로그인Aaron looked down at the contract. Perhaps Daniel was right. He had spent so long building a life around responsibilities that he had forgotten what it felt like to simply enjoy being in it. Emma had changed that. And the worst part was that he wanted more. “She's important to me." "I know." "She's good for Lily." He said again. "I know that too." Daniel smiled. "You've said it before and like I said, you can admit she's good for you as well, not just your child." Aaron stared at the words on the contract. He knew Daniel was right. He could feel it in his chest, that small tightness that appeared when she came to mind. Maybe it was time he changed something, for himself. Later that afternoon, Aaron found Emma in the dining room with her laptop open and several documents spread across the table. She looked up when he entered. "Hi." "Hello, sweetheart." He leaned down and kissed her cheek before glancing at the papers. "Working?" "Trying to." "Something interesting?" Emma
“Neither can I." Aaron searched her face. "Then what are we doing?" She let out a quiet laugh. "I wish I knew." He smiled faintly. "At least we're confused together." She laughed, and the tension between them eased. Then Aaron gently drew her closer. His lips met hers, and Emma immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss began softly, but the emotions of the evening seemed to find their way into it. She kissed him with a longing she had been trying not to acknowledge, and he responded by holding her closer. When they separated, Aaron brushed his lips against her cheek. "You're making it difficult to think clearly," he murmured. Emma smiled. "That's interesting. I was thinking the same thing." He laughed before kissing her again. This time, the kiss grew deeper. Emma's hands moved across his shoulders, while his settled around her waist. They eventually made their way towards the staircase, stopping more than once because neither seemed willing to end the moment.
Later, when Emma returned to her bedroom, Aaron remained in his study for a while. He thought about Lily's wish. That you and Emma will always stay together. He had spent months convincing himself that the arrangement was temporary, that whatever happened between him and Emma would eventually have to end when their contract expired. But somewhere along the way, he had stopped thinking about that day as something inevitable. He wanted Emma in his home. He wanted her laughter in the mornings, her opinions at dinner and her presence in the quiet moments when there was nothing to distract him. He wanted the future Lily had wished for. And for the first time, Aaron admitted to himself that he was no longer afraid of wanting it. Emma had begun to enjoy attending business events with Aaron. Not necessarily the speeches, endless introductions or conversations about investments, but the small moments between them. The way he reached for her hand without thinking, how he leaned towards her
By the time everything was tidied away, Lily was struggling to keep her eyes open. Aaron carried her upstairs, listening as she continued talking about the evening. "Did you like your birthday, Daddy?" He smiled. "I loved it, sweetheart." "Even the cake?" "Especially the cake." She giggled, resting her head against his shoulder. "Emma helped me choose it." "I know. You both did a wonderful job." Lily was quiet for a moment. Then she lifted her head. "Daddy?" "Hmm?" "When I blew out the candles, I made a wish." Aaron smiled. "Did you?" She nodded seriously. "But I'm not supposed to tell anyone." "Then I won't ask." Lily considered that before whispering, "I wished that you and Emma would always stay together." Aaron's steps slowed. He looked down at his daughter. "Is that what you wished for?" She nodded. "Because I like it when she's here. And I like when you smile." Something tightened in his chest. He reached the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed, pulling the
Aaron noticed something was happening. For three consecutive evenings, Emma and Lily had been whispering whenever he entered a room. On one occasion, they had practically jumped away from each other when he walked into the kitchen. He was beginning to feel excluded. "What are you two plotting?" Emma looked up from the counter. "Nothing." Aaron narrowed his eyes. "That was suspiciously quick." Lily giggled. "We're not telling you!" "Well, that confirms my suspicions." Emma laughed, pretending to be offended. "You're becoming paranoid." "Perhaps I should be." He walked over, kissed the top of Emma's head and headed towards the refrigerator. She watched him leave, smiling. Lily immediately whispered, "We almost got caught." Emma pressed a finger to her lips. "Shhh." The evening of Aaron's birthday arrived. He had been told that Emma wanted to have dinner with him at home, so he returned earlier than usual. The moment he stepped into the mansion, the lights came on. "Surpris
He stopped immediately. "Hey." Emma looked down, struggling to find the words. "I'm sorry. I just..." She trailed off. "You don't have to apologise." She swallowed. "I don't know if I'm ready." Aaron moved back slightly, giving her space."That's alright." She looked at him, almost expecting disappointment. There was none. He brushed his thumb gently over her cheek. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, Emma. There's no rush." Her eyes softened. "Are you sure?” He smiled. "Absolutely." He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead. "Come on. Let me walk you upstairs." Aaron accompanied her to her bedroom, keeping his hand loosely around hers. At her door, Emma turned towards him. "Thank you." He frowned slightly. "For what?" "For understanding." His expression softened. "You don't ever have to thank me for that." She smiled. He leaned down, kissing her forehead once more. "Goodnight, Emma.” “Goodnight, Aaron." He waited until she







