THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

Light rays streamed into Loveth's room, and her eyes fluttered.

She yawned and got up,went to the kitchen to get a glass of water, and brewed some coffee.

She realized she was still in her work outfit due to stress she got at work.

She immediately dragged her feet to the bathroom and began a long, relaxing bath.

She stepped out in a silk red robe so revealing leaving one to imagination.

Loveth's phone began ringing ,she hurriedly ran to pick it.

It was her best friend, Taylor. "Hey girl, sorry I couldn't call you. Work was hectic yesterday, but anyways I have a lot to tell you that happened, " she explained . "All right, meet me at lantern cafe. I am kinda pissed with you, tho."Taylor teased.

Loveth stepped out in a jort, a croptop and her favorite black sneakers. She held her hair in a ponytail, which complimented her pretty face.

Taylor ran into Loveth's arms immediately, and she spotted her.

Loveth's eyes widened as Taylor squeezed her. The familiar scent of her friend made her break out a smile."What got you so fired up?"Loveth asked as she leaned back to study Taylor's expression.

Taylor's grin faltered for a moment,and Loveth's curiosity piqued."Spill the tea girl,"Taylor asked,linking hands with Loveth as they walked into the cafe.

Lantern cafe was bustling with activities, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air.

Acoustic music was playing in the background. The cafe was designed with fake vines on white painted walls, making its environment serene.

Loveth and Taylor settled in a table by the windows.

"What's going on?"Taylor asked,as Loveth leaned in and took a sip of her coffee.

"Really?,like right now am mad at you,first you didn't inform me about your first experience at work, now you wouldn't answer my questions, girl am so pissed"Taylor said with a pout.

"Okay, fine. Work was hectic yesterday, I won't lie, but the main thing we should discuss is what am I going to wear for the charity gala my boss invited me for." Taylor asked, " You're joking about that, right? Girl, let's get shopping already, "

They finished up quickly and left for the boutique.

8:00 PM

A black SUV pulled up at her home address, Loveth was just finishing up and ready to go. She wore a backless black dress. It was a bodycon, and it aligned with her hourglass body shape. Her makeup was a soft glam, yet her beauty was alluring. It could make heads turn, coupled with her feminine fragrance and graceful smiles.

"Taylor did a good job," she said as she admired her look in the mirror. She took her bag and assessed if everything was okay before locking her door.

"Good evening, "she politely greeted the driver sent to pick her up as she walked towards the opened car door. Her Louis Vuitton heels clicked against the floor, her steps graceful and steady.

She got to the destination quite early and stood at a corner waiting to see if she could identify Ethan.

The grand ballroom was abuzz with the city's biggest elites, all gathered for the annual charity gala benefiting underprivileged children.The theme was "A Night under the stars," and the decorations sparkled against the dark blue back drop.

Loveth stood by the entrance, scanning the room as she clutched her gold clutch.She had never been to an event like this in her entire life, and today was the first.

She was both happy and nervous at this point.

After standing for like five minutes , she spotted Ethan walking towards her in a tailored tuxedo, making him irresistible cute.His muscles were visible that it made the women around to be wowed.

"Ready to make some appearances?"Ethan jokingly said as he offered his arms.

Loveth felt her legs go weak at that comment, but she had to play cool ,so she nodded, and they both went inside the grand ballroom where the event was taking place.

They were kept at high tables . They quickly mingled with guests, and Ethan's charm and charisma were at it's highest peak . Loveth watched as he networked. She was impressed and equally amazed at the job done by Ethan.

Soon, lights dropped, curtains dropped as the Mc took the mic, and the event got started.

Time ticked fast, and the event eventually came to an end.

Ethan decided to greet some people before heading out.

As they walked the hall, greeting everyone, Loveth was stealing the spotlight. Compliments and hate remarks were circling in the room.

But then a woman appeared at Ethan's side, her piercing dark eyes locked unto Ethan's.

"Ethan dear, it's been a long time," she said, her voice mixed with subtlety and radiating irresistible charm.

Ethan's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure.

"What are you doing here?"Ethan asked with a cold voice.

Ava smiled and said, "i got back to help my father's business since I am done with my course of study . What about you ?" She asked.

"I run my own company here in Seoul. I'd never thought I would see again, "Ethan calmly responded.

She walked and traced an invisible line on Ethan's cheek. " I have missed you," she pouted. Loveth stood at a corner, her curiosity piqued. She decided to break the tension between Ava and Ethan by saying, "Sorry, Ethan dear, can we go? My feet's are starting to hurt ." She whispered, enough for the people gathered to hear.

"Oh,so sorry. I would love to see you all some other time, i have to go, " he said as he led Loveth out of the room .

As they got into the car ,Ethan roared "drive."

Twenty minutes passed, but the whole car was silent that you could her your own heartbeat.

Loveth couldn't control her curiosity anymore, so she turned and asked, "Who is she ?" That's none of your business, is it ? Ethan retorted angrily, causing Loveth to retreat back into silence.

She got to her house in a few minutes. Immediately, she highlighted the vehicle, the SUV reversed, and zoomed out of the compound, leaving only dust behind.

She got in and started her night routine, preparing for bed and work tomorrow.

"I didn't mean to pry, I was only curious about who she was,"she told Taylor and Kira, her best friends who were on a video call with her.

They chatted for a while, and they reminisced on how their relationship started, where it was, and how they were grateful and happy.

They bade each other their goodbyes,disconnected the call, and went to bed.