Fooling you

Chapter 7 : Evan and Violette's first kiss

The opulent setting of Evan's selected venue for their meeting was truly captivating, leaving Violette somewhat spellbound. The room's ambiance, infused with romance and elegance, perfectly underscored Evan's notorious playboy reputation. As she was led to the VIP room by a polite waiter, a sense of anticipation washed over her. Leon, Evan's secretary, soon intercepted them, explaining that Evan had requested the discussion remain confidential. Thus, Asher, adhering to protocol, remained outside, ensuring the privacy appropriate for a princess.

Stepping into the room, Violette was immediately struck by Evan's impressive presence. "Hello, Princess," he greeted, his voice rich with a British accent that lent him an added charm. Taken aback yet composed, Violette responded, "Greetings, Evan. How have you been?"

"I've been excellent," Evan replied, his tone carrying a touch of sarcasm, "Especially after being compelled to accept a marriage proposal announced by the President at a shareholder meeting, which effectively forced my hand." His words carried weight, but Violette couldn't help but chuckle, amused by the dramatic circumstances.

"I see. I'm thankful to whoever initiated that," she said with a light giggle, playing into the narrative unfolding before her.

"As we're here to discuss our marriage," Violette began, her voice filled with excitement as she prepared to suggest a contractual relationship as strategized with Eve and Tatiana. However, Evan quickly cut in, "I agree to be your fiancé, provided you assist me in negotiations with the Hillette company."

His direct agreement caught Violette off guard, causing her to momentarily lose her train of thought. Evan, perceptive to her surprise, inquired, "What are your thoughts on my condition?"

Evan's demeanor softened as he extended a document across the table, his smirk playful. "I didn't expect you to take this so lightly. But since we're in agreement, I'm eager to see how our cooperation unfolds, my dear fiancée," He teased, the term 'fiancée' seeming both unusual and apt, lightening the atmosphere significantly. The document before her outlined the terms clearly—her role as fiancée was secured, and for Evan, a clause ensured that should she end the engagement, his negotiations with the Hillette company would remain unaffected. This clause greatly benefitted him, offering security regardless of their personal relationship's outcome.

Stunned by his straightforward acceptance, Violette paused, her prepared speech evaporating. Evan, noticing her hesitation, pressed, "So, what do you think about my suggestion?"

Evan's playful smirk as he shook her hand lightened the mood, "I didn't think you'd be so cheeky about this. But since we're in agreement, I look forward to our cooperation, my dear fiancé," she teased, as she signed the agreement. The formal term sounding unusual yet fitting from her. The atmosphere between them was now surprisingly cordial, a stark contrast to their prior encounters.

"So, fiancé," Violette emphasized playfully, feeling she had won, leaning back comfortably, "What did you order for us?"

Evan leaned back, his expression mysterious, "Oh, just a few of your favorites," he replied vaguely. True to his word, a variety of appetizers and wines soon arrived, each dish perfectly aligning with Violette's tastes—a fact that piqued her curiosity.

"Did your secretary Google me?" she asked, half-joking yet genuinely intrigued.

Evan's smirk deepened as he poured her a glass of wine. "Let's just say they did their homework. But who knows, maybe I knew a few things myself," He winked, raising his glass in for a toast.

The mood shifted suddenly as Evan's demeanor became serious. "One thing you shouldn't expect from me," He started, his tone firm, "is love."

Caught off guard, Violette responded with a soft smile, "Don't worry. My heart is already captured by another."

Evan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "If that's the case, why not marry him instead?"

A light giggle escaped her. "If I could, why would I choose you as my fiancé? He wasn't on the list."

Intrigued, Evan leaned in, "What list?"

"The list of eligible men who could be a match for a princess," She explained mischievously, "I do believe I needn't to explain more of this."

Nodding thoughtfully, Evan then broached a more delicate subject. "However, I do have certain needs."

Confused, Violette's thin eyebrows raised, "Needs?"

"Sex," He stated bluntly, surprising her with his directness.

Vulgar!

Violette, taken aback, quickly offered, "I can arrange for... companionship, if needed, and I would cover the cost." His handsome face took on a devilish smile as he firmly stated his commitment to fidelity, "I've vowed that if I had a fiancée or wife, I would be faithful. Can you accept that?"

Violette hesitated, the sudden depth of the conversation stirring a mix of emotions within her, "I—I..." Violette's mind went blank because it was the first time a man ever talked about this kind of thing in front of her. It sounds very vulgar.

Is this okay? But, I like Asher... Her mind is conflicted.

Violette hesitated, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "I... have feelings for someone else. Despite that, are you alright with this arrangement?"

But, I like Asher... She wasn't entirely convinced by the situation herself. It felt surreal, yet it didn't seem entirely unfavorable.

Evan's response was prompt and decisive, his tone firm, "Of course." He then mirrored her concern, challenging her, "Aren't you willing to be my fiancée even though you know about my past with Eve?" His question was pointed, highlighting the mutual concessions they were making.

Violette felt a pang of naivety at his words. She realized she was stepping into complex emotional territory, fraught with potential complications she hadn't fully considered. "Yes, I suppose I am," she replied, her voice a mixture of resignation and determination, acknowledging the oddity yet necessity of their agreement.

"Alright. But, no sex." She bit her lips apprehensively. Evan's face was gleefully happy with a smile plastered on his face.

Evan's strategy was clear: he aimed to gently push Violette to end their engagement herself, overwhelmed by his persistent advances. This approach allowed him to maintain a veneer of gentility by seeking her agreement first. Observing that the once formidable princess, now seeming more like a kitten despite her sly fox demeanor, had readily accepted his terms, Evan realized his plan might succeed more easily than anticipated. He doubted she would withstand the pressure for long.

 This resulted due to the constrained from ending the engagement himself due to significant pressures from shareholders and a direct plea from the president. Moreover, he needed Violette's cooperation to finalize a crucial business deal with Hillette's company. Thus, maintaining the engagement, even under these pretenses, was beneficial for both his business interests and his public persona.

"If you say so," Evan commented nonchalantly, strategically move his seat beside Violette. This maneuver was part of his calculated tactic to test her boundaries and see how she would handle his increased proximity, all while steering the situation to his advantage.

As Evan shifted closer, Violette instinctively tensed, her posture rigid like a wooden board. "Why are you...?" she stammered, puzzled by his sudden proximity.

"You should get used to this," Evan whispered, his voice low and compelling. The warmth of his breath brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. His nearness and the melodic lilt of his British accent were disarming—no man had ever been this close. Violette's heart raced, the unexpected intimacy of the moment overwhelming her senses.

Slowly, his movements became unexpectedly bold. He gently lifted her chin with his right hand, guiding her gaze to meet his, while his left hand found its way to her slim waist. In a fluid motion that caught Violette off guard, he guided her closer. Before she fully realized what was happening, she found herself sitting on Evan's lap, her position shifted so subtly and smoothly that she could hardly pinpoint the moment of transition. This sudden closeness left her momentarily stunned, trying to comprehend the swift change in their physical proximity.

As their eyes locked on each other deeply, soon, Evan slowly closed his eyes before proceeding to kiss Violette's soft lips.

***