Sarah’s Point of view:After breakfast, I offered to clean up after us."Since you did the cooking, it's only fair I clean up after," I said.Ethan smiled."Okay," he replied. "I'm going to have a bath."He pushed back his chair and stood up."I'll see you afterwards," he added.With that, he left the kitchen, leaving me to tackle the dishes.I began loading the dishwasher, lost in thought.The morning had been surprisingly enjoyable even with the restless night I had.Ethan's unexpected cooking skills had put me at ease.After finishing the dishes, I wandered through the house, deep in thought.My feet carried me to the library, a room I hadn't explored yet.I pushed open the door and stepped inside.The musty scent of old books enveloped me.I walked over to the expansive bookshelves, running my fingers over the spines.Thumbing through the titles displayed, I discovered classics, bestsellers, and rare editions.I picked a fantasy book from the bestsellers - "A Court of Thorns an
Ethan’s Point of view: As I walked out of the theater room, I couldn't shake off the tension between Sarah and me. That almost-kiss had left me reeling. I had wanted to kiss her, to see if the spark between us was real. But duty called, in the form of an urgent business call. I took a deep breath, composing myself. My assistant's voice on the phone brought me back to reality. "Ethan, we have a situation with the Smith account." I listened intently, my mind shifting gears. After the call, I headed to the office. My thoughts drifted back to Sarah. She was getting under my skin. I couldn't deny the attraction. But our agreement was clear: no strings attached. Why was I suddenly craving more? I pushed the thoughts aside. Focus on work. As I walked into the office, I was greeted by the familiar hum of activity. Our logistics company, Grey Empire Shipping, was a well-oiled machine. But today, a critical issue needed my attention. "Ethan, we have a sit
Sarah’s Point of view:As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by Ember's bright smile."Hi!" Ember exclaimed, opening her arms for a hug.I hugged her back, feeling a warmth that only Ember's presence could bring.James was busy cooking, while Ethan sat at the table, looking sleek in his business attire."Morning," Ethan said, his eyes locking onto mine.I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest."Morning," I replied.Ember chattered excitedly as she helped James with breakfast.Ethan watched me, his gaze intense."You look beautiful today," he whispered.My cheeks flushed."Thanks," I said, trying to sound casual.As James left after cooking, Ethan, Ember, and I sat down to eat together.Ethan took a bite, then turned to me."I told Grandpa about you," he said."I told him you're my girlfriend."Ember's eyes sparkled."I knew you guys had something going on!" she exclaimed."Ethan can't take a 'friend' on the jet to Italy," she teased.She said friend with air quotes.I blushe
Ethan’s Point of View: As I held Sarah close, feeling her tremble in my arms, my heart swelled with concern. What had happened to her? Who had caused those tears? I gently guided her into the car, careful not to jar her. Ben's curious gaze met mine in the rearview mirror, but I shook my head. Not now. Sarah needed me. I settled beside her, cradling her in my arms. Her tears soaked through my shirt, but I didn't care. Her face buried in my chest, and her body relaxed, trusting me. As she slept, I stroked her hair, trying to calm my own racing thoughts. What had triggered this breakdown? How did she get here? Why did she leave the house? Was it Emily's condition? Or something more? I glanced at Ben. "Home, please," I said softly. Ben nodded, his eyes never leaving the road. The drive was quiet, except for Sarah's occasional sniffle. I held her close, whispering reassurances. "I've got you, Sarah. You're safe now." As we pulled up to the mans
Sarah’s Point of view:I narrated what went down that afternoon."That's why you found me crying on the street," I finished.My eyes welled up again, but I fought back the tears."I feel so trapped, Ethan," I confessed.The weight of my secrets, my past, was crushing me."I've been trying to escape for so long, but it's always there."Alex's presence lingered, a constant reminder."I'm tired of being scared," I whispered.Tired of looking over my shoulder.Tired of living in fear.Ethan's grip on my hand tightened.His eyes burned with determination."You're not alone, Sarah," he promised.His voice was my anchor.My refuge."I'm here," he whispered.And for the first time in a long time.I felt a glimmer of hope."I need to tell you about Alex," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Ethan's expression turned attentive, his eyes locked onto mine."I've kept it inside for so long," I continued.The words trembled on my lips."But I want you to know."I took a deep breath."Alex..
Ethan’s Point of view:The next morning, I woke up before dawn, careful not to disturb Sarah's peaceful slumber. I quietly slipped out of the room, leaving her to her rest.I entered my room to change from my yesterday’s wrinkled clothes to my gym wear.In my gym outfit, I headed to the home gym, ready to blow off some steam. My workout was intense – stretches, dumbbells, treadmill. But it was the punching bag that truly unleashed my frustration.As I pounded the bag, my mind wandered to Sarah's heartbreaking story. Her struggles, her pain. I wanted to help, to protect her.I thought of something to do to help and support.I went up to my phone to send a message to my assistant.“Get me a security company that offers bodyguard services”“Okay sir, anything else?”“Book an appointment with Mrs smith for an hour therapy session”“Under whose name?”“I’ll get back to you on that, just get me the security company”“Alright sir.”After my workout, I quickly showered. Before goi
Sarah’s Point of view: I stormed upstairs, slamming my door shut. Tears of frustration and anger streamed down my face. How could Ethan do this? He promised to listen, to understand. But instead, he took control. Decided for me. Disregarded my feelings. Just like Alex. The similarity stung. I felt trapped again. His words echoed in my mind. "I've hired security details to escort you everywhere." "I've booked a therapy session for you today." As if I couldn't make my own decisions. As if I needed a savior. I paced my room, trying to calm down. But the anger lingered. I needed space. Time to think. To process. Ethan's text arrived, apology in tow. "Hey Sarah, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to disregard your feelings and make decisions for you. I was in the wrong." I read it, but couldn't respond. Not yet. I needed to understand my own emotions first. Why did Ethan's actions hurt so much? Was it the control? The assumption? Or the
Sarah’s Point of view:Ethan's eyes searched mine, seeking forgiveness."I'm really sorry, Sarah," he whispered. "I didn't mean to disregard your feelings."His sincerity touched my heart.But I needed answers."We need to talk," I said firmly.Ethan nodded, understanding."When?" he asked."Now," I replied.We sat down at the kitchen table.The flowers he brought still fresh in my mind."Why did you do it, Ethan?" I asked."Why did you take control?"Ethan's expression turned thoughtful."I wanted to protect you," he said."But why did you think you had to?" I pressed.Ethan's gaze dropped."I know I messed up," he admitted."Explain," I urged.Ethan took a deep breath."I was scared for you," he began."I thought I could fix everything.""But you didn't listen to me," I pointed out."I know," Ethan said. "I should have."Silence filled the space between us."I need you to understand," I said."Understand what?" Ethan asked."Why your actions hurt me," I replied.Ethan's eyes locked