A tough nut to crack
The manor buzzed with activity, but Emily wasn't her usual indifferent self. She had woken up with a peculiar determination—it was Ethan's birthday. Despite her complicated feelings for him, she decided to make an effort.
"It's just one day," she muttered, brushing off any lingering hesitation.
She carefully planned everything in secret. From his favorite meals to a thoughtful gift and elegant decorations, Emily ensured every detail was perfect. Finally, she chose a stunning emerald-green dress, something she hoped would make her look… presentable, if not breathtaking.
By the time evening rolled around, Emily stood in the grand foyer, rehearsing how to greet Ethan. Should she wish him a simple Happy Birthday or try something more? Perhaps a hug? The thought made her heart race, and she shook her head to clear it.
Why am I nervous? she thought, fidgeting with her dress.
---
A Shocking Arrival
The sound of the main door creaking open snapped her out of her thoughts. Emily's gaze immediately locked onto Ethan as he stepped inside. Relief surged through her until she noticed someone else.
A tall, striking brunette entered alongside Ethan, her arm casually draped around his. She laughed softly at something he said, and Emily froze.
Who on earth is she?
Ethan didn't even look in Emily's direction. He walked past her, the woman still attached to his arm, heading toward the sitting room.
Emily's mouth opened to say something, but no words came out.
"Excuse me, who are you?" she finally blurted out, her voice sharper than intended.
The woman turned, her expression amused. "Oh, you must be Emily!" she said cheerfully, her tone slightly patronizing.
Emily's eyes narrowed.
"I'm Rosa," the woman continued, extending a hand. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet you."
Emily didn't move. Her gaze flickered to Ethan, who stood silent, his face unreadable.
"Right," Emily said coldly. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked briskly toward the staircase.
As she ascended, she could hear Rosa chuckling. "She's a tough nut to crack, isn't she?"
Ethan sighed but said nothing.
---
Flashback: The Plan
A week earlier, Ethan sat in his office, flipping through paperwork while his mind wandered to Emily.
"John," he asked suddenly, "how long do you think it'll take before Emily starts falling for me?"
John, without even glancing up, replied, "She might, if you ever let her breathe."
Ethan scowled. "Helpful as always."
Just then, his phone buzzed. The name "Rosa" flashed on the screen.
"Cousin," Ethan greeted, his tone lighter.
"Cousin? Really? That's what I am to you now?" Rosa's teasing voice came through.
Ethan chuckled. "What do you want?"
"I heard you're married. And you didn't even invite me? Rude. Anyway, open the door."
"What door?"
Before Ethan could make sense of her words, Rosa barged into his office, her usual flair on full display.
"Well, hello to you too," she said, throwing her bag onto his desk.
Ethan stared at her, dumbfounded. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to help," Rosa declared, sitting on his desk.
"Help with what?"
"Your little crush on your wife."
Ethan groaned. "It's not a crush."
"Oh, please," Rosa said, rolling her eyes. "Spare me the denial. Now, do you want my help or not?"
After much persuasion, Ethan finally relented. Rosa proposed pretending to be his "girlfriend" to make Emily jealous, but with one condition: she would handle it her way.
---
Back to the Manor
In her room, Emily paced angrily, the image of Rosa clinging to Ethan burned into her mind.
"Who does she think she is?" Emily muttered, glaring at the floor.
The knock on her door startled her. She stiffened.
"Go away," she called out.
The door didn't open, and she was relieved. But her anger hadn't subsided. Why didn't Ethan say anything? she wondered. He hadn't even bothered to introduce Rosa properly. Was this his way of humiliating her?
---
Rosa's Mischief
Downstairs, Rosa lounged on the couch, looking utterly at home.
"You're going to have to step up your game," she told Ethan, who stood nearby with his arms crossed.
"She's mad," Ethan muttered.
"Good," Rosa said with a grin. "That's progress."
Ethan sighed. "You're enjoying this too much."
Rosa smirked. "Of course I am. But don't worry, she'll come around. Women like Emily don't fall for grand gestures—they fall when you make them realize what they're missing."
"And you think this is the way to do that?" Ethan asked skeptically.
"Trust me, cousin," Rosa said, leaning back. "By the end of this, she'll be eating out of the palm of your hand."
---
A Crack in the Wall
Later that evening, Emily came downstairs, intending to grab a glass of water. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Ethan and Rosa laughing together in the sitting room.
Ethan glanced up and saw her. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them.
But Emily quickly turned away, her walls firmly back in place.
"Emily," Ethan called after her.
She didn't respond.
Rosa watched the exchange with interest. "She's a tough nut to crack, all right," she said, leaning closer to Ethan.
Ethan didn't reply. Instead, his gaze lingered on the empty doorway where Emily had stood.
---
Emily lay awake that night, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
"Why do I even care?" she whispered to herself. But no matter how much she tried to push the thought of Ethan and Rosa out of her mind, it kept coming back.
Little did she know, Ethan was in his room, thinking the exact same thing about her.