Ethan's POVI opened my eyes, and there she was, standing in front of me. Emily looked concerned, and I wondered if I looked as tired as I felt. "I think it would be more comfortable if you went inside to sleep you look uncomfortable on the couch." I knew she was right.I wondered why she hadn't told me she was coming back late. I knew I shouldn't let her know I was worried, as I didn't want to make her feel special. "You would have told me you were coming back late." I kept my voice steady."I'm sorry." Her voice was apologetic. "I didn't know I would spend so much time." She seemed to be telling the truth, but I still felt a twinge of doubt. "Why weren't you picking up your phone?" "My phone was in my bag, by the time I discovered I had missed calls, my battery had died." I could tell she was telling the truth. "I'm sorry I made you worried," she added, and I could hear the sincerity in her voice."I wasn't worried. I lied.""The dinner at my grandfather's house is tomorrow."
Ethan's POVAs I got closer to the kitchen, I could hear Emily's voice. It sounded like she was on the phone, and I stopped to listen. I could hear her talking, but I couldn't make out what she was saying. She was smiling and blushing, and it was clear that she was smitten with whoever she was talking to. It was none of my business, and she was entitled to her own life. As I entered the kitchen, Emily quickly ended her call. It was clear that she wasn't comfortable with me being around. I didn't care.She didn't say a word to me, but she seemed to be going about her business, making breakfast as if nothing had happened. I wanted to apologize for the way I had yelled at her earlier, but my pride was getting in the way. I knew I had been wrong, but I couldn't bring myself to admit it. I was at a loss for what to do.I finally mustered up the courage to speak to her. "Hey." I tried to sound nonchalant. But she didn't look up from what she was doing, and it was clear she was avoiding
Emily's POVI could tell by the look on Ethan's face that he wasn't pleased with my appearance. He was frowning, his eyes taking in my outfit with a critical eye. I felt my confidence falter, and I wondered if I had chosen the wrong outfit. But I was determined to make the best of it, even if I felt self-conscious."Umm... can we leave now?" I tried to break the awkward silence. I wanted to change the subject and move on from the uncomfortable moment. I could tell Ethan was still looking at me with a critical eye, and I was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable. I just wanted to get out of there and start the evening on a better note."Of course we can. But we'll need to make a few stops on the way." I nodded, feeling relieved that he was willing to move on from the uncomfortable moment. "Okay." I did my best to sound upbeat.As we stepped out of the house, I couldn't help but notice how handsome Ethan looked. His suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and
Emily's POV"Which of these would you like?" the saleswoman asked, her smile wide and enthusiastic. I was a bit taken aback by her enthusiasm, and I didn't know what to say. I had no idea what to choose, or even how to begin. "Your fiance, Ethan, is a very handsome and wealthy man," the saleswoman said, her voice almost a whisper. "I'm sure many girls would kill to be in your shoes." I felt a knot in my stomach, not knowing how to respond to her. I didn't want to be rude, but I also didn't want to give her the wrong idea."You're really lucky," she continued. "Your boyfriend is very generous, and he has excellent taste." I felt even more embarrassed at her assumption that he was my boyfriend. I wasn't sure how to correct her, so I just remained silent."I think you should try on the navy blue dress." Her enthusiasm coming back. "It will match perfectly with your fiance's pants." I felt like I was stuck in an awkward situation, not knowing how to get out of it. I looked at her, a pu
Emily's POVI nodded at the lady, unable to muster up the energy to speak. I had a tired look on my face, and I was starting to feel exhausted. The hairstylist worked on my hair for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she was done, and I was ready to face the night ahead.I took a deep breath and stood up from the chair. I went out to where Ethan was standing, feeling nervous about his reaction. I looked at him, and I was surprised to see a look of amazement on his face. I couldn't help but blush at his reaction. It was the first time I had seen him look at me with anything other than contempt."Y-you look good." he stammered, looking a bit flustered. I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. I was feeling flattered and a bit giddy at the same time. "Thank you." I felt a little shy. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, feeling a bit flustered.We went to the counter, and he paid for the services. I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty at the cost. I knew he must have spent a f
Emily's POVThe other woman, who seemed to be in her early sixties, turned to Ethan and said, "Your wife is so pretty!" She hugged me, and I started to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. "You guys fit perfectly together," she said with a big smile. "I can't wait for your first child!" I was taken aback by her comment, and I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.Ethan let out an uncomfortable cough, clearly not enjoying the conversation. "Okay, Mom and Aunt, we would love to go sit down now." He tried to change the subject. "Okay, my darling," the woman who seemed to be in her late fifties said, still smiling widely. That was his mom? I was surprised - I hadn't expected her to be so sweet. She was the complete opposite of Ethan, who seemed cold and distant. I waved goodbye to them, and we headed to our seats. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as we sat down."I'll go get us a drink," Ethan said, his demeanor completely different from earlier. He was being a lot
