Chapter 4
1137 Words
Emma had never imagined that one decision could change her entire life.
Just twenty-four hours ago, she had been serving coffee and pancakes at a neighborhood restaurant, worrying about tuition payments and her mother's medical bills. Now, she sat in the backseat of a sleek black Rolls-Royce beside Ethan Harrington, the man she had married for reasons neither of them wanted to explain.
The drive through Chicago was silent.
Neither of them knew what to say.
Emma watched the city pass by through the tinted window. Familiar streets slowly gave way to quiet, tree-lined roads filled with luxurious estates hidden behind wrought-iron gates.
Finally, the car stopped in front of an enormous mansion.
The Harrington Estate.
Emma stared in disbelief.
The mansion looked more like a palace than a home. Its elegant stone walls, towering white columns, perfectly trimmed gardens, and sparkling fountain made her feel as though she had stepped into another world.
The gates slowly opened.
As the car rolled forward, Emma whispered, "People actually live here?"
Ethan glanced at her. unfortunately yes, She couldn't help laughing.It was the first genuine smile either of them had shared. The car stopped beneath the grand entrance. Before Emma could open the door, a butler hurried over and did it for her.
"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington."
The words caught Emma off guard.
Home. This wasn't her home.
It was only temporary
She reminded herself of that as she stepped onto the marble staircase leading into the mansion.Inside, everything was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers hung from ceilings nearly thirty feet high. Polished marble floors reflected the sunlight pouring through massive windows. Priceless paintings decorated the walls, while fresh flowers filled every room with a delicate fragrance.
Emma suddenly became painfully aware of her simple dress and inexpensive shoes.
She didn't belong here.
A line of house staff stood waiting.
The head housekeeper smiled warmly.
"Welcome, Mrs. Harrington. I'm Mrs. Brooks. If you need anything, please let me know."
Emma smiled nervously. "Thank you."
Richard Harrington appeared from his office carrying a folder.
"I'm glad you've both arrived."
Ethan crossed his arms.
"What now?"
Richard handed them each a copy of a document. "Your marriage agreement."
Emma looked at him in surprise.
"You actually wrote a contract?" Richard nodded.
"It outlines the expectations for the next six months. Public appearances together, family events, business dinners, and complete confidentiality."
Ethan barely looked at the papers.
"I don't need a contract to know how to pretend." Richard sighed.
"This isn't just pretending anymore. The media is watching every move you make."
Emma flipped through the pages.
There were rules about interviews, photographs, and social events. Near the end, she found one final clause.The couple will reside together at the Harrington Estate for the duration of the agreement.
She looked up.
We have to live together? Richard answered calmly. "If reporters discover you're living separately, they'll know something is wrong."
Emma reluctantly nodded. "I understand."
Richard smiled faintly. Thank you. He left them alone. Mrs. Brooks cleared her throat.
Mr. Harrington, shall I show Mrs. Harrington to the master suite?
Ethan shook his head. I will do it
The housekeeper smiled knowingly before walking away. Emma followed Ethan upstairs.
The staircase curved elegantly toward the second floor, where a long hallway stretched in both directions. Ethan stopped before a pair of large double doors.
This is the master suite.
Emma stepped inside and gasped.
The room was larger than the entire apartment she shared with her mother. A king-sized bed stood near floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. A fireplace, private sitting area, walk-in closets, and a luxurious bathroom completed the suite.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
Ethan placed his suitcase near the door.
"You will take the bedroom." Emma looked at him.
What about you?I will use the guest room across the hall."
She frowned. "But won't people notice?" "They won't."
She hesitated.
You don't have to leave because of me. He shrugged. "I've slept in that guest room for years."
Emma looked confused. This isn't your room?
it belonged to my mother. He walked toward the window.After she died, I couldn't stay here anymore.
Emma's heart softened. For the first time, she realized there was more to Ethan than the cold businessman everyone described.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. He nodded once.
Let's not talk about it.
Just then, someone knocked.
Mrs. Brooks entered carrying several shopping bags. Mrs. Harrington, these were delivered for you.
Emma blinked, are these items mine?
"They're from Mr. Harrington."
She looked at Ethan in surprise.
"you bought all these for me."I did," he replied simply.Inside the bags were elegant dresses, shoes, handbags, and everyday clothes.
Emma stared at the price tags in disbelief.
"Ethan... these must have cost a fortune."
"You can't attend charity galas dressed like a waitress."
The words stung.Seeing the hurt in her eyes, Ethan immediately regretted how harsh they sounded.
"I didn't mean it that way," he said.
Emma forced a smile.
"It's okay."
"No," he admitted. It isn't. I meant... you'll need clothes that match the role you're playing.
She looked at him for a long moment before nodding.
Thank you.
That single thank-you eased some of the tension between them.
Later that evening, Emma wandered into the mansion's library.Rows upon rows of books covered every wall.
She smiled.
"I could spend days in here."
"You like reading?"
She turned to find Ethan standing in the doorway.
I love it.
He walked over to one of the shelves.
My mother did too.He pulled out an old novel. She used to read this to me when I was a kid.
Emma accepted the book carefully.
You kept it.
it's one of the few things I couldn't throw away.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable this time.
It felt... peaceful..
Downstairs, Victoria Reynolds stood outside the mansion gates inside her luxury car.She had bribed one of the household employees for information.So, she muttered after ending the phone call, "Emma Carter has officially moved in."
Her lips curled into a smile.
Enjoy your fairy tale while you can.
She opened a folder resting on the passenger seat. Inside was a private investigator's report on Emma's family.At the top of the page was a single sentence that made Victoria smile even wider.
Emma Carter's younger brother is in serious mess that would cause chaos
Victoria closed the folder.
Everyone has a weakness.
She started her engine and drove away, already planning her next move.Inside the mansion, completely unaware of the storm approaching, Emma stood beside the library window watching the first snowflakes of the season drift gently over the gardens.
For the first time since their unexpected wedding, she felt something she hadn't expected to feel in the Harrington mansion.
Peace.
She had no idea it wouldn't last for long.
- Writer
