The luncheon

On the way, Bella thanked Theodore.

"For what?" Theodore raised an eyebrow, curious.

"For everything," she replied, her tone laden with gratitude. "For arranging clothes for me and for giving me an opportunity to showcase my designs to Miss Willow." A captivating smile played on her lips, crinkling the corners of her eyes.

Theodore found himself momentarily speechless, captivated by her genuine expression. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his tie. "It's nothing," he mumbled, attempting nonchalance. "As your husband, it's what I'm supposed to do."

The warmth in Bella's eyes vanished like a flame snuffed out. Her smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of confusion and unease. Why did he keep reminding her of their marital status? Didn't he say this marriage was only on paper?

"Our marriage is temporary, Theodore," she reminded him bluntly, "a contract marriage. I don't…"

Before she could finish the sentence, Theodore moved in closer with breakneck speed, his hulky form almost pressing against her.

The air whooshed out of Bella's lungs as she gasped, her eyes widening in shock. Instinctively, her hands shot up, landing on his broad chest in a futile attempt to create some distance.

Theodore dashed that attempt by clasping her hands and pinning them to the back of the seat.

Bella's heart skipped several beats in a row. She held her breath, frozen. She didn't dare to blink, fearing he would do something within that fraction of a second.

Theodore's face was inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin. "Whether it's contractual or not, we are legally married," he hissed. "And I can enforce my rights as your husband."

She felt a mix of confusion and a strange thrill, uncertain of what to say or do next. The proximity and intensity of the moment left her breathless.

Theodore lowered his head. Bella's heart was ready to jump out of her mouth as she sensed what he was going to do. Her gaze fleetingly moved to the driver, and she caught him stealing a glance at them in the rear-view mirror.

"Theodore," she whispered.

Hearing his own name for the first time from her, Theodore's heart thumped like a drumbeat. He froze in mid-action, his grip on her hands loosening.

"The driver!" she said self-consciously.

Theodore recoiled, straightening his rumpled suit jacket. His gaze flicked to the driver, who sat ramrod straight. A flush crept up Theodore's neck, a rare sign of fluster. He had never lost control like this before. It was beyond his grasp why Bella's words and actions were impacting him like this.

Bella, with her heart drumming inside her chest, averted her gaze and stared out the window. A blush burned on her cheeks. Questions relentlessly assaulted her mind.

He clearly tried to kiss her. Why? Did he develop feelings for her? Or was it a mere display of dominance, a reminder of his position as her husband, even if only in name?

One truth settled heavily in her gut: her feelings for him were no longer neutral. The attraction had been there from the very beginning.

A part of her, a foolish part, dared to hope he might feel the same, that this contract could blossom into something real. But reality whispered otherwise.

Their worlds were polar opposites. A man like him would never fall for someone like her.

With a deep breath, Bella steeled her resolve. No more fantasies.

The remainder of their journey was filled with silence. When they reached the restaurant, Theodore gracefully led her in. They unexpectedly encountered Zack and Ivy at the entrance.

Bella's stomach churned as her gaze landed on Zack. She wished she could turn around and run away.

Ivy, her smile impossibly wide, practically vibrated with false cheer as she greeted Theodore. "Mr. Reid!" she chirped. "What a pleasant surprise! Are you here to dine?"

Her eyes then flicked to Bella, the smile faltering just a touch. A hint of irritation flashed momentarily, but she masked it with a beaming smile. "Bella! Are you with Mr. Reid? I didn't know you were dating him."

Theodore glanced down at Bella, curious to see how she would respond.

Meanwhile, across from them, Zack shifted uncomfortably. He had planned to take Bella to lunch that very day, to finally have that long-overdue conversation. But she had been absent from work the entire morning. Frustrated, he had decided to dine with Ivy, only to find Bella here with Theodore.

Was she really seeing this enigmatic billionaire?

Bella forced a smile, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on her. No, it's not what you think," she replied, her voice slightly faltering. "I am not dating him."

She wanted to say, 'He is my husband.' Instead, she settled for a meek explanation, "Mr. Reid invited me to dine with him to express his gratitude for my work."

Her eyes darted up to Theodore, a silent plea for him to back up her story.

Theodore held her gaze thoughtfully. He was indeed disappointed with her. But this look of hers, expecting his help, was pleasant to his heart. He liked it. This unexpected dependence ignited a flicker of amusement within him, dispelling his earlier irritation.

He shifted his focus to Ivy. "Miss Hill," he started. "My intention was only to treat her to a meal. Is it wrong?"

A forced laugh escaped Ivy's lips. The warmth in her greeting had melted away, replaced by a cold undercurrent of anger. "Of course not," she conceded tightly. "Since you're already here, perhaps we could all dine together? What do you say, Zack?"

Her voice dipped as she leaned closer to him, bestowing a smile that held a hint of desperation.

Zack's gaze flickered to Bella, a fleeting pang crossing his features before he mumbled an indifferent, "Of course, if Mr. Reid has no objection."

A sly smile played on Theodore's lips. "I'd be delighted." He gestured for Bella to lead the way, his dark eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

As they walked towards the table he had reserved, Bella murmured a grateful, "Thank you."

Theodore chuckled softly. "Simple thanks won't work," he said in a hushed tone. "You'll have to repay this favor."

Bella glanced up at him, stunned. "What do you want?" she whispered back, apprehension creeping in.

"That," he drawled, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes, "I'll tell you later." With a flourish, he pulled out a chair, inviting her to sit.

The simple gesture sent a warmth blooming in Bella's chest. A yearning, as impossible as it felt, bloomed within her. If only things could be different if only he could truly be her husband for the rest of her life.

Across the table, Zack watched the exchange, his face hardening into a mask of disapproval. A dark thought wormed its way into his mind. 'Could he be falling for her?'

A silent challenge spurred a surge of possessiveness within him. 'No…' His heart twisted with a mixture of jealousy and determination. 'I won't let that happen. I need to tell her how I feel about her before it's too late.'