All Chapters of Rented Husband : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter Twenty-OneThe morning of the family gathering dawned bright and clear, the tropical sun painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. I stood in front of the mirror in my room, studying my reflection with a mixture of nervousness and determination.Today was the day. The family gathering. The moment when I would officially be presented to the Whitmore extended family as Adrian's fiancée,his real fiancée, at least that's what everyone was supposed to believe.Bella had helped me pick out the dress, a flowing champagne-colored gown that caught the light and made me look like I belonged in a magazine. The emerald ring glittered on my finger, a constant reminder of everything that was at stake."You look stunning," Bella said, appearing behind me in the mirror. "Adrian's going to lose his mind when he sees you.""Let's hope he doesn't lose it too publicly." I laughed, but there was a nervous edge to it. "His family is already watching me like hawks.""They're watching you because

Chapter Twenty-ThreeThe library was quiet.After the chaos of the main hall, the workers rushing back and forth, Pretzel's triumphant smile, Francesca's cold, calculated words. I'd needed an escape. Somewhere I could breathe. Somewhere I could think.I'd found the library by accident, wandering through the winding corridors of the Whitmore estate until I'd pushed open a heavy wooden door and stepped into a room that felt like another world. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, their leather-bound spines gleaming in the soft light of a crackling fireplace. The scent of old paper and aged wood wrapped around me like a blanket.I'd sunk into one of the oversized armchairs near the window, my head in my hands, trying to process everything that had happened. Adrian's confession. Francesca's cruelty. Pretzel's smug satisfaction. The way my carefully constructed world was crumbling around me.I didn't hear the door open. I didn't hear the footsteps. I only looked up when a shadow f

Chapter Twenty-FiveBella's POVThe hallway was too quiet.I'd been wandering the Whitmore estate for the past twenty minutes, pretending to admire the art, pretending I belonged here, pretending my heart wasn't pounding with a suspicion I couldn't shake. After Francesca's little performance, the pointed comments, the cold smile, the way she'd looked at Sylvia like she was a bug to be crushed, I'd decided to do some digging of my own.Romano had been called away to deal with some family matter. He'd kissed my forehead and told me to stay out of trouble.I'd never been good at following instructions.The door to his study was unlocked. I slipped inside, my feet silent on the thick carpet. The room was neat, organized, everything in its place. Too neat. Too controlled. It reminded me of the man himself, charming on the surface, but hiding something beneath. Everyone with eyes could see it. I started with the desk. Nothing. Just papers about investments and business deals I didn't unders

Chapter Twenty-SevenWilliam walked beside me, his steps measured, his expression unreadable. The closer we got to the gathering, the more my chest tightened. The lights, the laughter, the music, it all felt like a cruel joke now.Adrian was standing near our table, his posture rigid, his eyes fixed on us the moment we appeared. He watched his father like a hawk, his jaw tight, his hands clenched at his sides.William stopped a few feet from him. Then, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he took my hand and placed it in Adrian's."She's all yours," William said smoothly. "Take care of her. She's a special one."The words sounded like a compliment. But I heard the warning beneath them.Adrian's grip on my hand was firm. "She always has been."William's smile thinned. He held Adrian's gaze for a long moment, a silent battle of wills then turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.Adrian turned to me immediately, his eyes searching my face. "Are you okay?"I nodded, though

Chapter Twenty-NineThe morning came too quickly.I'd barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the folder, my father's name, the photograph, the letter. Every time I drifted off, I heard footsteps in the hallway, Francesca's voice, William's cold smile.By the time the sun rose over the ocean, I was already dressed, my bag packed, the folder tucked safely at the bottom of my suitcase beneath layers of clothing."Ready?" he asked, his voice low.I nodded. "Let's go."The house was already buzzing with activity. Families were leaving, cars pulling up to the front entrance, staff rushing back and forth with luggage. The gathering was over. Everyone was returning to their lives.But nothing felt returned. Nothing felt resolved.I stood by the front door, watching the chaos, feeling like a ghost.Elizabeth found me first, pulling me into a warm embrace and kissing both my cheeks. "Sylvia, darling, it was such a pleasure having you. I do hope we'll see you again soon.""Thank you, E