CHAPTER 24

Ryan's POV

A candlelight dinner date is what I have planned out for the evening. Frankly, I was looking forward to this evening when I was at the office and I kept wondering if going back home to change was the best.

I couldn't go back home and I am thankful I wore something good today. I am dressed in a slim-fit suit with black suede shoes.

I look around the empty restaurant and finally at the table filled with candlelight and a bouquet of flowers.

Valerie was right. There is little we can do to help my mother. This is why we are doing this. It won't hurt to act for a little while because Valerie and I are getting along well, pretty quickly.

It will make Mother happy.

It also will not hurt if we fake a pregnancy just to make her happy.

I can't continue to live with this grief. The earlier I accept reality, the better for both of us. Even for Valerie.

If Mother dies, I see no reason why we should continue with this marriage, except of course for the contract. We already signed it and