Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 236

Draven nodded. “Yeah, that’s the plan.”

Finished

She understood, but she hesitated. “I’m Troy’s ex–wife. That’s super awkward. Why not pick someone else?”

“Why would I hand such a big favor to some random woman? Ayla, my favors aren’t cheap.”

Ayla had nothing to say.

Draven continued, “If you pretend to be my girlfriend at events, there’ll be close contact. I hate dealing with strangers. You’re my secretary, and we already work fine. I don’t need to adapt to someone new.”

Ayla knew that was true.

He leaned toward her, his presence heavy and kind of aggressive, like the cold, serious boss. “Ayla, you asked me for help. I’m collecting interest. You don’t get to tell me no again.”

Her whole body tightened. It might’ve been the first time he ever pushed her like that, leaving her shaken but weirdly clear. He normally stayed calm even when people made him mad, which reminded her of how soft he’d been with her lately.

He had already treated her more than fairly.

So how could she not repay it?

Pretending to be his girlfriend felt like a debt she owed. Working with him and using each other would keep things equal, so she wouldn’t feel guilty.

Ayla nodded. “Okay, Mr. Storm. I’ll pretend to be your girlfriend.”

After he heard what he wanted, he backed off, and the pressure faded. He noticed her unease and lowered his eyes. “Don’t stress. Since I’m the one asking, I’ll handle whatever drama shows up. You just stand by me when I need it.”

Ayla smiled. Draven wasn’t like Troy, who didn’t take responsibility. Draven could handle anything.

She laughed a little. “Okay.”

Draven said, “Since you’re my girlfriend, you can’t take favors from other men for two years.”

“Two years?”

“I date to get married. If it ends fast, it won’t look real.”

That was his steady personality. He wasn’t like Max, who swapped women all the time.

Draven frowned. “Is that too long for you?”

“I don’t mind. I’m just worried it’ll bother you.” Ayla had no interest in dating anymore. Two years or five

didn’t matter.

18:43 Thu, Jan 8

Chapter 236 Do You Think I’m Old?

Draven paused. “Me?”

50

Finished

Ayla said carefully, “Well, in two years you’ll be … 30…” The more she talked, the worse it sounded. “If you want to get married, wasting two years with me doesn’t seem smart.”

Draven stayed silent for a few seconds. Then, a vein on his forehead actually popped. “So you think I’m old?” he said through his teeth.

Ayla freaked out. “N–no. I mean, these are your best years…”

Draven forced himself to calm down. “That’s not your concern.”

Ayla sat up straight. “Yes, sir.”

“So you’re fine with two years?”

“I am.”

Draven looked at her like he didn’t believe it, his gaze scrutinizing.

Ayla knew that look too well. He didn’t believe her feelings about Troy before either. Being doubted didn’t feel great, but she didn’t complain. “Mr. Storm, any other terms?”

Draven said, “Ayla, this isn’t like our old deal. If you say yes, you don’t get to quit halfway. Think clearly.”

She heard the warning in it. He’d treated her well and even put 300 million dollars into Kaleb. If she forgot how huge the difference between them was, she’d get cocky and forget he could be dangerous.

Being close to someone powerful was like staying next to a tiger. She had to pay attention. Otherwise, he could suddenly show that sharp, tough side, and all his earlier warmth would look fake. His friendly face could become cold in one second. She couldn’t tell which version was/real.

His unpredictability made it difficult for others to understand him.

It should’ve been stressful to be around someone like him all the time, since people naturally worried about upsetting him. But Ayla didn’t think that way. No matter how scary he acted, it was only on the surface. He’d never scared her.

He always protected her. He made her feel safe. So she didn’t fear him like other people did, even when he kept his distance or seemed ruthless.

But his intense vibe was a whole different thing.

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