Semua Bab The CEO’s Temporary Bride: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Riley’s POVOh.Oh.So this was Ethan Reynolds?I didn’t know what I was expecting, but definitely wasn’t this.Harper had described him as an arrogant, overbearing control freak. Some stiff, no-nonsense businessman who probably had a spreadsheet for how his wife should behave.But the man in front of me?Tall. Broad-shouldered. Warm brown eyes that held just a hint of curiosity. And his voice—low, smooth, careful.I swallowed.Wow.This… this wasn’t what I was prepared for.He was supposed to be some nightmare in a designer suit. Instead, he looked like he belonged on a magazine cover for Most Eligible Billionaire Bachelors.My pulse picked up slightly.Harper had met this man and rejected him?I mean, sure, I’d made a fuss about the engagement, but looking at him now, I had to wonder… was it really that bad of a deal?He exhaled lightly, adjusting his cuffs, “I thought it would be better to speak in private” he said smoothly. “Rather than keeping you out here.”I bit the inside of my

Harper POVDING.The elevator doors slid open, and standing before me were Ethan Blackwood and David, his assistant.I wanted to throw myself out the nearest window.My brain short-circuited for a second, then rapidly considered my options:Turn on my heel and bolt.Pretend I forgot something and slowly back away.Fake a dramatic faint and hope they step over me.Option three had some merit."Come in," Ethan’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.Oh, come on. Haven’t I suffered enough today?His gaze was impassive but there was something vaguely expectant about it—like he was waiting for me to move.My grip tightened around my phone. “I… beg your pardon?”“It seemed like you were about to... bolt”, His tone was unreadable, but there was the faintest flicker of amusement in his gaze. “Something wrong?”Oh, nothing much, sir. Just experiencing the worst stroke of luck in my entire existence.I quickly schooled my expression. “Not at all, sir. I was just—”BZZT.Then again.And again

Harper's POVMy phone rang at exactly 11:03 p.m.I was half-asleep, halfway through an episode of a show I couldn’t remember the name of, and fully committed to doing absolutely nothing for the rest of the night. So when I saw Riley’s name flash across my screen, I almost let it go to voicemail.Almost.Because something about Riley calling this late? That felt... ominous.I answered on the third ring. “If this is about another blind date, I swear—”“Harper. It’s a disaster. A full-on, Chanel-burning, trust-fund-cancelling disaster.”I sat up instantly. “What happened? Did your dad find out? Did Ethan—”“Ethan’s not Ethan.”Silence.I blinked. “Come again?”She sounded like she was hyperventilating. “The man I went on a date with? The one I thought was Ethan? That wasn’t Ethan.”“…Huh? You’re not making sense.”“I went to Fiorenza tonight to meet who I thought was Ethan, but when the real one walked in, I didn’t recognize him. Because I’ve never seen him before in my life!”Oh. Oh no.

Harper's POVThe restaurant was beautiful.Dim lighting shimmered off gold-accented chandeliers. A live pianist played something elegant and probably French in the corner. Crystal glasses sparkled. Silverware looked like it belonged in a museum. Definitely the kind of place where salads cost more than my monthly grocery bill.I adjusted my jacket, stepping inside. My eyes swept the room—until they landed on a familiar tornado of jewelryAcross the room, I spotted Riley waving wildly at me, her jewelry flashing under the chandeliers."Harper! Over here!" she called.I made my way over, trying not to trip on the fancy carpet."What's the occasion?" I asked, sliding into the booth. "Did you finally land the deal you were working on?"She flinched."Uh, well... not exactly." She shoved a menu into my hands. “I just thought I owed you. Y’know. For everything.”Her voice cracked halfway through the sentence.My eyes narrowed."Thank me? For what? I already paid my dues — remember the last b

“Why me?” I asked, arms crossed and brow twitching. “Out of every woman in Manhattan—why me?”Ethan didn’t even flinch. “Because I’ve seen your acting. Up close.”My mouth fell open. Was that… praise?“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” I asked, glaring at him.He blinked once. “Interpret it however you like.”Oh, I was interpreting it all right. I pressed my palms together muttering an internal prayer for patience.“You don’t want to marry me” he said, tone matter-of-fact, “and I don’t want to waste time. So, here’s the deal. Pretend to date me in front of my grandfather, and in return, I’ll pay you.”“I can’t believe you just said that!” I burst out, staring at Ethan like he’d sprouted twenty extra heads. “You want me to... to pretend to be your girlfriend? What, like fake holding hands? Fake kissing? Fake everything?”He didn’t blink, his nonchalant gaze met mine, a hint of a smirk playing on those lips. “Yes, Riley. That’s usually how fake dating works.” Sarcasm dripping with