Lena's morning began with Ethan's plan already set in motion. He'd texted her the night before with a list of times to meet for the day. As she read it over again, Lena couldn't help but smile a little at the almost military-like precision. Ethan had scheduled every half-hour, and she knew he was serious about turning her into the "perfect" wife for his world.
She stepped into the company building, which was quieter than usual. Maybe it was the early hour, or maybe it was that people were used to seeing Ethan alone. Either way, she was grateful for the calm. She needed a few minutes to get her thoughts in order.
Just as she reached for the conference room door, it swung open suddenly. Startled, she looked up to see Ethan, his face focused, almost as if he hadn't expected her to be right there.
"Good, you're early," he said, gesturing for her to step inside.
Lena took a deep breath, trying to keep her nerves in check. She had thought last night's conversation with Andrew would blow over, but Ethan's serious expression reminded her it was only beginning. Inside the conference room, Ethan had stacks of files and papers spread out on the table.
"This," he said, pointing to the first set, "covers my business connections, past projects, and key players you should know." He flipped to another pile. "Here's a list of personal information I think would be useful. Hobbies, interests, even some background on my family. Andrew isn't the only one watching us."
Lena felt a knot form in her stomach. This was a lot to take in, especially after years of being cast out by her own family. Now, she was expected to learn everything about Ethan's.
"Got it," she replied, forcing confidence into her voice. "Where should I start?"
He looked at her, his gaze softening just a little. "We'll start with the basics. You don't need to memorize everything, but… there are certain things people will expect you to know."
They went through the files together, discussing details she had never even considered asking. His favorite food (steak), his preferred drink (black coffee, always strong), his background in business, and his strained relationship with Andrew. Despite her initial reluctance, she found herself drawn into the conversation. She could sense Ethan's walls lowering just a fraction as he shared things he didn't typically reveal to anyone.
Hours passed before they knew it. The sun had risen higher, casting a warm glow through the windows. Lena finally leaned back, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and accomplishment.
"You know," she said with a small smile, "you're not as complicated as you think."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You think you've figured me out already?"
She shrugged playfully. "I think I'm starting to. Underneath all that seriousness, you're just a man who likes his coffee strong and his life predictable."
He let out a quiet laugh, one so rare she almost questioned if she'd really heard it. For a brief moment, she saw him without the harsh exterior, just a man with ambitions and fears, someone who carried a lot on his shoulders.
But the moment didn't last. He cleared his throat, his face returning to its usual impassive look. "Anyway, we should get back to work," he said, picking up a document that had fallen to the floor.
As he reached down, Lena did the same, their hands accidentally brushing against each other's. Her breath caught, and she felt a sudden, unexpected warmth in her chest. She looked up, and their eyes met. For a split second, the world seemed to pause around them. She could see a softness in his gaze, a hint of something he was holding back.
Ethan quickly withdrew his hand, clearing his throat again. "We should, uh, keep going," he muttered, sounding almost as flustered as she felt.
Lena straightened, nodding, but her heart was still racing. She forced herself to focus on the documents, even though her thoughts kept drifting back to that brief, electrifying touch.
They continued working through the files, though there was a strange tension in the air now. Lena could feel it lingering, like a thread connecting them, pulling them closer despite their best efforts to keep things strictly professional.
As they wrapped up, Ethan checked his watch. "I have a meeting in fifteen minutes," he said. "But I'll be back to go over the rest with you."
"Okay," Lena replied, stacking the papers neatly. She stood, smoothing her dress, and took a step back, only to feel her heel wobble as it caught on the edge of the carpet. Her balance faltered, and she felt herself tipping backward, bracing for a hard landing.
But before she could fall, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. She looked up, and there was Ethan, his face inches from hers. The moment hung in the air, both of them frozen, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.
"You should be more careful," he murmured, his voice low, almost gentle.
Lena swallowed, her heart pounding against her ribs. She wanted to look away, but his gaze held her captive. She could feel his warmth, his hand steady on her waist, and for a fleeting second, she wondered if maybe, just maybe, there was more to this marriage than a contract.
Ethan seemed to realize the closeness of the moment, and he quickly released her, stepping back. He straightened his jacket, looking anywhere but at her. "I'll see you later," he said briskly before walking out, leaving Lena standing alone, her mind swirling with confusion.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Lena took a shaky breath, pressing a hand to her chest. She could still feel the imprint of his touch, lingering like a spark that refused to fade. She had never seen Ethan so… human, so vulnerable, if only for a moment.
After a few minutes, Lena gathered her things, but she couldn't shake the memory of his touch, the way he had looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time. She tried to tell herself it didn't mean anything, that he was just helping her avoid an embarrassing fall. Yet, deep down, she knew it wasn't that simple.
Later that evening, as Lena made her way to the elevator, she saw Ethan standing there, his usual expression cool and collected. He gave her a quick nod, and they rode down in silence. The closeness of the enclosed space made her heart race, the air thick with unspoken words.
Just as the doors were about to open, Ethan finally spoke, his voice low and quiet. "I know this isn't easy for you," he said, his eyes fixed ahead. "But… Thank you for going along with it. For trying."
Lena blinked, caught off guard by his sudden admission. She turned to face him, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Why did you choose me, Ethan?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Out of all the people you could've picked for this… why me?"
Ethan's jaw tightened, his gaze flicking to her. "Because," he said softly, "you're different. I didn't need someone to flatter me or play the part. I needed someone real."
The elevator doors opened, but neither of them moved. For a long moment, they just stood there, their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them.
But before she could say anything else, Ethan turned and walked out, leaving her standing alone, her heart pounding with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name.
Lena stepped out, watching him disappear into the crowd, her mind spinning. She didn't know what to make of him, of the tiny glimpses of vulnerability he'd shown. All she knew was that Ethan Rivers was a puzzle, one that she was becoming more and more determined to understand.