Ethan's POV “Gentlemen, I think what you guys have come up with is good but if we want to truly broaden our space in France we could do better than this.” I said viewed the projections on the screen.I leaned back on my chair. One of the benefits of being the CEO is that you are privileged to sit at the head of the table and take in the reaction of your team. I noticed that at more comment some of my team members nodded their agreement while some were still frowning like they don't totally agree with me, which is actually okay by me. I am comfortable enough in my space to allow dissenting opinions so long as the reasons are good. In my view it helps in business.Liam lifted his eyes to meet mine like he was about to say something and just as I was about to tell him to go ahead, my phone buzzed quietly on the table. I glanced down, and a small smile tugged at my lips when I saw it was Alexia's name flash on the screen. This one she is calling me in the middle of work, she must be m
Alexia’s POV “You are the reason we are late for this dinner! So be ready to handle your mom's complaint.” I said, shooting an accusing look at Ethan as he helped me out of the car.“Don't worry! You can blame me, you can blame me.” He was laughing. I struggled to hold on to my anger as the laughter I had been holding on tried to bubble up at his playfulness. I love Ethan's playful side. It's a side very few people are privileged to see.He took my hand in his ass and ushered me into the mansion.The dining room was as grand as I remembered but it still looked cold and sterile. Our dining room isn't as big and grand as this but I will pick it over this one anytime, any day because of the warmth it exudes.The long table was elegantly set with silverware, crystal glasses, and ivory candles that cast a warm glow across the room. At one end, Ethan’s mom was already fussing over the placements, rearranging flowers and adjusting napkins, her excitement barely contained.As we entered the
Alexia POV. “Come on Alexia, just one more push.” my doctor said for what must be the 20th time. “That’s what you said the last twenty times.” I groaned, glaring at the doctor. I know she is just doing her job but I can't help but feel frustrated. I have been in labor for the past thirty minutes and I still haven't pushed out a baby. I can feel my body tiring and the pain is like nothing I have ever felt before. “Darling just one more! I know you can do it.” Ethan who has been beside me this whole time said, still holding my hand. He looks just as frazzled as I look. I had the irrational urge to laugh as I stared at his rumpled look, imagining the reaction of his staff if they could see their prim and proper CEO looking anything but prim. As I imagined their faces, a fit of hysterical laughter burst out of me as both the doctor and Ethan exchanged twin looks of confusion, probably wondering if I had finally lost it, which just made me laugh harder. A high-pitched cry suddenly c
Ethan's POV “Look at my handsome grandson. Isn't he the cutest baby ever?” Mom cooed as she bent over our baby boy sleeping peacefully in his crib. A small smile played on my lips. I haven't seen her this excited in a very long time.“Yeah, he certainly is.” Dad, who is also standing behind her, agreed. “If only that dumb skull over there would allow us to see our granddaughter!” He added drily, shooting a furious glare at me. “I am not letting anyone near my princess, just yet. She needs to spend quality time with her daddy.” I repeated for the hundredth time today, scowling at my Dad and Mom. Just before they could retort, the door to our hospital room was pushed open and Nathan, Ryan, Stacey, and Grace walked into the room.“Great, the entire crew is here!” I grumbled surly. Amelia shoots me a dark look.“Ethan, be nice! They are here to celebrate with us and see the newest members of the family.” I shrugged. I know I was being an ass but can anyone blame me for wanting some alon
Alexia’s POV “I don't want the pink dress. I want to put on the blue dress.” Amy pouted, shifting away from the pink dress like she found it offensive. My little girl looks beautiful with her red hair, Ethan's blue eyes, and a face so perfect “The pink dress is better and it brings out your eyes.” I tried reasoning with my 2-year-old daughter.Today is Allen and Amy's 2 years birthday and Ethan and I are throwing a party for them.The others will soon be here and Amy is still delaying us further.“No mummy. Blue is better because it's the color of my daddy's eyes. I rolled my eyes at her, not surprised by her response. Everything is always about Ethan, to say that my little girl and Ethan are close would be putting it mildly. I have been having this dress argument with her for the past 10 minutes and I'm about to insist she puts on the dress when Ethan walks into Amy's room.“Daddy!” Amy squealed excitedly as she ran at Ethan. I smiled ruefully as I watched Ethan pick up Amy and th
Alexia’s POVI stood outside my boss’s door with a look of shock on my face. My palms were sweating profusely as I clutched the summons letter in my hand. I took out a handkerchief from my purse and whipped my forehead in an attempt to clean my sweat and calm my nerves but none seemed to be working. My heart pounded against my ribs as I thought about the reason I was here in the first place. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I had been accused of embezzlement of company funds. Me? Of all people? The accusation was ludicrous. I had dedicated myself to the company and my boss for five years, working tirelessly and gaining merit from everyone including Ethan who was a very hard man to please. I was in my prime professionally. I woke up this morning hoping to have another fruitful day at the office when I was summoned by Ethan this morning to come to his office to give reasons why I had embezzled company funds. With that summon, everything I had worked for and built for the pas
Alexia’s POVI read the paper in the file and my eyes widened in shock. I looked up at Ethan who had a face devoid expression as he stared right back at me.“Wh….what is this?” I stuttered as I asked him.“What does it look like?” Ethan cocked his head to the side and replied to me. His expression slowly turned into one of amusement but I didn’t find anything amusing in this situation.I looked back at the file to make sure I wasn’t seeing things but the words were as clear as day and they weren’t an illusion.MARRIAGE CONTRACT BETWEEN ETHAN BLACKWOOD AND ALEXIA THOMPSONThe bold heading swarmed before my eyes. This couldn’t be real, a contracted marriage? How was this going to solve anything? What was Ethan playing at? Did he want to use my moment of weakness to finally get what he wanted from me? So many questions swirled around my head and my composure vanished.I continued reading and my eyes fell on the clauses on the contract.The contract outlined a series of clauses that made
Alexia’s POVA look of satisfaction crossed Ethan’s face as I signed the contract. I handed the contract papers back to him and he accepted the file and placed it on his desk carefully like it was some lottery ticket.“Good decision, Alexia. You won’t regret this.” Ethan said as he leaned back on his chair and steepled his fingers. “Now about these embezzlement charges. I believe in your innocence Alexia, there’s no way you could have done this, I have worked with you for years now and I don’t know you to be the materialistic type. Which is why I will have a discreet investigator look into your case. Someone who won’t raise any alarms within the company.”I sighed with relief. Ethan believed me and that was all that mattered. I believed with Ethan on my side, I could have a chance of clearing my name. “How will that clear my name?” I asked curious to know about Ethan’s plan.“Let’s just say there might be ....irregularities in the accounting department. Discrepancies that could cas