CEO Demanded “I Need a Husband by Midnight,” “Move In Tonight,” Single Dad Replied
Truth and New Beginnings
The dinner was a disaster from the moment they arrived. There was Richard’s calculating smile and probing questions from the investors’ wives about their love story.
Lily’s innocent comment about “Daddy’s new friend” had Emma choking on her wine. But somehow, as the night progressed, something shifted.
Jake’s easy charm won over the stern Japanese businessmen. His genuine knowledge of construction impressed them when discussing the company’s new headquarters.
When Emma froze during a crucial presentation, Jake’s hand found hers under the table. It was a gesture meant for show that somehow steadied her.
“your husband understands the importance of family foundation,” mr tanaka commented approvingly. “very different from American executives who only care about next quarter’s profits.”
Emma felt Richard’s eyes boring into her. “family is everything to us,” she replied, the lie sticking in her throat.
“then perhaps you share good news soon,” Mrs tanaka asked with a meaningful glance at Emma’s midsection. Before Emma could respond, Lily piped up from her seat.
“i asked Daddy if I could have a baby sister,” Lily said. “but he said he needs a real wife first not a pretend one.” The table fell silent.
Emma’s blood ran cold as Richard’s face split into a triumphant grin. “interesting choice of words,” he said smoothly.
“almost as interesting as the fact that no one has ever met Emma’s husband before tonight.” Jake’s hand tightened around Emma’s as he leaned forward.
“you know what’s really interesting Richard?” jake asked. “how much time you’ve spent investigating my wife’s personal life instead of doing your job.”
Jake noticed discrepancies in the Asian market figures in the quarterly projections Richard prepared. It looked like he was trying to make the company look less profitable.
Richard’s face drained of color. “you couldn’t possibly.” “i ran my own company for 10 years,” Jake cut in. “numbers don’t lie even when people do.”
Mr tanaka’s expression had grown serious. “what discrepancies?” As Richard stammered excuses, Emma stared at Jake in disbelief.
He had actually read the reports she’d left out and understood them. He spotted what she had missed. By the time they returned to the penthouse, the deal was secure.
Richard was being investigated for financial manipulation. Emma felt like she was seeing Jake Sullivan for the first time. “you saved me,” she said simply.
Lily was asleep on the couch. Jake shrugged. “you paid me to play a part.” “that wasn’t acting,” Emma countered.
“maybe I’m just a better businessman than husband,” Jake said with a sad smile. “at least according to my ex-wife.” Emma took a step closer.
“why did you really agree to this?” she asked. “when you called I was sitting in an apartment I can barely afford with past due notices I can’t pay.”
He wondered how he was supposed to give his daughter the life she deserves. For one night he got to pretend he was successful again.
“you haven’t failed,” Emma said softly. “lily adores you anyone can see that.” Jake looked at her with an intensity that made her heart race.
“and what about you Emma?” he asked quietly. “what were you really trying to save tonight?” “my company my legacy,” she answered automatically.
“is that enough?” he asked. The question hung between them unanswered as Emma realized the empire she’d built felt hollow without someone to share it with.
As Jake gathered sleeping Lily into his arms to leave, Emma made a decision. “the guest room is made up,” she said. “you could stay just until you find a better place.”
Jake studied her face. “is that the CEO talking or Emma?” For the first time in years Emma let her walls down completely. “just Emma,” she whispered. “just me.”
