The next morning, I woke up staring at the ceiling, contract papers still on my desk. I ran my fingers through my hair. One year. Fake marriage. Public appearances. Everything in me screamed "say no!", pero may parte ng puso ko… curious.
Sophie peeked through my door, carrying breakfast. "So… decision time?"
"I don't know," I admitted, taking a sip of my coffee. "It feels… wrong. Pero something tells me… I shouldn't run away either."
She raised an eyebrow. "Lara, please. Sometimes, life gives you opportunities disguised as crazy situations. Just… be smart about it."
I nodded, knowing she was right. Pero kahit paano, my mind kept going back to Ethan Rivera—his serious eyes, his calm voice, his… intensity.
Finally, I made up my mind. I called his office. "Hi, Mr. Rivera. I've… decided to go ahead with your… contract."
There was a pause. Then, his voice—calm, composed, but with a hint of satisfaction. "Good. Let's meet today. We have an event—your first official appearance as my… wife."
"Wait, what?" I panicked. "I need time to… prepare!"
"No," he said firmly. "You have talent, confidence, and you'll manage. Consider it… your debut in our arrangement."
I groaned. "Debut? Seriously, Ethan?"
He chuckled softly. "Ms. Mendoza, you're overthinking. Just follow my lead."
By afternoon, I found myself in the lobby of a luxury hotel, nervously adjusting my dress. I wasn't used to events like this, and now I had to pretend to be married… to a man I barely knew.
Ethan approached, suit impeccable, aura commanding. "Relax, Lara. Just smile. That's all you need."
"Smile? Easy for you to say!" I whispered, trying to calm my racing heart.
He leaned close, just enough for me to notice his cologne—subtle, woody, intoxicating. My breath caught. "It's okay. We're just… partners for this," he said softly, almost like reassurance.
The moment we stepped into the event hall, cameras flashed. People whispered. "The Rivera couple," they murmured. I felt my cheeks heat up.
"Follow my lead," Ethan whispered, holding my hand lightly. His touch was firm but gentle. My heartbeat… betrayed me again.
Throughout the evening, I struggled to act natural. Laughing, nodding, and greeting guests as Ethan guided me. But the more I followed him, the more I realized… his confidence was contagious. And his occasional soft glances made my chest ache in ways I didn't expect.
After the event, as we left, I couldn't help but think—this is only the beginning. One contract. One year. Pero bakit parang my heart already feels… something?
Ethan noticed my thoughts. "You did well tonight," he said simply, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I hope you know… you're better than you think."
I looked at him, startled. Did he… mean it, or was it part of the contract? My pulse quickened.
"Thank you," I whispered, unsure why my voice sounded so small.
As we parted that night, I knew one thing: pretending to be married with Ethan Rivera was going to be more complicated… and more emotional… than I ever imagined.