chapter 10
1044 Words
Ethan Foster sat across from Nathan Hill, his expression unreadable as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. The restaurant's warm lighting cast shadows across his chiseled features, but his sharp eyes never left the man sitting opposite him.
Sophia, all smiles and excitement, had to introduce him properly. "Ethan, I know you've been busy, but you two have barely had the chance to talk. I thought it was time you got to know each other better," she said, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Ethan offered a tight smile. "Yes, I suppose it’s about time."
Nathan, ever the charming businessman, extended his hand. "Good to finally have a moment with you, Ethan. I've heard a lot about you."
Ethan shook his hand firmly but didn’t return the pleasantries. "I'm sure you have," he said, his tone laced with something that made Nathan shift slightly in his seat.
Sophia excused herself, leaving the two men alone to "bond." Ethan leaned back in his chair, studying Nathan with the careful scrutiny of a man who never trusted easily.
"So, Nathan," Ethan began, taking a slow sip of his drink, "why my sister?"
Nathan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Why Sophia?" he repeated, forcing a smile. "Well, she's smart, beautiful, kind... what's not to like?"
Ethan raised a brow, unimpressed. "Those are all surface-level observations. Be more specific. What is it about her that made you think she's the one?"
Nathan cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. "I admire her drive, her passion for life. She’s always known what she wanted, and she goes for it. That kind of confidence is... inspiring."
Ethan nodded slowly, his gaze piercing. "And you're sure you're not just in it for the Foster name?"
Nathan stiffened. "Of course not. I love Sophia for who she is, not for what her family name represents."
Ethan smirked, leaning forward slightly. "You wouldn't be the first man to fall for a Foster because of our name, Nathan. And I don't take kindly to people using my sister for their gain."
Nathan forced a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "I assure you, my intentions are sincere. Sophia and I have a connection that’s... different. She makes me a better man."
Ethan studied him for a long moment before nodding. "I hope, for your sake, that's true. Because if I ever find out otherwise..." He let the sentence hang, the threat implied but clear.
Nathan swallowed and offered a tight smile. "I understand."
Just then, Sophia returned to the table, unaware of the tension that had settled between the two men. She beamed at Ethan. "So, what do you think of Nathan? Isn’t he great?"
Ethan forced a smile. "He's certainly... something."
Sophia, oblivious to Ethan’s skepticism, turned to Nathan with a sudden burst of excitement. "Oh, by the way, did you hear the violinist tonight? She was amazing!"
Nathan’s smile faltered instantly, and his grip on his glass tightened. "Uh... yeah, I noticed."
Ethan’s eyes flicked between the two, instantly picking up on Nathan’s discomfort. "She was good," Ethan said casually, watching Nathan closely.
Sophia, thrilled by the idea forming in her head, continued, "I was thinking—wouldn't it be wonderful to have her play at our wedding? She’d add such an elegant touch to the ceremony!"
Nathan choked on his drink, coughing violently, you want her to play at our wedding?" he asked, his voice laced with panic. "I... I don’t think that’s a good idea."
Ethan smirked slightly, amused by Nathan’s obvious distress. "Why not?"
Nathan quickly recovered, forcing a laugh. "Well, you know, she might be too busy. A violinist of her talent probably has a packed schedule."
Sophia waved him off. "Nonsense! We can afford her, and I’ll bet she’d love the opportunity." She glanced around the restaurant, searching for Chloe. "I'll invite her over now."
Nathan paled. "Sophia, really, there’s no need—"But Sophia was insistent, waving Chloe over. “Let me talk to her.”
Chloe hesitated as she approached the table, her gaze locking with Nathan’s for a split second. His jaw clenched, and she saw the silent warning in his eyes. Ignoring him, she plastered a polite smile on her face as she greeted Sophia.
“You were amazing,” Sophia gushed. “I’d love for you to perform at our wedding.”
Chloe stole a glance at Nathan, whose knuckles turned white around his glass. It was tempting to refuse just to spite him, but Sophia’s genuine enthusiasm made her reconsider.
“That’s... a generous offer,” Chloe said cautiously.
Ethan, watching with amusement, leaned in and wiped a stray drop of wine from Chloe’s lips with his thumb. “You missed a spot,” he murmured.
Chloe froze, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected intimacy. She looked up at him, and for a moment, everything else faded.
Sophia noticed the interaction and her eyes lit up. “Oh my God, Ethan, do you know her?”
Ethan chuckled. “We’ve crossed paths.”
Sophia clapped her hands. “That’s perfect! Maybe it’s fate.”
Nathan, growing increasingly uncomfortable, interjected, “I’m sure she’s busy with other gigs, right?” His eyes bore into Chloe’s, silently begging her to refuse.
But Chloe, emboldened by Sophia’s kindness—and perhaps by the lingering sensation of Ethan’s touch—nodded. “I’d love to perform at your wedding.”
Sophia grinned triumphantly. “Wonderful! It's settled then.”
Nathan’s face darkened, but he said nothing, clearly outnumbered.
After a few more pleasantries, Chloe rose to leave. Sophia stood as well. “I’ll drop you off. I’m heading back into town guess you heading same way.”
Chloe nodded gratefully, casting one last glance at Ethan, who held her gaze with an unreadable expression. Something flickered in his eyes—curiosity, interest, or perhaps warning—but before she could analyze it, Sophia linked arms with her, leading her out.
As they walked through the restaurant doors, Chloe couldn’t help but smile to herself. Maybe agreeing to play at this wedding was reckless, but one thing was for sure—it would put her right where she needed to be. Close to Nathan. Close to Ethan. And, perhaps, closer to the truth.
- Writer
