Olivia sat at her sleek, glass-topped desk, her eyes skimming over the morning news headlines flashing on her tablet. As she had predicted, she and Ethan were everywhere. "Fashion Titans Unite: Pierce and Carter Tie the Knot" screamed from every major news outlet, accompanied by images of the two of them from the charity dinner the night before. The world was abuzz with the sudden, unexpected union of two of the most influential figures in the industry.
She had to admit, the sight of their names together, etched in bold typeface, thrilled her more than she had anticipated. Her plan was unfolding perfectly. The strategic merger that would put Titan Industries on notice was now the talk of the town, and everyone was watching.
A grin spread across her face as she continued to scroll through the articles. The press had lapped up every moment—Ethan's protective hand on her back, their shared smiles, the way they seemed to be in perfect sync. It was exactly what she had wanted, and more. But amid her triumph, there was a twinge of something else—a sense of satisfaction that wasn't purely about business.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the chime of her phone, indicating a new text message. Glancing down, she saw Ethan's name flash on the screen. Her grin widened as she opened the message.
*"Morning, Ms. Carter. I hope you're pleased with the headlines. We make a great team."*
Olivia's heart skipped a beat at his words. Despite herself, she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. But instead of responding directly, she decided to have a little fun. After all, Ethan was the one who had always prided himself on being in control.
*"Who's this?"* she typed back, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.
A moment later, her phone buzzed again. The reply was quick, as she expected it would be.
*"Your fiancé, of course."* The text was followed by a winking emoji.
Olivia felt a slight jolt at the word "fiancé." Though she knew it was all part of the plan, hearing—or rather, reading—Ethan refer to himself that way stirred something in her. Her posture straightened unconsciously, and she replied with her usual elegance, wanting to keep things light.
*"Oh, of course. How could I forget?"* she typed, keeping her tone playful but distant, not wanting to give too much away.
*"Good. I was starting to think I'd made too subtle an impression,"* Ethan replied.
Olivia could practically hear the teasing tone in his voice as she read the message. But before she could come up with a response, another message popped up.
*"How about we celebrate our successful 'engagement' over lunch? My treat."*
Olivia hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. She knew what Ethan was doing. He was playing into the role perfectly, and she had to admit that the idea of lunch with him, out in public, was risky. But it was also smart. It would keep the narrative alive, keep people talking.
She started typing a polite refusal, already crafting an excuse about work or a prior commitment. But before she could send it, another message appeared.
*"Before you say no, think about how much the media would love it. A cozy lunch between the newly engaged power couple? It's perfect."*
Olivia sighed, realizing that he had outmaneuvered her. He was right—lunch together would only reinforce their story, keep them in the spotlight where they needed to be.
*"Fine,"* she replied, conceding defeat. *"Where should I meet you?"*
Ethan responded almost instantly. *"I'll pick you up at noon. And don't worry, I know just the place."*
At exactly noon, Ethan's sleek black car pulled up outside her office. Olivia, always punctual, was already waiting by the curb. As the car came to a stop, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the tinted windows—a vision of composed elegance, dressed in a figure-hugging red dress that accentuated her every curve. She had chosen the color deliberately, knowing it would catch everyone's attention. The red gown from the night before had made its impression, and she intended to continue that trend.
The passenger door swung open, and Ethan stepped out, looking as immaculate as ever. He was dressed in a charcoal suit that perfectly matched her dress, his hair styled neatly back. His presence was commanding, yet there was a warmth in his eyes as he looked at her.
"You look stunning," he said with genuine admiration as he held the door open for her.
Olivia met his gaze and allowed herself a small smile. "You're not looking too bad yourself, Mr. Pierce."
Once inside the car, they settled into a comfortable silence as the city passed by outside the windows. Olivia found herself stealing glances at Ethan, noticing the way his jaw tightened as he focused on the road, the way his hands gripped the steering wheel with controlled strength. Despite everything, there was an undeniable chemistry between them—a connection that went beyond mere business strategy.
"So, where are we going?" she asked finally, breaking the silence.
"It's a surprise," Ethan replied with a cryptic smile. "But trust me, you'll love it."
The car wound through the city streets, taking them away from the bustling downtown and into a quieter, more picturesque neighborhood. Finally, they pulled up in front of a charming, old-world restaurant with a French name that Olivia couldn't quite pronounce. The building had a quaint, rustic charm, with ivy-covered walls and large French windows that let in the afternoon light.
As they stepped inside, the maître d' greeted them warmly and led them to a table by one of the large windows, which offered a view of the bustling street outside. Olivia glanced around, taking in the cozy atmosphere. It was far from the usual high-end establishments they frequented, but it had a certain charm that she couldn't deny.
Once they were seated, Ethan turned to her with a grin. "I thought you might appreciate something a little different today. This place is a hidden gem—great food, low-key vibe, and a perfect spot for a quiet lunch".
