Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

The evening passes like a dream. After drinks by the fire, we all return inside to the dining hall, which is huge to accommodate everyone.

“You boys need to take a lesson from Charles and Daisy. Look how happy they are together.” Sophia points her fork toward Charles’ cousins. “I want you all to take a step back in business and work hard to find a soulmate for yourselves, like these two have.”

Soulmate?

My breath hitches. Not only because I’m fooling these wonderful people but also because I know Charles’ cousins are aware of the reality of this relationship, which to be honest, is slowly escaping my mind.

We aren’t soulmates. We’re two business partners who are mutually benefitting a partnership at the expense of the feelings of genuine people who care about us.

My spiraling thoughts come to a halt as Charles clasps my cold, shivering hands, which are folded together on my lap under the table. I glance at him, sensing another tempest brewing in my chest.

“In a few years, I want this table to have seats for all your brides and my great-grandkids.”

This time it’s Charles who goes rock solid next to me. I know it’s not because he can’t wait to produce some cute but scowling babies with me, but because he abhors the idea. His jaw pulses the same way it did the night the doctor suggested a pregnancy test.

“I’m sure the people of Cherrywood are waiting to see the next Hawthorne heir,” Raymond drawls, leaning back in his seat as he takes a sip of his drink.

As always, he hits it right in the bullseye, a skill I admire in a meeting, but not so much at a family gathering, especially when Charles clenches his jaw so hard I think he’ll lose a few teeth.

“That’s nonsense. You kids need to do nothing because someone expects something of you. You write your own story with love, patience, and kindness.” Sophia’s words are like a little breath of relief.

“How did you flip so fast, Oma? One second you’re preaching for them to get married, and the next you’re telling Daisy and Charles not to listen to anyone and to follow their own hearts. This is hypocrisy of the highest order.” Chloe tweaks her nose, but Sophia’s eyes gleam as if she’s prepared for the response.

“Don’t think I missed you, sweetheart. Now that Charles has tied the knot, I’m sure the media is already snooping around for some dirt on your love life.”

“Don’t worry, Oma.” Chloe places her cloth napkin onto the table with a winning smile. “I’m ready for whatever the media has planned. In fact, I might introduce you all to someone special very soon.”

There’s a sound of shattering glass on the other side of the table, followed by a faint curse from Alex’s lips. One of the house staff appears immediately, and the remnants of the broken champagne flute is taken away the next second.

“Don’t play with fire, sweetheart,” Sophia whispers softly to Chloe. “You might just burn yourself.”

Since they’re seated right in front of me, I don’t miss the understanding that passes between them.

The rest of the dinner continues with lighter conversation, but my mind is stuck on one memory—Charles’ expressions at the mention of a baby.

Is it because the concept is foreign to him, like marriage, and he needs to slowly warm up to it? Or does he simply hate the idea of being a father?

“Let me give you a tour of the house, Daisy.” Sophia leads me out of the living room, where everyone is seated for a nightcap post-dinner.

A few steps in through the hallway, and we walk right into a huge guest room where the dark gray walls are decorated with superhero posters. There’s a pirate tent in one corner and a small library with comic books right next to it. The whole space is complete with a bunk bed.

“This used to be the boys’ room whenever they came over for slumber parties.”

Adjacent to the kids’ bedroom is the media room, complete with plenty of couches and cozy floor seating adorned with throw blankets. There’s also a fireplace, a small popcorn machine, and a bar. I effortlessly imagine everyone in this welcoming space.

“This is where Ashcroft hosts his famous movie nights.”

“I’m so jealous,” I whisper, and then add fast, “I mean not of the room and the amenities, but the idea of being surrounded by so much love and the safety it might provide.”

Done with my small speech, I glance up and find Sophia smiling at me.

“I know what you mean, honey. I didn’t come from a big family either.” She holds my hands in her soft ones. “But now this is your family. Like all my kids and grandkids, this is your home too, and I’m here for you whenever you need me.”

Tears threaten to make an appearance at her sweet words, and the emotion of guilt isn’t far. I’m fooling these people who have welcomed me into their lives and hearts.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt, as usual unable to put a lid on my feelings.

“Oh, honey. Why are you apologizing?”