Home For Christmas

chapter 4

Chapter 4

Home for Christmas

Holly’s POV

I lay on my bed, Ethan’s words replaying over and over in my mind. How dare he say something so ridiculous to me? Did he think I was some kind of joke? Pretend to be his girlfriend? Why would he even ask me that after all he’d done?

I let out a frustrated groan, sitting up abruptly. My gaze drifted to the window, where snow gently fell, blanketing the world in white. The sight should have calmed me, but instead, it only made my emotions swirl harder.

“Why does he always make me feel so stupid?” I muttered under my breath. “Why does he think I can’t be happy without him?”

I pressed my palms against my face, trying to block out the whirlwind of thoughts. I couldn’t believe he had the audacity to ask me to play his fake girlfriend. What kind of mess had I gotten myself into?

As I sat there stewing, my phone buzzed on the bedside table. I glanced at it, hesitant to pick it up. The screen lit up with a notification: Unknown Number. I frowned but clicked on the message.

“Hey Holly, it’s me, Ethan.”

I felt a spark of anger flare in my chest. How did he get my number?

“What do you want, Ethan?” I typed back quickly. “And who gave you my number?”

A reply came almost instantly. “I’ve always had your number, Holly. I never deleted it. I guess you deleted mine, huh?”

I clenched my phone tightly, feeling a mix of guilt and annoyance. He wasn’t wrong—I had deleted his number the day he broke up with me. But if he’d had my number all along, why hadn’t he called before now?

As I debated whether to reply, another message popped up.

“Holly.”

I sighed and pressed the call button, deciding to settle this once and for all. The phone rang for a few seconds before he picked up.

“Hey,” Ethan said, his voice soft.

“Hey,” I replied curtly.

“Listen,” he began, “about what I said earlier—”

I cut him off before he could finish. “Ethan, I know what you’re going to say. Let’s not drag this out. I think it’s best if we don’t cross paths again. You’re happy now, and I’ve moved on. Let’s leave it at that, okay?”

Just as I was about to hang up, his voice broke through again, more urgent this time.

“Wait! Holly, please just hear me out. I know it sounds crazy, but if I don’t bring someone home to meet my parents this Christmas, they’re going to think I’m a failure. I need your help.”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Ethan, I can’t help you. My house is about to be taken away on Christmas Eve, and my dad is sick. I can’t pretend to be your fake girlfriend while my family is struggling. I’m sorry, but I have bigger things to deal with.”

Before I could hang up, his voice stopped me again.

“Wait! What if we make a deal?”

His words gave me pause. “A deal?” I asked cautiously.

“Meet me at the park in twenty minutes,” he said quickly, then ended the call before I could respond.

I stared at my phone, confused and frustrated. What could he possibly want now?

---

I bundled up in my warmest coat, the cold air biting at my cheeks as I walked to the park. Snow crunched under my boots, and I took a deep breath to steady my nerves.

“Okay, Holly,” I whispered to myself. “Don’t let him get under your skin.”

When I arrived, Ethan was already there, sitting on a bench. He stood as I approached, a faint smile on his face.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” I replied, my tone guarded.

He gestured to the bench beside him. “Sit down.”

I hesitated for a moment before sitting, folding my hands in my lap as I waited for him to explain.

“What’s the deal, Ethan?” I asked, cutting straight to the point.

He turned to face me, his expression serious. “I know things are tough for you right now. Your house, your dad’s health—I can help you with all of it. I’ll pay off the house, cover your dad’s medical expenses… whatever you need. All I ask is that you pretend to be my girlfriend for the holidays.”

I blinked, stunned by his words. “You’re serious?”

“Yes,” he said firmly. “All you have to do is say yes.”

I stared at him, my mind racing. I didn’t want to do this, but what choice did I have? He was offering to solve my biggest problems. Could I really let my pride get in the way?

“Do you promise?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“Of course,” he said, leaning closer. “I won’t let you down.”

I closed my eyes, trying to push away the painful memories of our past. This wasn’t about Ethan or my feelings—it was about my dad, about keeping a roof over our heads.

Finally, I opened my eyes and stood, turning to face him. “Fine,” I said, my voice steady. “I’ll do it. I’ll pretend to be your stupid girlfriend to impress your family. But if you don’t keep your promise, Ethan, I swear I’ll never forgive you.”

He stood as well, a relieved smile spreading across his face. “Deal,” he said, holding out his hand.

I ignored it, crossing my arms instead. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t,” he said confidently, his gaze unwavering.

I wasn’t sure if I believed him, but for now, I had no other choice.