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 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 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
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
Emily's POV; I was nervous as I got ready for dinner with Williams. He had said he had something important to tell me, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was what I was hoping it would be. We had been together for eight months, and I had started to daydream about the possibility of a future together. As I put the finishing touches on my outfit, I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. I told myself that I was probably overthinking things, but I couldn't help but hope he would ask me the question I'd been waiting for. I couldn't deny that I had strong feelings for Williams. Even though we had only been together for eight months, I had fallen head over heels for him. He was charming, funny, and sweet, and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. I felt like a teenager with a schoolgirl crush, and the thought of him asking me to spend the rest of my life with him made my heart flutter. I was ready to say yes, no matter what. I arrived at the restaurant a few
Emily's POV;"There's no way I'm getting married to someone I've never even met," I exclaimed, feeling a mixture of anger and frustration. My mom had just suggested that I marry Ethan Smith. I couldn't believe it. It felt like a cruel joke. My mom's request came as a complete shock. Not only was I still grieving the end of my relationship with Williams, but now I was being asked to marry someone I had never met. "You should be excited about this offer. It's Ethan Smith we're talking about." My mom's voice was already increasing in anger. "I know it's Ethan Smith, the well-known billionaire every girl's dream, but not mine," I stated firmly. I could feel the pitch of my voice rising, too. "Mom, I don't think this is right for me. Olivia is older and would be a better match for Ethan." Olivia was my step-sister, and our relationship was strained, as she always seemed to keep her distance from me. Despite our parents being married, she acted as if they were not, which made me feel lik
Ethan's POV"Eva," I began, taking a deep breath, "will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I asked my heart in my throat. I was certain she would say yes, but I wasn't prepared for the look on her face. There was no smile, no joy. Instead, her expression was indecipherable. I could hear the surrounding crowd, phones at the ready, capturing this moment for all eternity. I remained on one knee, waiting for an answer. The silence stretched on, and I could feel my pulse quicken. Was this a mistake? Was I about to be rejected in front of everyone? My heart was pounding, my palms were clammy, and I had to resist the urge to stand up and flee. I waited, hoping, praying, that she would give me the answer I longed to hear. The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel my anxiety rising with each passing second. How much longer would I have to wait? Suddenly, she spoke, her voice cutting through the stillness like a knife. "Yes," she responded, "I would be honored to be your
Ethan's POV;"It won't be hard to find a bride for you," my mom assured me. "You're one of the richest and most handsome men in the city. You'll have no problem finding someone."I shook my head, trying to push away her words. I didn't want a bride. I didn't want anyone but Ava. She was gone, and I might never be able to bring her back.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had to focus on the future. As I thought about Ava, I could still see her long, silky brown hair cascading down her back, framing her strikingly beautiful face. Her deep blue eyes were like the ocean, and her long, elegant nose only added to her allure. I found myself entranced by her perfect lips, and her alluring scent still lingers in my memory. But I knew I might never have her again. I had promised myself that I would never fall in love again, never put myself in a position to be hurt like this again. I tried to forget her, but I knew it was impossible. I would always carry a piece of Ava with
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.