They were dating at a quiet but luxurious teahouse located in the bustling downtown area, sitting on rattan chairs, giving off a kind of smooth, antique feel.
The waiter in a neat uniform bowed to Emma as she entered. She was wearing a light blue dress, her hair loose, her face still showing signs of fatigue.
Her gaze stopped at a table near the window, where a man was already sitting. He didn't look around, just quietly reading a document on a thin tablet. Even in the luxurious space, his sitting posture still exuded an indescribable majesty.
When Emma approached, he raised his head. The moment their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat. His cold gray eyes, his handsome face as if carved, every line so sharp that everything around him suddenly faded away.
The man seemed a little surprised when he looked at Emma, but he tried to hide it. He was also urged by his parents to agree to this date.
Emma took a deep breath and sat down across from him. She originally intended to greet and make small talk like any other boring date. But somehow, at that moment, the pain of betrayal, the pictures of her ex-husband and his first love came flooding back, causing her to blurt out a bold question.
"Do you want to marry me?"
The air seemed to freeze. The waiter put the cappuccino cup on the table, glancing at her in surprise. The man in front of her - Alexander Knight, CEO of Knight Group - raised his eyebrows slightly. There was a long silence, then the corners of his lips curved into a slight smile.
"Are you serious?" His voice was low and cold, but there was a strong attraction.
Emma looked straight into his eyes, without hesitation: "Very serious."
Alex put down the tablet, ten fingers intertwined. This man was famous for being calm, rarely showing emotions. But today, he could not hide his strange excitement. A girl he had just met proposed marriage - something crazy, but it aroused his curiosity.
"Normally," He said, "People would talk a few times, get to know each other, and then think about marriage."
Emma curled her lips: "Normally, I wouldn't sit here. But today I need a change. If you think I'm too impulsive, you can get up and leave."
For a moment, their eyes met. One side was the pain of having just experienced betrayal, but hidden by pride, the other side was cold and mysterious strength.
Alex tapped his fingers on the table, pondering for a few seconds. Then he nodded: "Okay. I agree."
Emma was a little stunned, not expecting him to accept so quickly. She thought she would be laughed at, even considered a joke. But instead of looking down on her, he looked at her as if he were evaluating a potential life partner.
"Why?" She asked softly.
Alex shrugged: "I don't believe in marriage for love. If you dare to propose so frankly like that, I respect your courage. And I need a wife to solve some family problems."
Emma was silent. It turned out that both of them had their own reasons for entering into a loveless marriage. But she didn't know what Alex's real reason was for agreeing to marry her.
Her heart was filled with a feeling of both recklessness and relief. She never thought her life would turn out like this - marrying a stranger, and one of the most powerful men in the city.
Alex looked at her, his eyes flashing with something elusive. "Emma Carter," He repeated her name, his voice low. "From now on, you will be my wife."
A simple sentence, but it seemed to be engraved in her heart. Emma held her teacup tightly, whispering: Daniel, you hurt me. But I will not fall. I will live a new life beside this man.
After today, Emma's fate had taken a completely different path.
---
The meeting between the two families was arranged for the weekend.
After a pleasant meal, the wedding date was set.
Since it took time to prepare for the wedding, there was no rush, but the two families agreed to register their marriage first. At the same time, the two would move out to live separately to have time to cultivate their feelings.
In the living room, David Knight - Alex's father - was laughing and talking happily with Mrs. Carter:
"I think we've finished discussing it. July 7th is really a beautiful day. I think Alex and Emma won't object, right?"
Emma stood aside, wanting to say something, but stopped. This was really crazy. But the words had already left her mouth; she couldn't take them back.
Alex glanced at her, noticed the embarrassment in her eyes, and decided not to put any more pressure on her.
He calmly replied: "No need to rush. We'll think about it. I'll come visit you another day."
Mrs. Carter immediately smiled brightly: "Okay, okay. I will definitely cook for you two next time."
Finally, it was time for them to leave. Emma secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but just as she was about to turn back, Mrs. Carter pulled her back:
"Go see them off. They've come all the way here, you can't be rude."
She reluctantly nodded, following them down the stairs.
David was very perceptive, getting into the car first to leave some privacy for the two of them.
Alex bowed his head slightly, his eyes gentle: "I'll go back first. I'll come find you tomorrow, okay?"
Emma nodded slightly, her voice soft: "Um."
Alex smiled lightly, didn't say anything more, turned around, and got into the car.
As soon as he got in the car, he saw another car rushing towards Emma. The person getting out of the car was none other than Daniel.