The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 15: I'm not yours

Emory's POV:

When we met at the restaurant, the silence between us was deafening. I didn't know what to say, so I focused on the menu. Cadence seemed lost in her thoughts as well, playing with the napkin on her lap.

"I heard about your new movie," I said, trying to make small talk. "How was your first day?"

Cadence looked up, surprise evident on her face. "I didn't realize you were keeping track of my work," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

I felt my face get hot with embarrassment, realizing how foolish I sounded. "Sorry, I just heard it from Quinn," I said, trying to cover up my jealousy.

Cadence shook her head, looking away. "It's going fine," she said flatly. "It was a lot of fun."

I couldn't help but feel like Cadence was intentionally shutting me out, but I didn't know what else to say. We both went back to focusing on the menu, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence.

"So, how is it working closely with Daniel then?" I inquired, trying to sound nonchalant. "Is he as charming as everyone says?"

Cadence glanced at me, her expression guarded. "He's a good actor," she replied, her tone neutral. "We have a professional working relationship."

I knew Cadence well enough to sense that she was holding something back. It seemed like there was more to their dynamic than she was letting on. I decided to push a little further, cautiously.

"Is there something else going on between you and Daniel?" I asked, unable to hide the curiosity in my voice.

Cadence sighed, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. "No, Emory, there isn't," she said, her voice tinged with exasperation. "We're just colleagues, nothing more."

Her response stung, but I couldn't blame her for reacting that way. "But you must tell me if anything changes okay?"

I could feel the tension building between us as my questions became more persistent. I could sense Cadence's annoyance, but I couldn't help myself. The jealousy gnawed at me, fueled by doubts and insecurities.

"Look Emory, There's nothing going on between Daniel and me, and even if there was, it wouldn't matter because we're not really together," Cadence said firmly, her eyes meeting mine.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. It was a harsh reminder of our situation, but one that needed to be said. I took a deep breath and tried to move on from the topic.

"Right, of course. But Cadence, remember you're still my wife," I reminded her, wanting to make gain back the upper hand.

Cadence nodded. "Yes, I remember. Why do you ask?"

"You can't be seen with anybody else, I have an image to protect. Nonna is watching, everyone is watching us." I told her.

"I know Emory. I signed a contract." Cadence sighed, sipping wine from her glass.

"I just want to make sure we're both still committed to this arrangement," I said, hiding the jealousy and desperation in my voice.

Cadence looked at me intensely for a moment before nodding again. "Of course. We made a deal, and we're sticking to it."

"Great then."

We spent the rest of the evening talking about other things, both of us making an effort to keep the conversation light and without tension. Although I knew it wouldn't be easy, I'm willing to fight my jealousy and keep reminding myself that Cadence is mine, even if only in a pretend world. But I couldn't help it.