Chapter 6: The First Practice

Emily POV

“Just give me an answer already,” Cade said softly, his voice dangerously patient.

I shook my head, stepping back. “Look, Mr. Callaghan… I can’t. I can’t pretend to be your fiancée. I don’t believe in lies. I doubt I could keep up with the act even if I tried.”

I turned to leave, but his next words stopped me cold.

“What will you do about the eviction? Where exactly do you plan to get the money?”

“I’ll find a way,” I snapped. “An honest way.”

(The middle part of the chapter remains the same as my previous edit — the collapse, hospital, family crises, and Emily finally accepting the deal.)

We stepped outside the hospital for privacy. The evening air was cool against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me.

“I’ve taken care of all your problems,” Cade said quietly. “Your mother’s surgery is paid for. Your father is safe and on his way home. The loan sharks won’t bother you again. The eviction has been canceled.”

I nodded slowly, barely able to meet his eyes. “Thank you.”

A small, satisfied smile touched his lips. “Now it’s time for you to help me with mine.”

“Mr. Callaghan…”

“Cade,” he corrected, his voice low and firm. “Our fake relationship has officially begun. All you have to do is play your part perfectly.”

I swallowed hard. “And how exactly do I do that?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I had made a mistake.

Cade’s eyes darkened. Without warning, he closed the distance between us in two powerful strides. One hand slid around my waist, pulling me flush against his hard chest, while the other cupped the back of my neck with surprising gentleness.

My breath hitched.

“Like this,” he whispered, his breath warm against my lips.

Then he kissed me.

It wasn’t soft or hesitant. It was deep, commanding, and overwhelming — exactly like the man himself. His lips moved against mine with skilled precision, coaxing my mouth open. When I gasped, he took full advantage, deepening the kiss until my knees felt weak.

Heat flooded my body. One of my hands unconsciously fisted his expensive shirt, while the other pressed against his chest. I could feel his heartbeat — strong, steady, and far too fast. The clean, masculine scent of his cologne wrapped around me, making my head spin.

For a moment, I forgot this was fake.

I forgot I was supposed to hate him.

A soft, involuntary sound escaped my throat. Cade responded by tightening his grip on my waist, pulling me even closer until there was no space left between us. His tongue brushed mine, sending a jolt of electricity straight through me. The kiss grew hotter, more intense, almost possessive.

When he finally pulled back slightly, we were both breathing hard. His forehead rested against mine, and his thumb gently traced my swollen bottom lip.

“Not bad for our first practice,” he murmured, voice husky. “You taste even better than I imagined.”

Reality crashed back in.

I shoved at his chest, stepping back on shaky legs. My face burned with embarrassment and anger.

“That… that wasn’t necessary,” I whispered, touching my lips.

Cade smirked, looking far too pleased with himself. “On the contrary. It was very necessary. My family needs to believe we’re madly in love. The more convincing we are, the easier this will be.”

He stepped closer again, lowering his voice. “And between us, Emily… I think you enjoyed that more than you want to admit.”

I glared at him, heart still racing. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

But even as I said the words, I could still feel the ghost of his lips on mine — warm, demanding, and dangerously addictive.