tasteful, a stately brick home with ivy climbing its walls. Warm golden light spilled from tall windows, giving it an inviting glow. The driveway was lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, and the scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, adding to the picture-perfect setting.Ethan pulled the car to a stop in the long, circular driveway and let out a slow breath. His hands remained on the wheel for a moment before he turned to look at me, his expression unreadable.“Last chance to back out,” he muttered, his tone carrying only half a joke.I smirked, masking my nerves. “Too late now. Let’s go, sweetheart.”He rolled his eyes b

69 RileyFlashing red and blue lights cut through the night as the wail of sirens grew deafening. The ambulance screeched to a stop, tires skidding slightly on the asphalt. The doors burst open, and two paramedics rushed toward us, their movements quick and efficient.One of them, a woman with dark hair pulled into a ponytail, knelt beside Ethan while the other, a tall man with a sharp gaze, turned to me. “What happened?” His voice was firm, but not unkind.I opened my mouth, but my brain felt sluggish, fogged by the crash, by the weight of everything that had just happened. “There was… a car. Headlights. It came out of nowhere,” I stammered. My hands trembled violently as I gestured toward Ethan. “He hit his head. He—he was unconscious for a minute, but I found a pulse. He’s breathing, but it’s weak.”The female paramedic was already checking Ethan’s vitals, pressing fingers to his neck, then gently lifting his eyelids to check his pupils. “Pulse is thready,” she muttered. “Possible