Fake Marriage

stone structure loomed ahead, its towering windows glowing softly in the late autumn dusk. The drizzle pattered on the umbrella's fabric, a sound she found strangely sooth

nd him. He filled the doorway, tall and broad-shouldered, dressed impeccably in a tailored charcoal suit that seemed designed

e the low hum of thunder on the horizon. It he

aze was already moving past he

since lunchtime." He stepped

was as grand as ever, marble floors polished to a gleam, a chandelier hanging above like some crystal constellation. Yet, despite the lu

pushing a strand of damp hair behind he

rprised she still used public transpo

too much so. She didn't need his charity. She was h

form. He was like that-his expressions fleeting, as though emotions we

irst, Ethan had slowly opened up to her. His little face would light up whenever she arrived, and for reasons Isabelle couldn't quite understand,

ed, shifting the conver

efly, and something passed over his f

ble, the one far too large for a boy his size, his little face turned toward the door, waiting for her to walk through it. It was moments like this

now," she said,

eeping staircase, Alex's voice

ds were in his pockets, his brow furrowed slightly. He looked like he wanted to say someth

omething," he said finally, hi

she forced herself to stay c

e stairs, then back to her. "After Eth

asked for a private conversation like this. He was always professional, distant, his interactions with her lim

ady despite the questions racing in

rode down the hallway, his footst

e polished wooden banister. The mansion was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the

led with toys-a sprawling testament to a father's wealth, but also, perhaps, his guilt. Ethan sat on

d her. His small arms wrapped around her legs in a tight hu

ing the top of his curly hea

on was solemn for a five-ye

et him down gently, brushing his curls ba

s, seemed to search hers for reas

til you go to

ilt with his blocks. For the next hour, she played with him, laughed with him, even helped him put together an intricate train track. It was ea

ed, pulling the covers up to his chin, and read him his favorite story-The Little Prince.

s voice soft with sleep.

r heart aching in a way she hadn't expected. Ethan's innocent question hung in

said gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

r mind, however, was spinning. What was she doing here? She had always told herself that this was just a job, that

angled with Ethan's question. She wondered if Alex had any idea how much his son needed more than a nanny-he ne

lightly ajar, a soft glow spilling out from within. Taking a st

ket was off, his white shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing strong forearms. There

he asked, stepping inside and

e before. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Alex seemed to be weighing his words carefully, and Is

ce. "I need your help with

e frowned, unsure of

is gaze locked onto hers, intense and unwavering. "Ethan needs more than a nanny. He n

unded in her chest.

ther." His voice was calm, measu

a second, she was sure sh

or a year. Long enough to give Ethan the sense of securi

. The words ech