Chapter 336
<Chapter> Chapter 336</Chapter>
"I've thought it over," Ivan said, his voice close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath.
Haley shifted uncomfortably to the side and turned her head, speaking in a lowered voice, "So, what's your decision, Mr. Winston?"
"I can be your boyfriend, but—" Ivan enunciated each word firmly, "I'm not good at pretending unless you agree to let me be your real boyfriend."
What?
A real boyfriend?
Haley was taken aback.
She looked up at him and said, "Mr. Winston, there's no need for acting or for you to do anything. You need to be my boyfriend in name to convince the judge."
"Do you think a judge is that easy to fool?" Ivan's lips curved into a smirk as he spoke, "You need a boyfriend to win this custody case, and I need a girlfriend to fend off my mother's inquiries. Since we both have our needs, why not try being an actual couple?"
Haley wondered if this man, surrounded by so many women, genuinely required her assistance to ward off Mrs. Winston.
And besides, couldn't a pretend girlfriend suffice to mollify Mrs. Winston? Why did they have to be a real couple?
"If Miss DeRoss is unwilling, then let's not bring it up again."
Ivan turned away, his gaze settling earnestly on the concert happening on stage.
But Haley couldn't focus on the performance anymore because of his words...
She turned to look at his profile. The dim light softened his sharp features, casting a gentle hue over his face.
"Mr. Winston."
As soon as she spoke, Ivan turned to her, waiting quietly for her to continue.
Haley bit her crimson lip. "I agree, but we need to set some ground rules."
Before she could finish, Ivan interjected, "No need for rules. Rest assured, I won't do anything inappropriate unless it's necessary to act as a loving couple in front of my mother."
Looking at his forthright demeanor, Haley believed him.
She nodded. "Alright then, from now on, we're a couple."
Just having a good enough reason to frequent the Winston family's mansion was all she needed.
As for being a couple, breaking up could be a matter of minutes—she did not need any emotional burden...
Haley quickly reassured herself and then continued watching the performance.
A slow smile crept onto Ivan's lips, the curve revealing his pleasure at the moment.
Two hours later, the piano concert finally concluded.
A group of six exited the concert hall.
"Wow, that concert was amazing!" Owen said, clutching Angela's hand excitedly. "Sis, you've got to take me with you to every concert from now on. I think I have the potential to be a musician, too."
Keith responded with a touch of sarcasm, "You can't even read music. Are you sure you can be a musician?"
"Mind your own business!" retorted Owen, sticking his tongue out at Keith. "Angela will teach me how to play piano. Just be jealous!"
Keith pursed his lips, clearly annoyed.
Seeing Owen so close to Angela made Keith feel more than a little jealous. But his personality didn't allow him to hover around Angela, so instead shamelessly, he seethed silently.
Haley was about to speak with a smile on her face when suddenly, a large hand took hold of hers. The rough heat of the man's palm startled her, and she instinctively tried to pull her hand away.
However, Ivan's grip was too strong. After two unsuccessful attempts to wriggle free, she turned to him with wide eyes and hissed. "Let's go, now."
Ivan, interlocking their fingers calmly, said, "This is a girlfriend's duty."
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