The Ruthless CEO's Revenge Wife
Chapter 108: The Act Of Love

Chapter 108: The Act Of Love

Martha served pancakes to Jean with an affectionate pat on the shoulder. "Eat up, honey. You’ve got the metabolism of a hummingbird."

Jean murmured thanks, refusing to meet Logan’s eyes again.

He glanced at her every few seconds. She could feel it. Like a heat crawling up her skin.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair and muttered under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear, "You’re really going to ice me out the whole day?"

Jean whispered back without turning her head, "I’m restraining myself from throwing this juice at your face. Be grateful."

He smirked.

"Children," Martha warned playfully. "No fighting at the breakfast table."

"Yes, Mom."

"Yes, Mrs Kingsley."

Logan and Jean both said at the same time.

That earned another round of laughter from the others... but the air between the couple remained tense and brittle. Neither of them touched their pancakes after that.

_______________________

After breakfast, Jared watched his son a little too closely. Logan was usually composed, confident, and in control.

But today, there was a flicker of strain behind his eyes. His interaction with Jean had been... off. Polite, yes. Civil... barely. But not like a man in love. Not like a man who just brought his wife home for the first time.

When Logan stepped out into the hallway, Jared followed.

"Logan. Study. Now."

Logan didn’t protest. He knew that tone... it wasn’t a request.

Once inside the study, Jared shut the door and leaned against his desk, arms folded. Logan stood by the window, pretending to admire the view.

"What’s going on between you and Jean?"

Logan didn’t flinch. "Nothing."

"That’s the problem," Jared said. "There’s nothing going on. You didn’t look like a couple who just got married. You barely looked like two people who like each other."

Logan gave a slow sigh. "We’re adjusting."

"Don’t feed me that corporate crap," Jared snapped. "I’m your father. I can smell lies in my sleep. I saw the tension. I heard the way she said your name like it tasted bitter. So tell me... are you using this girl for some agenda I should be worried about?"

Logan turned to him now, jaw tight. "Jean is my wife. That’s all you need to know."

Jared narrowed his eyes. "So you’re saying this isn’t some deal? A power grab? A facade for a boardroom stunt?"

"I’m saying I married her. And I’m going to stay married to her," Logan replied evenly. "She’s part of this family now."

Jared studied him for a long beat. Logan’s face gave nothing away. His tone was calm, respectful... controlled. Too controlled.

After a pause, Jared said, "Fine. But if you’re lying to me... if you’re dragging this girl into something she doesn’t deserve... you’re going to answer to me, not just her."

Logan nodded once. "Understood."

Jared didn’t press further. He knew he wouldn’t get more than Logan was willing to give.

But as he watched his son walk out of the room, something twisted in his gut.

There was something going on. And he was going to find out what it was... one way or another.

____________________________

Logan left his father’s study with a heavy cloud hanging over his head. Jared was suspicious now and if he got even the slightest hint of the truth, everything could crumble.

He needed to act fast. Be convincing. Play the doting husband before anyone else started questioning.

As he stepped into the hallway leading to the back veranda, his eyes found Jean.

She was sitting with Hannah on the patio bench. Or rather, Hannah was enthusiastically talking with dramatic hand gestures, while Jean sat stiffly, her eyes staring into nothing, clearly zoning out... either from exhaustion or mental self defense.

Logan’s jaw twitched. She looked like she didn’t belong here.

And that wouldn’t do. Not if they were to keep up this charade convincingly.

He walked over, quietly, then gently placed his hands on Jean’s shoulders from behind. She flinched, tensing instantly. Her head snapped around, eyes glaring at him like he’d just grabbed a sleeping tiger.

But Logan just smiled. That frustrating, charming smile he always wore when he was up to something.

"Come with me," he said smoothly. "I want to show you something near the pool."

Jean narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"Because I’m your husband," he said lightly, voice just loud enough for Hannah to hear. "And we haven’t had a single moment alone since we arrived."

Hannah raised her eyebrows with a teasing grin. "Ooooh. Should I give you lovebirds some privacy?"

Jean muttered something under her breath and stood up reluctantly. Logan gently guided her away, his hand still resting lightly at the small of her back. To anyone watching, it looked affectionate.

To Jean, it felt like being maneuvered for a strategic meeting.

As soon as they were out of earshot and around the hedge near the pool, she shrugged him off and hissed, "What are you playing at now?"

Logan’s smile dropped. "My father suspects something."

Jean’s eyes flicked to his. "What did he say?"

"He asked if we’re real. If this marriage is just a ploy." Logan stepped closer. "So we need to be convincing. No more death glares. No more stiff shoulders when I touch you."

Jean crossed her arms, defensive. "Don’t tell me how to behave."

"Jean," he said quietly, seriously this time, "if he finds out this is a contract, we’re both screwed. I’m not letting that happen."

She hesitated.

He added, voice lower now, "Just for the rest of the day, play the part. Laugh when I tease you. Touch my arm. Look at me like I’m the only one you see."

Jean scoffed. "You want me to act like I’m in love with you?"

"No," Logan said softly. "I want you to act like you don’t hate me."

That made her pause.

And despite herself... her expression softened... just a little.

The sunlight bounced off the pool water, shimmering across the patio as Logan leaned against the railing, arms crossed. Jean stood a few feet away, her arms tightly tucked around herself, clearly uncomfortable but trying to mask it.

"Jean," he said, voice calm but serious, "if we really want to convince them, we need more than just pretending to talk."

Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." Logan looked directly at her. "Kiss me."