Christmas Ever After
Stand Alones
The deal was simple: Marry him until Christmas, then walk away with five million dollars.
No one warned me I might fall for my fake husband.
After a streak of bad luck, I’m just trying to keep my daughter fed and a roof over our heads. Michael Harper is wealthy, withdrawn, and emotionally scarred. When he offers me a contract marriage to secure his inheritance, I can’t afford to say no.
The rules are clear: Keep it professional. Remember it's temporary. Don't fall in love.
But his touch makes me forget the rules. His kiss ignites something I never thought I’d feel again.
As Christmas approaches and danger draws closer, I’m learning that the man behind the money might be worth more than any contract. But am I willing to risk everything for a marriage that was never meant to last?
I looked up at Claire, my vision blurring with unshed tears. “Please.” I hated the desperation in my voice. “She’s my child. I’ve always taken care of her. This... this is just a temporary setback.”
Claire’s expression softened, but her words remained firm. “I understand this is difficult, Ms. Cole, but we have to prioritize Miranda’s safety and well-being. She can’t be exposed to violence.”
“You’re blaming the attack on me?” I asked, my voice rising. “Miranda is safe with me. I’ve done everything for her. Everything!”
The doctor stepped forward. “Ms. Cole, calm down.”
I couldn’t calm down. The thought of losing Miranda, of her being taken away and placed with strangers, was unbearable. It felt like my world was collapsing, the walls of the hospital room closing in around me.
“You don’t understand.” I looked from the doctor to Claire and back again. “She’s all I have. I can’t... I can’t lose her.”
How do I go about fighting this? How could I prove I was a fit mother when I had no home, no money and not even my health at the moment?
Just as despair threatened to overwhelm me, Michael stepped between the social worker and me.
“Ms. Timothy, I understand your department’s concerns, but I can assure you they’re misplaced,” he said. “Trinity and I are engaged. She and her daughter will move into my penthouse, where they’ll be provided for. If you’re concerned about their safety, I can assure you it’s not an issue.”
I stared at him, my mind scrambling to make sense of what he’d said. Engaged? His gray eyes locked on mine, unwavering, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.
“Right, sweetheart?”
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Why was he doing this? And why did some deep, buried part of me want to trust him?
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