Chapter 3: The First Night

Chapter 3: The First Night.

At the end of the evening, Lily was like a breath of fresh air. The dinner was a bit of a mess, but Ethan was handsome and smart, which made it seem even better.

As they sipped their coffee, Ethan glanced at his watch. "It's evening," he said. "I'll show you to your room."

Lily nodded, nervous. She had been dreading this moment all evening.

As they climbed the stairs, Ethan explained the layout of the mansion. "Your room is right next to mine," he said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock."

Lily smiled, grateful. "Thank you, Ethan," she said. When they reached her room, Ethan opened the door and gestured her in. "I'll let you rest," he said. "We'll discuss the details of our arrangement in the morning."

Lily nodded, her breath catching. She was tired, and the thought of crawling into bed was heavenly.

When Ethan got up to leave, Lily called after him. "Ethan?"

She turned back, her face questioning. "Yes?"

"What's the deal?" Lily asked, curious. "What do you expect from me?"

Ethan had changed, and he had returned to the bedroom. "I think you're going to be my wife, Lily," he said. "In every sense of the word."

Lily's heart didn't beat as Ethan's eyes locked on her. A shiver ran down her spine as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I expect you to be honest, supportive, and truthful," he continued. "In return, I will provide for you, protect you, and give you everything you've ever had."

Lily was completely taken aback. No one had ever made such a big promise to her before.

When Ethan got up to leave, Lily took him in her arms again. "Ethan?"

She turned back, her face questioning. "Yes?"

"What is love?" Lily asked, looking for weakness. "You expect me to love you?"

Ethan had changed, and he had gone back to the room. "I don't expect anything, Lily," he said. "But I hope one day, you'll come and protect me."

Lily was scared because she had just washed him. She didn't think Ethan was honest, and he was weak.

As he left, Lily greeted him. This arrangement might not be so bad.

As she lay in bed, Lily couldn't shake the feeling that he was on top of her head. But she was determined to do her best, to see where this plan would lead. Little did she know that her life was about to change in unexpected ways.

The next morning, Lily woke up feeling refreshed and energized. She got dressed and went downstairs, where Ethan was waiting for her in the dining room.

"Good morning," she said, smiling. "I hope you slept well?"

Lily nodded, her gratitude evident. "Yes, thank you," she said.

As they ate breakfast, Ethan explained the details of their arrangement. "We're going to a charity event tonight," he said. "I'm hoping you'll be with me, supporting me, representing our family."

Lily agreed, the idea taking hold. She was willing to do anything to make this arrangement work. After they finished breakfast, Ethan stood up and looked at her. "I've been sitting in my office all day," he said. "Why don't you take some time to decide, to explore the mansion?"

Lily nodded, happy. She was ready to start her new life, to see what the future held.