"I'm ready to get registered, let's go." Eve replied to the man Leaning on the car and heaved a sigh. They were right In front of Civil Affairs Bureau.
Leon was well-known business-man of Z City, His only family Old Master Du was insisting him to get married, While Our beloved Male lead ain't into any woman.
Eve is a professional Writer, she had unstable carrier, but she gives her best at everything. She isn't on good term with her family since her step-Mother arrived, her father got biased, and she lost all her support of her family as her step-sister played a vicious role in destroying Eve's Image. Unexpectedly, she meets Leon with a misunderstanding, but now they were good friends.
Leon asks for her help as his grandfather, the Old Master Du gets severe ill, and wishes to see Leon getting married before he dies. Yesterday was the day Leon asked for Eve to help Him, he did gave some time for Eve to consider. And Today is what she was about to declare her choice, unwillingly she had to accept to be Leon's contracted Wife. Leon had to agree the fact of he was being too much for asking Eve for be his wife, but he thought it would be good if they stay contracted as husband and wife, with not interfering in each other's life and just an act for sake of his grandfather.
"Thank you for considering, Eve. Here's the contract. If you want some changes, be frank to me." said Leon.
"sure" replied Eve, immediately signed the contract and hands it back to Leon's Assistant. "You'll get the copy of this contract. now shall we move ahead, My soon-to-be-Wife?"
Eve forced a smiled and tangled arm with Leon. "yes, Dear." she thought for herself, 'afterall, I'm just a contracted wife. . . sooner or later I'll be doomed someday, my Fortune had never shined. unfortunately what am I desiring for?' as they walked in, to register their marriage.
'I wish I could be your Husband forever, never wanting to end this contract. Because I'm probably falling for you... yes, No matter what comes I'm not going to let go of you.' Leon thought to himself.
As they stepped through the doors of the civil affairs bureau, the air was thick with the scent of paperwork and promises. The clerk behind the counter looked up, a practiced smile on her face, as she beckoned the couple forward. "Next, please," she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the high-ceilinged room.
Leon and Eve approached, their steps in sync despite the turmoil brewing within each of them. They presented the contract, and the clerk began the process, her fingers flying over the keyboard with an efficiency born of repetition. "And do you, Leon Du, take this woman to be your lawfully contracted wife?" she asked, looking up at Leon.
"I do," Leon replied, his voice steady, but his heart was racing. He glanced at Eve, trying to read her expression, but she was a master at hiding her emotions.
"And do you, Eve, take this man to be your lawfully contracted husband?" the clerk turned to Eve, who nodded, her voice a mere whisper, "I do."
The clerk smiled, "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Du. Your marriage is now officially registered." She handed them a certificate, the ink still fresh, the words binding them together in the eyes of the law, if not yet in their hearts.
As they exited the building, Leon turned to Eve, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Eve, I know this is just a contract, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. If there's anything you ever need, don't hesitate to ask."
Eve looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sadness. "Thank you, Leon. That means a lot to me," she said, her voice soft. "Let's just take it one day at a time."
They walked to the car, the sun setting behind them, casting long shadows on the ground. As they drove away, neither of them noticed the figure watching from a distance, a figure from Eve's past, her step-sister, with a look of determination on her face. The story was far from over; it was just beginning.
Leon Brought Eve to his Penthouse, No wonder he was secret Billionaire, But this time he didn't tried to mask his identity. He punched password of the door, and the door opened revealing a cozy home before Eve. "Wow, it's amazing! This modern touch is just so awesome." Eve exclaimed as she walked in, She was Awed.
Leon's penthouse was a testament to his success, a blend of sleek lines and warm, inviting spaces. The panoramic windows offered a breathtaking view of Z City, the lights twinkling like a tapestry of stars against the night sky. Eve's reflection danced across the glass, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that had clouded her life until now.
"Make yourself at home," Leon said, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious living room. "I want you to feel comfortable here."
Eve nodded, still taking in the opulence around her. She wandered through the rooms, each one revealing more of Leon's life and personality. The shelves were lined with books on business, philosophy, and the occasional novel, hinting at a depth that went beyond his public persona.
As she explored, she stumbled upon a small, cozy study. A typewriter sat on the desk, surrounded by stacks of paper and notes. It was a writer's haven, and Eve felt a surge of warmth. Leon had remembered her passion for writing and had prepared a space just for her. "Leon, this... this is incredible," Eve said, her voice filled with emotion as she turned to him. "You didn't have to do this."
Leon shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know how important writing is to you. I thought you might like a place to work, away from the chaos of the world."
Eve's heart fluttered, touched by the gesture. She realized that Leon was more than just a friend or a contract; he was becoming a part of her life, someone who cared about her dreams and aspirations.
The evening passed with easy conversation and shared laughter, the walls between them slowly crumbling. As the night deepened, they found themselves on the balcony, looking out over the city. Eve leaned against the railing, her thoughts a whirlwind.
"Leon," she began, hesitant. "I know this is all pretend, but... thank you. For everything."
Leon stood beside her, his presence a steady comfort. "Eve, pretend or not, I'm here for you. And who knows? Maybe one day, this won't just be a contract."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world fell away, leaving only the possibility of what could be. The city below them was alive with possibilities, and up here, in Leon's penthouse, so were they.
"In the future, it. . . Might be, Might not be." Eve shyly averted her gaze away from Leon. She couldn't term such feeling arising from the bottom of her heart.
Leon noticed the subtle shift in Eve's demeanor, the way her eyes flickered away, the slight tremble in her voice. He understood the uncertainty that laced her words, the delicate balance between hope and fear. He took a gentle step closer, respecting the space she held, yet offering silent support.
