It was the next, a day before Ethan Hatton had issued for the press release of his engagement so he had arranged a date with Emily to discuss all the terms of their marriage. It was in the evening, as the sun began its descent, casting its usual warm golden hue across the city.


    They both found themselves seated in a cozy corner booth at a trendy restaurant that offered a bit of privacy. Ethan looked suave and impably dressed, his dark hair neatly styled and those piercing eyes never missing the hint of mischief in them, while Emily hopped in her most elegant dress in her little wardrobe, a flowing a flowering dress that exposed the curve of her shoulders, highlighting delicate spots that drew Ethan’s attention.


    Nervously, Emily fiddled with her silverware, stealing nces at Ethan, her head still sending off rms but she chose to ignore them “So, um Ethan, shall we discuss the terms of our….. contract marriage?”


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, a small smile ying on his lips “Of course, but let’s order some wine to ease the tension, shall we?”


    Emily nodded, grateful for the distraction. She watched Ethan gracefully peruse the wine menu with an air of sophistication around him. With a knowing smile, he selects a bottle of the finest vintage, its price tag a testament to its exclusivity. As the sommelier presents the wine, its deep crimson color catches the flickering candlelight, casting a mesmerizing glow. The aroma of oak and berries suddenly filling the air, tantalizing their senses.


    Taking a sip, Emily gathered her thoughts “So let me get this straight, you need a marriage to get some investors invest in a new startuppany, Hatton tech you say? Why exactly? I don’t get it”


    “It’s a tad bitplicated” Ethan said, taking a sip from his ss “These group of investors are in a family business and they’re all about family,mitment and whatnot and I’ve messed up one too many times with my father so getting this deal is a chance to redeem myself and I need this, that’s why I need you”


    “I see” Emily said, suddenly swirling her wine around the ss to ease her nervousness “So what story do wee up with because people are definitely going to ask. How did we meet?”


    “There’s definitely no need to lie about that one” Ethan winked “We met at the park and it was love at first sight”


    Emily giggled, stealing a nce but avoiding his eyes at the same time.


    “And to add, my favorite color is ck, I hate sushi it’s basically raw fish. I love to swim in my spare time and I golf asionally” he said looking at her expectantly and when she caught that he was waiting for a response from her sheughed, her eyes nearly rolling back to her head


    “Ohhh you’re waiting for me, I’m too poor to have a hobby Ethan. My favorite color is blue though and of course feel free to cook up something for me I’ll definitely second it”


    Ethan smiled, enjoying the witty side of her. He enjoyed the way her eyes squinted when sheughed, how she threw her head back in the act. Somehow seeing her smile tugged at a delicate spot in his heart, a ce he never thought existed not even with previous girlfriends.


    “And also” Emily said suddenly “Sex is off the table, we’re allowed to hold hands, hug and just in public”


    Ethan suddenly choked on his drink,pletely cut off guard by her statement “Say what now?”


    “You heard me Ethan Hatton, there is no love here and it’s strictly business”This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    In that moment, Ethan leaned forward on the table with his face only a breathable distance from hers while she stared at him wide-eyed “What if I’m interested in getting to know you Emily Walker or should I say Emily Hatton”


    Emily gulped, still staring wild-eyed at him unsure of what to do with his face so close to hers and smirking at her, but before she could say anything he retreated back, a satisfied look on his face


    “Speaking of that” Ethan said suddenly dipping his hands in his pockets and bringing out a small velvet box, its surface worn with anticipation, opening it slowly he revealed a sight that stole her breath away.


    There, nestled within the plush velvet, was an engagement ring unlike any she had ever seen. The centerpiece was a dazzling diamond, its facet catching the fading light and reflecting it back in a mesmerizing disy of brilliance. The band, delicately crafted, encased the precious gem with a timeless elegance. Its smooth, polished surface glimmered.


    “Will you be in a fake marriage with me?” he asked her and Emily felt a surge of emotions wash over her because he just kept being a bundle of surprise each time andpletely catching her off guard. She was about to say yes, knowing fully well that her life was going to change forever with that simple statement and with this elegant ring slipping onto her finger. Ethan held her hands delicately, though he had a rather gentle smile on his face, the affection wasn’t forting and she had to mentally remind herself that this was strictly business and just a way out of her financial situation.


    She was just about to say yes when suddenly, a strange girl slipped into the booth next to Ethan. In the blink of an eye, she grabbed the ring from him and slipping it onto her own finger.


    “What the hell are you doing giving my ring to some strange girl” she said, her voice buttery and calm even though it wasced with a bit of venom. Her doe-shaped eyes calm but striking still as she shot daggers towards Emily with those eyes. Emily’s eyes clouded with confusion as she looked from Ethan to the strange girl who equally looked confused but she couldn’t miss the familiarity on his face. He knew her


    “Anita?” He called