Only the broken can heal a broken. Five years after the death of his fiancee, Caitlyn Smoak, Dario has been living a miserable life. His father, the famous billionaire Michael Simpson decides to interfere. He has a hundred days to find a bride that will be suitable for the Simpson family or his position in the Simpson Enterprise will be given out to his younger brother Theo. What happens when Diane Jones, a struggling single mother and Dario Simpson, the cold hearted billionaire crosses part, they'll discover that only the broken can heal a broken. Book 2 Catherine Stone's life takes an unexpected turn when Dario Simpson, the son of a famous billionaire, is involved in a life-altering accident that leaves him in a state of vigil paralysis. The only way to bring him out of it is for Catherine to agree to Mr. Devon's proposal to pretend to be Dario's fiancée. Desperate for money, Catherine agrees to the , believing that all she has to do is act. However, as she begins her charade, she finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with the opulent surroundings of the billionaire's mansion and the lavish lifestyle that comes with it. As she navigates the challenges of maintaining the deception, Catherine must confront the growing feelings she has for Dario's brother and decide whether she is willing to risk everything for a love that may not be real.
View MoreChapter twenty eight Arriving at the imposing Smoak mansion, Catherine's thoughts swirled with a potent mix of apprehension and uncertainty. Helen's unexpected invitation for her to spend the night with her and Christian only added to the whirlwind of emotions. Despite Rosita's initial reluctance, she relented after some persuasion from Jacob, leaving Catherine to grapple with her own inner turmoil.Her mind still reeling from Ronnie and Lucy's bombshell announcement, Catherine felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Catherine's thoughts drifted to Theo's cryptic message, his urgent plea for a conversation when she returns weighing heavily on her mind. The memory of his embrace, tinged with a sense of foreboding, lingered like an ominous shadow.Pushing aside the turmoil, Catherine resolved to lose herself in the grandeur of the Smoak mansion. The sight of the sprawling estate, adorned with a majestic fountain and meticulou
Chapter twenty sevenDario nudged her forward, urging her towards the couple who stood before her, Caitlin's parents. Catherine hesitated, feeling an unfamiliar shyness wash over her as she approached."Hey, Dad," Catherine greeted tentatively, her voice sounding foreign as she waved hesitantly. It felt strange to utter the word "dad," a term she hadn't used since her days in foster care."Aw, come here, sweetheart, don't be shy," her father coaxed, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "I love you, shortcake," he murmured, planting a tender kiss atop her head.Tears threatened to well up as Catherine soaked in the overwhelming flood of emotions. This was what it felt like to be truly loved and cared for—a sensation she had only dreamed of experiencing within the confines of a real family.As her father released her, Catherine turned to face his wife, Helen. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around Helen, feeling a slight stiffness in return. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Catherine
Chapter twenty sixAs the resonant knock echoed through their room, Catherine shot Dario a quizzical look, confusion etched into her features. "Expecting someone?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.Dario's solemn shake of the head only deepened Catherine's perplexity as she rose to confront the mysterious visitor. With a hesitant twist of the knob, she swung the door open to reveal Mia, Rosita's personal maid."Mia?" Catherine called out, her brow furrowing with bewilderment. She couldn't recall ever exchanging more than passing pleasantries with the elusive servant, making her early appearance all the more intriguing.With a graceful bow, Mia delivered her enigmatic message, her voice soft yet laden with unspoken secrets. "Ma'am Rosita requests your presence," she intoned, her head bowed in deference."Why?" Catherine probed, her gaze searching for any hint of explanation in Mia's lowered stance."She didn't disclose her intentions, miss," Mia replied, her eyes never meeti
Chapter twenty five"No, no, no, please, don't," Catherine pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper echoing through the confines of her nightmare. With each thrash and turn, she battled against the unseen adversary lurking within her dreams."Cait, Cait," Dario's voice broke through the darkness, his hands reaching out to steady her thrashing form. "C'mon, Cait," he urged, his tone a mixture of urgency and reassurance. "Snap out of it!"His words pierced the veil of her dreams, pulling her back to consciousness with a jolt. Gasping for air, Catherine's eyes darted around the room, searching for signs of the unseen danger that had haunted her sleep. Yet, it was Dario's presence beside her that anchored her in reality, his steady gaze a lifeline in the tumult of her subconscious.Their eyes met, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them. In Dario's gaze, Catherine found concern and relief intertwined, a reflection of his unwavering support in her darkest moments. And as the echoes
