Billionaire's Fake Love

Chapter 4 - New Role

Today was the day Joseph was finally being released from the hospital, and Ashlyn found herself accompanying him on the journey back to his home. As they settled into the car, a mix of nervousness and curiosity fluttered in her chest. The silence between them was palpable, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine.

Joseph glanced at her, a flicker of recognition and longing in his eyes. "Olivia," he said softly, his voice filled with affection, "I can't believe we're finally leaving this place. I missed being home with you."

Oblivious to Ashlyn's inner turmoil, Joseph smiled warmly and reached out to hold her hand. His touch sent an electric jolt through her, and for a moment, she almost pulled her hand away in reflex. But then she remembered the role she had to play, the charade she had willingly stepped into.

His lips brushed against her hand, a tender and affectionate gesture. Her heart skipped a beat, and she fought to steady her breathing. It was a simple act, yet it felt intimate and full of emotion.

Amidst the rush of conflicting feelings, she managed to muster a small smile, masking her inner turmoil. "I've missed you too, Joseph," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. It was a truth tinged with deception, a confession wrapped in a lie.

Joseph's smile widened, his eyes shining with joy. He seemed to revel in the affirmation of her feelings.

Lost in contemplation as they drove through the city streets, Ashlyn's mind wandered back to the agreement she had made with Mrs. Blackwood. The memory resurfaced, vivid and daunting. She remembered the requirements Mrs. Blackwood had outlined, the expectations she had set, and the unimaginable sum of money that hung over her head. A part of her questioned her decision, wondering if she had ventured into a world far beyond her own, one that held both promise and peril.

Was she willing to play a role, to step into the shoes of another woman? Could she bear the weight of the charade and the potential consequences that awaited?

The weight of the agreement she had made with Mrs. Blackwood settled heavily on her shoulders, and she couldn't help but question the morality of deceiving Joseph in this way. But she knew she had to play her part, not only for his sake, but for Ethan too.

As the car approached the imposing gates of Joseph's estate, her breath hitched in her throat. The sheer size and grandeur of the property left her utterly awestruck. The manicured gardens stretched out as far as the eye could see, and the elegant architecture of the mansion stood as a testament to wealth and luxury.

Joseph noticed her expression of awe and couldn't help but chuckle. "My love, it seems like you're seeing this place for the first time," he remarked playfully, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

She smiled awkwardly, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and admiration. In her heart, she acknowledged the truth. This was, in fact, her first time witnessing such opulence and splendor.

The car glided to a halt in front of the grand entrance, and the driver opened the door for them. She stepped out, her legs feeling slightly shaky, and took a moment to soak in the magnificence that surrounded her.

Joseph's voice broke through her thoughts, his tone filled with a mix of nostalgia and longing. "Welcome home, Olivia," he said, his eyes fixed on the sprawling mansion. But she wasn't Olivia, and this wasn't her home. The weight of the deception she had agreed to weighed heavily on her conscience, tugging at the edges of her resolve.

As they entered the grand foyer, she couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite decorations, the ornate chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow over the surroundings. The air was filled with a sense of elegance and sophistication that was both captivating and intimidating. She was torn between admiration for the beauty surrounding her and the unease that gnawed at her conscience.

As Joseph and she stepped into his opulent home, they were greeted by a line of impeccably dressed maids, standing in perfect formation. Their polite smiles and graceful gestures welcomed them into the grand foyer with an air of elegance and sophistication. Her eyes widened at the sight of the mansion's interior, adorned with exquisite artwork and polished marble floors. It was a world of luxury that seemed almost surreal.

Among the maids, she noticed a figure standing slightly apart from the rest—a tall, distinguished man with silver hair and an air of authority. His sharp eyes scanned the room, ensuring that every detail was in order.

He then approached them with a dignified stride and a warm smile.

"Welcome home, Young Master," he said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "It's a pleasure to see you back, sir."

Joseph nodded warmly, his voice filled with genuine affection. "Thank you, Jimmy. It's good to be back."

Mr. Jimmy’s gaze shifted to her, his discerning eyes scanning her features. His tone carried a subtle hint of recognition as he addressed her. "And may I extend a warm welcome to you, Miss Olivia."

She mustered a smile, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Thank you," she replied, her gaze meeting the head butler's discerning eyes.

The head butler's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if he were searching for something beyond the surface. His keen observation made her acutely aware of the role she was playing—a role that required her to embody Olivia's essence with every word and gesture.

"If there's anything you need during your stay, please don't hesitate to let me know."

She nodded, offering a polite smile, and then turned her attention back to Joseph, hoping to distract him from any suspicions that might arise.

Mrs. Blackwood's words echoed in her mind—the promise of someone to assist her in navigating this whole thing. She wondered if Mr. Jimmy was the one she had referred to.

With a polite nod, she turned her attention back to Joseph, attempting to immerse herself in the illusion of being Olivia once again. But beneath the surface, questions gnawed at her, intensifying her curiosity.