As the party approached, Ethan and Bella settled into their temporary living arrangement at his grandfather's estate. They maintained a professional distance, each aware of their roles in the contract.
Ethan focused on his business dealings while Bella busied herself with planning the perfect party. Their interactions were polite and courteous but devoid of emotional connection. Only when Henry was around did they portray a happy and loving couple
Meanwhile, Cindy and her parents continued their schemes unaware of the true nature of Ethan and Bella's relationship. Their plans for sabotage and exposure were still in motion threatening to disrupt Bella's life.
The day of the party arrived and guest already started coming, Henry was beaming with joy, mingling with his friends and acquaintances. He couldn't wait to share the news of his grandson's marriage and the promise of future grandchildren. All his friends always brag about their grandchildren and soon he'll be among them, he couldn't stop smiling.
Cindy and her parents Rita and Harrison, arrived at the party, their faces masked with fake smiles. They mingled with the guests pretending to be happy for Ethan and Bella, all the while in their heart they were seething with resentment.
As Bella and Ethan descended the grand staircase the room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the stunning couple. There was no doubt about Bella's beauty, her red hair that was let loose in silky curls shone like a beacon and her emerald gown sparkled under the chandeliers' light.
Ethan dashing in his tailored tuxedo, offered his arm to Bella, and she took it with a graceful smile. Together they glided into the party their presence commanding attention.
The guests erupted into whispers wondering who this Bella was, some looked on in admiration while others had looks of jealousy in them wishing they were in Bella's spot. Grandpa Henry beamed with pride, his eyes shining with happiness. Cindy and her parents however, looked on with scowls, their faces dark with envy and resentment.
As Bella and Ethan walked to Henry he immediately took her introducing her to all his friends with a smile on his face. Ethan watched with a small hidden smile on his face as he watched his grandfather parade Bella around when she looked at him with begging eyes signaling him to save her. He chuckled under his breath joining them and asking if he can talk to his wife for a minute and leading her away.
"Thanks. Grandpa sure is excited about this marriage, don't you think he would be crushed if he found out....." Ethan stopped her before she could say anything else
"Not here Bella we have a party tonight finish" he said in a low voice only for her to hear. And Bella nodded in response knowing this wasn't the place to talk about this.
Ethan and Bella mingled with the guests playing their roles perfectly, laughing and chatting with ease. But beneath the surface, the tension between them was palpable, as much as they pretend to be happy their contract marriage a fragile facade hiding secrets and lies.
Cindy's eyes scanned the room, her gaze locking onto Bella with a mixture of anger and jealousy. She couldn't believe that Bella had somehow managed to snag Ethan, the man she had always admired on TV. Everyone wanted to be with Ethan the billionaire bachelor but now Bella somehow managed to seduce him, she couldn't hide her hatred.
Rita and Harrison made their way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries but their eyes never left Ethan and Bella. They were waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
As they approached the happy couple, Cindy's smile grew wider, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Bella darling, congratulations on your marriage. You and Ethan make a lovely couple."
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the insincerity behind Cindy's words. looking at her he can easily spot her fake smile and he already knew she didn't have a good relationship with her uncle's family.
Ethan's eyes met Bella's and for a fleeting moment, he saw a glimmer of sadness and vulnerability. He knew about her difficult past, the emotional scars inflicted by her family's cruelty and neglect.
Before signing their contract, Ethan had thoroughly investigated Bella's background, knowing that their union would be a merging of not just their lives but also their secrets. He was aware of her family's toxic dynamics, how they had belittled and manipulated her, making her feel worthless and unloved.
Despite this knowledge, Ethan's expression remained neutral, his mask of polite interest firmly in place. But his gaze lingered on Bella's, a hint of understanding and empathy flickering in their depths.
Bella sensing Ethan's gaze, felt a shiver run down her spine. She wondered if he could see beyond her facade, if he knew the truth about her family and the pain they had caused her. For a moment, their eyes locked and Bella felt a connection, a sense of being seen and understood. She saw warmth in his eyes but it was only for a few seconds and the moment passed, Ethan's mask slipped back into place. He smiled charmingly and they continued their roles as the perfect couple, hiding their true selves behind a veneer of elegance and sophistication...
Before Bella could respond to Cindy Henry cleared his throat, and the room fell silent. He began to speak, his voice filled with warmth and wisdom.
"Dear friends and family today we gather to celebrate a very special occasion - the union of my grandson Ethan and his beautiful wife Bella. I've been with Ethan since he was a boy and I've seen him grow into a fine young man and Bella, from the moment I met her I knew she was something special." Bella looked on with a small smile, Henry had accepted her as soon as they met and he was the only thing close to family for her. He treated her better than her so called family and she felt guilty that she was lying to him about their marriage.
Henry paused, his eyes shining with happiness.
"Their marriage may have come as a surprise to some of us, but I couldn't be more delighted. They complement each other perfectly, and I have no doubt that their marriage will bring joy and success to both of their lives."
He raised his glass, his voice filled with emotion.
"So let us raise a toast to Ethan and Bella! May their love and respect for each other continue to grow with each passing day. May they build a life filled with laughter, adventure and happiness. And may they always find joy in each other's arms."
The room erupted in applause and Ethan smiled at Bella before hugging her in his arms shocking bella and she hesitantly held his suit telling herself that he is just playing his part so her heart shouldn't be beating so wildly. Cindy and her parents exchanged a bitter glance their hearts filled with resentment and anger...
The party went on with Henry being the most excited
"Mark my words, I'll have grandkids running around this house soon!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he chatted with his friends
Bella smiled politely, playing along with the charade while Ethan nodded graciously, aware of the expectations placed upon him.
Cindy and her parents however, seethed with resentment, their faces tight with anger. They couldn't bear the thought of Bella being part of this family and potentially producing an heir.
As the party reached its peak, henry raised his glass again "To my grandson and his beautiful wife, may they have a lifetime of happiness and a house full of children!"
The guests erupted in cheers and applause, while Bella and Ethan exchanged a brief, awkward glance, with her heart beating fast and a blush on her face at the thought of her and Ethan having children even though she knew it would never happen.