Elena stood in front of her wardrobe, staring at her clothes like she was trying to solve a murder case.
"How am I supposed to dress like a married woman... in a fake marriage... that no one can know about... but still look normal in front of people who stalk the CEO's fashion choices?" she grumbled.
From the hallway, Alex shouted, "Wear that green one! You look like a broccoli!"
Elena: "Thank you for the insult, young man."
Alex: "You're welcome!"
At the breakfast table, Ethan sat with a coffee, perfectly dressed in a black suit, scrolling through emails. He glanced up. "Are you done with the inner monologue?"
"Did you hear all of that?"
"Your voice echoes. Also, you talk to your clothes."
Elena made a face. "Do I look fine or suspicious?"
He looked at her once, took a sip, and said, "You look like a normal employee who definitely didn't sign a marriage contract with her boss last night."
"Great. That's the vibe I was going for."
Before they left the house, Alex jumped between them holding a marker. "WAIT!"
Ethan frowned. "What now?"
Alex scribbled something on a sticky note and stuck it to Ethan's chest.
It read: Don't forget to pick up Mommy!
Ethan peeled it off with a sigh. "Please stop calling her Mommy in public."
Alex smirked. "Only if you call her 'honey'."
Elena burst out laughing.
Ethan muttered, "I liked him more when he was just a cute kid."
---
At EC Games:
Elena entered through the side entrance—on Ethan's suggestion—to avoid any attention. The office was bustling as usual. No one gave her a second glance, which was exactly how it should be.
Except for one tiny problem.
"Why is the CEO walking out of the elevator and immediately turning toward your desk?" zoya whispered.
Elena blinked. "W-What?"
Sure enough, Ethan, who usually walked directly to his cabin without even blinking at anyone, had stopped. He looked in her direction.
Then, just as quickly, he turned away and walked off like nothing happened.
Zoya raised a brow. "Since when does Mr. Ethan notice new illustrators?"
Elena played it cool. "He probably mistook me for a ficus plant. I stand still a lot."
Zoya blinked. "A what?"
Elena changed the subject immediately.
---
Later that day:
Ethan texted her from his office.
Ethan: You looked too startled when I glanced at you. Be normal.
Elena: You looked like you were having an identity crisis.
Ethan: Also, don't eat lunch with zoya today.
Elena: Why?
Ethan: She talks a lot. She'll find out in two bites of her sandwich.
Elena: Noted, husband.
Ethan: Don't call me that on text!
Elena laughed out loud at her desk. When Zoya asked what was funny, she said, "A meme."