Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 61

Emmy lifted her gaze, biting back the retort that hovered on her lips: “What’s it got to do with you?” She knew it was pointless. Dean always tried to play the overbearing big brother, and arguing with him never got her anywhere.

So she switched tactics. “He’s tall, handsome, and actually knows how to be a man.”

Dean’s anger froze mid-glare, quickly twisting into a mocking sneer. “Emmy, when are you going to grow up? You really think dragging in some random guy to fake a flash marriage is going to make me jealous and change my mind?”

Emmy shot him a look, her voice cool and cutting. “And when are you going to stop being so full of yourself? I got married to take back what’s mine. You think you matter that much?”

Dean let out a short, scornful laugh. “So did you get it back? Even your dad doesn’t buy it. Honestly, I bet that marriage certificate is fake.”

He stared her down, totally convinced he was right. He couldn’t believe she’d ever marry someone else, especially not on the day he was supposed to get married. It had to be an act. A performance for his benefit.

“You—” Emmy was shaking with anger now.

She grabbed her bag, ready to smack him in the face with that marriage certificate. “Alright then, I’ll show you right now just how real it is!”

She dug through her purse, searching with growing frustration. Nothing. Her heart dropped. In a last-ditch effort, she dumped everything onto her desk—lipstick, compact, earbuds, car keys—all spilling out in a mess.

No marriage certificate.

Her eyes widened in shock. She just stood there, frozen.

Dean’s smirk only deepened. “Where is it? For a minute, you almost convinced me. Turns out you’re just bluffing.”

Seeing her stunned, he straightened up and smoothed his suit cuffs, looking down at her like she was a child.

“Emmy, stop these games. You’re not going to break up me and Evelina. We’re getting married—end of story.”

She was barely paying attention when the wail of sirens snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up just in time to see a fleet of fire trucks roaring past her, powerful and unstoppable.

But instead of speeding away, the trucks turned into a large complex just ahead. Emmy glanced up at the sign above the entrance—South Bay Fire Station.

She remembered. James worked here.

Almost before she realized it, she was heading toward the fire station’s main gate.

She’d barely reached the entrance when the lead fire truck’s door swung open with a heavy thud. A boot, caked in mud and ash, slammed down onto the pavement. Then a tall figure jumped down from the truck.

He wore a bright orange firefighter’s suit. One arm cradled his helmet, while the other hand wiped absentmindedly at his face. His cheeks and neck were streaked with soot, the smudges wild and raw, making his jawline look even sharper, his features more intense.

Emmy just stood there, caught off guard and completely mesmerized.