Ethan's POV Her words left me speechless. I didn't know what to say. Why was she telling me all of this? Was she trying to make me feel better? Or was she just trying to clear her conscience? "Why are you telling me all of this?" I managed to ask. "Are you feeling sorry for me or something?" "I just felt like the way I left you wasn't right," she said. "And I know you saw the message I sent by mistake. I'm sorry about that." Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I was a jumble of emotions - anger, sadness, betrayal. I didn't know what to say. But then her words sank in. She was apologizing. And I realized it was because of the message, not because she felt bad about leaving me. I felt my anger rising. My throat was dry and my mouth was dry. I couldn't form words. I just stared at my phone, unable to speak. The words finally came. "So you are telling me this because of the message?" I asked, my voice cold and harsh. "That's the only reason?" I was furious. She
Emily's POV I was worried Ethan hadn't come back yet. It was past 1 o'clock, and he still wasn't home. I knew I shouldn't care - he wasn't my husband, after all. But I couldn't shake feeling unease. I hoped he was safe, wherever he was. I was worried something bad had happened to him. He had been so harsh to me in the office, but I still cared about him. I paced back and forth in the sitting room, watching the enormous clock on the wall. Each minute that ticked by felt like an eternity. I panicked. On top of everything else, I was scared. There were no maids or chefs in the mansion. He had told them all to take a break. I wondered why he had done that. It was unlike him to be so kind to the staff. Something about the whole situation felt off. I got a bad feeling about what might have happened to him. The house was so big, and every move I made seemed to echo around me. The silence was deafening. I had never felt so alone. I wondered where he was, and why he hadn't come home yet
Ethan's POV I woke up feeling disoriented. My body ached all over. I couldn't remember how I had gotten into bed. The last thing I remembered was standing at the door, trying to figure out how to get inside. What had happened between then and now? Had I blacked out? I tossed and turned, and I suddenly felt something else on the bed. I shot upright, my heart racing with fear. Who was there? I grabbed the nearest object I could find and held it out in front of me, prepared to defend myself. But before I could do anything, the blanket was pulled off the other person in the bed. It was Olivia's sister. What was she doing in my room? And what was she doing in my bed? My heart was racing even faster. Then I realized my shirt was off. Had she tried to seduce me while I was unconscious? I felt a wave of anger and confusion. I tapped her hard on the shoulder, and she snapped awake, her eyes bloodshot and bleary. She looked like she had been through quite a lot, but I wasn't feeling sympath
Ethan's POVThere was something special about a homemade burger. It tasted better, and it felt more satisfying. I felt a sense of pride, knowing that I could make a burger that was just as good, if not better, than the ones I could order. ****Flashback**** I was sitting in the dining, trying to decide what to eat for dinner."I think we should order some burgers," I said to Ava. "What do you think?""I think that's a great idea," Ava replied. "I'm in the mood for a burger. And it's been a while since we've had one."She smiled at me, and I felt a sense of warmth and comfort. It was one of those simple, everyday moments that I would always remember."But you're going to make them yourself," Ava said, playfully poking me on the nose. I couldn't help but smile. She had a way of making even the most mundane moments feel special. "Make a burger? I don't even know how to boil an egg." We both burst out laughing. "You don't even know how to boil eggs?" Ava said, shaking her head in disbeli
Emily's POVI couldn't help but feel a sense of regret over the proxy marriage I had signed. I had done so much for him, and he had still treated me so harshly. His apology didn't seem to make up for it. I wasn't sure if I could ever forgive him. I wondered what had made him act that way. What had I done to deserve it?I felt so foolish for trying to hug him, only to have him pull away. It was humiliating, and it made me feel like a fool. I felt trapped. I had signed a contract that bound me to him indefinitely, and I couldn't get out of it. I wished I could leave, but I knew I couldn't. I felt helpless like there was nothing I could do to change my situation. I was stuck in a situation I didn't want to be in, and I didn't see any way out.The shrill sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of my thoughts. I had been so deep in my thoughts, trying to figure out what to do, that the sudden noise startled me. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, wondering who could be calling me.When I
Emily's POVI went downstairs to the kitchen and made myself a quick breakfast. I knew it was important to start the day with something nutritious, so I made myself a healthy smoothie with fruit, vegetables, and protein powder. I took a few minutes to sip it slowly, savoring the taste and enjoying the feeling of taking care of myself.As I was walking out the door, I saw Ethan heading out as well. I considered asking him if he could give me a ride to work. I quickly dismissed the idea. I knew he would say no and it would only make things awkward between us. I didn't want to start the day off on an unpleasant note."Emily." It caught me off guard when Ethan called me by my name. He had always referred to me as Olivia's sister, so it was surprising to hear him use my name. I walked up to Ethan."Good morning!" I greeted. He didn't respond. Instead, he just started talking about something else, as if he hadn't even heard me. "You will make sure that no one in the office knows that we li
Emily's POV"Would you mind if we went down to get something to eat?" Liam asked. I was taken aback by the invitation, but I couldn't help but feel a little thrill of excitement. "I would love to!" I said, trying not to sound too eager. I was hungry, and I was eager for some company, even if it was just a quick lunch. But then I remembered I had got a lot of work to do."Oh, I'm so sorry. I have a lot of work to do and I can't afford to be distracted right now." "Oh, poor little Miss Clumsy," Liam was teasing me with a grin. "I wish I could help you, but I've got a lot of work to do myself." I couldn't help but laugh at his playful tone. He was just trying to make me feel better, and it was working. I felt a bit lighter, my mood was lifted."Maybe we could hang out some other time," Liam said, and I felt a flicker of hope. "That would be great." "Bye, Miss Clumsy," Liam grinned at me as he walked away. I watched him go, feeling oddly satisfied. It had been a pleasant brief interactio
Emily's POVI was so relieved to get home after such a long day. I had been dreading work, especially after the way Ethan had spoken to me before. But today had turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Ethan had been polite, and I had even had a great conversation with Liam. I felt like someone had lifted a weight off my shoulders. I was exhausted, but I also felt energized.I was so tired, but I knew I had to get ready for my outing with Liam. I was a little nervous but also excited. I did not know where we were going, but I wanted to look my best. I rummaged through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit. I wanted to make a good impression, and I wanted to feel confident and beautiful.I was so tired from searching through my closet that I headed downstairs to the kitchen to fix myself a quick meal. I was starving, and I needed to refuel before I could continue getting ready.I took the stairs down to the kitchen, and when I reached the bottom, I saw Ethan standing there. I froze,
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.