Chapter Four
Flynn
I strode into Bistro Bliss, scanning the softly lit room for Cedar. The warm glow of the pendant lights and the gentle hum of conversation contrasted sharply with the tension churning in my stomach. My heart thudded as I caught sight of their table.
Devan’s hand rested on her arm, fingers possessively wrapped around her slender wrist. She was right—this guy had no idea what personal space meant.
Either that, or he simply lacked respect for women, something that never sat well with me—especially when it involved Cedar, Ciara, Heather, or my mother.
Despite the restaurant’s elegant wooden beams and the faint aroma of freshly baked bread drifting through the air, all I could focus on was Devan’s grip on Cedar. My jaw clenched as I made my way over, determined to intervene.
“Cupcake, aren’t you ready to leave?” I asked, keeping my tone light but letting my gaze convey a sharper message.
Cedar’s face lit up with obvious relief as she pulled her wrist free. “Yeah, I’m so sorry, Flynn. I completely forgot we had plans.”
Devan’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Plans?”
I flashed a disarming smile. “Family business. Can’t reschedule, sorry.”
“What family business? Last I checked, Cedar doesn’t have any other siblings apart from Ciara—who passed away.”
The careless mention of Ciara sparked anger in my chest, but I refused to engage. “Well, check again.”
I turned to Cedar, who was already gathering her purse, and offered my arm. She took it, her touch igniting a swell of protectiveness in me. Devan was smart enough not to push further; he just stood there, watching us with a scowl.
We stepped out of the restaurant into the cool night air. The streetlamps cast golden halos on the sidewalk, and a faint saltiness from the distant ocean mingled with the sweet scent of hibiscus blooming along the pavement. Cedar let out a long breath.
“Thanks for coming to my aid, Flynn. That guy was unbearable.”
I chuckled. “Anytime, cupcake. So…care to fill me in on the details of the date? It couldn’t have been all bad.”
She shot me a look. “Please, Flynn. Don’t make me relive it. Just knowing I won’t have to see him again is bliss.”
I raised an eyebrow. “That bad?”
“You can’t even begin to imagine.”
“Okay, your call. How about we walk for a bit and get some fresh air before heading back?”
“I’d like that very much,” Cedar said quietly.
We strolled away from Bistro Bliss, and after a few moments, her voice broke the silence. “How are you handling things with your uncle?”
A knot twisted in my stomach. “Honestly? It’s a mess.”
“How so?”
“I can’t stop his attempt to take over the company unless I get married—or at least get engaged— ASAP .”
She frowned, clearly confused. “I don’t follow. What does one have to do with the other?”
“Long story short,” I explained, “I need my father’s shares if I’m going to stand a chance against my uncle. But Dad’s will says I have to be at least engaged to gain access to those shares.”
Cedar’s eyes widened. “That’s…unusual.”
I nodded. “Uncle Will is taking advantage of it. He’s called for a board meeting to propose my dismissal, which would force a vote among the shareholders.”
“And the issue with that is…?”
“Your number of shares matter during a vote. So far, he’s convinced plenty of people to side with him.”
We walked in silence for a moment as Cedar processed this. “What happens if you don’t meet the condition?” she asked quietly.
“My shares will be split between Uncle Will and some charity. He’ll basically control the company.”
Cedar’s grip on my arm tightened. “You can’t let that happen.”
I gave a wry smile. “I know. But it’s not like I can just snap my fingers and find someone to spend my life with.”
“That’s not a decision you make lightly,” she murmured.
“Exactly.”
Cedar’s gaze drifted forward, her expression turning thoughtful. “Well, what if you don’t have to make that decision—yet?”
“Cedar, I told you. If I don’t meet the condition—”
“No, listen,” she interrupted. “What if you got a temporary solution? Someone to pretend to be your fiancée—someone smart, charming, and willing to help.”
I let out a half laugh, shaking my head. “You’ve been watching too many rom-coms.”
Even though I teased her, a tiny voice in the back of my mind acknowledged that being ‘engaged’ to Cedar might actually solve both our problems. But the ethical concerns loomed, and I could practically hear Ciara’s voice calling me an idiot.
Cedar sighed and dropped the subject—for the moment. We rounded the corner into the town square, the sky above us twinkling with stars.
“Flynn?” she asked softly.
“Yeah?”
“Would you really consider marrying someone you didn’t love, just to save the company?”
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. I’d do almost anything to protect our business legacy—but risking my future happiness?
Cedar’s gaze lingered on me, and a mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “Flynn, I think I have a solution to both our problems.”
“Both our problems?” I repeated.
“Yes,” she said, her tone resolute.
I lifted a brow. “What is it?”
“We pretend to be engaged,” she whispered.
A startled laugh escaped me. “You and I, engaged?”
She nodded, serious. “My parents would quit hounding me about marriage, and you’d get the shares to keep your uncle at bay. Win-win.”
“Cedar, come on,” I said, still amused. “Who’d believe us? We’ve been like siblings forever.”
Her jaw set. “Exactly. We’ve spent so much time together that people think we’re inseparable. We can say we waited until things settled down after Ciara’s passing before telling anyone.”
I shook my head, the corners of my mouth still twitching with laughter. “You can’t be serious. It’s ridiculous.”
She crossed her arms. “Hear me out. We can make it work if we just say we grew closer, supported each other, and realized how we feel.”
A heavy sigh escaped my lips. “Cedar, it’s not that simple. We’re not actors. We can’t just fake a relationship.”
