Lunch

Aubrey found herself standing in Evan's room, where he sat nonchalantly upon a plush chair. A perplexed expression adorned Aubrey's face as she inquired, "Why do you claim that I am your wife in front of everyone?" Her words carried a tinge of confusion, stemming from her sudden acceptance as his life partner. Evan's gaze met hers, his hands clasping a bundle of documents.

"Well, I haven't exactly spoken a falsehood," he retorted, a faint hint of mischief playing on his lips. Aubrey furrowed her eyebrows, puzzled by his response. Sensing her bewilderment, Evan stepped closer, extending the documents toward her. Aubrey's eyes darted to the papers in her hands, seeking answers.

"These are contractual agreements," Evan explained, his gaze fixed upon her. His demeanor was cool and detached, devoid of any discernible emotion. Aubrey stared back, her countenance conveying a mixture of disbelief and amusement. The question lingered in her mind: Why was he orchestrating such a charade?

"If you plan on standing there, wasting my precious time, then you'd best leave," Aubrey snapped back into the present, awakened by the commanding tone of Evan's voice. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she mustered the courage to question him, "Why do we have to put on this act?" Her words hung in the air, laden with genuine intrigue.

"You need not concern yourself with the reasons. Just follow my lead," Evan asserted, standing firmly before her. Aubrey found herself grappling with incomprehension, struggling to interpret his motives. Yet, she couldn't bear the thought of squandering this opportunity with him. Aubrey had harbored feelings for Evan since time immemorial, and now, this seemed like a serendipitous chance to win his affection. Without a second thought, she acquiesced, uttering a resolute "Yes."

"Then, before you sign this document, feel free to peruse its contents," he advised, allowing her a glimpse into the contractual agreement. Aubrey's eyes fell upon a clause stipulating that her failure to perform satisfactorily might lead to their separation. Ignoring this disheartening condition, she took hold of the pen and affixed her signature upon the document. Aubrey turned to leave Evan's room, only to be halted by his voice echoing in the air.

"Where are you off to?" he inquired, confusion evident on Aubrey's face. "I was heading to my room," she replied, her expression betraying a sense of bewilderment. "No, from tonight onward, you shall sleep here," Evan commanded. Aubrey resigned herself to comply with his wishes, determined not to engage in any behavior that might provoke his wrath. "Very well, may I retrieve my belongings from my room?" she queried, to which Evan nodded in consent.

Aubrey gathered her belongings and found herself standing before the bed in Evan's room. Turning to face him, she inquired softly, "Where shall I sleep?" His reply was nonchalant, displaying little interest in elaboration. Accepting his succinct response, Aubrey proceeded to lie down on the bed, its sheets imbued with the scent of Evan's cologne. Inhaling deeply, a contented smile graced her lips. The mere prospect of sleeping in his room filled her heart with elation, even if society deemed her affection madness.

"I shall demonstrate the depths of my love for him," Aubrey murmured to herself, closing her eyes as sleep beckoned. Unbeknownst to her, Evan approached the bed, his gaze fixed upon Aubrey's peaceful countenance.

Morning*

Aubrey found herself toiling away in the kitchen, despite the presence of household staff. One of the young maids, unfamiliar with everyone's preferences, sought Aubrey's assistance. Amidst her tasks, Aubrey's phone buzzed, revealing a message from John, Mr. Evan Cooper's driver. It conveyed Evan's desire to accompany her somewhere. Aubrey swiftly prepared herself, donning her finest dress, even though it paled in comparison to the lavish garments surrounding her.

Stepping outside the room, Aubrey's gaze fell upon Evan's sleek black Jaguar. "Miss Aubrey, please enter," John courteously opened the car door, revealing Evan already seated in the back, engrossed in an iPad. "Sir, should we make a stop so that Miss Aubrey can be dressed appropriately for the occasion?" John asked, his eyes shifting between Aubrey and Evan. Evan, still engrossed in his device, responded dismissively, "Let it be... The more ostentatious, the better." Aubrey lost in Evan's reflection in the car window, pondered the implications of his words.

"We have arrived, Sir," John announced, the grandeur of an upscale restaurant looming before them. As they exited the car, a crowd immediately surrounded Evan, eager to catch a glimpse of the renowned director. "Director Evan! I heard you returned from your business trip," an elderly man exclaimed, approaching Evan with deference. Evan merely nodded, his presence commanding attention. Aubrey surveyed the scene, observing the opulent attires donned by the attendees, contrasting starkly with her own modest attire. Aubrey couldn't help but clench her dress, feeling a sense of insecurity.

"Is this what John meant by 'dressed for the part'?" Aubrey pondered silently, feeling a tinge of anxiety. She overheard the elderly man say, "Had I known in advance, I would have made the necessary preparations. However, I shall arrange a secluded booth for you. Is that agreeable?" Aubrey's body tensed as she felt Evan's grip on her waist, catching her off guard. Her posture stiffened, unsure of how to react.

"Please, allow us a moment," Evan requested of the elderly man. Leaning closer to Aubrey, he whispered in her ear, "It's just a casual lunch, no need to fret." Aubrey nodded, her cheeks flushing at the warmth of his breath against her skin. Evan's remark about her stiffness lingered in her mind, while they followed the elderly man towards their secluded booth. Whispers and gazes from the onlookers weighed heavily upon Aubrey, exacerbating her discomfort.

"People around us are watching," Aubrey whispered to Evan, her unease palpable. Evan raised an eyebrow, studying her reaction, before responding, "Does it bother you that much?" Aubrey sensed that he intended to showcase their connection to the world, a rarity in their usual interactions. Observing the murmurs and curious glances, Evan remarked, "It amuses me to watch them strain their necks for a glimpse. Soon enough, they will gossip about how the esteemed Director of Cooper Enterprise, Evan Cooper, brought a companion for the occasion." Tenderly, he lifted Aubrey's hand to his lips, bestowing a gentle kiss upon it. Aubrey felt the softness of his lips against her skin, followed by a playful lick and nibble. Flustered, she instinctively withdrew her hand.

"What are you doing?" Aubrey's face flushed, her heart racing in response to his unexpected actions. "So far... your acting is far from convincing," he remarked, moments before they concluded their lunch and departed from the restaurant.

IN THE CAR

"Miss Aubrey, where shall I drop you?" John inquired, his eyes glancing toward her through the rearview mirror. Absentmindedly gazing out the car window, Aubrey heard Evan's voice break the silence. "You barely ate; you were preoccupied with your hand on your waist the entire time." The first time someone kisses her, she was expected to behave naturally.

"I shall do better next time," Aubrey responded, her voice tinged with determination. They dropped her off at home, leaving Aubrey relieved as she gazed at her hand. "There will certainly be no more lunches at home," she whispered to herself, seeking solace in the quiet confines of her room. However, she couldn't resist the urge to visit Evan's room as well.