Single Dad Agreed to Pretend to Be Her Date for One Weekend—Then Discovered She Was a Millionaire
Chapter 5
The family dinner was uncomfortable.
Olivia’s relatives asked Ethan questions.
Where did he live?
How much did he earn?
What did he own?
How long had he been divorced?
Did he have savings?
Ethan answered politely.
Then one cousin laughed.
“You work in construction?”
“Yes.”
“That must be rough.”
“Sometimes.”
“I suppose Olivia wanted someone different.”
Ethan looked at Olivia.
She looked embarrassed.
“Actually,” Ethan said, “I like my work.”
The cousin smiled.
“Of course.”
Lily kicked Ethan lightly under the table.
He almost laughed.
After dinner, Olivia found him outside.
“I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize for your family.”
“I should have warned you.”
“I’ve survived worse.”
She looked at him.
“Your ex-wife?”
Ethan nodded.
“How did you know?”
“You talk about Lily like she’s your whole world.”
“She is.”
Olivia smiled.
“I can tell.”
They stood quietly.
The garden lights glowed across the lawn.
Ethan finally asked:
“Why are you really doing this?”
Olivia’s smile faded.
“Because my family thinks I only date men who want something from me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m wealthy.”
Ethan frowned.
“You said your family doesn’t trust you.”
“They trust me with business.”
“Not with your life?”
“No.”
She looked toward the mansion.
“They’ve arranged meetings with men from wealthy families. Business partners. Investors. People who think marrying me gives them access to my company.”
Ethan understood.
“So you chose someone they couldn’t control.”
“Yes.”
“Me.”
“Yes.”
He laughed.
“That’s a terrible strategy.”
“Why?”
“Because now they think you’re dating a construction manager.”
Olivia smiled.
“Exactly.”
She stepped closer.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Would you hold my hand when we go back inside?”
Ethan looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because they’re watching.”
He took her hand.
Her fingers were warm.
Neither moved.
For a few seconds, they forgot they were pretending.
