Chapter 9 First Date, First Kiss

Emma was on her way to her car when she froze in disbelief. William was standing right there, leaning casually against her car as if he owned it, waiting for her. As her colleagues walked past, their heads turned, openly gawking at the confident figure who seemed completely unbothered by their stares.

"This guy," Emma muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she approached him.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded, crossing her arms. She couldn't help but be annoyed, beside it was already off the office hours speaking to a manager cordially is allowed.

William flashed that infuriatingly charming smile. "I didn't bring my car, so we're using yours. The last full show starts soon, and we'll be late if we don't leave now."

Emma blinked. "Who said I'm watching a movie with you?" This guy is stingy, using her car, what about the gas? Emma thought to her self.

"Are you asking me out?" she added, sarcasm dripping from her tone.

William tilted his head, his smile widening. "I am now. Emma, will you go out with me---- to watch this movie?"

Before she could retort, Emma noticed the subtle hum of whispers around them. Her colleagues weren't even trying to hide their eavesdropping anymore. It was as if their office had suddenly turned into a live soap opera.

With a resigned sigh, she grabbed William's arm and dragged him to the passenger side. "Get in," she muttered, annoyed but oddly amused.

As she slid into the driver's seat, she glanced at him. William was, after all, ridiculously good-looking, and he ticked most of the boxes on her checklist for potential baby sperm donors.

"So, we're really doing this?" she asked, starting the engine. "You will tell me how you know me?"

William leaned back in his seat, looking entirely too smug. "Oh, we are and I will"

Emma smirked to herself. Why not take the dive, she was already hated, and obviously by next week this will be a hot office gossip. Beside maybe this wouldn't just be a night at the movies. Maybe it could lead to something more... productive. After all, her Baby-Making Project wasn't going to fulfill itself.

And who knew? By the end of the night, the only thing William might regret was underestimating just how determined Emma could be.

The mall was a sight to behold, regal and shimmering under the golden lights of its chandeliers. The floors gleamed as if polished moments ago, reflecting the glitter of the high-end storefronts. Decorated arches and elegant displays added a festive air to the ambiance, making the place feel alive with luxury and excitement. Shoppers strolled leisurely, some with bright bags in hand, others stopping to admire window displays that promised indulgence.

Emma glanced around as they walked in, the grandeur of the place momentarily distracting her irritation. William, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, as though he walked through opulence like this every day.

"Elevator's this way," William said, placing a hand lightly on her back to guide her. Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes but allowed herself to be led.

They stepped into the mirrored elevator, which was nearly empty save for a couple of teenagers scrolling on their phones. Soft instrumental music played in the background as the elevator ascended to the top floor, where the cinema was located. When the doors opened, the vibrant cinema lobby unfolded before them.

Upon reaching the cinema, Emma's steps faltered as a memory resurfaced-the first and last time she watched a movie with the opposite sex. It kind of not ended well and the thought made her chest tighten. Her heart began to race, and for a moment, she froze in place, unsure if she could move forward.

William, noticing her hesitation, turned to her with a puzzled expression. Without a word, he reached out, his hand warm and steady as it closed around hers. With a gentle tug, he pulled her forward, grounding her in the present.

"Come on," he said casually, his voice breaking through her whirlwind of thoughts. "Popcorn waits for no one."

Reluctantly, Emma allowed herself to be led to the concession stand, her heart still racing-but now, she wasn't entirely sure it was because of the memory.

Bright, colorful posters adorned the walls, showcasing the latest blockbusters. The scent of freshly popped popcorn and butter wafted through the air, mingling with the excited chatter of moviegoers. Neon lights framed the concession stand, where people lined up for snacks and drinks.

William strode to the counter, confidently placing their order: one large popcorn and two sodas. Emma frowned, eyeing the single tub of popcorn.

"Only one popcorn?" she asked, her eyebrow arching.

William turned to her with an easy grin. "It's conjugal anyway," he said, his tone teasing.

Emma narrowed her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "Stingy," she muttered under her breath.

Popcorn and drinks in hand, they entered the dimly lit theater. The lights were partially on, creating a soft glow that allowed people to find their seats. William led the way, his hand lightly brushing hers as he guided her down the aisle. Emma noticed how confident and assured he seemed, his movements purposeful and calm.

They settled into their seats just as the commercials began rolling. Bright, fast-paced ads filled the screen, each one louder and flashier than the last. Emma's mind wandered briefly to her own job, remembering the campaign ad her team had worked tirelessly on. Soon, their commercial would be on screens like this too, introducing their product to the world.

"You're thinking about work, aren't you?" William's voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to find him watching her, his lips quirking into an amused smile.

"It's hard not to," she admitted, shrugging.

"You're really dedicated. I admire that," he said simply, before turning back to the screen.

Emma blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice.

The lights dimmed further, signaling the start of the movie. A hush fell over the audience as the title appeared on the screen: It Ends with Us.

Emma leaned back in her seat, the drama-romance film drawing her in almost immediately. As the story unfolded, she found herself stealing glances at William. He seemed completely engrossed, his profile illuminated faintly by the screen.

Emma let out a quiet sigh. Maybe tonight wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Halfway through the movie, Emma felt something warm and firm settle on her shoulder. Startled, she glanced to her side and raised an eyebrow. William's hand was resting there, his fingers lightly brushing against her. She shot him a questioning look, but he merely kept his eyes on the screen, his expression feigning complete innocence.

Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Emma decided to let it slide. Instead, she relaxed into the warmth of his touch and leaned slightly against him. His presence was steady, comforting in a way she hadn't expected.

But then, as she tilted her head to glance at him, she froze. William's gaze wasn't on the movie anymore-it was on her. His eyes were intense, dark, and smoldering, igniting a heat that spread through her chest and down to her core.

Before she could process what was happening, his hand moved, trailing gently from her shoulder to cup her face. His thumb brushed her cheek, slow and deliberate, sending a shiver down her spine. He leaned in, closing the distance between them. Emma's breath hitched, her lips parting slightly in anticipation.