CONTRACTS OF HEARTS

Chapter4

The night air was crisp as Ethan and Sophie walked back to his luxurious mansion. The echoes of laughter and music still lingering in my mind The gala had been a whirlwind of glamour but the moment we stepped outside the exhilaration faded replaced by a wave of unease. I replayed the encounter with Claudia Ethan's ex-girlfriend over and over her biting words stinging like a fresh wound.

Sweetheart, I’m sure you think that she had said her voice dripping with condescension. But it’s hard to believe someone like you could be with someone like him without an ulterior motive.

Ethan had defended me, Sophie of course but the damage was done The way Claudia had looked at Sophie as if she was nothing more than a gold digger playing a part had shaken my confidence.

Now as we entered the house I felt the weight of humiliation settle in my chest The elegance of the mansion once a source of excitement now felt suffocating I stepped into the living room the grand space illuminated by soft lighting but it felt cold and unwelcoming.

Are you okay? Ethan asked Sophie concern etched on his face as he closed the door behind us.

I forced a smile but it didn’t quite reach my eyes Yeah just tired I guess.

Ethan studied me for a moment his brow furrowing. You don’t seem okay Claudia can be… well she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

Sophie looked away not wanting to meet his gaze You don’t have to defend me I get it She was your past and I’m just someone you’re supposed to be with for a year.

The silence that followed felt heavy and Sophie could feel the walls closing in around her I didn’t want to be just a contract, a business arrangement, I wanted to believe that what we had was real that he felt something deeper Sophie thought in her mind.

Stop it Sophie, Ethan said, stepping closer This isn’t just a contract for me anymore.

Isn’t it? Sophie shot back unable to keep the bitterness from creeping into my voice What if you’re just with me to fulfill some obligation? What if deep down you still want her?

Don’t say that he replied clearly in his tone. I chose you I wanted you.

But why? Because of the contract? Because it’s easier than dealing with the fallout from your relationship with Claudia? I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes the humiliation of the evening crashing over me like a wave.

Ethan's expression softened and he reached for my hand but I pulled away I don’t want pity Ethan I don’t want to feel like I’m just a placeholder in your life.

He sighed running a hand through his hair a gesture I had come to recognize as a sign of his frustration You’re not a placeholder You’re everything I didn’t know I needed to care about you, Sophie.

Do you? Sophie whispered with her voice trembling Or is this just what you’re telling yourself because of our arrangement?

The silence that followed was deafening Sophie turned away her heart racing as she tried to process the whirlwind of emotions she felt betrayed not by Ethan but by my own insecurities.

Look I know this isn’t easy he finally said stepping closer again But I want you to know that you mean something to me I don’t want to lose you.

Before Sophie could respond he took a deep breath Ethan's expression shifting from frustration to determination You know what? I need to show you how I feel.

What do you mean? I asked confusion washing over me.

Without replying, Ethan grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door Trust me.

A few moments later we were back outside. The cool night air wrapping around us as we made our way to the front of the mansion Ethan led me to the edge of the property, where a small gathering of people from the gala still lingered, some chatting and laughing under the stars.

I hesitated, unsure of what was happening. What are we doing?

He turned to face me his expression fierce and passionate. I’m going to tell them the truth.

I felt a flutter of anxiety in my stomach. What truth?

He took a deep breath his eyes locking onto mine.

With that he stepped onto the small makeshift stage that had been set up for speeches at the gala. The crowd turning to him in curiosity. I stood back heart pounding as I watched him take the microphone.

Ladies and gentlemen, he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. I know I’m supposed to be a businessman always calculating and strategic but tonight I want to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me.

The crowd quieted and I felt the weight of their attention shift to me.

I’ve been hearing a lot of whispers—people talking about my marriage to Sophie Ethan continued glancing at me with a fierce determination. And I want to make one thing clear Sophie Langston is not a gold digger She is an incredible woman one who has brought light into my life in ways I never expected.

My breath caught in my throat as he spoke, the sincerity in his voice washing over me like a warm embrace.

We entered into this contract for practical reasons. Yes, he admitted. But what I’ve found is that I care for Sophie deeply I respect her and I admire her strength She is not just my wife for a year she is my partner and I love her.

The crowd erupted into a mix of murmurs and gasps and my heart soared I could hardly believe what I was hearing Love? He loved me?

Ethan continued his voice strong and unwavering So if you want to call her a gold digger then you’ll have to go through me first Because I’m proud to call her my wife and I’m not going to let anyone diminish that.

As he stepped down from the stage I rushed to him tears streaming down my cheeks a mixture of relief and joy flooding my heart.

I didn’t know you felt that way I whispered my voice barely audible.

He wiped my tears away his touch gentle I, do Sophie I really do And I want to show you that every day.

In that moment the insecurities that had weighed me down began to lift Ethan’s public declaration had transformed everything between us We were no longer bound by a contract we were partners and perhaps not perhaps we were on the brink of something truly beautiful.