Until Forever Ink Fades

       Ana watched as Ethan tackled the two men down relentlessly, he didn't even break a sweat Ethan's movements were swift and precise, taking down the two men with ease. Ana watched in awe, her heart still racing from the earlier confrontation.

As Ethan finished off the second man, he turned to Ana and offered her a hand up. "Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of injury.

Ana nodded, still feeling a bit shaken. "Y-yes, thank you," she stuttered.

Ethan's expression softened, and he helped Ana to her feet. "You're welcome," he said. "I'm just glad I was in time to stop those guys."

Ana looked up at Ethan, her eyes meeting his. "Thank you, Mr. Maverick," she said, her voice sincere.

Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Please, call me Ethan," he said. "We're not in a business meeting, I'm your husband."

Ana smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ethan. "Ethan, then," she said.

As they stood there, Ana noticed the red finger print on her shoulder and use her hand to cover it , but Ethan saw it too and quickly took off his coat wrapping it around her." I would take you home."

     Ana's eyes widened in surprise as Ethan wrapped his coat around her, the warmth and scent of him enveloping her. She felt a flutter in her chest, but quickly pushed it aside, reminding herself that she was still shaken from the earlier confrontation.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning her face with concern. "Let's get you out of here," he said, offering her his arm.

Ana took it, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as Ethan led her away from the scene. They walked in silence, the only sound being the rustling of Ethan's coat and the distant hum of the party.

As they reached the parking lot, Ethan led Ana to a sleek black car, opening the door for her. Ana slid in, and Ethan followed in. @@novelbin@@

       "Good evening Mrs Maverick." The driver greeted and Ana saw him look at her through the mirror , she could only slightly nod,the name was still foreign to her even tho she agreed to this marriage of convenience,she didn't know if she wanted to take the responsibilities that came with it 

         As the driver began to pull out of the parking lot, Ana suddenly remembered Lily. "Wait, I need to make sure my friend gets home safely," she said, turning to Ethan.

Ethan smiled reassuringly. "I've already taken care of that," he said. "I had someone escort her home."

      Ana looked up curiously. "You know Lily?" 

    "Ms Huston is a popular model, it would be hard no to know her." Ethan said with a small smile.

       "Oh ... Thanks. "Ana said taking a deep breath."I guess I really know how to get Lily and I into trouble."Ana paused seeming to remember something." One time I destroyed a models dress cause she cursed Lily, it made the headline the next day, luckily Lily wasn't implicated, another time I had her eat so much proteins , making her gain weight having her agent force her to eat only Salad and fruits for two weeks..... I'm really miserable to her. " Ana said with a small smile, she knew she should really stop talking as the alcohol was kicking in."Lily had always been there for me , though she may think the opposite, but I'm grateful I met her and found a friend in her an dshe accepted me with all my flaws , she's more of a family to me than families, even when I cause her troubles , she still smiles and tell me 'its okay, she's too kind for this world, I'm too lucky to have her."

        Ethan who sat next to Ana listened to her attentively, his gaze on her face , they was a little blush on her face, she wasn't drunk but the alcohol she took has it effect too.

As Ana finished speaking, Ethan's expression softened, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're not miserable to Ms Huston, Ana," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You're just passionate and protective of those you care about. That's an admirable quality."

Ana's eyes met Ethan's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Ana felt a flutter in her chest, but she couldn't quite explain why.

     ***. ****. ****. *****

          An hour ago. 

      Lily watched Ana's back as she walked out the lobby , she felt envious in her heart she always did, Ana was strong independent,capable, beautiful,smart and was successful all on her own , shLily sighed, feeling a pang of admiration and envy towards Ana. She had always looked up to Ana, who seemed to have it all together. Ana's confidence and fearlessness were qualities that Lily admired and aspired to.

         Lily gulped the whole content on her glass , and poured her self another raised it up with a childish smile."To Ana." She muttered, a clank sound on her glass made her look up to see a tall man standing before her, his eyes locked on hers with a hint of amusement.

"May I join you, Ms. Huston?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Lily's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure of who this man was or what he wanted. But there was something about him that put her at ease, so she nodded.

"Please, call me Lily," she said, her voice a little softer.

The man smiled and sat down beside her, his presence commanding but not overpowering." We just made a toast to my bed friend, do you know."? Lily asked but didn't wait for the man's reply. "Ana is very beautiful and Confident and strong, and smart , she's perfect..... Do you know , she's more of a family than families, always supported me and my dream, she didn't ridicule me like everyone else, she loves her work very much but would put a hold to anything for me." Lily paused and looked at the man with her druken gaze." Do you think I'm lucky to have such a good friend."