Aubrey stepped into Evan’s room, her heart still racing from the encounter at the restaurant. She found Evan seated on the chair, engrossed in his own thoughts. Confusion clouded her mind as she couldn’t fully grasp his intentions or the reasons behind his sudden acceptance of their marriage.
“Why did you claim I’m your wife in front of everyone?” Aubrey couldn’t help but ask, her voice laced with bewilderment. She approached Evan, who looked up at her, holding a stack of documents in his hand.
“I didn’t lie,” he replied, his words leaving her even more perplexed. Frowning, Aubrey took a few steps closer as Evan walked toward her, handing her the documents.
“What’s this?” Aubrey asked, her eyes scanning the papers as she tried to comprehend their significance.
“It’s a contract. We need to act like a happily married couple in front of my dad and Cassie,” Evan explained, his gaze fixed on her. His demeanor was cold and detached, leaving Aubrey wondering why he was involving her in this charade.
“Why do we have to act?” Aubrey blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity and frustration. Evan stood before her, his posture rigid.
“That’s not for you to know. Just do as I say,” he replied with authority. Aubrey found his answer incomprehensible, but she didn’t want to miss this opportunity to be close to him. Deep down, she had always loved him, and she saw this as a chance to win his heart. Without hesitation, she agreed to his request.
“Then let me sign the document, but can I read it first?” she requested. Evan nodded, and Aubrey carefully examined the contract. There was a clause stating that if she didn’t meet expectations, he reserved the right to divorce her. She chose to overlook it, taking the pen from Evan’s hand and signing her name.
As Aubrey turned to leave his room, Evan’s voice halted her in her tracks.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he inquired. Confusion etched across her face, she replied, “To my room.”
“No, from tonight onwards, you’ll be sleeping here,” Evan declared firmly. Aubrey felt a mix of emotions, but she knew she had to obey his commands. Without further protest, she nodded in agreement.
“May I go to my room and bring my things?” she asked, seeking permission. Evan granted her request, and Aubrey hurried to retrieve her belongings. Returning to Evan’s room, she glanced at the bed before turning to him.
“Where will I sleep?” she inquired, uncertainty marking her voice.
“On the bed,” Evan replied dismissively, showing little interest in elaborating. Aubrey didn’t press for more information; instead, she went to the bed, lying down on the sheets that carried his scent. She inhaled deeply, a smile forming on her lips. Sleeping in his room brought her immense happiness, even if others might consider her actions foolish.
“I will show him how much I love him,” Aubrey whispered to herself, closing her eyes.
Meanwhile, Evan approached the bed, gazing at Aubrey’s peaceful sleeping form. He remained there for a while, his thoughts a mystery to anyone but himself.
Morning
Aubrey found herself busy in the kitchen, assisting one of the younger maids who was unfamiliar with everyone’s tastes. Amid her work, her phone buzzed, and she saw that it was John, Mr. Evan Cooper’s driver. He informed her that Evan wanted to go somewhere with her. Aubrey quickly got ready, donning her best dress, despite its modest price.
Stepping outside the room, she spotted Evan’s sleek black Jaguar awaiting them. John, the driver, opened the back door for her, and Aubrey noticed that Evan was already seated inside, engrossed in something on his iPad.
“Sir, should we first take Miss Aubrey to get dressed for her part?” John asked Evan, who remained fixated on his device.
“Let it be… The tackier, the better,” Evan replied absentmindedly. Aubrey glanced at his reflection in the window mirror, pondering the meaning behind his words.
“We have arrived, Sir,” John announced as they reached a grand and expensive restaurant. As soon as they stepped out of the car, people swarmed around Evan.
“Director Evan! I heard you’ve returned from your business trip,” an elderly man exclaimed, approaching Evan. Evan nodded in acknowledgment, and Aubrey observed the lavish attire of those around them, contrasting sharply with her own humble dress. She clutched her cheap dress, feeling out of place.
“Is this what John meant by ‘dressed for my part’?” she wondered, feeling self-conscious. Aubrey overheard the man saying, “I would have made the necessary preparations if you had informed me, but for now, I’ll arrange a quiet booth. Is that fine with you?”
Aubrey’s body tensed when she felt Evan’s grip on her waist, a touch that caught her off guard. She stood rigidly, uncertain of how to react. Evan intervened, requesting a moment of privacy with the man. Leaning close to Aubrey’s ear, he whispered, “It’s just a small informal lunch, so there’s no need to worry.” Aubrey nodded, her face turning red as she felt his breath against her skin.
“You are as stiff as a brick of ice. You need to warm up a bit,” Evan whispered again, causing Aubrey’s face and neck to flush with embarrassment. He walked ahead, and Aubrey followed suit, conscious of the curious gazes directed their way. Everyone seemed to be whispering and speculating. It was clear that Evan wanted to portray them as a couple, something he had never done before.
“People are watching us,” Aubrey whispered to Evan, feeling uneasy under the scrutiny.
“Does it bother you that much?” he replied, raising an eyebrow. Aubrey understood that he was intentionally showcasing their relationship, a fact that both thrilled and unsettled her. Evan looked around, seemingly amused.
“It’s amusing to watch them. Craning their necks for a glimpse, knowing that the moment we leave, they’ll gossip about how the Director of the Cooper Enterprise, Evan Cooper, brought a girl for company,” he remarked, taking her hand in his and tenderly caressing it. Aubrey could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes upon them, intensifying her discomfort.
“We hope you enjoy your meal,” the waiter said as he served their food before retreating. Evan kept hold of Aubrey’s hand, his touch lingering. The whispers and glances persisted, and Aubrey struggled to maintain her composure.
“People around us are watching,” she reminded Evan, her voice betraying her unease.
“Does it bother you that much?” he repeated, his tone slightly mocking. Aubrey realized that he was deliberately flaunting their connection, an act that was unfamiliar to her. He looked around, taking in the scene, before continuing.
“It’s amusing to watch them. Craning their necks for a glimpse, knowing that the moment we leave, they’ll gossip about how the Director of the Cooper Enterprise, Evan Cooper, brought a girl for company,” he explained, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss. Aubrey felt the soft touch of his lips on her skin as he then lightly licked and bit her finger. Flustered, she withdrew her hand.
“What are you doing?” Aubrey’s face reddened, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. “So far… your acting isn’t believable to me in the least,” Evan remarked, and after some time, they left the restaurant.
IN THE CAR
“Miss Aubrey, where should I drop you?” John asked as they settled into the car. Aubrey gazed out of the window, lost in her thoughts when Evan’s voice interrupted her reverie.
“You barely ate because you had your hand on your waist the whole time,” he pointed out. She had been so taken aback by his actions that she hadn’t been able to eat comfortably.
“I’ll do better next time,” Aubrey replied, determined to improve her performance. They dropped her off at home, and as the car drove away, she breathed a sigh of relief. She examined her hand, still tingling from Evan’s touch.
“I’m sure there won’t be a lunch like this at home,” she mused. Aubrey entered the house to find Mrs. Jane, Evan’s mother, waiting for her with anger evident in her expression.
“Where were you?” Mrs. Jane interrogated her, her voice laced with disdain.
“Mr. Evan called me out,” Aubrey replied, her head bowed in apology.
“If my son starts treating you a little better, you begin to think of yourself as the mistress of this house. You don’t even find it necessary to inform anyone,” Mrs. Jane hissed, her disapproval clear.
“Please forgive me. I will be more considerate in the future,” Aubrey apologized, her voice filled with remorse. With that, she retreated to her room, but not before making her way to Evan’s room as well.
