The next morning, my phone buzzed with a new email: "Family dinner scheduled tonight—mandatory for Rivera Corp image." My heart sank. A family dinner? With Ethan's parents? And here I thought our contract was simple.
Sophie noticed my expression. "What now? Nervous for the 'in-laws'?" she teased.
"Not nervous… scared. I don't know how to act like a fake wife in front of a CEO's family!" I groaned.
"Easy, Lara. Just smile, nod, and don't say anything too crazy," she advised. "Think of it as acting. You're the lead in a drama."
I sighed, picturing the elegant Rivera mansion. When Ethan arrived to pick me up, he looked effortlessly composed in a tailored suit. "Ms. Mendoza, shall we?"
"Yes… sir," I said, rolling my eyes at myself. "Let's go impress your family."
Upon entering the Rivera residence, I was immediately struck by its elegance. Chandeliers, marble floors, perfectly manicured gardens—it screamed power and prestige. And standing there, with an aura of authority, were Mr. and Mrs. Rivera.
"Ethan, my boy! And you must be Ms. Mendoza," Mr. Rivera said warmly, though his gaze was clearly assessing.
"Yes, sir. Thank you for having me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Mrs. Rivera smiled politely. "Ethan has told us so much about you. We're glad you could join us tonight."
I nodded, my heart racing. The conversation was formal, light, and polite—exactly what Ethan and I had agreed on—but my nerves kept getting the better of me.
Halfway through dinner, I accidentally knocked over my water glass. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, blushing furiously.
Ethan quickly grabbed a napkin. "It's fine," he said calmly, dabbing the spill. "Nothing broken. Don't worry."
I looked up at him, embarrassed but secretly grateful. His calm presence made everything feel less terrifying.
Then came a small moment that caught me off guard. Mr. Rivera asked, "So, Ethan, how did you meet Ms. Mendoza?"
I panicked. Should I tell the truth? Should I lie? Before I could even think, Ethan answered smoothly, "We met through a professional art collaboration. She's helping with some projects for the company's charity programs."
I blinked. He had saved me… again. But inside, I felt conflicted. He handled everything so perfectly, while I kept stumbling.
Later, Sophie texted me secretly: "Your fake hubby is way too good at this. Be careful, Lara."
I laughed nervously, realizing she was right. Ethan Rivera was impressive. Charming. Confident. And frustratingly… he was making me feel things I wasn't supposed to feel.
That night, on the drive home, I stared out the window. A contract marriage. Public appearances. Family approval. Everything seemed manageable on paper. But deep down, I knew the lines were already starting to blur.
And with Ethan by my side, I wasn't sure if I could keep pretending anymore.