Two days after I got the email with the contract, I decided to turn in the signed hard copy.
This time I made sure to let Lawrence know I was coming so he would make sure his boss was around to receive me. Lawrence let me know the time that would be most convenient.
By 6pm, I was at Sterling Holdings, in an elevator that led up to the executive floor. In my hand was an envelope where I had put the copy of the contract that I had signed.
Coming straight from home, I had changed out of the clothes I wore to school and was now dressed in a white simple dress and a cardigan.
At the secretary's side of the CEOs office, Lawrence could be seen, his shaggy bangs covering his eyes as he worked on his computer. A quick rap at his glass door caught his attention.
"Miss Sanders, Good evening. Please come in." He said politely as he observed me from his chair.
"Mr Sterling is in his office, I'll just let him know you're here."
He picked up his telephone and informed Ethan that I was around. Then he looked back up to me.
"Mr Sterling says you can come in."
I smiled gratefully and then went to the huge double doors that led to the CEO's main office.
As I stood outside Ethan's office door, envelope in hand, I realized that this was it for me. There was no going back after this. I took a breath, then knocked twice before stepping in.
Ethan's office was as pristine and organized as I remembered with the CEO's back facing the huge glass wall over looking the city. Ethan looked up from his desk, his suit jacket off, sleeves rolled, pen still in hand. "You're early."
"I figured you'd appreciate efficiency," I said, and upon his invitation, I walked in and placing the envelope on his desk. "Signed. All pages initialed. Terms reviewed."
Ethan offered me a seat at his desk and I sat down.
He set his pen down and leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. "You didn't have any questions?"
I shrugged. "The contract was clear. One year union. Public engagement. Attendance at corporate functions. No breach of confidentiality. No actual romantic obligations." I met his eyes. "You made everything very… transactional."
He tilted his head slightly. "That's what this is, isn't it?"
"I suppose," I replied, keeping my voice cooler than I intended. "You get to keep your company. I get—"
"Stability. Resources for your student. Protection from people who might ask too many questions." He ticked the items off like a list. "You'll be taken care of."
He picked up the envelope and brought out the signed contract, then he used his pen to sign his name unto the paper before putting it away.
"I also want to speak to you about something." He said and my eyes met his in curiosity.
"What?"
"Your job at the Club Rouge, terminate it." he didn't give space for arguments or negotiations. I nodded.
It would cause a scandal if it was leaked out in public that the Powerful Ethan Sterling's wife worked at the hottest club in town, as a bartender for extra bucks. He had his image to protect and I respected that.
"Allow me to go over there tonight to hand in my resignation letter." I said.
Ethan shook his head. "That won't be necessary. I shall speak to Carlton Rouge on your behalf."
That was the essence of making powerful connections, I guess.
"Also, two weeks from now, we shall go to the marriage registry to register our marriage and make it official. I'll tell you the date and time so you can make the necessary preparations."
He informed me. I nodded.
He stood up from his desk and pulled out one of the drawers on his desk. Then he came and stopped in front of me, close but not imposing. There was a pause—thick with something unsaid. Then, without fanfare, Ethan brought out a small black box.
I blinked. "What's this?"
"It's a ring?" He said in a manner that said 'isn't it obvious?'
"I know it's a ring. What's it for?"
"It's for our engagement," he said simply. "Whether it's real or not, people will be watching. They'll expect a ring."
I saw reason in his words. I guess I was just too shocked to see a ring. It made everything so official.
He opened the box. Inside sat a ring that wasn't overly extravagant but quietly stunning—platinum band, an oval diamond with soft, vintage curves. Not flashy. Elegant. Thoughtful.
I looked up at him, my voice softer. "You picked this?"
He didn't answer. He just took my hand and, without asking, slid the ring onto my finger. My heartbeat spiked a bit at the contact between our skin. But it was gone at soon as it came. Ethan had put the ring on my finger and it fit perfectly.
My breath caught, just for a moment as I watched the jewel sparkle on my finger. It wasn't my dream engagement but it was an engagement nonetheless.
I studied him. His face gave nothing away—calm, controlled, unreadable.
"Now, to publicize this engagement. I'll have something arranged," he replied. "But I'd prefer to make the announcement at the school play. Press will be there, dignitaries. Public enough to silence doubt. Personal enough to make it believable."
"How do you know our school had a play?" I asked him
"You mentioned it. That was your excuse for refusing to see me at first." He gave me a pointed look and I smiled sheepishly.
"It's the perfect avenue to let the public know that we're together."
"But if I'm engaged today and we marry two weeks later, wouldn't people think our marriage is rushed and raise questions?" I asked him.
He leaned back on his desk beside me. "Don't worry about that. I'll handle it. But you have to make sure you make yourself available when you are needed. Do you understand?"
"Yes. I understand."
"Good. That'll be all for now. I'll get in touch with you if anything comes up."
That was his way of saying the conversation was over.
I rose up to my feet and slung the strap of my purse over my shoulder.
"I'll ask Lawrence to drive you home." Ethan said and returned to his seat.
"No. You don't need to bother him. I can get home fine on my own." I tried to decline.
Ethan's eyes flickered up to mine. "I insist. Lawrence will take you home. We might not be married yet but as far as you've signed the agreement, you're now my responsibility."
The intensity of his gaze caused the a strange mix of fear and admiration in me. I didn't dare refuse.
"Okay." I agreed quietly.