The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 145

Aveline

The moment we arrived back at our new house, I immediately put Operation Distract Grandma into full effect. I knew that look in her eyes—she was practically vibrating with curiosity about what had happened between Orion and me today, and the last thing I needed was an interrogation session.

"Mrs. Patterson," I called to our new housekeeper, "could you please prepare some of that special jasmine tea for my grandmother? And perhaps draw her a warm foot bath with those lavender salts?"

Grandma Eleanor shot me a knowing look. "Sweetheart, you don't need to—"

"Nonsense!" I interrupted brightly. "And I almost forgot—the new 85-inch OLED television I ordered was delivered today. It's already mounted in your sitting room with all the streaming services set up. You can watch anything you want!"

Within minutes, I had Grandma Eleanor settled in luxury with a cup of perfectly brewed tea, her feet soaking in warm, fragrant water, and the staff hovering attentively around her. The massive screen was already displaying her favorite British period dramas in crystal-clear 4K resolution.

"There," I said with satisfaction. "Now you can properly relax and enjoy being pampered."

"You're trying to keep me busy so I won't ask about your romantic developments," she said with a laugh, but she was clearly delighted with the attention.

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," I replied innocently, backing toward the door before she could press further.

Safe in my own room, I finally allowed myself to think about what had actually happened today. The whole fuck buddy agreement still felt surreal, like something that had happened to someone else.

*What the hell was I thinking?*

Part of me wondered if I'd agreed out of pure spite—some twisted desire to prove I could be just as casual and unaffected as he claimed to be. But another part, a part I didn't want to examine too closely, whispered that maybe this arrangement would give us a chance to actually figure out what was between us without all the emotional pretense.

And there was no denying the rush of power I'd felt watching him completely lose control under my touch. The way his careful composure had cracked, the way he'd looked at me like I was something dangerous and irresistible—it had been intoxicating.

*I bet he's thinking about me right now.*

As if summoned by my thoughts, my phone buzzed with a text message.

**Orion: Did you get home safely? Was the drive back okay?**

I stared at the screen, frowning. This didn't sound like fuck buddy communication. This sounded like... concern? Care?

I typed back a simple response: **All good.**

Almost immediately, another message appeared:

**Orion: I just finished some work, had a drink. About to head to bed. Good night.**

*What the fuck?*

I blinked at my phone in disbelief. Why was he telling me about his evening routine? Why was he sharing these mundane details like we were... like we were married or something?

I started typing: *Why are you reporting your daily activities to me? This is weird even for—*

But before I could finish, my phone died, the screen going black.

"Seriously?" I muttered, tossing the dead device onto my nightstand.

I flopped back onto my bed, spreading my arms and legs wide across the luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets. Despite my confusion about Orion's strangely domestic text messages, I felt oddly relaxed. Maybe it was the satisfaction of having thoroughly shocked him today, or maybe it was just the relief of being in my own space.

Whatever it was, sleep came surprisingly easily.

---

The next morning, I woke to find the household staff already bustling around, following the detailed care instructions I'd left for Grandma Eleanor's comfort.

"Mrs. Patterson, I really don't need all this fuss," Grandma Eleanor was protesting as the housekeeper arranged fresh flowers in her sitting room.

"Grandma, you've spent years taking care of everyone else," I said firmly, checking my appearance in the hallway mirror as I prepared for work. "It's time to let yourself be spoiled. Think of it as doctor's orders."

She laughed but didn't argue further, clearly enjoying the attention despite her protests.

As I was about to leave, a thought struck me that made my stomach clench with anxiety.

"James," I called to our head of security, a former police officer I'd specifically hired for his impressive credentials.

"Yes, Miss Aveline?"

"I need you to be extra vigilant today. My stepfather and stepmother, along with my stepsister, might try to visit. Under no circumstances are they to be allowed on the property. If they show up, document everything but don't let them through the gates."

James nodded seriously. "Understood. I have twenty years of law enforcement experience—no one gets past me without your explicit permission."

"Thank you. I know it sounds paranoid, but these people are..." I searched for the right word. "Persistent. And not in a good way."

Reassured that Grandma Eleanor would be safe and comfortable, I headed to work with a lighter heart.

The morning at school was proceeding normally until I spotted Orion's sleek black car pulling up to the drop-off area. Through the windows, I could see Ryan bouncing excitedly in his car seat, probably still chattering about yesterday's adventure.

I sent one of my assistants to collect Ryan while I waited by the entrance, trying to look professional and composed. But when Orion started walking toward me with that purposeful stride, something mischievous sparked inside me.

Just as I was about to head inside, he caught my arm gently.

"Aveline, wait—"

"Public setting," I murmured, glancing around at the other parents and staff members nearby. "We should maintain appropriate distance."

He dropped his hand immediately, looking slightly flustered. "Right, of course. I just wanted to say... Ryan had an amazing time on the trip. Thank you for making it so special for him."

I couldn't resist stepping slightly closer, close enough that only he could hear me. "And those text messages last night? You don't need to give me detailed reports on your evening routine."

His face flushed, and I watched him struggle to find the right response.

"I wasn't reporting," he said awkwardly. "I thought that since our... relationship has evolved, maybe we should—"

"Shh," I interrupted, glancing around meaningfully. "We probably shouldn't use words like 'relationship' in public spaces."

He looked like he'd been caught doing something embarrassing. "You're right. Professional. We need to keep things professional."

"Exactly," I agreed with a bright smile, already turning to leave.

But just as I reached the school entrance, I couldn't resist glancing back over my shoulder with a grin that was pure mischief.

"Oh, and Orion?" I called out, just loud enough for him to hear but not loud enough to attract attention. "When I have... *needs*... I'll call you."

The look of shock and desire that flashed across his face was absolutely worth it.

*Let him think about that all day.*