Bella woke up to an empty room, the bed beside her undisturbed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, wondering if she had imagined Ethan's presence the night before.
She looked around the room, but there was no sign of him. Bella's mind raced. Had she dreamed the whole thing? Had Ethan ever really been in her room?
She threw off the covers and got out of bed, her heart racing with uncertainty. Bella took a refreshing shower, trying to shake off the uncertainty of the previous night. She got dressed and headed downstairs, her stomach growling with hunger.
As she entered the dining room, she was surprised to see Ethan already seated at the table, looking impeccable in a tailored suit. The table was set with fine china and a delicious-looking breakfast spread.
"Good morning," Ethan said, his eyes locking onto hers with a warm smile. "I hope you slept well."
Bella felt a flutter in her chest as she took in the sight of him. She hadn't expected to see him looking so... polished.
"I did, thanks," she replied, trying to sound casual. "Are you going somewhere"
Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Work and all, i still have a company to run."
Ethan turned to Bella, his expression serious. "By noon you should get ready I'll come and pick you up, we have to see grandpa and before we go to Grandfather's mansion, I need to remind you of our arrangement. We need to pretend to be in love."
Bella nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I remember."
Ethan's smile was wry. "But we need to make it convincing. Grandfather needs to believe we're deeply in love."
Bella snorted. "And how do you plan to do that?"
Ethan's eyes locked on hers, his gaze intense. "Leave that to me. Just follow my lead, and we'll get through this together."
Bella raised an eyebrow, but nodded curtly. "Fine. Let's get this over with." With that ethan stood up and walked out without sparing bella a glance.
***********
At the company
Ethan arrived at his company, his mind still on the upcoming meeting with his grandfather. He had a few hours before he needed to pick up Bella and head to the mansion.
As he walked into his office, his assistant James greeted him with a stack of files and a concerned expression. "Sir, we have a few issues that need your attention. The Smith account is threatening to back out, and marketing is still waiting for your approval on the new campaign."
Ethan nodded, taking the files from James. "I'll get right on it. But first, can you get me a gift for my grandfather? Something luxurious, maybe a high-end watch or a rare book?"
James nodded, making a note on his phone. "I'll arrange for a selection to be brought to your office. Shall I have the driver bring the car at 11:45 to pick up... Madam?"
Ethan nodded, his eyes already scanning the files on his desk. "Yes, that's perfect. Thanks, James."
As James left to arrange for the gift, Ethan's thoughts turned to his grandfather and the meeting ahead. He wanted to make a good impression, not just for himself, but for Bella as well. Their fake relationship needed to be convincing, at least for now.
James returned with a selection of luxurious gifts, and Ethan chose a rare edition book, knowing his grandfather's love for literature. He instructed James to have it wrapped and ready for him to take to the mansion.
With the gift taken care of, Ethan turned his attention to the files on his desk, making quick work of the tasks at hand.
At the Black house
Bella spent the morning touring the big house and spent her day at the garden looking at the beautiful flowers till a servant came to remind her to get ready and she went to her shared room with ethan getting ready for the meeting with Ethan's grandfather.
She tried on several dresses, finally settling on a elegant red one that accentuated her curves. She styled her hair and applied subtle makeup, wanting to make a good impression.
As she got ready, she couldn't help but think about the strange situation she found herself in. A contract marriage with a man she barely knew, all to impress his grandfather. It sounded like a ridiculous romance novel plot, but here she was, living it.
Despite her reservations, Bella had to admit that Ethan was growing on her but she wasn't going to let her guard down. This was a business arrangement, nothing more.
With a final check of her reflection, Bella headed downstairs to wait for Ethan. She was ready to put on a show and convince his grandfather that their marriage was real.
At the company
Ethan was busy with paperwork and before he knew it, James was reminding him that it was time to leave for the mansion.
Ethan stood, straightening his tie and grabbing the gift. "Let's go, James. We don't want to keep Grandfather waiting."