y's

dinner date. I just wanted th

he sanctity of marriage; I kne

lp but feel that what

rriage was my only option. After all, being single was not all

marry someone he had never met, I wonder

ctations? And if that was the case, why didn't he just marry someone from his social circle? Was he perhaps trying to make some kind of

the city, was willing to marry someone he had never met before. It just didn't make sen

n't help but notice how messy and unkempt it looked. But strangely, I didn't feel the urge to fix it. I supp

me, I wouldn't be bothered by it. After all, he wasn't the one I

the fabric rustling against my skin. I buttoned the jac

I was looking at a stranger. I didn't recognize the

***

r-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. The music was playing at a low

ce a romantic ambiance. It felt like the perfect p

bring myself to care. It all seemed so superficial, so meaningless. I felt lik

5 p

stantly scanning the restaurant. The minutes ticked by slowly,

n their world of laughter and love. Just as I was about to give up, my attention was draw

tstretched, a small box clutched tightly in his palm. His girlfrie

ks were flushed with excitement. As I watched, the m

ace. The man spoke softly, his voice filled with emotion. The w

restaurant, filling the air with joy and happiness. I couldn't hel

own life, my troubles. It was like th

approaching me. He was

was straight and defined. His lips were fu

g a white shirt and a black jeans that fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders

e was Ethan Smith. I'd never seen any pictures

om him. It was a combination of musky cologne, a faint hint of sweat, and a subt

word. I couldn't help but wonder if he had seen my picture and knew we were supp

ed, and a little curious. The thought crossed my mind that maybe this man had been expecting me to recognize him.

breath, trying

ing to sound calm and collected. He nodded, still not taking his eyes of

uldn't even apologize for being late. My frustration was buildin

y calm." You must be Olivia Johnson

ng? Is he saying that he's supposed t

e with disinterest. 'Aren't you Olivia?' his tone

w as I lied." Had I just made a m