Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 42: Romantic Date?

At exactly 7:00 PM, both Kendrick and Zephany arrived separately at the lobby of Varen Tower.

As they saw each other from across the elegant marble-floored entrance, they exchanged nervous smiles. It was a strange feeling, knowing they were about to embark on this unusual adventure together.

Kendrick took a deep breath and walked toward Zephany, holding a bouquet of roses. "Zephany, you look stunning," he said sincerely, offering her the flowers.

Zephany hesitated for a fraction of a second before accepting them with a polite smile. "Thank you, Kendrick. You look quite dashing yourself."

They shared an affectionate hug—one that was more for show than genuine sentiment—but still, their bodies stiffened at the forced closeness.

The doorman at Varen Tower watched with a knowing smile as they entered the elevator together, heading to the top-floor restaurant. It was as if they were a real couple setting out on a romantic evening.

The moment the elevator doors closed, Kendrick sighed under his breath. "This is ridiculous."

Zephany let out a quiet groan, gripping the bouquet like a lifeline. "Tell me about it. No wonder Cassius and Sophia don’t run an entertainment industry. This setup is so painfully cliché I could write a satire about it."

Kendrick smirked. "I’d read that. And then frame it on my wall just to remind me never to agree to anything they propose ever again."

On the other floor of the building, Cassius and Sophia were seated in a private lounge, sipping wine elegantly—or at least, trying to. Cassius let out an exaggerated sneeze just as he brought his glass to his lips, nearly spilling his drink.

Sophia arched a brow. "You’re not catching a cold, are you?"

Cassius chuckled, dabbing his nose with a napkin. "No, but I bet those two are cursing us right now while acting all sweet in front of each other."

Sophia smirked, watching the monitor displaying Kendrick and Zephany’s supposed romantic dinner date. "Honestly, I wouldn’t blame them. But you have to admit—they’re doing well."

Cassius let out a laugh, thoroughly entertained. "Better than I expected. Look at them, actually looking like a real couple." He swirled his wine glass, impressed. "Who would’ve thought?"

Sophia nodded. "They’re naturals. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they’re actually enjoying this."

Meanwhile, in the restaurant, Kendrick held the door open for Zephany, playing the gentlemanly role as he had been instructed.

The maître d’ led them to their reserved table by the window, offering a breathtaking view of the illuminated city skyline. The dim lighting and soft instrumental music set the perfect scene—one they both wished they weren’t part of.

Kendrick pulled out Zephany’s chair for her. As she sat down, their hands brushed briefly. It was a simple, fleeting touch, but it still made them more aware of their situation.

The menu arrived, and they glanced at each other, hesitant.

Kendrick leaned in slightly and whispered, "I’ve heard their steak is exceptional."

Zephany plastered on a sweet smile and nodded, her voice just as soft. "Steak sounds perfect."

They both cringed internally.

Kendrick sighed, running a hand down his face. "This is bad."

"The worst." Zephany agreed, setting the menu down with a defeated look. "I mean, seriously, who talks like this?"

She shook her head, her gaze fixed on the flickering candle between them. "I can only blame myself..."

For failing the mission at the last minute. Now, I just have to comply with this stupid contract.

The rest of the words remained unspoken—ones she wouldn’t dare say out loud.

Kendrick, unaware of her real reasons and assuming it was just her desperation as a journalist, shot her a dry look. "Might as well blame Cassius and Sophia while we’re at it."

"Oh, absolutely. They deserve every curse we throw their way."

Kendrick exhaled softly, adjusting his cufflinks as he glanced at Zephany. The restaurant’s soft lighting reflected off the window, making her appear even more delicate than she already looked. He still couldn’t believe they were doing this.

Zephany, on the other hand, was screaming internally. What kind of cheesy romantic setup was this? If she ever had to play a role, why did it have to be the blushing, sweet-natured journalist type?

As if on cue, she caught Kendrick’s eyes, and they both sighed.

"I swear, Cassius and Sophia are watching us right now, probably cackling like evil masterminds," Zephany muttered under her breath.

Kendrick smirked, rubbing his temple. "No doubt. They’re probably sipping wine, judging our performance like we’re in some kind of reality dating show."

Meanwhile, a few floors below, Cassius took a sip of his wine and chuckled as he watched the live feed.

Sophia raised a brow, watching the screen with amusement. "They’re really cursing us right now. You do realize that?"

Cassius laughed, genuinely impressed. "They can curse all they want. Look at them, though. If I didn’t know any better, I’d believe they were an actual couple."

Sophia crossed her arms, still observing. "Their awkwardness is almost painful. But... they’re trying."

Back at the table, they both glanced around. Other couples were whispering sweet nothings, sharing gentle touches, and looking genuinely enamored with each other. Meanwhile, Kendrick and Zephany sat stiffly, practically like mannequins in comparison.

"I guess we should... you know, show some affection?" Kendrick suggested hesitantly.

Zephany cleared her throat. "Yeah. Let’s... give it a try."

They sat there, unmoving.

Kendrick tapped his fingers against the table. "Maybe... I hold your hand?"

Zephany looked at his outstretched hand as if it were a foreign object. "Right. Totally normal."

She hesitated, then placed her hand in his.

The contact sent an unexpected jolt through them, but neither let go. Zephany tried to act natural, but the tension between them was obvious.

Kendrick smirked, sensing her discomfort. "Relax, I don’t bite."

Zephany scoffed. "I don’t know. You might. Agents are trained in all sorts of unexpected ways."

Kendrick stiffened, but Zephany didn’t seem to notice her own slip. He fully believed she had no idea about his hidden identity, so he quickly masked his reaction with a chuckle.

"What? You think I’ve been trained in the art of biting?"

She shrugged, finally playing along. "Wouldn’t put it past you. Maybe you have some secret techniques."

Kendrick let out a laugh, genuinely amused. "Wow. I expected you to be the soft-spoken type, but you actually have a bit of fire in you."

Zephany grinned, finally easing into the act. "I contain multitudes."

Kendrick smirked. "Noted."