Black car pulls up in front of the glowing high-rise of Vale Enterprises. Ethan steps out in all black, with Vivian beside him in a sleek blazer and boots.]
Vivian Langford
Let me get this straight.
Vivian Langford
You’re dragging me to your engagement signing?
Ethan Grey
Would you rather I drag Julian
Vivian Langford
Point taken.
Ethan Grey
(sighing)
Ethan Grey
Also, moral support. And a witness, just in case he tries to lock me in a penthouse and throw away the key.
Tower lobby – grand marble floors, gold accents. Naomi Lin is already waiting, tablet in hand.]
Naomi Lin
Mr. Grey. You’re early. That’s unexpected.
Ethan Grey
Miracles happen.
[Naomi’s gaze moves to Vivian.]
Naomi Lin
Langford.
Vivian Langford
Lin.
[Beat. Civil. Cool. Polite. Too polite.]
Naomi Lin
This way, please. Mr. Vale is waiting.
[Inside the elevator – Ethan stands between the two women, glancing between them.]
Ethan Grey
Okay, am I missing something, or is the air in here ten degrees colder?
Vivian Langford
We know each other.
Naomi Lin
We’ve crossed paths.
Ethan Grey
(whispers)
Ethan Grey
Translation: they’ve definitely kissed before and won’t talk about it.
Vivian Langford
Shut up, Ethan.
Adrian’s office – dimly lit, the skyline glowing behind him. He turns as they walk in.]
Adrian Vale
You brought company?
Ethan Grey
You didn’t say “no plus ones.”
(eyes flicking to Vivian, then back)
Adrian Vale
Fine. Let’s keep this short.
[Ethan sits. Adrian pushes the contract forward. Vivian quietly stands to the side, glancing over the glass shelves full of awards and neat files.]
Ethan Grey
flipping through pages)
Ethan Grey
No public scandals, no absences from events, no—ugh—infidelity.
Adrian Vale
We are public figures. We play our part.
Ethan Grey
(pauses)
Ethan Grey
And you’re sure you want me for that part?
[Adrian doesn’t answer. Instead, he meets Ethan’s gaze. Steady. Unmoving.]
Ethan Grey
(quietly)
Ethan Grey
Right. Of course you do.
[He signs. Silence.]
Lobby – Naomi waits by the front doors. Vivian approaches her slowly.]
Vivian Langford
Still doing his dirty work?
Naomi Lin
Still playing the reckless friend?
Vivian Langford
(smirks faintly)
Vivian Langford
Someone has to balance all this cold professionalism.
Naomi Lin
Some of us have reasons for keeping things clean.
[Brief pause. A flicker of something in Naomi’s eyes… then it’s gone.]
Comments
Kamisama Soccer
love him 😂
2025-06-30
1