Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Judy Hale

Author:Judy Hale [Hale, Judy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Stella

Maybe it was all the prep work or the adrenaline, but walking into the Fairchild gardens felt like diving into a snake pit. As we step out through the French doors, applause fills the air.

Thanks to Seattle’s love affair with rain, there’s a huge marquee set up in the back just in case. But the weather is holding up, so most people are out enjoying the autumn sun.

Ryan gives the small of my waist a reassuring squeeze, his way of telling me to smile. Not that I need the reminder—I know how to handle a crowd. After all, dealing with high-maintenance models and demanding directors in photo shoots shouldn’t be too different from mingling with the elite, right?

We’re quickly swallowed up by a flurry of hugs and air kisses. Ryan introduces me to his uncles Russel, Reid, and Ralph, and their families. They’re actually his cousins many times removed, but for simplicity he calls them his uncles and those who are nearer Ryan’s age, he calls cousins.

Although I’ve not met most of these people before, I feel like I already know them. I notice Ryan does the introductions like he’s ticking off some sort of official checklist, moving from the oldest to the youngest.

After the last cousin disappears into the crowd, Ryan hands me a champagne flute. I try not to preen under the look of pure admiration he levels at me.

“That wasn’t too shabby now was it?” Ryan breathes. “You aced the introductions, remembering just enough to tickle even Uncle Ralph.”

“You told me he’s passionate about sailing.”

“Yes, but I didn’t tell you he has the disposition of a stone wall. And I certainly didn’t mention that he once won the regatta. That was all you, baby.”

“A stone wall!” I groan, “And there I was laying it on thick, practically flirting!”

“You simply reminded him of a time when he felt most alive. You made him blush with pride. It’s something we’ve not seen him do in years.”

Okay, I preen a little bit.

Just then Ryan’s mom emerges from the marquee and approaches us, her face a picture of pride and excitement. “Stella, you are a vision!” She pulls me into a firm embrace, one I’m coming to love so much.

“So are you Diana, your dress is lovely,” I return her effusive greeting. She’s wearing a one-shouldered, rust satin dress with a sweetheart neckline.

“Thank you, darling,” she beams.

“Mom, I see you’ve been busy,” Ryan observes.

“Well, since you decided to arrive late, and your father is holed up in the library, I’ve had to be the entertainment. But now that you’re here, you both can take over,” she says with a playful nudge at Ryan.

She bends forward and kisses my cheek. Which seems odd since we’ve just been hugging. I realize why when she whispers, “Powerful earrings Stella. Great choice,” she straightens and shoots me a conspiratorial wink before disappearing into the crowd.

Again, I wonder what is it about these earrings considering everyone else is draped in diamonds too.

After Diana leaves to mingle, I scan the crowd as bright smiles and soft murmurs of ‘congratulations’ pass by.

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