What is Love?

Chapter 3

I dropped everything I was holding onto the counter, "A contract marriage? So these last four years meant nothing to you?" "Lydia, don't look at it like that. I'm just not ready for marriage yet." With a scoff, I said, "A contract marriage is a marriage." "Nothing will change, we will continue on how we are.

It's just a piece of paper, you won't even have to change your last name. Just let Grandpa think you did and that we are a happy couple." "And when it's time for divorce, what then?"

"We will secretly divorce and carry on as if we are married once I have maintained my position as CEO. Please do this for me," Ethan pleaded. "I guess I have no choice," I responded softly.

I really didn't want to marry him, even a blind person could tell he had never gotten over Jessica. I wanted to ask why me and not Jessica, but I bit my lip and continued preparing the dishes.

When it was completed, the servants brought them all out to us. I looked up to see Nik sitting across from me. Usually he doesn't stay for family dinners. He gave me a subtle nod.

I remained quiet throughout the entire dinner, and after saying our goodbyes, we headed back to Ocean Side Villa. Walking inside, Jessica rushed up to Ethan and gave him a huge hug.

"I was so lonely without you, E!" He replied, "no worries, I'm back now Jess." I ignored them and went upstairs. I was just over today. After washing up, I lay in bed wondering if I really wanted to marry Ethan.

I loved him, but I didn't want a contractual marriage. I wanted something real, passionate, and consuming. My heart hurt at the fact I'd never have that with Ethan. I believe I always knew that but never wanted to admit it to myself.

I tossed and turned all night long. The sun started to shine through the cracks of my curtains, and I knew I wasn't getting sleep anymore. I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed and face those two, but I knew I had to eventually.

I showered and put on leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, and let my hair flow freely down my back. I decided to take a day to myself and put paid time off in with the hospital.

Going downstairs, I saw Jessica flipping through the TV channels and Ethan nowhere in sight. "He just left, after giving me an amazing time in bed." Her hair was all messed up, and she had love bites all over her neck.

Cocking my head to the side, feeling nothing, "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Jessica."

"Such a shame he wouldn't share a bed with you. Guess he really has been waiting for me all of these years. Thank you for keeping him company, but also for not keeping him too much company," she replied with a wink. "He told me about the contract marriage, but

I fully intend on letting his family know I have returned. No one will have Ethan Montgomery besides me."

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed my bag and keys to leave. "Remember, Lydia, he doesn't love you. His family doesn't love you, they all love me and have been waiting for me too," she yelled as I was leaving.

Feeling conflicted, I decided to get a cup of coffee, and headed to Ethan's office. We needed to talk.

I arrived at M Technology, and went to the 17th floor. I ignored his ignorant receptionist and went straight to his office. He jumped, startled to see me and hung up the phone quickly. "No need to hide you were talking with Jessica. I came to talk about marriage."

"What about it?" Ethan asked. "I just don't think I can go through with it. It's clear you love her and want to be with her. I feel like we should just end things here."

"Grandfather won't accept that, he won't let me marry anyone else," Ethan responded.

"He said clearly in his speech: You have been playing with my heart for years, and your heart belongs to someone else. No other than Jessica. Talk to him, he may change his mind. We all deserve to be happy, and if Jessica is going to make you happy, he will agree. I just have one request," I said.

"I ask that the contract with The Crawford Foundation remains intact no matter what happens to us. I will pack my things and leave by the end of the day," "Lydia, you can't do this. Grandfather will never agree."

"Actually, he will agree, and the contract will remain with The Crawford Foundation," Nik said. "How long have you been here, Nik?" Ethan asked. "Long enough to listen to the bulls*it you spouted to Lydia. He wants you to stop hurting her and to let her go. Let her be loved by someone that doesn't make it feel like it's a chore to love her," Nik said while starting at me.

I stared back and Ethan's eyes bounced between both of us.

Tearing my gaze away, "See Ethan, I'll talk with Grandpa." With that I strode out of his office. Reaching the sidewalk, I could hear footsteps running after me. "Lydia, wait!" I turned to see Nik lightly jogging to catch up with me.

"Do you need a ride?" "No, thank you, Nik. I brought my own car," I responded. He nodded his head and said, "May I walk you to your car?" I responded, "Sure."

When we reached my car, he opened the driver's side door for me. "Thank you," I said. He replied with, "no problem at all."

"Lydia?" "Yes?" "Would you want to meet up for dinner tonight? At the Blue Lagoon?" I was stunned.