A month had flown by in a whirlwind of passion, productivity and sometimes a little of drama for Emma and William. Living together and working side by side had become second nature. Their dynamic was seamless—mornings began with stolen kisses at William's penthouse, their days filled with successful campaigns and meetings, and their nights... well, their nights were spent anywhere their passion led them, sex in the office, at the pent house, and hotels they checked in.
However, despite their intimate routines, Emma's hope of starting a family hadn't materialized. Every pregnancy test came back negative, each one leaving her with a small pang of disappointment. She kept her thoughts to herself, knowing it wasn't the right time to bring up her personal goals.
Specially when Williams haven't talked about marriage or children with her. Emma had not forgotten how this all take place. She wanted her very own baby. But like the other pregnancy test she bought before, this one is also negative. As she stuff it in a tissue and throw it in the bin.
Emma got out of the loo feeling a little down. She sat cross-legged on the couch in William's penthouse, her phone in hand
as she scrolled through countless options for the upcoming Circle of Excellence Awards.
Every year-end, the company was abuzz with excitement over the Circle of Excellence Awards (CEA), an annual event recognizing outstanding employees. Both Emma and William had been nominated, and Emma was thrilled.
They had silenced the whispers of favoritism and nepotism with their results. Every campaign Emma led under William's guidance turned into a success, and sales skyrocketed. William's decision to step in as the face of their campaign, appearing as a relatable, down-to-earth figure, had made waves. The ad went viral, earning him the nickname "the local Lee Min Ho." It wasn't long before William became something of a celebrity, much to Emma's amusement.
This year theme was, "Royalty," had her buzzing with excitement. Beside her, William lounged casually, sipping a glass of wine and occasionally glancing at her screen.
"What about this one?" Emma asked, tilting the screen toward him. It displayed a gorgeous off white princess gown with intricate beading on the bodice and a voluminous skirt.
William smirked. "You'd look stunning in that," he replied, setting his glass down. "But don't you think it's a little like… wedding gown?"
Emma gasped in mock offense. "No! This one really feels like a princess. Besides, don't you want to be my Prince Charming?"
He chuckled, leaning closer to her. "I thought I already was."
She rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "Alright, Prince Charming, let's find you a suit to match. How about this?" She swiped to a matching white and gold prince costume, complete with epaulets and a sash.
William raised a brow. "Do I look like the kind of man who wears epaulets?"
Emma laughed, leaning into him playfully. "It's a theme, William. You can't
show up looking like your usual broody self. It's supposed to be fun!"
He sighed dramatically but smirked. "Fine. As long as you promise not to outshine me too much."
"No promises," she quipped, her eyes twinkling. She swiped to another image.
"Ooh, what about this one? It's a red-maroon prnce suit and the details on the suit are
more subtle. It even comes with a cape!
William groaned, though the corner of his lips twitched. "A cape? Really? I'm not sure I'm ready for the superhero-prince crossover."
Emma nudged him with her elbow. "Come on, you'd look amazing. And besides, it's all for one night. You'll survive."
He shook his head, laughing softly. "If it makes you happy, I'll wear it."
Emma beamed, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "It'll make me very happy."
As she finalized their order, she felt a warm sense of anticipation for the event. It wasn't just about the awards—it was about celebrating their success, together.
The night of the event arrived, and it was everything Emma had dreamed of. The venue was grand, filled with glittering chandeliers and tables adorned with gold accents. William's entire family was in attendance, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as they exchanged polite smiles.
Eve approach her with a smirk on her face. "If it isn't the sly gold-digger." she whisper to Emma ears.
By now Emma was already accustomed to Eve's antics that she just let it go. "Hello Ms. Caraway." Emma smile at her.
Eve obviously irk by the lack of reaction from Emma add, "Let's see how long that smile last." Turn around and left.
The ceremony began with introductions, starting with the chairman and his wife, William's parents—Richard and Anna Leonhart. Their presence commanded respect, their poised and elegant demeanor a reminder of the family legacy.
The CEO, Lloyd, followed with his short speech about the company's success over the year.
As the awards were announced, Emma could hardly contain her excitement. Both she and William were recipients of the prestigious CEA awards, their hard work paying off in front of the entire company. Even Eli and Marissa were recognized for their contributions, and Emma felt a swell of pride for her friends. Patrick was also an awardee.
The event continued with laughter, music, and celebration. Emma and William dance together in a romantic waltz music.
Emma and William found themselves drawn to each other as a melodic waltz began to play. William extended his hand, a silent invitation, and Emma, feeling like a princess in her flowing gown, accepted with a graceful nod.
As they glided onto the dance floor, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them. The soft fabric of Emma's dress swirled around them, and the subtle scent of William's cologne enveloped her senses.
They locked eyes, and Emma finally realized that this is really. That she was really inlove with William.
As they dance their every movement seemed to captivate the entire ballroom. Guests paused mid-conversation, their gazes fixed on the couple, mesmerized by the harmony between them. Whispers of admiration spread like wildfire, it was like a fairy-tale slowly came back to life.
As the final notes of the waltz lingered in the air, William gently guided Emma through the ornate French doors leading to the veranda, seeking a moment of privacy away from the admiring gazes of the ballroom's guests.
Throughout the evening, William had noticed the lingering glances from other men, their eyes drawn to Emma's radiant beauty. A subtle tension had built within him, a jealousy he struggled to suppress. Now, away from prying eyes, that emotion surfaced, fueling his desire.
Under the soft glow of the moonlight, unable to contain himself any longer, William cupped Emma's face with a tender yet fervent touch, he lean down to her, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
Emma responded with equal fervor, her hands finding their way to the nape of his neck, fingers entwining in his hair as she melted into the kiss.
When they finally parted, Emma noticed her lipstick had transferred onto his lips. With a soft smile, she gently wiped the smudges away. William suddenly embrassed her. "I hate other men staring at you, if only I could hide you, all for myself." Emma laughed "What?" She gave him a light peck on the lips then she fixed herself as well before going back in the ball.
The music change theme, like a disco and everybody is dancing in the ball.
Emma saw Eli and Marissa on the dance floor. She looks at William "Let's join them."
William smile at her "You go on, I will wait here."
Emma was enjoying this night, she was happy with her friends, she has decided to fall inlove. Everything seems to be perfect.
Whenl the microphone crackled, and a voice commanded everyone's attention.
"Good evening, everyone," Mrs. Leonhart began, her voice warm but firm. "I'd like to take a moment to personally congratulate all the awardees tonight. Your hard work and dedication have brought great success to our company."
The room quieted, the crowd's focus shifting entirely to the chairman's wife.
"But tonight is not just about celebrating the past year. It's also about the future of this company and our family. With that, I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce my youngest son, William Leonhart."
A spotlight illuminated William, standing among the crowd on the corner. The murmurs grew louder, wild murmurs can be heard, only a few people knew that William is one of the chairman son. Now the gossips of Emma using connection for promotion will triple time and will definitely become the talk of whole office when this is all over. But Emma was still proud as William walked towards his mother to acknowledge her.
"Hello, everyone. I know only few people knew about this, If I was asked, I would like for it the remain that way, Please do not treat me or anyone for that matter any differently. Let us work together harmonously to the next year end. " He ended his speech. He was about to go back when her mother hold his arms.
Mrs. Leonhart kissed William on the cheek. Then she continued while holding onto William, her voice carrying a note of anticipation and with a big smile she say, "We're also thrilled to welcome back in our family William's Wife...Ada!"
The ball went silent. Everybody was stunned silence. Emma? Oh Emma was beyond silenced she was frozen.
WIFE?!?! Emma's mind scream.