The terrace overlooked the valley, bathed in the soft hues of early evening. Lanterns flickered along the edges, casting gold across the linen-covered table. It was picturesque, intentional—designed to look romantic.
Ethan had chosen one of the city's famous luxury resorts to meet up with his new fiance. He had asked her to make herself available for the evening and she had agreed. Then to make things easier for her, he sent one of his drivers to pick her up.
He agreed that the sunset in this part of the city was beautiful to watch, and he needed something to relax his nerves.
His no-good uncles had brought up the issue of his resignation at an executive meeting today. They were gradually crossing boundaries and the reason he hadn't disposed of them a long time ago was because Grandmother Lauranne had asked him not to. Now they were like flies he needed to swat away.
He realized the need to increase the speed of his plans, and so he decided to this dinner.
Leia arrived right on time. Ethan was already standing by the table, glancing at his phone. He looked up as she stepped onto the terrace.
He watched her familiar figure as she walked into the terrace. For the first time, he noticed that while she wasn't overly curvy, she had a nice figure and the square neck body con dress she wore today accentuated that. She had let down her thick brown hair that fell all the way to her lower back.
Ethan was always proud of the choices he had made in his life, and as he leaned back on his seat, he was pleased with this choice as well. Leia Sanders was a beautiful woman.
She paused for a while and let her eyes scan the area. Ethan realized she was looking for him and he lifted his glass to get her attention.
She heaved a sigh of relief before sashaying her way to the seat reserved for them. Not expecting Ethan to be the type to pull out chairs for ladies, she did so herself.
"Good evening, Mr Sterling." She smiled revealing her perfectly pearly teeth.
"At least one of us is in a good mood today." He remarked grimly.
"Did something happen?" She asked looking concerned.
He shook his head and muttered. "Nothing you should be worried about." He wasn't used to sharing his problems with anyone. And he definitely wouldn't start with her.
"Okay." She said before returning to her initial cheerful disposition. "Actually, I wanted to thank you for your donation towards the school play. That was an awful load of money for an elementary school play."
"It's nothing."
"Also, the play has been rescheduled for Sunday night, 6pm. I hope the time is convenient enough for you." She asked, pressing her lips nervously.
He sat quietly, watching her little movements as she waited for his response. Taking his time, he answered "It's alright."
She smiled again. Ethan wished she would smile less. He didn't know a woman was capable of drawing his attention like she did.
They had a quiet meal and afterwards, they decided to stroll through the garden resort. The sun had sunk and left hues of red and purple in the sky.
"So we'll have a legal wedding at the registry on Friday 14th." He informed her. That was the day before his thirty-third birthday. Best to get it done then, so the family lawyer would have nothing on him.
"Okay," she nodded, walking slowly beside him. Then she put her hand under her chin in thought.
"Would you want to do something for the public immediately afterward? Like a church wedding? I know you wouldn't like crowds so it can be done discreetly with the presence of a media agency you trust."
Ethan liked the idea of keeping things discreet. "Alright. I'll leave that to you and Lawrence." He didn't have time to plan weddings. By then he would be actively weeding out the trash in his company.
"And, what story are we going to tell the press about how we met and all? We have to consistent to make them believe us." She pointed out.
Ethan was secretly glad that she wasn't all looks and no brains.
"That's a reasonable concern."
She stopped walking and Ethan stopped too.
"When would you say we met?" she asked him.
"Preferably before the charity gala." He replied.
"How long have we known each other?"
"Maybe, three months?"
"Okay. Where did we first meet and how did we meet?"
That question posed a bit of a challenge. Ethan didn't know of a plausible instance where they would cross paths.
"At a cafe?"
Ethan laughed at his own joke while Leia looked unimpressed. Did she just roll her eyes?
"That's too cliché, even for you Mr Billionaire."
"Okay, what stuff do you like? If we can find common ground, we can create a believable story from there." Ethan suggested.
"Well, you know I like the school, I also like the library. I also like art..."
"Have you been to the Solstice Art Gallery?" He asked. They continued to walk slowly.
"Yes I have." She replied with a fond smile.
"Then that's where we met as two art lovers."
Ethan concluded.
Leia nodded in approval then she smiled. "Great. That's solved. We should get to know each others likes and dislikes, in case it comes up."
Another bout of silence ensued as they walked. This time, Leia was in front and Ethan followed from behind. If she was this smart and agreeable, then he might not be totally inconvenienced for the whole year they would be living together.
"Where do you live, Mr Sterling?"
Ethan wasn't expecting the question and Leia had to clarify.
"You know the clause says we'll have to live together. I want to know the proximity from that place to the school."
"Sunrise Estate. I own a penthouse there."
Leia blinked. Sunrise estate? Only the wealthiest lived there. But what did she expect from someone like Ethan Sterling?
They got to a small wooden bridge that went over a little stream. Leia turned to the side to admire the view of the stream, resting her hands on the railings of the bridge. Ethan suddenly got bright idea.
Ethan reached for his phone without replying. "Don't move. Just stay that way."
"What?"
"I need a photo."
"What? Why?" she asked but obediently kept still
"For the teaser." He held the phone up. "Tilt your head slightly. That way."
She sighed, turned slightly toward the skyline, and adjusted her posture. She felt him touch her hair and hold it in his hands.
Click.
Then another.
He stared at the screen for a moment, evaluating. "That'll work."
Leia lifted a brow. "Want me to approve it first?"
"No need. It's subtle. The ring is visible. That's enough."
His fingers moved swiftly, and within seconds the photo was posted—no caption, no tag, just the image of Leia standing in front of him with her hair playfully wrapped between his fingers sunset before her and diamond catching the lantern street light.
She glanced at her phone, already buzzing. "You're fast."
"I'm effective."
"You really think this will convince people?"
"They don't need to be convinced," Ethan said, placing his phone down. "They just need a story."
Leia looked at him, then at the photo again. "You should've been an actor."
He gave a faint shrug. "I prefer directing the scene."
She said nothing more, letting the silence settle between them. The moment wasn't romantic. But it wasn't cold, either.
Just like him.