Emily's POV: As I lifted the lid of the box, I was taken aback by the beautiful silver necklace, adorned with a small crystal pendant that sparkled like a diamond. But that wasn't all - nestled beside the necklace lay a small, leather-bound book, its cover embossed with the title "You Are Beautiful" in elegant, cursive script. I felt a lump form in my throat as I picked up the book, running my fingers over the soft cover. "Ethan, this is...wow." My voice was barely above a whisper. Ethan smiled, his eyes shining with warmth. "I saw the book and thought of you, the words inside resonated with me, and I wanted to share them with you. You are beautiful, inside and out." I opened the book, and a piece of paper slipped out, carrying a handwritten note: "To a woman who radiates light and joy, may these words remind you of your beauty and worth. -E" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I looked up at Ethan, feeling a deep connection to this kind, thoughtful man. Was th
Emily's POV: "Mind if we meet tonight?" Liam asked, his voice low and inviting. "Yes, I would." I need to get out and get some fresh air to clear my mind. I was all over the place emotionally. "Okay, I'll come pick you up at the usual spot?" "Yes." I felt a flutter in my chest. "See you, Miss Clumsy." He teased. I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself. "Hey, that's not fair!" I protested, but he just chuckled and hung up the phone. I was left staring at the screen, my heart racing with anticipation. What would tonight bring? Hanging out with Liam was better, I thought to myself. Maybe if my affection towards him grew, I would be able to forget about Ethan. At least Liam was gentle and kind, and I was sure he loved me for who I was. Unlike Ethan, who seemed to take pleasure in toying with my emotions. As I got ready for our meeting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to love Liam the way I deserved to be loved. And
Emily POV: "You're right, it's family issues rather." I lied to conceal another lie, and Ethan saw right through me. He gave me a piercing stare, his expression calm and collected. "I can manage that." His voice was laced with a hint of skepticism, and I knew I was in trouble. He didn't believe my deception, and I knew he would dig until he uncovered the truth. "Would you mind sharing, or are you in a hurry to meet your friend?" His facial expression was suspicious when he said 'friend', and I couldn't help but wonder if he knew who I was secretly meeting. "I'm not in a hurry, but the issue is confidential." I tried to sound calm despite my racing thoughts. The way Ethan said 'friend' still lingered in my mind, his tone and expression hinting at a deeper understanding. I felt like he could see right through me like he knew the truth I was desperate to keep hidden. "Have fun with your... friend." Ethan's voice trailed off, leaving the word hanging in the air like a
Emily's POV: "But anyway, prepare your singing voice." He added, and with that, I could guess where we were headed. Karaoke. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. I was not exactly the next American Idol. "Is it a karaoke?" I tried to sound casual despite my growing unease. "Maybe, prepare your singing voice." A small smile played on his face. That was all the confirmation I needed. We were going to a karaoke place. I could feel my anxiety spiking at the thought of singing in front of people. "Maybe you should be the one to prepare your voice, I'm always ready." I feigned a smirk, hoping to hide my true feelings. "Oh?" His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You would be so surprised." He added with a small laugh. "Little information, I was part of the choristers in church back then." He continued. "Really?" A small smile appeared on my face. "Yes, Little Liam, with a suit every Sunday, with that bass voice..." We both burst o
Emily's POV; Liam's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine. The crowd's chants grew louder, and I felt my heart racing with anticipation. Then, in a moment that seemed to slow down time, Liam's lips brushed against mine in a soft, gentle kiss. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their whistles and screams filling the air. I felt like I was melting into Liam's embrace, our lips moving in perfect sync. The host's voice boomed through the microphone, "And there's the kiss we've all been waiting for!" The crowd's cheers reached a deafening pitch, and I felt like I was on cloud nine. As we pulled away from each other, gasping for air, Liam grinned at me, his eyes shining with excitement. I couldn't help but smile back, my heart still racing from the thrill of our kiss. Liam stepped back onto the stage, this time whispering something in the emcee's ear. The emcee's face lit up with a knowing smile, and he turned to t
Ethan's POV: I felt a knot in my stomach as I paced back and forth in front of the clock. Where was Emily? She had promised to return today, and now she was nowhere to be found. I tried calling her again, but her phone went straight to voicemail. I left another message, trying to keep my voice calm. As the minutes ticked by, my anxiety grew. Something must have happened to her. I thought about our last conversation, wondering if I had missed something. Had she hinted at any problems? I racked my brain, but nothing came to mind. I knew Emily was a grown woman and could take care of herself, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of worry. Maybe she had simply slept over at a friend's place, but she could have at least called me. I tried not to be overly concerned, but I was deeply worried that something dangerous might have happened to her. I prayed and hoped that everything was okay. I decided to head to the kitchen to make a cold coffee, hoping the familiar ritual would calm
Emily POV:My heart skipped a beat as I realized I was in Liam's room. The large picture frame on the wall, the sleek furniture, and the luxurious decor all screamed 'Liam'. I felt a flutter in my chest as I remembered the events of the previous night. I had been so caught up in the moment, in the music and the laughter, that I hadn't even thought about where I was going or what I was doing. And now, here I was, in Liam's bed. I looked around the room again, taking in the details. There were photos of Liam with his friends and family, and a few awards and trophies on a shelf. But what caught my eye was the photo of us, taken just last night, on the stage. We were smiling and laughing, our arms around each other. I quickly scrambled out of bed, my mind racing with thoughts of how I was going to explain my whereabouts to Ethan. I had told Ethan I would be returning home, but clearly, that hadn't happened. And now, it was past 10 am the next day, and I was still in Liam's apar
Emily's POV: "Here, change into something fresh." Liam offered, walking over to his closet. "You can borrow my shorts and a T-shirt." "But I'd be swimming in them!" I exclaimed, playfully making a distressed face, exaggerating the idea that his clothes would be way too big for me. He chuckled and teased. "You'd look adorable in them, I promise!" I rolled my eyes, laughing, and said. "You're just trying to distract me from my embarrassment, aren't you?" He grinned mischievously and replied, "Maybe a little, but seriously, you'd rock the oversized look!" I playfully shook my head, still smiling, and said, "You're impossible, Liam." He chuckled and handed me a crisp white t-shirt and a pair of worn denim shorts. "Come on, change into these. I promise you'll be the cutest thing I've ever seen." I took the clothes, feeling a bit silly, but also grateful for his kindness. I slipped into the dressing room, swapped my clothes for Liam's, and gazed at my reflecti
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.