When pride meets

The dim glow of candlelight bathed the elegant restaurant in a warm ambiance. Dylan had insisted on taking Emily out after a particularly intense day of rehearsals, claiming they needed to "unwind." Emily reluctantly agreed, still uncertain about the whirlwind of emotions Dylan seemed to stir in her.

As they entered, heads turned. Whispers filled the room—"It's Dylan, the famous actor." Emily felt the weight of the attention, but Dylan, ever the charmer, paid it no mind.

He led her to a corner table, his hand resting lightly on her back. "Relax," he said, sensing her discomfort. "It's just dinner."

Emily managed a small smile. "You say that like people aren't staring at us."

"They're staring at me," he teased, flashing her a grin. "You're just collateral damage."

She rolled her eyes, but her laughter came easily. For a moment, the tension of the day melted away, and she allowed herself to enjoy his company.

As they waited for their meals, Emily's gaze wandered across the room—only to freeze when she saw Sarah, seated a few tables away, talking animatedly to Ethan.

Sarah was radiant, her laughter echoing softly as she leaned toward Ethan. But what truly made Emily's heart ache was the faint smile on Ethan's face, one she hadn't seen in what felt like forever.

"Emily?" Dylan's voice pulled her back to the present. He followed her gaze, his expression darkening when he spotted Ethan and Sarah.

"Is everything okay?" Dylan asked, his tone quieter now.

Emily forced a nod, but her fingers trembled as she gripped her glass. "It's nothing," she said, though her voice betrayed her.

Dylan studied her for a moment before smirking. "Nothing, huh?"

Before she could respond, Sarah noticed them. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly whispered something to Ethan.

Ethan turned his head, his expression unreadable as his gaze locked onto Emily. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Then, to Emily's horror, Sarah stood up and approached their table. Dylan leaned back in his chair, an eyebrow raised, as Sarah greeted him warmly.

"Dylan! It's been ages," Sarah said, her voice honeyed. She ignored Emily entirely, focusing all her attention on Dylan.

"Sarah," Dylan replied, his tone polite but distant.

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Emily's heart sank further as she watched Sarah laugh at something Dylan said. It was as if she wasn't even there.

Dylan glanced at Emily, noticing the pain flickering in her eyes. Without a second thought, he stood up, pulling Emily to her feet.

"What are you doing—" Emily began, but her words were cut off as Dylan cupped her face and kissed her, right in the middle of the restaurant.

Gasps rippled through the room. Whispers filled the air. "Is that Dylan with someone? Who is she?"

Emily's mind went blank as she felt the warmth of his lips, the intensity of his hold. Her heart raced, not just from the shock but from the undeniable passion behind his kiss.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes bore into hers, as if silently daring her to deny what was happening between them.

Ethan, who had been watching from across the room, stiffened. His jaw tightened, and without a word, he stood and walked out of the restaurant.

"Ethan!" Sarah called, chasing after him.

Outside, Sarah grabbed Ethan's arm, stopping him. "What's wrong with you? Are you…jealous? Do you still love me?"

Ethan's eyes were stormy as he shook his head. "No, Sarah. This isn't about you."

"Then what is it?" she demanded. "Why are you acting like this?"

Ethan hesitated, the image of Emily and Dylan's kiss flashing in his mind. For the first time, he admitted to himself what he had been denying all along.

"I think I'm in love with my wife," he said quietly.

Sarah froze, her eyes narrowing. "Your contractual wife?" she spat, anger rising in her voice. "You can't be serious."

"I didn't think I could feel this way," Ethan said, almost to himself. "But I can't deny it anymore."

Sarah's fists clenched. "Well, I don't care," she said, her voice trembling with determination. "I'm not giving up on us, Ethan. You'll see. I'll make you come back to me."

Ethan said nothing, his thoughts consumed by the realization that his heart now belonged to Emily.

---

Inside the restaurant, Emily sat back down, her cheeks flushed. She avoided Dylan's gaze, still reeling from what had just happened.

"Well," Dylan said, breaking the silence. "That should shut everyone up."

Emily glared at him, though her heart wasn't entirely in it. "What was that for?"

Dylan shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's just say I don't like seeing you hurt."

Despite herself, Emily couldn't help but smile faintly. But as the night wore on, she couldn't shake the feeling that her heart was being pulled in two different directions—toward the man she had always loved and the man who was slowly breaking down her walls.