His bride for a night

chapter 5

The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Harrington mansion, bathing Emma's room in golden light. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then her eyes landed on the diamond wedding ring resting on her finger, and reality came rushing back.

She was still Ethan Harrington's wife.

At least for the next six months.

After getting dressed, Emma made her way downstairs. The mansion was already alive with activity. Housekeepers polished the marble floors, chefs prepared breakfast, and assistants hurried through the halls carrying folders and laptops.

Everything ran like clockwork.

Emma entered the dining room to find Ethan seated at the long table, reading the morning newspaper while sipping black coffee.

He glanced up briefly.

"Good morning."

"Morning," Emma replied, taking a seat across from him.

Mrs. Brooks served breakfast and quietly left them alone.

For several minutes, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Ethan folded his newspaper.

"My father scheduled our first public appearance tonight."

Emma looked up.

"What kind of appearance?"

"A charity gala."

She nearly dropped her fork.

"A gala? I've never been to one."

"You'll be fine."

"I don't even know how to act around billionaires. Ethan chuckled softly. "Neither do most billionaires."Emma couldn't help smiling. Just then, Richard entered the room. The Children's Hope Foundation Gala begins at seven tonight,he said. "The media will be there, along with business partners, politicians, and celebrities."Emma's nervousness returned.

Richard noticed immediately. You don't need to impress anyone, Emma. I just don't want to embarrass your family.Richard smiled. I think you'll do just fine.

After breakfast, Emma wandered into the mansion's library with a book she had borrowed the previous evening. She had only read a few pages when her phone vibrated. It was her younger brother, Noah. She answered immediately. "Hey." His voice sounded uneasy.Emma... I need to tell you something. What is it?"I made a mistake." Her heart tightened.I invested money with a friend. He disappeared.How much did you lose?There was a long pause.

"Twenty thousand dollars."

Emma felt the color drain from her face. Noah...

I know. I messed up."When do you have to pay it back?"

"By Friday."

Emma closed her eyes.

She wanted to help, but she couldn't touch the money Richard had promised until the end of their agreement.I will figure something out,she said softly.

You've already sacrificed enough for us.We're family, Emma replied. We'll get through this.She ended the call feeling helpless.Un best known to her, someone standing outside the library door had overheard part of the conversation.

Victoria Reynolds smiled to herself.

"So that's your weakness."

That afternoon, Emma was escorted to one of Chicago's most exclusive fashion boutiques.Two stylists greeted her the moment she arrived.

Mrs. Harrington, we've prepared several gowns for tonight.Emma looked at the price tags and nearly fainted.People actually spend this much on one dress?The stylists laughed politely.

After trying on several gowns, Emma chose an elegant emerald-green evening dress with delicate silver embroidery. It was simple yet breathtaking.When she stepped out of the fitting room, Ethan looked up from his phone.

For a brief moment, he forgot to breathe.

She looked nothing like the nervous waitress he had met a few days earlier.She looked graceful Beautiful."You don't like it?" Emma asked when she noticed him staring.

Ethan quickly looked away. It looks good."he muttered.One of the stylists smiled knowingly.

I think Mr. Harrington means stunning.

Emma blushed.

"So," she teased, you're not very good at compliments? I'm better at business meetings.

I noticed.

For the first time since their marriage, they laughed together without feeling awkward. By seven o'clock that evening, the grand ballroom of the Lakeshore Grand Hotel sparkled with crystal chandeliers and elegant decorations.

Luxury cars lined the entrance as reporters crowded behind velvet ropes.

When Ethan's black limousine arrived, cameras immediately began flashing.He stepped out first before turning toward the open door.

Emma placed her hand in his.

For just a second, their eyes met.

You ready?he asked. "No"He smiled faintly.Neither am I. Together, they walked across the red carpet.

Reporters shouted questions from every direction.

Mr. Harrington! Look this way!

Mrs. Harrington, how did you two meet?

Are honeymoon plans already underway?

Emma froze.

Without saying a word, Ethan gently wrapped an arm around her waist. "It's okay," he whispered. "Just keep walking." His calm voice eased her nerves. Inside the ballroom, dozens of guests turned to look at them. Some smiled. Others whispered behind champagne glasses.

Emma could almost hear their thoughts.

She's not one of us.

As they greeted guests, a familiar voice interrupted them.Well... if it isn't the happy couple."

Victoria Reynolds approached wearing a dazzling red gown. Her smile was flawless.Her eyes were anything but."Ethan," she said sweetly. "You certainly moved on quickly." it's good to see you too, Victoria," Ethan replied coolly.

Victoria turned toward Emma. "You've adjusted remarkably fast.I'm trying.I'm sure you are. The tension between the two women was unmistakable.

Victoria leaned closer.

"I hope you're enjoying your new life."

"I am."

"Good."

Her smile widened.

"Because fairy tales rarely last forever. She walked away before Emma could respond.

Emma watched her disappear into the crowd.

"Does she always talk like that?" she asked quietly.

Ethan sighed.Only when she's planning something.

Later that evening, the foundation's chairman invited Ethan to give a short speech.

Instead, Ethan surprised everyone."I'd like my wife to join me." Emma's eyes widened, He offered his hand.

"You'll be fine."

Nervously, she stepped onto the stage beside him.After thanking the guests for supporting the charity, Ethan unexpectedly turned to Emma.My wife spent years helping people while working and studying to become a nurse."The audience applauded. Emma looked at him in surprise. He continued.

"Tonight reminds me that success isn't measured by wealth. It's measured by kindness."

The room erupted into even louder applause.

Emma felt tears filling her eyes.

For the first time since their unusual marriage began, she realized Ethan wasn't simply protecting their arrangement. He was protecting her. Across the ballroom, Victoria watched with narrowed eyes.

The warmth in Ethan's voice wasn't part of any business deal. Something was changing.And she intended to stop it before it was too late.As the applause echoed through the ballroom, Victoria quietly picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"Move forward with the plan," she said coldly.

It's time Emma Carter learned that marrying Ethan Harrington comes with a price.She ended the call, her smile returning as she blended back into the crowd.

Unaware of the danger closing in around them, Ethan offered Emma his hand for the evening's first dance. She hesitated only for a moment before placing her hand in his.

As they stepped onto the dance floor beneath the glittering chandeliers, neither of them realized that their fake marriage was slowly becoming something neither had expected.

Something real.