"It's our first formal outing, there's a lot to be discussed. Our wedding preparation, how our lives is going to look like from hence forth". I whispered to myself.
Getting to the restaurant, I stepped out of the car at the front of the restaurant.
The restaurant was really a good one. Light flickering above the roof top, the kind of exclusive place where everything sparkled.
The view was beautiful, even the waiter's smile.
Garrett was already there, standing by the entrance of the restaurant in a tailored black coat.
He looked up as I approached, giving me a subtle nod instead of a smile.
"You're on time". He said.
"I try". I replied, smoothing the front of my dress. "You didn't have to bring me here". I told him.
He really didn't have to. The restaurant was quiet, exclusive ,well polished and beautifully designed, far too intimate for two people bound by a contract.
His gaze flicked over me once, brief but intentional. "The press is already watching. A private dinner keeps them from speculating later. He muttered.
"Wow! Romance by strategy". I replied with a faint smile.
Garrett looked up. Something flickering in his eyes. "That wasn't sarcasm. It's Just facts".
He said evenly, then offered me his arm. "Shall we?"
Inside, the table was set for two. I took my seat, trying to settle into the strange rhythm of a man I barely knew and was about to marry.
The waiter came and left, leaving us with wine and silence.
Garrett finally broke it. "We need to finalize the wedding details. My team suggested the next three weeks.
I was really shocked because what the hell is Garrett even saying, what does he even mean by "my team" in a marriage arrangement?
This was not a business deal for goodness sake.
"Next three weeks?" .I asked.
"It's enough time for what we need". He said simply like it was no big deal.
"I'll get my event planner to make arrangements for everything to be in order. All we need to do is to play our parts well, let's make the wedding look real". He added.
I let out a slow breath. "You really can separate everything from emotion, can't you?" I asked.
Garrett paused for a moment and answered. "Feelings complicate outcomes".
"Right. And people aren't outcomes?" I asked.
Garrett leaned back slightly. "This is temporary. I'm not offering you love, Elisse. I'm offering clarity. In return, I expect the same." He hesitated.
I met his gaze, firm. "You'll get it. But don't mistake my silence for compliance. I'm not here to be a shadow". I warned.
He didn't smile, but there was a flicker in his eyes: it was either interest or maybe, respect?
"I wouldn't have picked you if you were". He said.
That shut me up… I was speechless for the first time, not knowing what to say.
We spent the rest of the dinner discussing colours, logistics, and our first official appearance as a couple.
Garrett remained distant and unreadable.
But beneath it all, I sensed something else, it wasn't warmth exactly...but restraint.
Like he was holding something back. I don't know what it is? But I'd make sure I find out.
When the night ended, he walked me to the car and opened the door for me without a word.
This was strange.
I paused. Looking up at him. "I still don't know who you are, Garrett Knight?"
"You'll figure that out in time. Just don't expect to like everything you find". He replied.
And with that, he closed the door.
As the car pulled away, I stared out the window, my heart unsettled.
One thing was clear that this wasn't a contract anymore.
This was a game that neither of us understood.
I got to the house, sat motionless on the couch
The apartment dimmed around me. The only light came from the soft glow of the kitchen lamp I hadn't bothered to turn off .
My dinner dress clung to me like a memory I couldn't shake, my heels were still on, though I had stopped feeling my feet an hour ago.
That evening had ended but my mind hadn't.
I leaned my head back against the cushion with my eyes on the ceiling, as questions echoed inside me like footsteps in an empty hallway.
What will become of me if... I go through with this?
The thought settled over my chest like a weight I couldn't shake.
Garret Knight was nothing like the man I would've chosen . He was sharp edged and emotionally unreachable. Every word that came out of his lips were coated in control.
He was such a control freak.
No warmth behind his eyes, no softness in his presence. He's always strategic in everything he does.
Would I share a roof and a name, maybe even a bed…with a man who doesn't even know how to feel?
Hugging my knees to my chest. I told myself. "This isn't what I wanted", I whispered to the room. This isn't what love is supposed to feel like.
But I had signed the contract. I had smiled through the dinner like everything was okay. I had to stand beside him and play my part for my parents and my family business.
But who was doing anything for me?
"Would anyone notice if I begin to fade?" I questioned myself.
Closing my eyes. In my mind, I saw myself a year from now: elegant and emotionless,
Wearing the title of "Mrs knight" like armour.
Unrecognizable.
My heart twisted.
"What if I fall for him?" I thought suddenly. "What if I want something he's never willing to give?"
I opened my eyes again, letting the silence settle. The city lights blinked softly through my window.
I let out a shaky breath.
"I don't know who I'll become in this". I admitted to no one in particular. "But I'm scared she won't be me".
And still, I stayed there in silence.
Waiting for a sign.
Almost immediately, my phone buzzed.
It was Garrett Knight.
"What does he want to talk about this time?" I asked myself.