CHAPTER ONE
993 Words
LILLIAN
I sat at the dinner table, fidgeting with my napkin as I waited for Ethan to arrive. My guardians had arranged this meeting, eager to secure a marriage between our families.
I sighed and glanced around the restaurant, feeling like a prisoner waiting for my sentence to be carried out. The dim lighting and soft music were supposed to be romantic, but to me, they just felt suffocating.
The boredom made me couldn't help but notice the crisp, white tablecloth that seemed to glow in the dim light of the restaurant. The silverware sparkled, and the crystal glasses refracted the light, casting tiny rainbows on the table.
I ran my fingers over the intricate pattern on the fine china plate in front of me, feeling the delicate ridges and grooves. The plate was adorned with a delicate gold rim, adding a touch of luxury to the already-elegant setting.
As I glanced around the restaurant, I noticed the soft, golden light that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. The atmosphere was hushed and intimate, with the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clinking of glasses providing a soothing background hum.
I breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meats that wafted from the kitchen. My stomach growled in anticipation as I perused the menu, which read like a culinary journey around the world.
As I waited for my date to arrive, I sipped on a glass of chilled champagne, feeling the bubbles dance on my tongue. The waiter, resplendent in his black tuxedo, hovered discreetly in the background, ready to refill my glass or answer any questions I might have.
Despite the opulent surroundings, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had been building in my stomach all day. I was here for a dinner date with a man I had never met, the thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I took another sip of my champagne, hoping to calm my nerves.
I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering where Ethan was. Was he running late, or was he just as reluctant to meet me as I was to meet him?
The waiter came over to refill my water glass, and I forced a smile onto my face. "Thank you," I said, trying to sound polite.
But inside, I was seething. I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to meet Ethan, and I didn't want to get married. But it seemed like no one cared about what I wanted.
My patience had started wearing thin. Where was he? I had been sitting here for over 20 minutes, sipping on my champagne and trying to make small talk with the waiter.
I was just about to get up and leave when I saw him walk in. Ethan. My arranged dinner date. My future husband, if my guardians had their way.
As he scanned the room, his eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of surprise. He was handsome. Really handsome. His features were dreamy, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled cheekbones. His dark hair was perfectly messy, and his smile was warm and inviting.
For a moment, I forgot to be annoyed. I forgot that I was only here because my parents had arranged it. I forgot that I didn't want to be here.
All I could think about was how attractive he was. And how he was walking towards me, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, as he reached the table. His voice was deep and smooth, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
I smiled, feeling a little off balance. "It's okay," I said. "I just got here myself."
He raised an eyebrow, and I realized that I had just lied. I had been here for over 20 minutes.
But he didn't call me out on it. Instead, he said nothing and sat down across from me. "So, Lillian," he said. "It's nice to finally meet you."
I smiled at him, trying to feel a little more at ease. Maybe this dinner wouldn't be so bad after all but I was in for a ride. I slightly adjusted in my seat and tried to keep the conversation light and pleasant, but Ethan seemed determined to get straight to the point.
"So, Lillian," he said, his voice cold and detached. "I'm sure you're aware of why our families have arranged this marriage."
I nodded, trying to keep my cool. "Yes, I'm aware."
"Good," he said. "Because I want to make one thing clear: I expect this marriage to be a business arrangement, nothing more. I have certain... expectations, and I expect you to fulfill them."
I felt my anger rising, but I tried not to let it show. "Expectations?" I repeated, my voice heavy. "You mean, like being on time for our first meeting?"
Ethan's expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "I apologized for being late," he said. "Let's not focus on trivialities."
"Trivialities?" I said, my anger rising with each nonsense coming from his lips. "You show up late, and then you have the nerve to bark demands at me? I don't think so."
I stood up, my heels clicking on the floor. "I think this meeting is over."
As I turned to walk away, my heel caught on the hem of the tablecloth, tipping me over, and I felt myself stumble. But before I could fall, Ethan's hands were around my waist, holding me steady.
For a moment, I felt a flutter in my chest. His touch was warm and firm, and I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.
But I quickly regained myself, pulling away from him. "I think I can manage on my own."
I walked away, my head held high, leaving Ethan standing alone at the table.
- Writer
