The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 3: Ridiculous Idea

Emory's POV:

I exhaled heavily as I merge onto the interstate, glancing nervously in my rearview mirror. I still couldn't believe I had almost hit someone earlier that day. As I drove, my thoughts turned to the woman I had just left at the hospital - Cadence.

Cadence is undeniably beautiful, with striking features and piercing golden brown eyes that seemed to look right through me. But she was also incredibly snarky, scolding me for driving recklessly when it was obvious that she had been the one not looking where she was going.

I couldn't help but shake my head at the memory. The encounter with Cadence had been brief, but it had left a mark. I have never been one to pay attention to women or anyone for that matter, but there was no denying that Cadence caught my eye.

As I drove the familiar streets leading to my house, I found myself dwelling on the exchange with Candace, alternating between annoyance at her snarky attitude and admiration for her stunning features. I know it's silly to still be thinking about her, but for some reason, I can't help it. And it's frustrating me greatly.

Eventually, I shook myself out of my reverie and focused on the road ahead. I just narrowly avoided a potential tragedy earlier , and I'm not about to let my thoughts distract me again. But as I drove on, I can't shake the feeling that I would be seeing Cadence again soon.

...

I step out of the elevator and into the dark, silent hallway of my penthouse. The only light coming from the moon shining through the floor-to-ceiling windows. My penthouse is a reflection of myself - cold, aloof, and devoid of any warmth or personality. The walls are painted a dull grey, and the only furniture in the living room is a sleek, black leather couch that reclined back into a chaise lounge. I have no use for anything else. I didn't need decorations, photographs, or anything else that might attempt to add some color to my life - the darkness suited me just fine. I'm rarely ever at home except at nights anyways.

Kieyw scampered around my feet, her little nails clicking against the hardwood floor. She looked up at me with those big, brown eyes, and I couldn't help but smile. She's so cute and charming - completely the opposite of me. She jumps up and down at my feet, whining for attention. So I bend down to give her a scratch behind the ears.

"Hi babyyy, how was your day? Did you eat delicious treats? You did? Good girllll!" I cooed at Kieyw, watching as she gets excited at my high pitched voice.

I walked further inside. The darkness swallowing me up, but I know my way around without turning on the lights anyways, I've lived here for years, so the layout is imprinted on my mind. I placed my keys in the bowl on the console table in the foyer and hung up my coat. I glanced around the empty apartment - no one lives here but me and Kieyw.

Kieyw bounded again in front of me, tail wagging excitedly as she sniff my pants. I kneel down to pet her, smiling softly as she lick my hand. Kieyw is a sweet little Chihuahua, with big brown eyes and a playful personality. She's my constant companion,

As I rose to my feet and headed towards the kitchen, I grab a can of dog food from the pantry and pour it into Kieyw's bowl. She happily dives in, wagging her tail in excitement. While she eats, I make myself a cup of coffee, savoring the bitter taste.

I sat down on the couch to watch TV, Kieyw snuggled up beside me. The world outside my penthouse was teeming with life, and while I cared nothing for it, watching it pass by on the screen was a form of comfortable isolation. Just as I snuggled deeper with Kieyw, ready to call it a night, my phone vibrates .

Bzzzz. Bzzzzz.

Quinn, the caller id states. I sigh heavily as I answered my phone and hear Quinn's excited voice on the other end of the line. I'm already exhausted from my day and was looking forward to coming home for a quiet night in, but it seemed fate has other plans for me.