Scarlett POV
At the hospital, I slipped into girlfriend mode without missing a beat.
Ryan’s grandfather was laughing within minutes, calling me sweet the same way Christina used to.
I caught myself thinking that even if this arrangement was fake, the skill set would still be useful with a proper partner’s family someday.
When we left, Ryan glanced at the sky.
“No need to go back to the office. I can take you home. Or…”
“Or what?”
“Dinner. Work dinner.”
I couldn’t find a reason to say no.
He picked a quiet place nearby.
The server assumed we were a couple again.
I was used to it by now, so I leaned into the joke.
“I’m ready. Anything else you want, boyfriend?”
I’d expected him to laugh or roll his eyes.
His expression flickered for a second before settling into a s
