Every pair of eyes was on me.

Sweat started to form in my palms and I dried them on my skirt by smoothing it, then I cleared my throat to calm down my nerves. I was always bad at this, even at school.

You can do this, Emma. You will make it.

I kept repeating myself these words as I put down my things and grabbed the remote of the projector, ready to start.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I would like to apologize for my tardiness and to thank you for choosing Smith's Design as your next partnership. I am Emily Smith, cringe, and a head of designer in this company. The Smith's project started 10 years ago with the aim of being the largest cloth producing company. And I must say it was a success because as of now, the sales have increased by 60% in the last 5 years. Moreover, the company's exports......."

I continued convincing them on how choosing us will be the best decision to make. Then, I amazed them with my creations.

To be honest, I was not sure that what I did would make a great impression but after seeing their fascinated faces, I was sure my time didn't go to waste.

After I was done, Leon came next and emphasized on the benefits of working with us, adding other details to make them believe it.

The overall presentation took about two hours and the last thing remaining was for them to give us feedback.

That is when I got to see each and make out their expressions. However, I didn't recognize one face among them. Last night, Leon showed me their faces and names to save the introductory part because after all, I was supposed to know them. In all the faces he showed me, this one was new to me.

The embarrassment came when he caught me watching him. I looked down to hide my blushing.

The supposed new partners whispered among each other before they gave their answer. Me, I was shifting uncomfortably in my seat trying to hide the nervousness. Leon, on the other hand, was calm. He went through this almost his existence.

In the corner of my eye, I saw the mysterious man and Leon exchange a curt nod. Does he know him?

Before I could torture my brain with my unending questions, one man I recognized as Mr. Nicholas, stood up.

"Before I give the answer to your proposal, I would like to thank Mrs Smith for such innovative creations. I must confess that in all the companies we visited, I haven't seen something amazing and unique designs. Therefore, after discussing with my colleagues here, we accept your proposal."

I wanted to jump up and hug him. But of course, I had to behave. So I just smiled to show my gratitude.

"Told you, you would make it." Leon whispered in my ear in the midst of congratulations that were being passed on.

I turned towards him and gave him a genuine smile. Not so long ago, we were acting like cats and dogs, constantly fighting. But now, we are a civilized couple. And I must add, a caring one.

Nicholas came to where we were sitting and shook hands with both of us as the rest. The mysterious man came and hugged Leon. Yes, they definitely know each other.

"What took you so long dad?"

Crap!!!

This was his father? How come Emily never talked about him?

"Well, I think my stay there helped me a lot so I decided to stay longer. And after seeing this, I am convinced that my business is in good hands."

"Thanks to my dear wife." Leon said, pulling me on his side to engage me in the conversation.

"How have you been Emily?" Cringe.

"I'm good and I see that you have improved as well." I didn't know what I was talking about. I was only guessing that he had gone to rest after a serious illness, judging by their words. And the worst part was that I didn't know his name!

"It sure did. But I would like to have a word with you. Leon, could you lend me your wife for a moment?" Leon nodded and went to chat with other people in the room.

We sat in the far end corner of the room. When he was about to start, someone interrupted. "Roman you are back? Great to see you, I hope you are doing well!" And by that, I discovered his name.

"Very much, thank you."

"It seems everyone cares about you." I commented.

"Yeah they do and some are just acting like they care, but let's get to the main point. Leon must have told you why you are married to him, right?"

I hated where this was going. I knew very well that he was threatening to either marry me, I mean Emily, or lose the company.

"Yes, I am aware of the reasons behind this marriage." I spoke in a calm voice.

"I hope you are not mad at me or anything like that because I was just helping him get over the death of Liza, his late wife. When I saw that the psychologists were not helping him, I thought of a way to get him out of his misery. Then I came across your mother who was desperate to find a husband for her daughter."

"I expected you to hate each other for an eternity, but now I see how he is madly in love with you."

I just looked at him with wide eyes, realization hitting in. Moreover, how can he see that?

"I.... I didn't ..."

"Of course, he hasn't told you yet because he is trying to find the perfect time. Believe me, I know my son, he will come around. But my concern is - do you feel the same way he does?"

I also didn't know the answer to that question. Yes, we have been treating each other well for the last couple of days, no more pranks surprisingly! And then came the part where he was obsessed with the smell of my hair and constantly sniffed at it. I liked this, of course.

I also felt safe in his arms before we slept every night, and how he smiled at me when I was drawing, sometimes coming to press a kiss on top of my head.

Regardless of that, I wasn't sure of what I felt for him because of that rule I was stuck on 'not falling for him'.

"I understand that you can't answer that question right now, but whatever you have in your mind, don't break him again. I don't know if we will be able to cure him after...last time." After that he got up and left me to my thoughts.

I felt bad that I was lying to someone who had feelings for me. I am very sure what his father is fearing is what will happen when he learns the truth. So I have to tell him before it is too late.

I don't care about Emily now because what she wanted to do was to throw me in a hole I could not get myself out of. That means, I will have to sort out this matter on my own. Even if it meant breaking him.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will tell him the truth, the entire truth.

*********************

Things are taking another angle!!

Let me hope you enjoy my double update because I stayed up late, trying to finish this.

See you next time.

VOTE, COMMENT & SHARE.

Much love 🧡

Marty.