Emily's POVI was now sitting at the table with Liam's date, and I was uncomfortable. She kept staring at me, and it was making me feel self-conscious and awkward. I didn't know what to say to her, and I just wanted to get out of there.The silence was broken by her words, "I didn't expect Ethan to settle down for someone like you." I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I didn't know how to respond. I just sat there, feeling humiliated and small."What do you mean by 'someone like me?'" I asked her, trying to sound brave and confident. But inside, I was feeling completely insecure. I felt like I was being judged and found wanting."You know." She looked at me up and down with a disgusted look on her face. I felt like I was being appraised and found lacking. She was being so rude, and I couldn't understand why. I hadn't done anything to offend her, so why was she acting this way?Before I knew it, Liam's speech was over, and I hadn't even registered what he had said. My mind
Ethan's POVI couldn't take it anymore. I had to get out of there. I got into my car with Emily and drove home, my mind reeling from the events of the night. It had been worse than I could have imagined, and I was exhausted. I just wanted to go home and forget about the whole thing.I sped down the road, my anger boiling over. I didn't care about the rules of the road or the consequences of my actions. I just wanted to get home and be alone with my thoughts. I was fuming, and I could feel my pulse racing.All I wanted to do was smash something against the wall, to release my anger and frustration. I knew it was an irrational thought, but I couldn't help it. I felt like I was losing control, and I was scared of what I might do.The worst part was that Ava had shown up, making everything even more complicated. I couldn't believe that Liam had invited her to the dinner, and I was furious that she had ruined the whole night. I couldn't help but wonder what her motives were, and why she ha
Ethan's POVI extended my hand, but Emily looked at it with confusion, her stubbornness radiating like a shield."Emily," I called softly.She snapped out of her reverie, her gaze focusing. Finally, she took my hand. Her palm felt incredibly soft, sending unexpected waves of comfort through me. I hated to admit it, but her touch soothed me."You're my wife.... for today." The words felt strange coming out of my mouth, but they were true.Emily's gaze dropped to my shoes, then met mine, her brown eyes locking onto mine. "That's what I'm being paid for," she said, her voice heavy with sorrow.I nodded silently, acknowledging the truth in her words. I felt bad for telling her that I was trying to create a conversation; I just couldn't say anything to alter what she just said. As painful as it was to her, that was the truth. I wanted to counter it, but no words could express it in a way I wouldn't show vulnerability.I had planned to drive myself, but occasions like this left me no choice
Ethan Smith In record time, she emerged from her room, radiant in a fitted blue sundress that accentuated every curve. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Had I been blind to her allure this whole time? The dress hugged her figure in all the right places, showcasing the soft swell of her hips and the gentle dip of her waist. My gaze lingered, tracing the contours of her body. How had I managed to overlook this stunning woman standing right before me? "OH. GOD!!" my mind screamed as if finally waking up to the reality of my feelings. In that instant, I yearned to feel her warm breath dance across my skin, her body melting into mine. The thought of her gentle touch sent shivers down my spine. I craved the softness of her hands, the whisper of her fingers intertwining with mine. Every cell in my body ached to be closer, to feel her radiating heat. Time stood still as I gazed at her, lost in the depths of her eyes. The world around us dissolved, leaving only the two of us
Emily's POV I walked away from him, my heart still racing from our brief moment together. The way he brushed away the biscuit crumbs, his fingers grazing my skin... I couldn't shake the feeling. I returned to my room, I couldn't shake off the memory of our encounter. My mind replayed the moment, scrutinizing every detail. "Ugh, Emily, what's wrong with you?" I muttered to myself, shaking my head. "You practically threw yourself at him." My cheeks flushed at the thought. I couldn't believe I'd been so forward, my lips parted, inviting him to kiss me. But he didn't. Instead, he coughed, breaking the spell. I felt like I'd been doused with cold water. Why did I do that? Was I that desperate for connection? I forced myself to focus, but my gaze kept drifting to the door, hoping he'd appear again. I smacked my hand against my forehead, feeling like an utter idiot. "He's your sister's husband, Emily! Get a grip!" I reprimanded myself, pacing back and forth. How could I b
