Billionaire's Fake Love

Chapter 5 - Shadows

Joseph and Ashlyn walked side by side as they made their way towards his bedroom. The anticipation and nervousness coiled within her as she remained aware of the charade she was playing. To him, she was Olivia, the woman he believed to be his beloved. But deep down, she knew the truth. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, his gaze fixed ahead with a smile.

The room was impeccably decorated with soft, muted colors and elegant furnishings. The bed, adorned with plush pillows and a luxurious duvet, appeared both inviting and intimidating.

Upon entering his room, Ashlyn's eyes were immediately drawn to a framed photograph sitting on his dresser. It depicted Joseph with a woman. Joseph stood tall, his arm wrapped around the woman with long, flowing hair and a captivating smile who bore a little resemblance to Ashlyn.

It must be Olivia. Her heart skipped a beat, the weight of the situation sinking in.

But what caught her attention was a photograph sitting on his dresser.

Without thinking, she reached out to touch the photograph, comparing the features of the woman in the picture with her own reflection in the mirror. There was indeed a slight resemblance, a similarity that gave her pause.

Her mind swirled with questions, uncertainties, and guilt. How could she continue this charade, knowing the depth of his feelings for Olivia?

Joseph's voice jolted her back to reality, his arms suddenly encircling her in an embrace. Startled, she turned towards him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Why are you staring at the photo so intently?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

She tried to steady her racing heart, a mix of emotions flooding through her. "It's just... seeing the photograph reminded me of how happy we are," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "We both look so happy together."

Joseph tightened his hold on her, a tender smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Indeed, we were," he said softly, his voice filled with longing. "You brought so much light and joy into my life."

She looked up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of recognition or doubt. But all she saw was love and adoration, the belief that she was the woman he cherished. It was a heavy burden to bear, knowing the truth and maintaining this facade.

With a sudden and unexpected strength, she gently pushed herself away from him, her palms pressing against his chest. "S-Joseph," she stuttered, her voice wavering. "You... you should rest. You've just been released from the hospital, I think you need to rest.”

Confusion flickered in his eyes as he looked at her, his arms still outstretched in mid-air, longing to pull her back into his embrace. "Rest?" he echoed, a hint of disappointment evident in his voice. "But...I-I’m fine, now. We can do something else other than rest.”

She averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes directly, fearing that he would see through her façade. "I know, Joseph," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you need to take care of yourself. Do you want to go back to the hospital?”

His brows furrowed in confusion, his expression a mix of longing and frustration. "I... I don't understand," he mumbled, his voice tinged with hurt. "Why do you seem distant all of a sudden?"

She took a deep breath, gathering her courage to speak honestly, though still shrouded in the guise of Olivia. "It's not that, Joseph," she managed to say, her voice laced with a tinge of regret. "I just... I don't want you to be overwhelmed. I’ll be sad if you get sick again.”

His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and confusion. Finally, he nodded reluctantly, his disappointment evident. "Alright, Olivia," he murmured, his voice tinged with resignation. "If it's what you think is best..."

She watched as he retreated towards the bed, his steps heavy with a sense of longing and unspoken questions. As he settled down, she mustered a small smile, attempting to hide the turmoil raging inside her.

She lingered by his side for a moment longer, her gaze fixed on his sleeping form. As Joseph's deep breathing filled the room, signaling his descent into sleep, she carefully tiptoed towards the door, eager to explore the vast expanse of the Blackwood estate.

Entranced by the estate's grandeur, she couldn't help but marvel at the meticulous attention to detail that permeated every corner. As she turned a corner, lost in her thoughts, a sudden movement ahead caught her off guard. She barely managed to stop herself in time to avoid a collision with Mr. Jimmy.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Jimmy," she greeted, slightly flustered from the near collision.

Mr. Jimmy returned her smile, his eyes gleaming with a blend of wisdom and understanding. "Good afternoon, Miss Ashlyn. I trust you're settling in well?"

She paused for a moment, her instincts telling her that he was aware of the truth behind her presence. Gathering her courage, she decided to test the waters. "Mr. Jimmy, I appreciate your discretion. I believe you are aware of the circumstances surrounding my role as Olivia."

His expression remained calm and composed, confirming her suspicions. "Indeed, Miss Ashlyn. Mrs. Blackwood informed me of the situation and the role you've been entrusted with."

She felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that at least one person within the household was aware of her true identity. "I hope you understand that I only want to help Joseph.”

Mr. Jimmy nodded, his gaze steady and understanding. "I assure you, Miss Ashlyn, I am here to support you in any way I can. And please, just call me Jimmy.”

As she engaged in a conversation with Mr. Jimmy, her attention was abruptly drawn to the sound of hurried footsteps approaching them. Before she could register what was happening, a maid rushed towards them, a sense of urgency in her eyes.

"Excuse me, Mr. Jimmy," the maid said breathlessly, her voice filled with urgency. "There's a guest, looking for Miss Olivia.”