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Quiet? You do realize that we're the center of attention right now, don't you?"
Ethan chuckled. "Of course. But that's the point. We're giving them exactly what they want—a glimpse into our 'relationship.' And what better way to do that than by enjoying a nice, relaxed meal together?"
As the waiter came to take their order, Olivia couldn't help but notice how Ethan's eyes lingered on her, how his smile seemed to soften every time he looked her way. It was all part of the act, she reminded herself. They were playing their roles to perfection, just as they had agreed.
But then Ethan did something that caught her off guard. As the waiter walked away, Ethan reached across the table and gently took her hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her, and she looked up at him in surprise.
"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ethan's expression remained calm, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Relax, Olivia. It's all part of the show. We need to keep up appearances, remember?"
Olivia opened her mouth to protest, but then she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. A man sitting at a nearby table, trying—and failing—to be discreet as he snapped a photo with his phone.
Ethan leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "See that guy over there? He's with the press. We need to make this look convincing."
Understanding dawned on Olivia, and she forced herself to relax, allowing her hand to stay in his. She even managed a smile, though she wasn't entirely sure it was genuine.
"Well, if we're going to do this, we might as well do it right," she said, trying to regain some control of the situation.
Ethan's smile widened, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "That's the spirit."
From that moment on, they played their parts to perfection. Olivia laughed and giggled at Ethan's playful banter, feeding him bites of food with a flirtatious grin. Ethan, in turn, was the picture of a devoted fiancé, leaning in close, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, and holding her hand as if he never wanted to let go.
To anyone watching, they looked like a couple deeply in love, completely at ease in each other's company. But beneath the surface, Olivia could feel the tension simmering between them. Every touch, every glance, every whispered word was a reminder of the fine line they were walking between reality and pretense.
As they continued their act, Olivia couldn't help but notice the way Ethan's gaze lingered on her, the way his smile seemed to soften in those moments when the cameras weren't watching. It was almost as if, for him, this wasn't just an act.
But she pushed the thought aside, reminding herself that this was all for show. They had a plan, and they were sticking to it.
As the lunch went on, Olivia found herself enjoying Ethan's company more than she had anticipated. Despite their complicated history, there was something easy and natural about being with him—something that felt almost… right. But just as she was starting to let her guard down, Ethan did something that threw her off balance once again.
As they finished their meal, Ethan reached across the table and took her hand in his once more, his expression suddenly serious. "Olivia," he said softly, his voice low and earnest, "I want you to know that while this is all a show, I also see it as an opportunity. An opportunity for us to create something real, something meaningful. I care about how this looks, but I also care about how you feel."
Olivia felt a flutter in her stomach at his words, a mix of surprise and something deeper. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. The charm he exuded, the way he looked at her as if she was the only person in the room, made it hard to remember the rivalry that had defined their relationship for so long.
She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, the atmosphere shifted. A group of journalists entered the restaurant, their cameras at the ready, and they began snapping pictures of the dining patrons. Ethan immediately let go of her hand and leaned back, adopting a casual demeanor.
"Looks like we're back on the clock," he said with a chuckle, winking at her as he shifted back into the role of the charismatic fiancé.
Olivia quickly composed herself, her professional demeanor slipping back into place. She straightened her dress, took a sip of water, and plastered a smile on her face as the journalists moved closer.
"Ethan! Olivia!" one of them called out, their voice cutting through the chatter of the restaurant. "How's the engagement going? What can you tell us about your plans for the wedding?"
Ethan and Olivia exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. This was the moment they had been preparing for.
"We're very excited," Ethan said smoothly, leaning slightly toward the journalists. "We want to make sure it's something special, not just for us, but for our families and our fans."
Olivia nodded in agreement. "We've already started planning. It will be a celebration of love and unity, and we hope to share some surprises with everyone soon."
"Can you tell us anything specific about the wedding?" another reporter pressed, camera flashing.
Ethan smiled broadly. "Let's just say that it will definitely make headlines—just like our partnership. We're both very committed to making it memorable."
The journalists seemed satisfied with their answers, snapping a few more pictures before moving on to the next table. Olivia exhaled softly, feeling the weight of the moment lift slightly. They had navigated that well, but she couldn't shake the lingering feeling from Ethan's earlier words.
As the journalists dispersed, Ethan turned back to Olivia, a grin on his face. "See? We make a pretty good team."
"Yes, we do," she agreed, but her voice held a note of uncertainty. "But we need to remember that it's all just for show, right?"
"Of course," he replied, but there was a glint in his eyes that suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.
"Let's not forget the real reason behind this," Olivia said, trying to reinforce the boundaries of their arrangement. "We have a business to run."
"Absolutely," Ethan replied, though his expression shifted momentarily, revealing a hint of something deeper. "But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the ride a little, right?"