Ethan's POV I paced back and forth in my room, frustration boiling over. Why did my mom always have to sabotage my plans? Her constant interference was suffocating. But I refused to let her win. "No," I muttered to myself, determination hardening my resolve. "I won't let her control me." Or would I? The familiar doubt crept in, undermining my confidence. I stopped pacing and faced my reflection in the mirror. My eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm done letting her dictate my life," I declared, the words echoing in my room. This time, I meant it. I stood there, a grown man torn apart by conflicting desires. My mother didn't get it - I couldn't bear the thought of spending more time with Emily. Yet, my heart yearned for her desperately. The contradiction was maddening. How could I simultaneously feel an intense attraction to Emily and an overwhelming need to escape her? Two emotions wrestled within me: longing and repulsion, desire and resistance. It was as if my heart and m
Emily's POV The sweet words spilled from his lips like honey - "You're important to me," "I care deeply for you" - but I saw right through them. They were empty reassurances, crafted to soothe my frazzled emotions. I searched his face, my gaze piercing, but his expression revealed nothing. Still, I knew better. He was pretending, feigning concern. Olivia's haunting words still echoed in my mind: "I'll be back soon, and you'll return." The memory sent a shiver down my spine. "No, you didn't do anything, Em." I stared at him, shock etched on my face. "Em" - he'd never called me that before. Why now? It was just another tactic, a feeble attempt to soften the blow before cutting me out of his life. Just like everyone else. His sudden familiarity grated, a painful reminder of what I was about to lose. The truth stung: I was disposable, a temporary convenience. Then why now? I thought the contract stated that Olivia returns before I leave beside his Mom said I must fulfill my o
Contract DissolvedEthan's POV I watched Emily head to her room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her. The pain in her eyes after that phone call had gutted me, and I knew I had to make today count. I wanted to tell her everything. I waited for her to get ready, and I steeled myself for the conversation ahead. I had to tell her the truth - that the proxy arrangement was over, that I couldn't keep pretending anymore. But it wasn't just about the arrangement; it was about my feelings. I was catching feelings for her, and I didn't like it. I didn't want to be vulnerable, didn't want to risk getting hurt. But I knew I had to be honest with her, and with myself. I took a deep breath, pushing aside the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. Time to end this charade and move on. She emerged from her room, dressed in black leggings and a cropped top, and for a moment, I saw her in a different light. The familiar contours of her face, the curve of her neck, see
Emily's POV I gazed up at Ethan, his words hung in the air like a gentle promise. "You're important to me, Emily." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was the last thing I thought possible - that I, a burden to everyone around me, could be important to someone like Ethan. His eyes, warm and sincere, held mine, and for a moment, I felt seen, truly seen, for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Time seemed to freeze, suspending us in a moment of electric tension. Our eyes locked, unblinking, as if the world around us had melted away. The air vibrated with unspoken emotions, our faces inches apart. It was as if the universe had pressed the pause button, trapping us in a cinematic tableau. The only sound was our synchronized breathing, the only movement was the fluttering of my heart. Ethan cleared his throat, shattering the spell that had held us captive. "Thanks for the coffee, Emily,' he said, his voice low and even, as if the tender moment we'd shared moments befo
Ethan's POV I gritted my teeth as Emily leaned into me, her body trembling with fear. The movie was intense, I'll give her that. But I didn't need her clinging to me like a lifeline. I tried to subtly shift away, but she only held on tighter. Her chest was pressed against my arm, and I could feel her warmth seeping into my skin. I hated it. I hated how my body reacted to her touch, how my mind started to wander to places it shouldn't. I focused on the screen, trying to distract myself from the sensation of her body against mine. But I could feel her gaze on me, sense her looking up at me with those big, scared eyes. I sighed inwardly, feeling like a jerk for not being more understanding. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was getting too close, that I needed to push her away before things got out of hand. "I'm Sorry" I couldn't help but notice the hint of disappointment in her voice, and I felt a pang of regret for not prolonging the moment. But I pushed it asid
Emily's POV After I was done eating, I quickly freshened up and got into an outfit for the movie night. I chose a comfortable yet stylish pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a soft white blouse with a relaxed fit, and a cozy black cardigan to layer over it. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and I added a touch of subtle makeup to enhance my natural features. I slipped on a pair of black ankle boots, grabbed my small cross-body bag, and headed out to meet Ethan in the sitting room. As I entered the sitting room, Ethan looked up from his phone and smiled, his eyes scanning my outfit with approval. "You look great," he said, standing up from the couch. "Ready to head out?" I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest as he approached me. He was dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit of his own - a pair of light blue jeans and a fitted white T-shirt that showcased his broad shoulders. We walked out of the house together, the evening air crisp and cool as we made our way to the car park.