Chapter 3 The arrivals

Later That Night

Back at Ethan's mansion, Sophia walked into the bedroom with a tired sigh, She glanced at Ethan, who was already lying in bed, scrolling through his phone.

"Where do I sleep?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.

Ethan barely looked up. "The bed, obviously."

Sophia scoffed, grabbing a duvet from the wardrobe. "No, thanks. I'll sleep on the floor." She spread the duvet on the plush carpet and sat down.

Ethan frowned. "What are you doing?"

She fluffed the pillow and replied, "Taking precautions."

Ethan arched his brow. "Excuse me?"

She turned to him with a smirk. "I don't sleep with anything in a skirt."

Ethan let out a low chuckle.

"Tell that to the dangling thing between your legs."

Sophia gasped dramatically. "Pervert!"

Ethan smirked.

"Just stating facts."

She rolled her eyes, lying down on the floor. A moment later, she sat up again. "Please, can you turn off the AC?"

"No," Ethan replied immediately.

"Why?" she whined.

"Because I can't sleep with the AC off," he said firmly.

"But I'm freezing!" she argued.

"Then wear a sweater," he shot back.

Sophia huffed, pulling the duvet tighter around her. "You know what? How much are you paying me for all this?"

Ethan's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Well, you do get to stay out of jail."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "If you call the authorities on me, fine, I'll go to jail. But remember, your family is coming tomorrow, and you don't have a fiancée."

Ethan's jaw tensed.

"Two million naira," she said smugly.

"One million. That's my last price," Ethan countered.

Sophia grinned. "One point five."

Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Whatever. Fine."

Sophia beamed. "Good. Now, turn off the AC."

"Not happening."

"Ethan!" she whined.

"Goodnight, Sophia," he said with finality, rolling over.

She groaned, flopping onto the floor. "I hate you."

Ethan smirked in the dark. "I know."

The Arrival of the Family

Morning sunlight filtered through the kitchen windows as Sophia worked alongside the maid, slicing vegetables and stirring the rich-smelling stew on the stove. Though she wasn't much of a cook, she had insisted on helping. She needed to keep busy-anything to distract her from the nerves creeping up her spine.

The clatter of dishes filled the air as she set the last plate on the dining table. The aroma of freshly cooked meals spread through the house, signaling that everything was ready.

Wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, she took a deep breath and walked into the living room, where Ethan was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Ethan glanced up and studied her. "You look nervous."

Sophia crossed her arms. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm about to lie to your whole family."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You'll be fine. Just act natural."

She shot him a pointed look. "Natural? You want me to act natural while pretending to be your devoted fiancée in front of people who know you better than I do?"

Ethan smirked. "Well, when you put it that way..." He reached over and nudged her playfully. "Relax. And please, put a smile on your face."

Sophia grinned, but it was forced.

Ethan tilted his head. "Is that the best you can do?" He sighed. "You know what? Forget the smile. Just be yourself-"

Before he could finish, the sound of a car honking outside made both of them tense.

Sophia swallowed hard. "They're here."

Ethan stood, adjusting the cuff of his shirt, his confident demeanor unwavering. "Showtime."

Sophia rolled her shoulders, muttering under her breath, "Here goes nothing."

The front door burst open, and an older woman in an elegant blue gown strolled in, her presence commanding. She had an air of authority, her gaze immediately scanning the room before landing on Ethan.

Ooh grandma you are here Ethan said while hugging his grandma

Yes my child am back home

Welcome home ma Sophia greeted

Thank you my daughter you must be tiffany

Sophia was confused

Grandma this is Sophia, Ethan introduced

Oh okay so where is the tiffany everyone has been talking about your sister even said she is a model, hope she is coming grandma asked

Grandma I and Tiffany are no more this is chioma my fiancee, the woman that stole my heart

"Technically I stole your wallet" Sophia said inwardly

Ooh okay I would be in my room the journey was so stressful grandma finally said while heading to her room

As Grandma went into her room, Sophia exhaled in relief, but her moment of peace was short-lived.

"Tiffany, seriously? Why didn't you tell me about her?" Sophia whispered harshly to Ethan.

"Because it's not important," Ethan said casually, adjusting his sleeves. "Get ready. The others will soon be here." He turned and headed upstairs.

Sophia ran a hand through her hair. "This is insane," she muttered.

Moments later, the front door swung open again, and a young lady strutted in confidently. Sophia turned to greet her, but as soon as she saw her face, her breath hitched.

Jasmine.

The boss of the driver she had stolen from.

Gosh.

Panic surged through Sophia as she subtly tried to angle her face away.

Jasmine's sharp eyes flicked to her. "Hey, where's my brother?" she asked.

Sophia forced a smile. "He-he's upstairs," she replied quickly.

Jasmine studied her for a second, then tilted her head. "Wait. You look familiar. Have we met before?"

Sophia's heart pounded. "No, we haven't," she lied smoothly.

Jasmine narrowed her eyes, scanning her face with unsettling intensity. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Sophia replied firmly, praying Jasmine would drop it.

Just then, Ethan reappeared. "Ooh, my beautiful sister, how have you been? You look good," he said, descending the stairs with a smirk.

Jasmine scoffed, crossing her arms. "Well, I wish I could say the same about you. Cutting me off from the family account, seriously?"

Ethan sighed. "Jasmine, you were spending recklessly. That account is for family emergencies, not for funding your endless vacations."

"Whatever," she muttered.

Ethan pulled her into a hug, but she dramatically pushed him away. "Ooh, you're squashing me, Ethan. Let go!"

He chuckled. "Drama queen."

Jasmine dusted herself off and turned to Sophia. "So, who's this?"

Ethan grinned. "Meet my fiancée, Sophia."

Jasmine's expression shifted. "I see. Moved on from Tiffany so fast, huh?"

"It's been a year. A lot has changed," Ethan replied.

Jasmine's lips curled into a smirk as she eyed Sophia from head to toe. "Yeah, I can see that. Even your taste in women has changed."

Sophia swallowed hard but maintained a neutral expression.

Jasmine turned away. "I'll be in my room. Tell the chef to get me rice and turkey." And with that, she sauntered upstairs.

Sophia let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Ethan leaned in, whispering, "What was that?"

"Nothing," she replied quickly.

Ethan gave her a suspicious look but didn't push further. "More family members will be arriving soon. Be ready."

Sophia forced a smile. If Jasmine recognized her, this entire fake engagement would go up in flames.

And she had no intention of going down that easily.