"Eve," he said softly, his voice barely above the whisper of the night wind. "Whatever the future holds, we'll face it together. As friends, as partners... as whatever we choose to be. No pressure, no expectations. Just two people, learning to navigate life's unexpected turns."
Eve turned back to him, her eyes meeting his with a newfound resolve. "You're right, Leon. We can't predict the future, but we can make the best of now. Let's just live in the moment and see where it takes us."
A smile broke through Leon's usually composed facade, a genuine expression of happiness. "That's the spirit, Eve. Let's make the most of our time together, for as long as it lasts."
They stood side by side, their gazes locked on the horizon, where the city's lights met the dark sky. It was a moment of peace, a brief respite from the complexities of their arrangement. And in that moment, they both felt something shift within them, a connection that went beyond contracts and conditions.
As the night gave way to the first light of dawn, Leon and Eve knew that their journey had only just begun. What started as a simple agreement was evolving into something neither of them had anticipated. And though the path ahead was uncertain, they were ready to walk it together, step by uncertain step.
The next day, Eve stepped out of her new large bedroom. 'Last Night, I had insisted Leon to take different Rooms. This would play a crucial part in maintaining our boundaries,' she thought to herself. The sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. Eve stretched, feeling the soft fabric of her pajamas against her skin, a luxury she was still getting used to.
As she made her way to the kitchen, the rich aroma of coffee filled the air. Leon, already awake, stood by the espresso machine, his back to her. "Good morning," he said without turning around, his voice calm and welcoming. "I hope you slept well."
Eve paused at the doorway, taking in the sight of him. "Morning, Leon. I did, thank you. This bed is like sleeping on a cloud," she replied, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Leon turned, a steaming cup in his hand, which he offered to her. "I'm glad to hear that. Here, I made you a coffee. I remember you mentioning how much you enjoy a good cup in the morning."
Eve accepted the coffee, the warmth from the cup seeping into her hands. "You have a good memory," she said, taking a sip. The rich, bold flavor was perfect, just the way she liked it.
They shared breakfast in comfortable silence, the kind that only comes with a growing familiarity. As they ate, Eve's mind wandered to the contract, to the act they had to put on for the world, and to the genuine moments they shared when no one was watching.
Eve smiled, touched by his words. "Thank you, Leon. That means a lot to me too."
"I'll be taking you to see Grandpa, He's eager to meet you in person. Hope it wouldn't cause any disturbance in you today's schedule, are you okay to have lunch at Du's old Villa?" asked Leon with Hopeful gleam in his eyes
Eve's heart skipped a beat at the mention of meeting Grandpa Du. She knew how much it meant to Leon and his grandfather, and she didn't want to let them down. "Of course, I'd be honoured to meet him," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "Lunch at the Du's old villa sounds lovely. I'll make sure to clear my schedule for today."
Leon's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Eve. This means a lot to me, and I know Grandpa will be thrilled to meet you."
The drive to the old villa was filled with anticipation. The estate was nestled in the countryside, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees that whispered secrets of the past. As they pulled up to the grand entrance, Eve caught a glimpse of the traditional architecture, a beautiful blend of history and elegance. 'This is so huge and Rich'.
Grandpa Du was waiting for them on the porch, his eyes crinkling with joy as he saw them approach. "Leon, my boy! And you must be Eve," he said, extending a hand to her. "Welcome to our home."
Eve took his hand, feeling the warmth of his welcome. "I... It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," she said, her respect for the family patriarch evident in her tone.
“When did you both start dating?” Grandpa Du asked the newlywed couple. Eve choked on her food, coughing. Leon patted her back and offered a glass of water. “Here, have some water… feeling better?” Eve frowned, giving Leon a bombastic side-eye. ‘He should have informed me of this made-up story… and what took place two years ago? That’s too much!’
Leon clears his throat, glancing at Eve with a sheepish smile. "Well, Grandpa Du," he begins, "you see, our dating history is a bit... unconventional." He leans in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Two years ago, I was at a cozy café for a business deal. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and I was lost in my thoughts about the contract." He gestures toward Eve. "And there she was, sitting at the corner table, scribbling away in her notebook. She looked like a character from one of her novels—mysterious and intriguing."
Eve's eyes widen, surprised by this unexpected twist. "I was there for inspiration," she adds, her voice soft. "The café was my refuge—a place where ideas flowed freely. And then this handsome stranger walked in, all serious and focused. I couldn't help but wonder what story he carried with him."
Leon chuckles. "Our eyes met over steaming cups of coffee. It was like a scene from a romance novel. I approached her, and instead of discussing business, we ended up talking about life, dreams, and the magic of storytelling." He glances at Eve, his expression tender. "And that, Grandpa Du, is how our love story began."
Grandpa Du leans back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah," he says, tapping his chin, "so it was a coffee spill that ignited your love story, eh?" His gaze shifts between Leon and Eve. "Well, my young friends, I've heard tales of knights rescuing damsels, of secret rendezvous under moonlit skies, but this..." He chuckles, shaking his head. "This is a delightful twist!"
Grandpa Du's laughter fills the room, and for a moment, the weight of years seems to lift. "You know," he continues, "sometimes it's the small, unexpected moments that shape our destinies. A spilled coffee, a shared smile, and suddenly, two lives entwine." He glances at Eve. "And you forgave him, my dear? Just like that?"
Eve blushes, her fingers tracing the rim of her water glass. "Well," she says, "he did have those puppy-dog eyes."
Leon grins. "And she had that writer's wit," he adds. "I was smitten."
Grandpa Du leans forward, his voice conspiratorial. "Remember this, my young lovebirds: Life is a novel waiting to be written. Sometimes, the best chapters begin with spilled coffee and unexpected glances."
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play