Alle Kapitel von Fake dating my ex’s Hockey-star Brother: Kapitel 51 – Kapitel 60

Sunday DinnersSophie's PovSunday family dinners have become a genuine tradition over these past several weeks, something none of us explicitly planned but that nevertheless settled naturally into our shared calendar, Victoria's house filling weekly with warmth and easy conversation that would have seemed impossible only months earlier.I arrive early this particular Sunday, offering to help Victoria with preparations while Ethan and Ryan handle some errand together, their own relationship continuing to deepen through these small, ordinary moments of brotherly collaboration that once would have been unthinkable given their years of careful rivalry and distance."You've become quite skilled in this kitchen," Victoria observes, watching me chop vegetables with practiced efficiency while she manages something simmering on the stove. "I don't think I properly thanked you, Sophie, for how patiently you've helped rebuild this family's capacity for genuine connection.""I think you all did

Good Morning, FianceeSophie's PovI wake slowly the next morning, sunlight filtering gently through the cabin's modest curtains, Ethan's steady breathing beside me, and the unfamiliar, wonderful weight of a ring on my finger that I still cannot quite believe actually happened.I study it carefully in the soft morning light, the delicate setting catching sunlight in small, scattered sparkles across the ceiling, before glancing over at Ethan, still peacefully asleep beside me. Something overwhelming and grateful settles fully into my chest, watching him in this quiet, unguarded moment, remembering everything we have survived together to finally arrive here.He stirs eventually, blinking awake slowly before his eyes find mine, a soft, immediate smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, fiancée," he says, voice still rough with sleep, though genuine delight colors the word in a way that makes my heart flutter despite myself."I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that," I ad

CelebrationSophie's PovVictoria's engagement celebration, despite her promise of intimacy, still manages to fill her elegant living room with nearly thirty close friends and family members, though the atmosphere carries none of the performed, image-conscious energy that once defined gatherings in this house.I stand near the fireplace, Ethan's arm wrapped comfortably around my waist, watching Claire and Mason laugh together near the hors d'oeuvres table while Ryan makes the rounds, genuinely engaged with each guest rather than simply performing charm for appearances. My own mother flew in for the occasion, currently deep in conversation with Victoria near the window, both women apparently finding considerable common ground despite having only just properly met."Your mother and mine seem to be getting along remarkably well," Ethan observes, following my gaze toward their animated discussion."Terrifyingly well, actually," I say, laughing softly. "I half expect them to start comparin

DelegatingSophie's PovAmara handles an increasingly significant portion of my client load now, confident enough in her own judgment that I find myself trusting her with decisions I once insisted on personally overseeing, a shift that feels both liberating and, if I am honest, slightly strange after years of building this business entirely through my own careful, individual effort."You should take some real time off before the trial starts," Amara suggests one afternoon, reviewing our shared calendar together. "I can handle the Morrison wedding walkthrough myself. You've trained me well enough that I genuinely feel prepared to manage it independently."I consider her suggestion, recognizing the wisdom in stepping back slightly given the mounting stress of trial preparation currently demanding so much of my emotional energy. "Maybe you're right," I admit. "Though I want to be available if anything significant comes up.""Of course," Amara agrees readily. "But Sophie, you've built som

The Night BeforeSophie's PovNews of the trial's approaching start date reignites media interest considerably faster than any of us anticipated, my phone buzzing with interview requests from outlets ranging from legitimate sports journalism to considerably less reputable gossip sites eager to capitalize on renewed public attention."I don't understand why they need my perspective at all," I say to Claire, scrolling through yet another request from a publication I do not recognize, something vaguely sensationalized about their angle evident even from the brief pitch email. "I'm not a witness. I'm not testifying.""You're still part of the story, unfortunately," Claire says, reviewing the request over my shoulder with a practiced journalist's eye. "The fiancée angle, especially now that you're actually engaged, makes for compelling material regardless of your direct involvement in the legal proceedings.""I don't want to do any of these interviews," I say firmly. "I don't want to turn