Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Chloe watched as golden tears shimmered in Tim's wide blue eyes, threatening to spill over. Something tender inside her gave a soft, helpless twist.

She shot a pleading look at Connor, hoping he'd step in. But instead of helping, Connor just said, "Tim's had a rough time. His mom left when he was only a month old. Ms. Rose, would you mind pretending to be his mom for a few days? I think it'd really cheer him up."

Chloe could hardly believe it. Who asks for something like that so directly? She thought it was a bit much, honestly. But then she looked down and saw Tim's watery eyes and trembling, pouty lips. Her heart melted. She just couldn't bring herself to say no.

Connor's gaze rested on her. "Ms. Rose, remember yesterday? We agreed to spend today together at Disneyland."

Chloe had only agreed offhand, just to be polite. She'd assumed it would be both families together. Going alone with Connor-a virtual stranger-would probably upset Grayson.

She was about to explain when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Grayson.noveldrama

[Mr. Connor is an important client of our company. If you're able, please help show him around these next few days. Thank you, darling.]

Reading that, Chloe felt oddly relieved. Since Connor was Grayson's client, it made sense for her to help.

She gave Connor a warm smile and said softly, "Alright, Mr. Connor. Let's go together today."

The kids were over the moon. They walked out hand-in-hand, giggling. Tim didn't even ask to be carried—he stuck to Aaron like glue, grinning from ear to ear.

Aaron was just as happy. His usually serious face broke into a rare, bright smile. He'd always wanted a little brother, and Tim was exactly the way he'd imagined. Aaron couldn't help but dote on him.

The two kids walked ahead, Chloe in the middle, Connor bringing up the rear. The whole way, Connor's eyes rarely left Chloe. He felt like he was sleepwalking-Chloe was right there, just inches away. It all seemed so unreal, so delicate, like a dream that could burst if he reached for it.

He had to fight back tears, afraid this happiness would vanish at any second.

"Mommy, I want to ride the carousel!" Tim called out excitedly.

Tim was too little to go alone, so Chloe picked him up and settled him on a painted horse. Aaron chose his own and sat upright, looking very Bit

grown up. He wasn't the least

jealous; in fact, he reminded Chloe to take good care of Tim.

Connor didn't get on the ride. Instead, he paced around the carousel, phone in hand, snapping pictures of them. Every time they circled past, Tim would shout, "Daddy!” and Chloe would wave and laugh, her smile bright and infectious.

Connor caught every moment with his camera, but every time he saw Chloe's beaming face, a dull ache tugged at his heart, even as he smiled back.

Chloe noticed it, too-the way

Connor looked at her, with a sadness so deep it almost seemed to spill over. It was like he was seeing someone else through Ker. She remembered that she looked a lot like his late wife. Maybe he was missing her right now.

Not wanting to make him feel worse, Chloe invited Connor to join them for the next few rides. Little by little, she started to see a real smile forming on his face.