The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 6: Moving in

Cadence's POV:

As Nevaeh and I entered Emory's penthouse, we were struck by the dullness of the grey walls that surrounded us. The lack of color made the whole place feel lifeless and impersonal. However, our attention was immediately drawn to the sleek, black leather couch that stood as the only piece of furniture in the living room.

I couldn't help but notice how luxurious and comfortable the couch looked, with its reclining back that turned it into a chaise lounge. It exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication that clashed with the ambiance of the room. It seemed out of place and yet strangely alluring at the same time.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I took a deep breath to center myself, reminding myself of the importance of this charade. I have to do whatever it takes to sell this relationship to Emory's Grandmother, even if it meant pretending to be someone I'm not. I signed a contract and I agreed to help so it's not like I have a choice anyways.

As I surveyed the rest of the penthouse, I couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. The emptiness of the space mirrored the void that Emory must be feeling. Her place is as cold as she is. She's not cold to you. I shook my head, silencing my consience, not daring to confront that possibility.

Just before I went deeper inside, a pang of anxiety and doubt came crashing down on me. I steeled my nerves and reminded myself that I had come too far to turn back now, and with that thought in mind, I stepped forward, ready to play my part as Emory's fake wife.

...

As Nevaeh and I began to settle in at Emory's penthouse, we didn't waste any time making ourselves at home. Although the place lacked personality and warmth, we quickly set up our personal belongings and started exploring the space.

With Emory on a day trip, we had the penthouse all to ourselves, which meant we could take our time to get familiarized with the place.

As we made our way through the different rooms, I couldn't help my curiosity from being piqued. The penthouse was spacious and luxurious, but it lacked life and personalization, like the touch of someone's personality that would make it feel like a home.

Yet, there was a strange sense of comfort in the orderliness of the place. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic and cramped apartment we had shared for years.

Settling down on the leather couch, Nevaeh let out a long sigh, "I can't believe how fancy this place is. Imagine living like this all the time"

My sister's words were a stark reminder of the poverty we had experienced for most of their lives. When our parents died, I didn't want to get separated from Nevaeh so I worked hard at 18 so she won't go the the orphanage. It wasn't easy, we barely had food or a place to stay but at least we were together. Nevaeh's words became a reminder of the tough choices I had to make, and the sacrifices we had to endure.

I looked around the lit living room, "It is fancy, but it doesn't feel like a home."

Nevaeh tilted her head, "What do you mean?"

"I feel like there is something missing, it doesn't feel like a person lives here. It's almost clinical."

She nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can see what you mean. But hey, we've got this place all to ourselves for now. Let's make the most of it."

At this, she stood up, motioning for me to follow. "Come on, let's see what we can find in the kitchen. I'm starving."

With that, we headed to the kitchen and began to rummage through the cupboards, searching for something to eat.

For a moment, I forgot about the charade I had to play and the reason why we had been brought here. It was just us, two sisters, enjoying a moment of normalcy in a luxurious penthouse. And that momentary reprieve gave me the strength to continue to play the role I had been cast in, without worries.