Chapter 5 5

The commitment hung between them, heavy with both opportunity and consequence. Ethan's gaze lingered on Lila, as if he was silently assessing if she'd change her mind. But she didn't flinch, standing her ground with a newfound confidence she hadn't known she possessed.

"Then we should make arrangements," he said, his voice low, controlled. "This can't be just a paper marriage. For this to hold up in the eyes of everyone who will scrutinize it, it needs to appear... real."

Lila nodded, her heart skipping at the realization. She would have to inhabit this role, become Ethan's wife in every way that mattered to the outside world. "So, we'll have to make people believe that this is genuine."

"Precisely." He paused, his expression softening. "I want you to be comfortable with this. We'll take it one step at a time, and if anything doesn't feel right-"

"No," she interrupted, lifting her chin. "This is what I want. For my father, I'd do anything."

A faint smile tugged at Ethan's lips, admiration evident in his gaze. "Your loyalty is... admirable. But remember, this isn't just for your father's sake. I want this to be something you feel is right for you, too."

She allowed herself a small smile in return. "I'll let you know if I change my mind."

A knock interrupted the quiet between them, and the door opened as Ethan's assistant, Cara, poked her head in. "Mr. Sterling, the legal team is ready to finalize the initial agreement."

Ethan nodded, gesturing for Cara to come in. She handed Lila a slim folder containing documents drafted with swift precision. Lila's hands shook as she skimmed the first few lines. The words marriage contract felt both empowering and confining, like the beginning of a story she couldn't fully control.

"Lila," Ethan said gently, bringing her focus back. "We don't have to sign this today if you need time to think."

"No." She steadied herself, inhaling deeply. "I've made up my mind." She moved to the desk, skimming over the terms, finding most were reasonable, if not surprisingly considerate. Ethan had ensured her full autonomy in most respects, including provisions for privacy and independence that she hadn't expected.

"You've been thorough," she said, glancing up at him.

"I wanted you to have control, Lila. That's important to me." There was an intensity in his voice that made her feel more than just a pawn in a strategic move.

They both signed, each stroke of the pen cementing a future that felt strange, a little frightening, and yet somehow right. As the final page was signed, Ethan extended his hand toward her, his fingers brushing hers with a quiet intensity.

"Shall we make this public, then?" he asked, his gaze warm yet commanding.

"Public?" Lila's pulse quickened, but she nodded, steeling herself for the role she was about to play.

The restaurant was grand, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the patrons, many of whom turned to stare as they entered. Ethan led her to a private section near the back, his hand lingering at the small of her back as they walked, a subtle, possessive touch that only fueled the growing connection between them. She felt a thrill mixed with nerves as she realized everyone's gaze wasn't just on Ethan Sterling, the billionaire, but on them-as a couple.

Once seated, Ethan ordered a bottle of their finest wine. As the waiter poured, Lila looked up to find his intense gaze studying her.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, an amused smile playing on his lips.

"A little," she admitted, her hand gripping the stem of her wineglass. "It's strange, all of this. But I don't regret it."

He nodded, his gaze softening. "Neither do I."

They shared a look, one that spoke of promises and the unspoken complexities they both knew lay ahead. Just as the waiter left, Lila caught sight of Julian entering the restaurant with his fiancée, Sophie. The sight of him was a cruel reminder of everything that had brought her here-of every betrayal, every moment of heartbreak.

She straightened, shifting closer to Ethan as her fingers lightly brushed his hand. Ethan didn't miss a beat; he took her hand in his, gently yet possessively, as he leaned in. "Someone you know?" he asked, his voice a quiet murmur.

"Yes," she replied, her tone steely. "Julian."

Ethan's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Then let's give him a reason to regret every mistake he's ever made."

Before she could respond, he leaned in, his lips brushing her cheek in a gesture that was both gentle and electrifying, igniting a warmth that settled deep in her chest. She felt a surge of confidence, a sense of agency she hadn't felt in years.

Julian's gaze had locked onto them, his expression darkening as he realized who Ethan was with. Sophie looked confused, her eyes darting between Julian and Lila, clearly unsettled by Julian's sudden shift in demeanor.

Ethan raised his glass in a casual toast, his gaze locked on Julian's as if in silent challenge. "To new beginnings," he said, his voice carrying just loud enough for Julian to hear.

Lila clinked her glass to his, meeting his gaze with a smirk of her own. "To the future."

They drank, their gazes never wavering, as Julian's anger simmered visibly from across the room. Ethan set his glass down, his fingers brushing over hers in a way that felt both reassuring and possessive, grounding her in the moment.

"He's watching," Ethan murmured, his tone amused. "But don't think of him. Tonight is about us."

She turned to him, letting herself get lost in the intensity of his gaze, forgetting the world around them. She could feel herself getting pulled into him, into the gravity of this new life they were creating, one that held both risks and promise. Ethan was right; she was no longer the woman Julian had abandoned. She was stronger now, and for the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely free.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, shared glances, and quiet conversations that lingered just on the edge of intimacy. Ethan was a master of control, both poised and attentive, making her feel as though she was the only person in the room. By the end of the evening, Lila was no longer nervous; she felt powerful, as if she'd stepped into a role she was born to play.

As they left the restaurant, Ethan held her close, his hand firm against the small of her back as they navigated through the crowd of onlookers. Outside, the night air was crisp, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of his touch. He turned to her, his gaze serious but with a glimmer of something more.

"This is just the beginning," he said quietly, his voice a promise.

Lila met his gaze, feeling a spark of confidence she hadn't felt in years. "Then let's make it count."

With that, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was both soft and commanding, claiming her in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. In that moment, she wasn't thinking about Julian, her father, or even the deal that had brought them together. All that mattered was the intensity of Ethan's touch, the unspoken promise in his kiss, and the possibility of the life they were about to build together.