All Chapters of Marriage Bargain: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

EMILY'S POV As soon as I stepped into the house,every bone in my body screamed tiredness. I was greeted by the workers as I went up to the master bedroom.Getting to the room, I glanced through the room and didn't see Ronald,placed my bag on the bag rack, stripped myself bare and went into the bathroom. I came back to the room and sat in front of the mirror, tying my hair into a bun when the door opened, revealing Ronald. My face relaxed into a smile “I didn't realize you were home,”“Same here, I've been home for a while. Finishing work and all,” he said, hands in his pocket.“I just got back,” I said, still focused on moisturizing my face." How was your outing? How did your appointment go?” he asked, rubbing his neck.I stopped mid way, my hands off my face. I turned, glancing at him. ‘Did he just ask me about my outing?’ I yelled in my thoughts. ‘ Is this the Ronald I know or another? He is so full of surprises,”“ Huh, it went well," I said, still shocked. It's kinda good we a

EMILY'S POV The flashes from the paparazzi blinded my eyes as we got down from the ride, holding onto Ronald's hands firmly,we walked on the red carpet. It was my first time attending a gathering like this. As we walked into the ballroom,I was bewildered by the class of people who graced the event. ‘This is an opportunity for me to meet and mingle elites who would show me the ropes to the top,’ I smiled as Ronald led me into the ballroom. I was struck by the presence of dignitaries from various fields, all gathered to network and celebrate. Ronald expectly navigated the crowd, introducing me to influential figures. My heart jumped in excitement as I engaged with the dignitaries, their warm words of praise leaving me blushing. Ronald, beaming with pride, effortlessly charmed with the conversation, his wide grin infections. Ronald learned close, “Excuse me for a moment, I need to meet with someone,” he said, taking a glass of wine on the table and walking away.‘Oh my gosh! Why did

EMILY'S POVMy eyes opened slightly,I found myself sinking into the plush softness of my bed, but the comfort was quickly overshadowed by a searing headache that threatened to split my skull in two. I winced, struggling to sit up straight, and gingerly opened my eyes to take in my surroundings. The room spun around me, making my stomach lurch.I pressed my palm to my forehead, trying to massage away the throbbing pain. "What happened?" I muttered aloud, my voice hoarse from sleep. "How did I even get home last night?" I rubbed my temples, attempting to ease the ache, but my memories of the previous evening remained frustratingly foggy. The more I tried to recall, the more my head pounded, leaving me feeling disoriented.I gazed down at my clothes, and my heart sank as I realized I was still wearing the same outfit from the previous day. A wave of panic washed over me as I struggled to piece together the events of the night before. I attempted to stand up from the bed, but as soon as

EMILY'S POVI hesitated for a moment before answering,my mind racing with questions ‘Ethan? Why is he calling me?’ I muttered under my breath. I picked the call. “Hey, Emily!" His warm, cheerful voice filled the line, the opposite of my guarded demeanor. I twirled a strand of hair around my finger,a nervous habit I thought I’d long outgrown “Hi," " How are your day going?"he asked, his tone light and friendly." It's fine, thanks." My response was curt but I didn't mean to be rude. I was just… cautious.Ethan didn't seem to notice. “ Good, good. I was thinking we should grab coffee sometime? Catch up on old times?”I paused, my mind racing. Why was Ethan reaching out now? “ Coffee?” I repeated stalling. “Yeah, just a friendly chat,” his tone was easy going but I detected a hint of sincerity underneath. " I know this might be uncomfortable due to our past relationship. Give us a chance to be friends again, I promise never to disappoint you again.” He added,his voice low and husky.

EMILY'S POVIt was our first long conversation. We chatted expressly until our food was set on the table. Mid way into our dinner, Ronald's voice sliced into the silence.“Do you remember anything from last night?" he asked, his voice smooth and calm.I froze, my fork hovering mid hair. Ronald's words dropped like a stone into the silence, sending ripples through my calm facade.“ Last night? What happened?" I said, my voice barely a whisper. My eyes widened, as if the words themselves were a surprise. But they weren't.Memories of last night’s haze began to resurface - the way he cleaned up the mess I made. My face burned hotter.I strained to remember any other thing apart from Ronald cleaning me up but my mind remained frustratingly empty.I struggled to swallow, my throat dry. “I… I don't remember much,” I stammered, attempting to deflect.Ronald's eyes crinkled at the corners, a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. “ Really?" he asked, his tone low and teasing. My heart skipp