Chapter 6. Sophistication and glamour

“Good evening ma'am. I've brought a special gown for the gala tonight "Felicia said as she handed it to me at the door step.

My eyes widened in surprise as I took the stunning dress. The gown has a beautiful shade of emerald green with intricate details and flowing silhouette that would accentuate my curves.

“It's gorgeous..but I didn't request this gown”

“Mr Ethan selected it himself, ma'am. He says it's a surprise for tonight's gala”.

My heart swelled with emotions. I and Ethan have been married for over a month now and he can't seem to stop doing amazing things for me.

As I descended the stairs, I could see Ethan's eyes widening in awe. I reached the bottom of the stairs and Ethan's face broke into a warm smile. He strode towards where I was, took my hands and kissed it.

“You've always been a beautiful lady but you look spectacular tonight.” Ethan proudly said while taking a deep breath like he forgot to breathe.

Entering the gala,we commanded attention with our elegance and poise. Ethan's tailored tuxedo perfectly complemented my gown and together, we exuded a sense of sophistication and glamour

I could feel the room's attention shift towards us. I sensed a mix of reactions from the guests,while others were undoubtedly drawn to Ethan's influential presence.

I noticed a few guests whispering to each other, their eyes fixed on me with a blend of curiosity and speculation. Some people's faces lit up with genuine warmth and congratulations, while others seemed more reserved, their smiles polite but lacking sincerity. I could tell they were sizing me up, questioning whether I was truly the right woman for Ethan.

But as Ethan's hand rested on the small of my back, I felt a surge of confidence. Together, we navigated the room, exchanging smiles and greetings with the guests. Ethan's charm and charisma were undeniable, no wonder so many women had eyes on him.

I caught glimpses of people taking photos and whispering to each other. I knew that our presence at the gala would likely generate buzz, and I was prepared for the attention.

Ethan left to exchange pleasantries with his guest. I noticed the way many women seemed drawn to him. They would laugh at his jokes and gaze deeply into his eyes. At first, I had dismissed it as mere politeness, but as the night wore on, I began to feel a growing sense of discomfort.

I wasn't just bothered about the attention; it was the way I felt with these women around my husband. I felt like I was watching a parade of suitors vying for my Ethan's attention. Yes! “my Ethan”.

I began to feel a pang of something. It wasn't quite jealousy, but it was close. I realized I didn't like the idea of these women flirting with my husband and in that moment, I understood my feelings for Ethan had shifted. I had developed feelings for Ethan. Feelings that went beyond our contract marriage. I felt a flutter in my chest acknowledging the truth. I had fallen in love with my husband.

Ethan immediately excused himself from the group leaving a trail of surprised faces behind him. He walked to where I was standing, held my waist close and gave a warm and savory kiss

“I'm here with, and I'm not interested in anyone” Ethan said while staring deeply into my eyes.

“What are you? A mind reader!?” I thought to myself..

People exchanged glances and murmurs with a mixture of surprise, speculation and jealousy in their faces.

Ethan held my hand and together we walked out of the gala, I could feel people's eyes on us but he seemed to care less. I, on the other hand, sensed the attention and glanced around with a flushed cheek.

“Do you think they saw us?” i said when we finally got to the roof top with embarrassment creeping into my voice

“I think we gave them quite a show. I don't care about what they think. I care about you”

He said as he chuckled softly.

We stood at the roof top, the city light twinkled below like stars. Ethan immediately turned to me and looked into my eyes for a moment like he was searching for something. And then, he suddenly voiced out the question like it had always been on his mind.

“Do you love me?”