Chapter 4: Sparks and Rivalries
755 Words
Bella’s first week as Ethan’s “contract wife” felt like walking a tightrope. Every meeting, every public appearance, every polite smile had to be precise. Too friendly, and rumors would spread. Too distant, and Ethan would tease her mercilessly.
And Ethan… well, he seemed to enjoy every second of it.
At the first official event—a high-profile charity gala—Bella wore a gown she had designed herself: sleek, elegant, daring enough to turn heads. Her heart raced as they entered together, Ethan’s arm casually draped over hers. The world watched, and she had to convince everyone they were the perfect couple.
“Relax,” Ethan murmured, close enough that only she could hear. “Act like we belong together.”
Bella shot him a look. “Relax? Easy for you to say. You’re naturally infuriating and irresistible.”
He smirked, leaning closer. “I take that as a compliment.”
Bella rolled her eyes, though a faint warmth spread through her chest. She could never admit how much his presence affected her, how her pulse always jumped when he was near. Not when this was all supposed to be fake.
But fake or not, the chemistry was real.
Midway through the gala, Dante appeared like a shadow, always perfectly timed to strike. His eyes locked on Bella, a predatory smirk forming.
“Well, well,” he said smoothly, approaching with confidence. “I see the rumors were true. You’re making quite the impression with Mr. Valerio.”
Bella stiffened, forcing a polite smile. “Dante. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Dante’s gaze flicked to Ethan. “And you must be the infamous Ethan Valerio. I’ve heard a lot… mostly that you’re trouble.”
Ethan’s expression darkened ever so slightly, though his voice remained controlled. “And you must be Dante Ramirez, the man trying to manipulate everyone in sight. Charming as always.”
Bella felt the tension spike. Sparks ignited—not the romantic kind, but the dangerous, electric kind that came with competition. Dante’s presence reminded her of the stakes: this was more than a contract, more than a fake marriage—it was a battlefield for hearts, power, and pride.
Throughout the evening, Dante found opportunities to corner Bella. He praised her designs just enough to make her blush, all while planting subtle reminders of her “obligations” to him. Bella, meanwhile, felt Ethan’s protective gaze burning across the room, making her pulse race even faster.
Later, in a quiet corner of the gala, Ethan’s voice came low and sharp. “Do not let him get to you.”
“I’m not a child,” Bella snapped, though her heart betrayed her words.
“I’m aware,” Ethan said, stepping closer. “But he’s clever. And you… well, you make him nervous. That’s dangerous.”
Bella felt herself leaning back slightly, caught between irritation and undeniable attraction. “I can handle myself,” she murmured.
Ethan’s eyes softened for the briefest moment. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to watch out for you.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, embarrassed by the flutter in her chest. He was infuriating, impossible, and yet… protective. And that combination was dangerous.
As the gala wound down, Bella caught Dante staring at her from across the room, a sly grin playing on his lips. He approached once more, his voice smooth and teasing.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Bella. Pretending to love him, keeping me at bay… don’t get lost in it. Remember, I know you better than anyone thinks.”
Bella’s pulse spiked. “Dante… I’m not pretending.”
He chuckled darkly. “Are you sure about that?”
By the time she and Ethan left the gala, the city lights of Manila shimmered around them. The drive back was silent, charged with tension neither dared to break.
Finally, Ethan spoke, his tone low, teasing, and utterly infuriating. “You’re too stubborn for your own good, you know that?”
Bella met his gaze in the rearview mirror, refusing to look away. “And you’re too arrogant for anyone’s good.”
He smirked, leaning back in his seat. “Perfect match, then.”
Bella’s heart pounded. Perfect match—or perfect disaster?
Because the truth was undeniable: the fake contract, the teasing, the proximity… it was all weaving them closer together, and neither of them could stop it.
And as for Dante? He wasn’t going anywhere.
The love triangle had officially begun.
- Writer