She raised her voice a notch. “Why not? We’ve been pretending to be fine for our parents, haven’t we? What’s one more act?”
I frowned, discomfort tugging at me. “It feels dishonest. And Ciara would kill me for messing with you.”
Cedar’s face fell, eyes clouding with hurt. “Fine. Forget it, then.”
Silence stretched between us, the tension palpable.
“I’ll take you home,” I finally said.
She nodded, subdued. Neither of us spoke as we headed back to my car, and the drive to her house was just as quiet.
We pulled up to her place, where Susan stood on the porch, a hopeful smile on her face—until she saw me instead of Devan. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Cedar, what…what happened? Where’s Devan?” She glanced around, as though expecting him to appear.
Cedar opened the passenger door and stepped out. “Mom, please, not now.”
Susan’s gaze flicked between Cedar and me, suspicion seeping into her eyes. “What’s going on?”
Cedar turned to me, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thanks for the rescue, Flynn. Good night.”
“Good night,” I replied gently.
I offered Susan a polite nod. “Night, Susan.”
She didn’t respond, her lips pressed together in clear disapproval. I eased the car away from the curb, feeling like I’d dodged a stray bullet. Engaged to Cedar? No—I couldn’t picture it.
But why not? A small voice nagged.
I pushed the thought out of my mind, focusing on the road ahead.
***
Later That Night
I drove straight home, Cedar’s suggestion echoing in my thoughts. It felt insane, yet maybe I’d been too quick to dismiss it.
One of the housekeepers let me know Mom was already in bed and that dinner was waiting on the table.
“Just a glass of juice and some crackers, please,” I said, heading for my room.
When the snacks arrived, I changed quickly and took a brief shower. Soon, I was in pajamas, sitting on the edge of my bed, munching on crackers. My phone buzzed, Heather’s name flashing on the screen.
“Hey, sis!” I greeted, relieved for the distraction.
“Hey, bro! What’s new?” Her voice was bright and cheerful.
“Same old. Mom said you’d be back in a week or two.”
“Actually, I’m catching a flight to Hawaii tomorrow,” she squealed.
I chuckled. “That’s great. Can’t wait to see you.”
Heather’s tone softened. “How’s Cedar holding up? I’ve been worried about her since Ciara passed. I hate that I couldn’t make it to the funeral.”
I sighed. “She’s…managing. Her parents are trying to set her up with some guy already.”
“What?” Heather gasped. “That’s too soon. How’s she taking it?”
I recounted the day’s drama, including my last-minute ‘rescue’ mission. Heather laughed in disbelief.
“Only you would crash a date. But honestly, Flynn, I’m surprised you let someone else take Cedar out.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, arching an eyebrow—even though she couldn’t see me.
“You’ve always had a soft spot for her. Why not recognize what’s right in front of you?”
I scoffed. “Heather, Ciara and Cedar are like sisters to me—you know that.”
“Hey, I’m your only real sister,” she teased.
“Like sisters,” I repeated with a groan.
Heather snorted. “Uh-huh. Ciara was basically your best friend, I get that. But with Cedar…you’ve always been protective. I think you two would be amazing together.”
I rolled my eyes. “Heather, stop.”
She pressed on. “You like her, Flynn. You’re just too blind to see it.”
I smirked. “Did a camera fall on your head during a shoot?”
Heather’s laughter filled the line. “I’m serious! You’re going to realize it eventually.”
We bantered back and forth for a while longer, then said our goodnights. When she asked about Uncle Will, I dodged the topic, not wanting to sour her mood.
After hanging up, I tossed and turned in bed, replaying Heather’s words and Cedar’s outrageous plan in my mind. Was it really that crazy?
Around midnight, I surrendered to insomnia and texted Mr. Fletcher, the family lawyer.
Hey, Mr. Fletcher. If I were to get engaged, how soon could I get Dad’s shares?
I didn’t expect a reply at this hour, but my phone buzzed right away.
Flynn! Interesting question. With a VALID engagement, the shares would be transferred to you immediately.
My stomach knotted at the emphasis on “valid.” I needed more clarity, so I called him.
He answered on the first ring. “Flynn, what got you up so late?”
“Just trying to save the company,” I said, half-joking.
He chuckled. “So you have questions?”
“Yeah. When you say a valid engagement, what are we talking about exactly?”
“Well, it can’t come out of nowhere. We have to believe you’ve genuinely been with the person. Since this is tied to your father’s shares, there would be an investigation if there’s any suspicion you’re faking it.”
I could imagine the fallout if I were faking.
A deep breath filled my lungs, possibilities firing through my head. Uncle Will’s recent moves weighed heavily on me.
“Flynn, I don’t need to remind you how badly your uncle wants these shares,” Mr. Fletcher said. “It’s been nine months since your father’s passing, so by the will’s terms, you have three months left—maybe less, considering what’s happening at J-Kings. Tread carefully.”
“I will. Thanks. I’ll be in touch.”
“Give my regards to your mother and sister.”
I mumbled a goodbye and hung up. Crossing to my dresser, I pulled open a drawer and retrieved a small box.
Inside lay a diamond ring my father had given me for my 35th birthday—he’d said he couldn’t wait to see it on the right woman’s finger. He never got that chance.
I ran a thumb over the ring’s smooth rim. “Cedar…?” I whispered, heart pounding.
The truth was, I wasn’t entirely sure if her crazy idea was the worst plan ever…or the best.