Ruth

Ruth stood in the foyer of the grand mansion in which Ethan's parents reside, contemplating the decisions that brought her in this situation.

She glanced at him discreetly, her gaze tracing the lines of his suit and the way his hair was perfectly styled. For a moment she forgot that she was angry with him for how he tricked her into revealing her details.

What am I going to tell his mom if she asks what Ethan likes to eat? Oh, he likes to live off fine whiskey. What more does a man need?

As they went inside the mansion, Ruth's eyes widened in awe. The sheer grandeur of the building was breathtaking, a testament to the wealth and status that money could buy.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease as she considered how different her life had been compared to this extravagant lifestyle. The contrast between her modest apartment and this sprawling mansion was stark.

Ethan's parents' house was surrounded by well-manicured gardens, and the entrance was adorned with intricate designs that spoke of luxury and sophistication.

The door opened, revealing a grand foyer that seemed to stretch on forever. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. Ruth's steps felt small and insignificant against the vastness of the space.

Ethan led her further into the mansion, his hand on the small of her back, guiding her with a gentle touch, His keen eyes seem to observe the hesitation in her steps.

Ruth tried to keep her composure, her eyes darting around as she took in the lavish decor and the air of opulence that permeated every corner. It was overwhelming, and she couldn't help but feel like an imposter in this world.

Ethan's mother looked elegant in her attire, her posture exuding grace and authority. His father was beside her on a wheel chair, had a kind smile on his face that instantly put Ruth at ease. She tried to quell the nerves that threatened to bubble up within her.

This was a performance, after all, and she had to play her part convincingly.

Before we could greet them, Ethan stopped ruth.

Ruth's heart raced as Ethan's hand settled on her back, his touch both reassuring and unexpected. Her frown deepened as he bent down, bringing his lips close to her ear.

She could feel his warm breath against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. She instinctively leaned back, trying to create some distance between them, but his hand on her back held her firmly in place.

"Don't be nervous," his whispered words reached her ears, making her heart skip a beat. The proximity of his lips and the intimacy of his gesture left her flustered. Her cheeks flushed, and she met his gaze with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. What was he trying to do?

He straightened up, his hand leaving her back, and Ruth felt a strange mixture of disappointment and relief.

She adjusted her posture, her composure returning as she reminded herself that this was all part of the act. It was their task to convince his parents that they were a happily married couple.

Ethan's words lingered in the air, a reminder that they were in this together. Ruth forced a small smile, masking the swirl of emotions within her.

She nodded in response to his words, her gaze flickering briefly to his parents, who were watching their interaction with interest.

With a deep breath, Ruth let go of her nervousness and focused on the role she had to play. She stood tall beside Ethan, her fingers lightly touching the fabric of her dress.

The elegant surroundings, the luxurious atmosphere, and the weight of their performance all pressed down on her, but she was determined not to falter.