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
Emily's POVThe doctor stood up and said, "I'll leave you two to get some rest. I'll check back in on you in a little while." She smiled at us and left the room, closing the door behind her. Ethan sat down next to the bed and took my hand in mine. "Are you okay?" His voice was soft and gentle."I'm so sorry." His voice was full of emotion. "I didn't mean to lash out like that. I was just so upset and heartbroken. I know it's no excuse, but I hope you can understand." He kept my head down."It's not a problem."My voice was kind and understanding. "I think I understand." I looked into his eyes, and I felt something stirring inside me. A strange mix of emotions washed over me, and I couldn't quite identify what it was."I don't think I will be discharged tonight, the doctor said she is going to keep me here overnight and start me on some IV fluids. Just to make sure I'm hydrated and my body has the fluids it needs to heal." "Okay. I'll be right back. I will head to the front desk to
Emily's POVEthan left the room, and I was left alone with my thoughts. The room was quiet, the silence was broken only by the thoughts swirling through my mind.I lay down on the bed, staring up at the white ceiling. My thoughts drifted to Liam, and I wondered what he was doing right now. was I just a passing fancy, or did he care about me as much as I cared about him? The thoughts raced through my mind, and I found myself lost in a sea of uncertainty.My phone started ringing, breaking the silence of the room. I looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Olivia. I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to talk to her. What did she want? I took a deep breath and answered the phone, but I said nothing. I just waited for Olivia to speak first. "What do you think you're doing, Emily?" Olivia asked, her voice high and sharp. I could tell she was angry, but I didn't care. I was tired of tiptoeing around her, afraid of upsetting her. I was ready to say what I needed to say, no matter the consequ
I lay in bed, my phone in my hand. I reread the texts between me and Liam, and my mind kept wandering to the memory of the girl he brought to dinner. The kiss we shared also kept playing in my head, confusing me even more. I had the urge to dial his number, to talk to him and make sense of everything. But I didn't want to come across as too desperate or needy. I didn't want to seem like I was forcing myself on him, or trying to make him like me. I just wanted to understand what was going on. As I lay there in bed, I thought about all the times Liam had made me smile, even when I was feeling down. But now I felt confused, and I didn't know what to make of him. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, and I was exhausted. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep. ********** I woke up to the sound of my phone's alarm, and when I looked at the time, I was shocked to see it was already 10 am. I hadn't intended to sleep that long, but it felt like I needed it. I stretched, feeling a bit
"Excuse me, I'll be right back," I said, getting up from my chair and heading towards my room. As soon as I was in the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm myself down. I didn't know why Ethan was affecting me like this. It was like my body and mind conflicted with each other."What's happening to me?" I whispered to myself, my eyes searching my reflection in the mirror. "I need to get a hold of myself. After getting myself together, I headed back downstairs to Ethan. I didn't want to stay away too long, or he might think I was avoiding him. But I also needed time to figure out what was going on inside me. As I walked back to the dining room, I felt a mix of fear and anticipation.I sat back down, trying to act normal. But every little thing Ethan did seemed to draw my attention. The way he chewed his food, the way he picked up his fork, even the way he sipped his water. Everything seemed to hold a new fascination for me. I was mesmerized by him, and I couldn't
"I came here to ask a favor," I managed to blurt out, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I need to send my friend the address of this house so he can come and pick me up."Ethan looked at me with a curious expression, as if he could sense that there was more to my request than I was letting on. "Of course," he said. "Do you need me to help you with anything?"My heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, and I found myself struggling to maintain my composure. "No, thank you." I tried to keep my voice steady. I knew that if I stayed any longer, I would risk giving in to the magnetic pull of his presence. With a quick, "Thank you," I turned on my heel and hurried out of the room, my heart racing.As I retreated, I could feel his eyes on me, watching me leave. I rushed from the room, avoiding his gaze and any lingering temptation to give in to my feelings for him. As I left, I felt the weight of his gaze following me, but I refused to turn back, knowing that doing so would only
Liam's abrupt stop startled me, but when he reached for my hand and turned to look me in the eye, his expression had softened."Emily," he said, his voice was low and intimate. "I love you. I've loved you from the very first day I saw you. And I know we've had our ups and downs, but I can't shake this feeling that there's something between us, something that won't go away, no matter how hard I try."His gaze burned into me, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.As he confessed his love for me, I was speechless. All I could do was gaze into his eyes, my heart racing as I struggled to process what he'd just revealed.Without another word, he drew closer to me, his lips pressing against mine with an intensity that took my breath away. The world seemed to slow down as Liam's lips met mine, his kiss fierce and passionate, as if all the emotion he'd been holding back was finally spilling out. My breath caught in my throat as I surrendered to the intensity of the moment, letting my
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.