Chapter twenty four "Who is Lucy?" Catherine's inquiry burst forth, a mix of curiosity and apprehension coloring her tone.Ronnie's smirk deepened, relishing in Catherine's sudden intrigue. She wasn't the only one capable of surprises; he had his own cards to play, with women eager for his attention.Unfazed by the brothers' scrutiny, Catherine pressed on, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Lucy."A friend," Ronnie retorted casually, his gaze lingering on Catherine, his demeanor betraying nothing but nonchalance. Then, with an unexpected twist, he added, "I'll be staying at her place tonight, so please, Theo, don't wait up for me."Theo's confusion was palpable. Ronnie's choice of Lucy was perplexing; he had always dismissed her as too needy. And the request—or was it a warning?—regarding waiting up for him was entirely out of character. Something didn't add up, and Theo couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ronnie's words.Catherine's heart sank, a surge of hu
Chapter twenty threeAs Catherine discreetly approached Dario's room, her footsteps quiet against the floor, she couldn't help but overhear the intriguing exchange between the three brothers. The door was left slightly ajar, allowing her to eavesdrop on their conversation."How long was I out?" Dario's voice carried a hint of confusion and concern, piquing Catherine's curiosity."Nine months, bruh, nine freaking months, like a pregnant woman," Theo responded with a mischievous chuckle, his words painting a vivid picture of the lengthy absence.Dario's response was laced with frustration, "Man, that was messed up."This scene unfolded a week after Dario's miraculous recovery, and Catherine was keenly aware of the doctor's orders to keep him under observation for five more days. The close-knit family had taken turns visiting him every day, offering support and camaraderie.Hidden behind the partly open door, Catherine continued to
Chapter twenty two"I'm not ready for it," Catherine finally declared, breaking the thick silence that had hung between them like a heavy curtain. The words tumbled from her lips with a mix of resolve and vulnerability, for there was no way she would allow herself to venture down a path she had no right to travel. Dario belonged to Caitlin, not her.She sat up, her posture firm and her expression resolute as she faced Dario. But she maintained a deliberate, matured distance between them, creating a physical boundary to reinforce the emotional one she intended to maintain. It was imperative that she appeared committed to her decision, even if her heart and her circumstances suggested otherwise.Dario, his brows arched inquisitively, remained silent, his eyes locked onto her. He watched her intently, as if searching for the hidden layers beneath her words, challenging her to explain herself further. The weight of the unspoken tension hung in the air, demanding an answer, and Catherine f
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE Catherine observed in silence as the doctor conducted an exhaustive examination of Dario. The room practically pulsated with elation, and the atmosphere was charged with palpable relief. Rosita, despite not being Dario's biological mother, couldn't help but shower him with affection, her joy radiating through her every touch. Mr. Simpson, a formidable presence in the family, couldn't contain his broad grin, while even Devan, the enigmatic enigma who'd kept Catherine guessing, wore a rare, genuine expression of happiness.Grandma, the heart of the family, held her station at Dario's bedside, patting his hair with an affectionate touch that spoke volumes. Theo and Ronnie, stoic and composed, stood in solemn reverence, their emotions tightly concealed but undeniably in sync with the collective jubilation filling the room.Yet in the midst of this heartwarming familial celebration, Catherine felt like a spectral outsider, a stranger amidst
CHAPTER TWENTY Catherine had retreated to the quiet comfort of the kitchen, her steps a gentle whisper in the dimly lit room. Clad in a cozy ensemble of emerald-green pajamas and a soft singlet, she had a simple mission in mind - to snatch a late-night snack that would be her nocturnal companion before she returned to the sanctuary of her room. Her aim was to escape the turbulent thoughts that had held her hostage, rendering her wide awake in the eerie stillness of the night.Yet, as she reached out for her midnight reprieve, an unexpected voice sliced through the darkness, shattering the tranquility of her momentary haven. The shock was potent enough to send her precious sandwich tumbling from her grasp, its descent to the floor marked by a crescendo of shattered bread and scattered ingredients."You startled me," Catherine admitted, her voice betraying the remnants of surprise as she turned to confront the enigmatic intruder.Theo, his shirt conspicuously absent and garbed only in
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