Chapter 34 Pretend to Be My Girlfriend

"Mommy, Mommy," Michael whined, his big eyes all watery and sad. "But the weekend's still days away. Can I have dinner with you tonight?"

'I haven't seen Mommy for two whole days. At school, the other kids always brag about the yummy food their moms make or the cool toys they get. But I have to wait until the weekend to see Mommy. It's all because of Dad and that annoying Ms. Scott. Even a kid like me gets upset.' Thinking about it, Michael turned and glared at James. "Dad, I'm having dinner with Mommy, whether you like it or not. I'll be back after dinner."

'This stubborn kid. But what can I do?' James thought, squinting his eyes and sighing. "Fine, but be back by eight."

Michael didn't care about James' grumpiness; he just bounced around Emily, all excited. "Yay! I can have dinner with Mommy!"

Once Emily and Michael were out of sight, James turned to head back home. Olivia suddenly walked over, linking her arm with his, her voice a bit whiny. "James, it seems like Michael doesn't like me."

James was caught off guard, awkwardly saying, "He's still young. Don't take it personally. He'll warm up to you with time."

'It's clear Michael doesn't like Olivia. He's very protective of Emily. I just have to get him to accept the situation. I didn't think Olivia would care so much. She doesn't interact with Michael much. If it were Emily, she'd definitely take good care of him.' James thought, feeling a bit lost. 'But Emily and I are already divorced.'

"I get it," Olivia said, quickly putting on a gentle smile. "I'll try to get along with Michael. Don't worry, James."

Olivia replied, "Okay."

Meanwhile, Emily was feeling a bit lost, unable to ask James for what she needed, but Aiden needed an answer soon.

In her dilemma, John called. Hearing she was with Michael, he immediately offered to come over.

Within minutes, John arrived in his car to pick up Emily and Michael.

It wasn't his first time meeting Michael, but John was a bit nervous.

But Michael didn't mind John at all; he actually found him pretty friendly.

Michael and John chatted the whole way, getting along great and making Michael laugh. Emily's mood lifted too, thanks to their infectious joy.

They found a restaurant with a kids' play area. During dinner, while John stepped out, Michael suddenly stopped smiling and looked worriedly at Emily. "Mommy, is this your new boyfriend?"

Emily widened her eyes, playfully tapping Michael's forehead. "What are you talking about? He's just a good friend."

Michael finally relaxed, grinning. "That's good. Even though I like him, I still hope you and Dad can be together."

Michael was always so innocent.

Thinking of James, Emily felt a pang of bitterness. She and James could never be the way Michael hoped.

As they were finishing dinner, Michael insisted on playing in the children's play area. Emily and John took him there and then returned to their seats.

John looked at Emily with concern. "Emily, is something wrong?"

Since John had picked her and Michael up, it was clear she had something on her mind, even though she hadn't said anything.

Emily bit her lip, unsure if she should tell John about her family issues.

"Emily, if you still consider me your friend, you can tell me anything. If I can help, I will do my best." John's eyes were filled with urgency.

John knew Emily's temperament. She wouldn't ask for help unless she had no other choice. But he didn't want to see her struggling alone.

Emily finally explained the situation to John.

If she couldn't ask James for help, John was her only close friend left. She couldn't just let Ava rest without peace.

"John, if this is too difficult for you, then forget it. I don't want to trouble you." Emily's eyes were red as she added.

John's expression softened, looking at Emily with ease. "This isn't a big deal, Emily. Don't worry, I'll handle it."

From John's attitude, it seemed not difficult for him.

Emily also felt relieved, biting her lip and looking gratefully at John. "John, thank you so much. You've already helped me a lot, and now I'm troubling you again. If there's anything you need my help with, just let me know."

Hearing this, John seemed to think of something, his eyes flickering, and a slight blush appeared on his handsome face. He looked at Emily earnestly. "Emily, there is something I hope you can help me with."

It would be her honor to help John. He had helped her so much; Emily was eager to repay him and quickly said, "Go ahead, John. As long as it's within my ability, I'll do it!"

As John saw Emily's determined look, his voice was a bit nervous. "After I returned from abroad, my parents wanted me to find a girlfriend quickly. I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend. My parents like you a lot anyway."

After saying this, John felt extremely nervous.

"What?" Emily didn't react immediately.

John thought she was unwilling and quickly added, "You just need to pretend to be my girlfriend and have a few meals with my parents. Is that okay?"

If it was just pretending, it wasn't impossible. Emily hesitated for a moment and then agreed.

John had helped her so much; she had no reason to refuse such a small request.

John was overjoyed. "I'll pick you up after work tomorrow, and we'll have dinner at the Williams Villa."