Olivia smiled politely, unsure of how to respond. It was a fine line they were walking, and she wasn't ready to let her guard down completely.
After settling the bill, they stepped outside, where the sun warmed their skin. Ethan opened the car door for her once more, a gesture that felt oddly intimate. As she slid into the seat, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of something she hadn't expected—a spark of excitement mingled with apprehension.
"Where to next?" she asked, attempting to shift the conversation back to familiar territory.
Ethan glanced over at her, his eyes bright. "How about we take a little detour? I want to show you something special."
Curiosity piqued, Olivia raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"
"Just trust me," he said with a smile, pulling out of the restaurant's parking lot. "I promise you'll love it."
As they drove through the city, Ethan pointed out various landmarks, sharing stories and anecdotes that made her laugh. His enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, Olivia allowed herself to enjoy the ride.
They soon arrived at a beautiful park, a hidden gem in the midst of the city, filled with blooming flowers and tall trees that created a serene atmosphere. Ethan parked the car and opened the door for her again, gesturing for her to step out.
"What do you think?" he asked, watching her closely as she took in the scenery.
"It's beautiful," she admitted, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "I had no idea this place existed."
"I come here to clear my head sometimes," he said, leading her down a winding path lined with cherry blossom trees. "It's peaceful."
As they walked side by side, Olivia couldn't help but feel the tension shift. The playful banter from earlier had given way to something more profound. She felt a sense of connection to Ethan that she had never experienced before, one that went beyond their rivalry and the pretense of their engagement.
"Ethan," she began, hesitating slightly, "about our partnership—"
But before she could finish, he interrupted her with a grin. "Let's not talk business right now. Let's just enjoy the moment."
She watched him, his handsome features softened by the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. "You're right," she said, a smile creeping onto her face. "Let's enjoy this."
They continued walking, their shoulders brushing occasionally, and Olivia found herself reveling in the simplicity of the moment. It was nice to step away from the spotlight, to feel like just two people rather than business rivals or a power couple.
After a while, they reached a small clearing with a bench overlooking a pond filled with lily pads. Ethan gestured for her to sit down, and as she did, he sat next to her, their knees nearly touching.
"Isn't it perfect?" he asked, his voice low.
"It is," she agreed, looking out at the water. "It feels… different out here."
"It's nice to take a break from the chaos, right?" he said, glancing at her.
"Yes," Olivia replied, her heart racing slightly at the intensity of his gaze. "It really is."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. But then, as if sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Ethan turned to her, a serious expression crossing his face. "Olivia, I want you to know that even though we're playing this role, I'm committed to making this work—both personally and professionally. I believe in what we can achieve together."
His words resonated deeply within her. She wanted to believe him, to allow herself to entertain the possibility that this arrangement could lead to something genuine. But the doubts lingered at the back of her mind, reminding her of the stakes involved.
"I appreciate that, Ethan," she said finally, her voice steady. "But we have to stay focused on our goals. The merger is what matters most."
"Of course," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "But that doesn't mean we can't build a foundation for something more, right? What if this partnership could evolve into something genuine?"
Olivia felt her heart race at his words. She wanted to argue, to remind him of the terms of their agreement. But instead, she found herself captivated by the possibility he presented.
Before she could respond, Ethan leaned closer, his hand brushing against hers once more. "Just think about it," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper.
And in that moment, as their eyes locked and the world around them faded away, Olivia felt the walls she had built around her heart begin to crack. Maybe, just maybe, there was something real brewing beneath the surface of their charade.
As if sensing her moment of vulnerability, Ethan suddenly grinned, breaking the tension. "Alright, enough of the heavy stuff. Let's make a pact. For every successful meeting we have, we get to treat ourselves to something fun. How does that sound?"
Olivia laughed, the tension between them lifting. "I like that idea. But I get to pick the treats."
"Deal," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "Just promise you won't make it too extravagant."
"I can't make any promises, Ethan," she teased back, feeling lighter than she had in a long time.
As they shared a laugh, Olivia couldn't shake the feeling that they were at the beginning of something new. The stakes were high, but so was the excitement. They had built a façade of an engagement, but perhaps there was the potential for more.
With that thought lingering in her mind, she stood up from the bench, feeling invigorated. "Alright, let's get back to it. We have a merger to run, and I don't want to keep the world waiting."
Ethan rose beside her, their hands brushing against each other again as they walked back to the car. "Right. The world is counting on us."
As they made their way back to the car, Olivia felt a rush of exhilaration. Perhaps this arrangement was not as one-sided as she had thought. There was a spark between them, a connection that went beyond the surface.
And as they drove back through the city, the sun shining brightly overhead, Olivia couldn't help but smile at the unexpected journey they were embarking on together—a journey that might just lead to a future neither of them could have predicted.