The morning sun streamed through the bedroom curtains, casting a golden hue over the tangled sheets. Another night with Daniel and it felt so good to have a man all to herself, to be his priority, share his bed and be loved dearly. Emma stretched lazily reaching for the other side of the bed, only to find it empty, Daniel wasn't there.
Her brows furrowed in confusion until the scent of fresh coffee drifted in, followed by the quiet sound of movement.
The door creaked open, and there stood Daniel, barefoot, shirtless, and holding a tray of breakfast.
Emma blinked. "what?" she chuckled.
Daniel smirked, setting the tray down on the bed. "You look surprised."
"Uh, yeah. Billionaire CEOs don't make breakfast. They pay people to do that."
He leaned in, brushing a kiss against her forehead before murmuring, "I am not stereotype, I can be what I want to be and do what I want to do regardless of my status."
Emma eyed the fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh orange juice in front of her. It was plated so beautifully that she almost didn't want to touch it.
"Okay, if this is a bribe, it's working." She grabbed a fork, taking a bite. Heaven.
Daniel watched her, amused. "I should hire myself as a private chef."
Emma scoffed. "You'd last one day before firing yourself."
He chuckled, taking a seat beside her. "True. I have zero patience for people who don't appreciate my cooking."
Emma let out a contented sigh as she ate, sneaking glances at him. He was so effortless, so maddeningly perfect in moments like this.
As if her life wasn't already shifting into a fairytale, Daniel casually reached under the tray and placed a small velvet box beside her plate.
Her fork clattered against the plate. "What is that?"
Daniel took a sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable. "Open it."
Emma hesitated before picking it up, fingers trembling slightly as she flipped it open.
Inside sat a delicate diamond bracelet, shimmering under the sunlight.
Her lips parted in shock. "Daniel…"
He reached over, taking it out and clasping it around her wrist. His fingers lingered on her skin as he whispered, "It suits you."
Emma swallowed hard, staring at the bracelet. It was understated, elegant, nothing too flashy, but undeniably expensive, she could feel its worth on her skin.
She let out a shaky breath. "You can't keep doing this."
Daniel tilted his head. "Doing what?"
Emma motioned to the bracelet. "Spoiling me like this. I have never been so loved like this in my entire life."
His lips curled into a smirk. "speaking about that, tell me about your family."
"I will, maybe later but let's not ruin the moment" Emma was admiring the beauty of the bracelet. Her chest tightened, warmth spreading through her entire body.
The gifts didn't stop.
Later that day, Daniel drove them to a high-end boutique, the kind where sales attendants whispered and stared.
Emma barely had time to protest before she was ushered inside, champagne flute in hand, and surrounded by racks of designer clothes.
She ran her fingers over the luxurious fabrics, shaking her head. "This is insane."
Daniel, standing beside her with his hands in his pockets, murmured, "Pick whatever you like."
Emma scoffed. "You say that as if these things cost twenty bucks."
He stepped closer, his voice low. "Emma."
She turned to him.
His gaze was steady, commanding yet soft. "You're my girlfriend and you deserve amazing things. Plus, you're going to be going out with me a lot, so you need these stuff"
A shiver ran down her spine.
Fine.
She let herself have this moment, the thrill of being spoiled, the giddy rush of trying on gowns and heels she never imagined wearing.
When she finally stepped out in a stunning red dress, Daniel's reaction was immediate.
His jaw tightened, his gaze darkened. "We're taking that."
Emma smirked. "No price check?"
Daniel didn't even blink. "The price is irrelevant."
She shook her head, biting back a smile.
Days passed, and Emma found herself fully immersed in a life she never thought possible.
Afternoons were spent lounging by the pool while Daniel worked nearby, laptop open but eyes constantly drifting toward her.
Dinners were private on the rooftop terrace, the city lights sparkling below them as Daniel poured her wine and stole kisses between courses.
***
Emma had meant to drop by casually, but the moment she stepped inside Herbert Tech's headquarters, she knew walls have ears.
The receptionist nearly leapt to her feet. "Miss Emma! Welcome!"
Emma blinked. "Uh… hi?"
A staff member rushed over, carrying a bouquet of roses.
Emma gave them a confused look. "I… didn't order flowers?"
The woman beamed. "They're from Mr. Monroe."
Emma turned toward Daniel's assistant, Diana, who was suddenly smiling like they were best friends.
"Let me take you to his office, ma'am."
Ma'am?
Before Emma could process, she was escorted to the top floor, where Daniel sat behind an impossibly large desk, looking like he ruled the world.
He glanced up, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Look who's here."
Emma narrowed her eyes. "Hello Mr. Daniel Monroe"
Daniel leaned back in his chair smiling sheepishly and gesturing at Diana to leave before standing up to brush Emma a kiss. Diana blushed and excused herself.
She gestured to the flowers. "Thank you"
His smirk deepened. "They're as beautiful as you are."
Emma chuckled shyly.
Daniel stood, walking toward her. "Stay for lunch?"
Emma pretended to consider it. "Boss's girlfriend lunch?"
His lips brushed against her ear. "Exactly."
She shivered, heart pounding. "I could get used to this."
***
Emma stood by the shore in a private beach outing that Daniel had planned, barefoot in the sand, the waves lapping at her feet. The sun was setting, casting everything in gold.
Behind her, Daniel approached, handing her a cocktail with a tiny umbrella.
Emma took it, smiling. "Still interested in hearing about my family?"
Daniel slid his arms around her waist from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Yes, if you are ready."
"Well, I lost my parents when I was 16, I grew up with my elder sister who is now married, but her husband hates me for no reason. Perhaps, because my sister spent so much on my education and I'm yet to repay her kindness. That's my family life in a summary. I met Ava in school and started squatting with her during my final year in college. Now, here I am"
"Sad. When last did you see your sister?"
"Last Christmas"
"Hmm, would you be visiting again this Christmas?"
"Uh.. I am not sure I want her to know about the pregnancy yet. She would be so disappointed. By Christmas I would 5 months gone."
"You don't want her to know, even though you a capable man is responsible?"
"Fact still remains that I am unmarried"
"And if I marry you before then?"
Emma was shocked. "What?"
"What? Don't you think I'd make a good husband?"
Emma laughed wryly. "Uh… I just…"
"It's fine. You should think about it."
She looked up at him, the waves crashing behind them. She wished she could confess that she wanted to marry him that very second.