Page 3 of The Billionaire's Engagement

“Oh, is it canceled?” she asked, concern laced in her voice. “Did you find someone else?”

“No, it’s nothing like that. We’re still going together tomorrow. It’s just…I know I told you I needed a date for this trip, so it didn’t look like I was a loser going solo at his ex’s wedding?—”

“You’re not a loser, Uncle Hudson,” Mila interrupted, trying to reassure me, making me smile.

“Thanks, Mila. So, during this trip, we need to act like we’re in a relationship…umm…you need to be my fiancée. Would you be okay with that?” I asked.

There was silence on the line.

“I’m sorry that I just brought it up now?—”

“No worries, Uncle Hudson. I’ll pretend to be your fiancée.” She sounded genuine, no signs of hesitation.

“Thanks again, Mila. I owe you big time. We’ll talk about it more tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Uncle Hudson.”

“Sweet dreams, Mila,” I said before hanging up with a smile across my face.

I hope I wasn’t going to regret this.

* * *

As we flewover the ocean on our way to Maui, I glanced over at Mila. She was sketching something. It looked like outfits and dresses.

“I didn’t know you were a fashion designer,” I said lowly.

Her cheeks turned pink as she stopped scribbling with her pencil, then turned to me, our eyes meeting. There was a twinkle in her chocolate brown eyes.

“I’m not.” She giggled, making me melt inside. “It’s just a hobby.”

“May I see?” I asked.

She nodded and handed over her sketchbook. I combed through the pages, admiring her designs of ballgowns, dresses, suits, and outfits.

“These are really good, Mila,” I praised. “Have you thought about getting these made?”

I gave her sketchbook back to her, then she shrugged.

“I thought about it, but it’s only a hobby. I don’t know if people would actually buy my clothes.”

“I think they will. Don’t doubt your talents. You’re really good.” I gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to give her some confidence to pursue her dreams.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, why were you on the Holidates app to find a date?” I asked, curiously.

“You know who my dad is, right?” She chuckled. “He’s so overprotective that of me. It’s so hard to date someone. I’m sure if he had his way, Dad would arrange a marriage for me.”

I laughed. “He loves you very much and you’re his only child. I can see why he’s protective of you. But I guess I agree that he needs to loosen the reins a bit so you can live your life.”

Thinking of Mila dating and bringing home men had me clenching my jaw. I’m sure Nelson felt there was no man good enough for his little girl. That’s the way I felt.

“So, let me ask you,” she started. “Why did you really want to go to this wedding? If your ex is getting married to the man she cheated on you with, why do you want to see that?”

I pondered at that thought, gazing into Mila’s eyes.

“I think it’s because I want her to see that I’m not affected by what she did to me. That I’m able to move on without her.”

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