ENGAGED TO THE MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR IN THE CITY

The dinner had ended, and the guests were slowly making their way home. It was already 9pm and each family already had their drives waiting for them outside the parking lot. Ann suggested the just-engaged couple should leave together. And everyone agreed. Elena was already tired and couldn't wait to get home.

The car was quiet as Adrian drove through the city, the glow of streetlights casting soft shadows inside. Unlike the tense silence she had always shared with Ethan, this quiet was different. It was comfortable.

Adrian glanced at her before focusing back on the road. "You've been quiet," he noted.

Olivia sighed. "Just thinking."

"About?"

She hesitated before answering. "Everything." A small smile tugged at her lips. "I didn't expect you to go along with it so easily."

Adrian smirked. "And here I thought you'd be grateful to be engaged to the most eligible bachelor in the city."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Oh, of course. What an honor."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "In all seriousness, Liv, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to."

Her breath hitched slightly at his words. "You wanted this?"

Adrian slowed the car as they neared the Lanchester estate. He turned to her, his gaze steady and sincere. "I want you."

A lump formed in Olivia's throat. For years, she had been treated like a mere accessory in someone else's life, someone to be discarded when no longer convenient. But Adrian… Adrian had always looked at her like she was the prize.

She wasn't sure how to respond to that not yet.

Instead, she whispered, "You make it sound so simple."

Adrian smiled, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "It is simple. You just have to let yourself believe it."

Her heart pounded as she held his gaze. Maybe, her father's choice was probably the best for her after all.

As Adrian pulled up to her home and got out to open her door, Olivia got out, her cousin was already waiting to hear all the gist from her. He had been at work so he couldn't make dinner.

***

Ethan Whitmore sat in his office, reviewing the final details of the contract before the signing ceremony. Everything was falling into place, his business was expanding, his influence was growing, and soon, with Victoria by his side, his status would be solidified.

So why did he feel unsettled?

He shook off the thought, focusing on the paperwork. Across from him, Victoria sipped her wine, watching him with amusement.

"Ethan, why are you so quiet? You should relax. Everything is sorted out already there can't be any mistakes."

Ethan looked up to hold her gaze before he planted a kiss on the head and then her lips.

" Tomorrow is important." She leaned forward, returning his kiss. "And it's just the beginning for us."

Olivia hadn't shown any reaction since their last encounter. No calls, no attempts to argue, nothing. That wasn't like her.

Had she finally given up? How did she survive? The thought left a strange taste in his mouth.

The next day;

Ethan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks. He had chosen a sharp black suit, tailored to perfection.

Behind him, the door opened, and Victoria stepped in, her wine-red gown hugging her figure elegantly. She was stunning, confident, and every bit the woman who belonged by his side.

She approached him, wrapping her arms around his from behind, her voice low and smooth. "You're the talk of the town. Many gentlemen would die to be in your shoes"

Ethan smirked slightly. "Is that so?"

Victoria rested her chin on his shoulder, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. "The Lanchesters recognized your work and chose to invest in you, Ethan you're gonna be among the few who work with the Lanchesters. And everyone will respect you? Even Olivia won't be able to find her back if she tries."

He turned around, placing a hand on her waist. "And you?"

Victoria smiled, trailing a hand down his chest. "I'll be right beside you honey."

His smirk deepened as he leaned down, his lips brushing just near her ear." we better get going now"

She chuckled, stepping back just enough to take his arm.

Together, they made their way downstairs, where luxury cars were already waiting to escort them to the venue. The press snapped photos as they stepped outside, their presence commanding attention.

The venue was nothing short of opulent, with golden chandeliers illuminating the polished marble floors. The room was filled with people from all social standing. Many of the young business people were there to witness the signing. The Lanchesters would make an appearance and everyone was hoping to see the heiress today.

Soon a car pulled over and every eye was drawn to the entrance...