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ROSE POV
As I watched Adrian interact with Noel, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my heart. He was so gentle and kind, asking her about her favorite ice cream flavor.
"Hey Noel, how about we get some ice cream? What's your favorite flavor?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Vanilla!" Noel replied, her face lighting up.
"Vanilla? Really? I was expecting chocolate!" Adrian said, feigning surprise.
Noel giggled. "No, I like vanilla!"
Adrian smiled. "Well, vanilla it is then! I'll get you the best vanilla ice cream in town."
I couldn't help but smile at the exchange. Adrian's ease with Noel was endearing, and Noel's joy was infectious. As they walked hand in hand to get ice cream, I smiled focusing on the happiness of the moment.
Noel was thrilled, and Adrian was being wonderful. That's all that mattered. Or so I told myself.
I was surprised by his ease with her, his willingness to fill the gap of fatherhood.
Noel's face lit up when she saw Adrian, and she eagerly hugged him, thanking him for paying her surgery bills.
My heart swelled with emotion as I saw the genuine affection between them. Adrian's eyes met mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest.
Adrian's smile and gentle touch with Noel made me long for that kind of connection with him.
As we spent the evening together, I couldn't help but notice the way Adrian looked at Noel, with a deep affection and care.
It was clear he had grown attached to her, and I wondered if he would ever look at me like that.
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the joy of the moment. Noel was happy, and that's all that mattered.
But as I glanced at Adrian, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, this contract marriage could lead to something more.
...
I was lost in the world of my novel, the characters and their stories swirling in my mind, when my phone chimed, breaking the spell.
I groaned inwardly as I saw the message from Adrian - my boss, my contract husband.
"Get ready, I'll pick you up in an hour for the family dinner."
Oh no! My eyes widened in panic. What was I going to wear?
I hadn't expected this, and my mind went blank. I looked down at my casual clothes, definitely not suitable for a family dinner.
Just then, Noel, my daughter, rushed into the room, concern etched on her face.
"Mommy, what's wrong?"
I explained the situation, and she burst out laughing.
"Why do ladies always get confused about what to wear, Mommy?" she teased.
I chuckled, feeling a bit silly.
"I don't know, sweetie, but it's a real problem!"
Just then, I remembered Anna, my trusty stylist. I quickly dialled her number, hoping against hope that she could make it in time.
"Anna, help! I need you to work your magic in an hour. Can you make it?"
I held my breath, waiting for her response, hoping she could save me from my fashion emergency.
Anna burst through the door, her signature smile and confident stride a welcome sight.
"Okay, girl, let's get you ready!"
But her first question threw me off.
"Where's the outfit he sent?"
I was confused.
"Outfit? He didn't send any."
Anna's eyes widened in surprise.
"What? But in all the novels and soap operas I watch, the men always send their dates a beautiful dress to wear, something of their own taste. Is he not romantic?"
I rolled my eyes, laughing.
"Anna, this is real life, not a romance novel."
But a part of me couldn't help but wonder... why hadn't he sent me a dress? Would it have been so bad if he had shown a little bit of romance?
I pushed the thought aside and yelled at Anna to get to work.
"Come on, Anna, we don't have much time! Do something, anything!"
Anna sprang into action, her hands moving swiftly as she rummaged through my closet.
"Don't worry, girl, I've got this. We'll make you look stunning, with or without his help."
...
The chaos that ensued! Anna's hands moved at lightning speed, rummaging through my closet like a tornado, searching for the perfect outfit.
Twenty minutes of utter madness - trying, tasting (yes, tasting! I have no idea why), putting on and offing, and discarding.
It was like watching a fashion show gone wrong!
I stood there, helpless, as my clothes seemed to mock me.
"Why can't I just find something decent?" I exclaimed, banging my head against the wall in frustration.
Noel, my little giggling monster, laughed at me, clearly entertained by the spectacle.
"Mommy, this is so silly!"
I shot her a look.
"You won't understand, sweetie. This is a fashion emergency!"
Anna, still rummaging, muttered under her breath,
"I think I've seen better-organized closets in a thrift store..."
I glared at her.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Anna."
And then, the unthinkable: I blamed myself for neglecting my wardrobe.
"Why haven't I updated my clothes in ages? I'm a failure as a woman!"
Anna stopped, held up a garish pink dress, and said,
"Um, maybe because you have excellent taste and wouldn't be caught dead in this... thing?"
I twitched my lips, trying not to laugh.
"Shut up, Anna."
But the real question still lingered: Why can't he just send me a cloth to wear?! Is that too much to ask?!
ADRIAN POV
As I adjusted my tie, I couldn't help but think about Rose and the evening ahead.
I had to admit, I was looking forward to seeing her, even if it was just to tease her a bit.
There was something about her that drew me in, something that made me want to know more.
I smiled to myself, remembering the message I had sent her earlier.
I knew she would be scrambling to find an outfit, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.
It was a small thing, but it gave me a sense of pleasure to know that I could affect her like that.
As I made my way to her place, I wondered what she would be wearing. Would she go for something elegant and sophisticated, or something more playful and whimsical? Whatever it was, I knew she would look beautiful.
When I arrived, I could sense her nervous energy as soon as she opened the door.
Her hair was styled perfectly, and her makeup was subtle yet striking. She looked stunning, and for a moment, I forgot about the game I was playing.
"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual. "You look amazing."
She smiled, looking relieved, and I knew I had her right where I wanted her. Little did she know, I was just getting started.
And now I'll shock her once more.
I want our relationship to be with inevitable memories.
I smiled cunningly...
....