Before the nightmare

Ever since Eleonor signed the contract proposed by Mr. Reviello, she has been accompanied by his representative, Asher. When the Evans family realized they would not receive a penny of the groom's fortune, they submitted a lavish wedding. The preparations were running out of time. Three days from now, Eleonor will walk down the aisle in place of her sister and marry a man cruel enough to specify that he's willing to kill if anyone else finds out about the contract.

Which also leaves her hands tied because she had been in a relationship with Josh for at least three years until four days ago. How could Eleonor explain this situation without mentioning her family's debt or that she's marrying so her sister doesn't fall into the hands of a mobster?

She needs to explain herself before the nightmare began. That is why she decided to meet Josh at the coffee shop. That's where it all started... when Josh told he loves her. Their friendship began during elementary school and then became a relationship. It's almost poetic that it would all end there, too.

From the moment she signed the contract, all the clauses went into count, including the PUBLIC POLICY one. She was no longer able to walk the streets freely, without being accompanied or concerned. This is why Asher is sitting at two tables, drinking a cup of coffee, and pretending to be unaware of the scenes that will unfold there.

Eleonor is in a delicate situation. She can't say that she's ending a relationship with Josh because she's supposed to be Emily. Whether she would do this discreetly is a mystery.

Eleonor dressed gracefully, as her younger sister's reputation suggests. A delicate dress and her blonde hair tied, highlighting the crystal earrings and an understated necklace. Erica didn't like the idea of Eleonor having such expensive jewelry, so she borrowed these from Emily's collection.

The expression of Josh is indecipherable. His brown eyes stare intently at his girlfriend's new style. He doesn't look surprised at all, though. He's drinking a cappuccino without saying a single word. Not only that, but he doesn't look nervous either. But of course, he wouldn't... he doesn't know what is about to happen.

“Well then, Josh...” Eleonor begins. She stops staring at her lemonade and sets her beautiful green eyes on him. “There's something I need to say...”

“Do you mind if I start, Elle?” Josh interrupts her. His voice is calm, but there is a certain urgency.

“Oh... of course not.” She gives an awkward smile. “Please, tell me.”

 “We've known each other for a long time. It's six years now, can you believe it? Time passes quickly...” He returns a weak smile. “I told you I loved you at this very table, didn't I?”

Loved? Eleonor thinks of the past sentence, feeling a tightness in her chest.

“We were two kids back then. And nowadays... things have just changed. We have grown...”

“What do you mean by that?” Eleonor asks, impatient.

“I really loved you, Elle. I really did. And we've been together for such a long time... I mean, I'm used to your presence. You'll always be someone special to me, but...”

“I see. You don't love me anymore.” Eleonor completes the sentence for him.

She's fighting back tears at that moment.

“Not in the same way, no. Nowadays, I love you as a friend, and cherish your friendship. I don't know when all it changed but... life, uh.”

Eleonor shakes her head positively.

“And like, I'm not going to lie to you... I've been having feelings for someone else.”

“Have you betrayed me, Josh?” Eleonor asks firmly.

He remains silent. He takes a sip of his cappuccino.

His gaze flees to the horizon and searches various paths, only to not meet hers.

“Couldn't you break up with me first?” Despite the abrupt phrasing, there is no hostility in her voice, nor in her expressions.

“I'm sorry, Elle. I've been a jerk, I know. And I don't expect you to forgive me for it. But you can't boss your heart around, right?”

Eleonor gives a dry laugh. In a way, the whole situation is kinda ironic.

A few minutes ago, she was heartbroken at having to give up someone important. She could count on her fingers the number of people who really loves her, and currently, she just put one of them down. If Josh really loved her, or at the very least cherishes her friendship, as he claims, he wouldn't have stabbed her in the back like that.

Yes, it's true that she's about to marry someone else. But not willingly. She didn't fall in love with someone else. She did not cheat on Josh with someone else.

All her actions were and are completely selfless. She's doing it for others. Not for herself.

And there she is, pathetically sitting in a chair, listening to her boyfriend confess that he cheated on her to ease his own conscience, when she cannot even reveal her identity to the world. In three days, she would have to forget that she's Eleonor Evans. She will be “Emily” Reviello.

“So you're breaking up with me?” Eleonor finally asks, taking a sip of her lemonade. Her eyes burn. Her chest hurt. But her voice and expression remain impassive.

“It saddens me, but...” He takes a deep breath. “Yes. I want to break up.”

Eleonor gives a sweet smile. There is a certain relief in her chest. Because it means that only her pride and heart have been broken. She wouldn't have to worry about Josh's feelings or the possibility of his head rolling on the floor.

“Okay.” That's all she says.

Josh, however, looks surprised. Apparently, he expected her to cry and beg him. Or at least show some sadness in her countenance. 

But Eleonor is just finishing her lemonade.

“Okay? Is that all?” He asks confused.

“To be honest, Josh... I called you here because I want to finish, too.” She gives a shriveling smile as she grabs a napkin to dry her lips. “You don't have to worry about the breaking up or cheating because what I wanted to tell you when I called you here, Josh, is that I also want to end our relationship.”

“What?” he looks stunned.

“As you said, we really were just kids... and time flies.” Eleonor looks at Josh, secretly appreciating his confusion. “The truth is, I'm engaged. To be married in next three days.”

“You're getting married?”

“It's not a very long story, but it's also not worth telling. Kinda boring. And I'm sure you don't mind it, since that means we're even... right?”

He's silent, staring at her.

Eleonor picks up her purse from the seat beside her and starts to get up.

“Oh, I'd invite you to the wedding but... I don't think it's appropriate.”

With a little smile, she adds: “Thanks for paying the bill.”

Eleonor approaches Josh, who is still too shocked to speak up. She gives him a kiss on the cheek and leaves. 

As she walks out of the coffee shop, Asher throws a few bills on the table and gets up quickly, walking behind her.

The doorbell swings as they leave the establishment.

“What was that?” Asher asks surprised.

“I'm just asking my brother-in-law to take good care of Eleonor.” She lies with a sweet smile. “May I ask for something, Mr. Asher?”

“Please, just Asher.”

“Could we go to the Denver registry office?”

“To the registry office?” Asher looks genuinely confused, “What does Ms. Evans need?”

“I would like to obtain a marriage license.”

“Right now?”

“You have Mr. Reviello's papers there, don't you?” Eleonor interrupts him. “I’m sure we can get the license with you serving as a Proxy. So, come on, Mr. Asher. I don't think Mr. Reviello will see a problem in advancing the license.”

“Alright...” He looks at the watch on his wrist. “All right then, Ms. Evans. Let's obtain that marriage license.”