Until Forever Ink Fades

             Ana sighed flicking Lily's Forehead. "You are not dreaming , don't be dramatic." Ana said as she took a sip from her own coffee.

       " I'm supposed to be really mad at you right now, but Damn I really want to know , how the hell are you married, no you weren't even in a relationship when I asked you three months ago, for the past two years, What happened are you in some kind of debt or something?, did he force you to marry him?,did he kidnap your mom.?....wait did you have a one night stand,do you have his baby?. omg Ana are you pregna. ......  

     Ana couldn't help but laugh at Lily's rapid-fire questions and dramatic expressions. "Lily, slow down! I'll explain everything, but you have to calm down first."

Lily took a deep breath, her eyes still wide with excitement and concern. "Okay, okay. I'll try. But you have to tell me everything. Start from the beginning."

Ana nodded, taking another sip of her coffee before launching into the story of how she met Ethan and their whirlwind marriage. She left out no details, including the part about the marriage being one of convenience. 

Lily listened intently, her expression changing from shock to curiosity to understanding. When Ana finished, Lily sat back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face.

    "I have to admit, Ana, I'm shocked," Lily said, her voice still laced with surprise. "You've always been so against marriage and relationships. You've always said they'd hold you back from your career goals."

Ana nodded, her expression serious. "That hasn't changed, Lil. I'm still the same person. But this marriage...it's different. It's a business arrangement, nothing more. And it's actually going to stop the board from forcing me to relocate to china."

Lily's eyes widened in understanding. "That's why you did it. You're not in love with him or anything, are you?"

Ana shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "No, Lil. I'm not in love with him. Like I said, it's just a business arrangement. And it's not like I had a choice, anyway. It was either marry him or lose my job,I can't let my six year be to waste"

Lily nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I get it, Ana. I really do. But what about...what about the other stuff? You know, the stuff that comes with being married?"

Ana raised an eyebrow, her expression dry. "You mean sex? Lil, I'm a grown woman. I can take care of myself. And besides, that's not part of the deal. This is a marriage of convenience, remember?"

Lily looked relieved, but also a little curious. "Okay, good. I was worried about you, Ana. You're not exactly...domesticated."

Ana laughed, rolling her eyes. "Hey, watch it. I can be domesticated if I want to be."

Lily grinned, teasingly. "Oh yeah? Then why don't you cook me dinner tonight and prove it?"

Ana playfully hit Lily on the arm. "Shut up, Lil. I'm not cooking you dinner. But I will tell you one thing, this marriage would really work out I can just treat it as one of the tough Projects I'm working on." Lily sighed knowing this was the Ana she knew , she could do anything as long as it was work related. 

         "I brought you the book, I forgot to give it to you yesterday, my manager cleared my schedule today so I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. " Lily stressed the last word with a charming smile.

    Ana's eyes lit up with interest as she reached for the book, but Lily pulled it back, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Ah-ah, not so fast. I'll give it to you, but only if you escort me to the mall. I need to pick up a few things, and I don't want to go alone."

Ana rolled her eyes, laughing. "You're blackmailing me, Lily. But fine, deal. I'll take you to the mall, but don't expect me to try on any outfits or anything."

Lily grinned, triumphant. "I wouldn't dream of it, Ana. Now, let's go. I need to get some new shoes, and I want your opinion."@@novelbin@@

Ana sighed, getting up from her chair. "Okay, okay. But make it quick, Lily. I have a lot of work to do today."

        " I don't understand how you have works today is a Sunday you should be resting. " Lily sighed with a complaining look. 

     Ana chuckled, shaking her head. "You know me, Lil. I don't take breaks. Besides, I have a lot of catching up to do. And with this new...arrangement, I need to make sure everything is in order."

Lily raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Arrangement? You mean your marriage?"

Ana nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, exactly. I need to make sure that everything is in place, and that my work isn't affected by...personal things."

Lily scoffed sarcastically." You ain't gat no personal life.", shaking her head. "Ana, you're going to burn out one of these days. You need to learn to take a break and relax."

Ana smiled wryly. "I'll try, Lil. But for now, let's just focus on getting your shopping done, okay?"

Lily grinned, nodding. "Okay, deal. But don't think you're getting out of this that easily. I'm going to make sure you take a break and have some fun today, even if it's just for a little while."

Ana laughed, shaking her head. "I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

Lily just smiled, mischievously. "You have no idea, Ana. No idea."