Ethan's POV I walk to the podium reeling from shock. I can't believe Dad still made me the CEO after all the hassle.“Dad!” I said with a voice filled with emotions as I covered the short distance between us. He immediately opened his hands wide for a hug, which in itself was a surprise. My father is not one to display affection freely in public.“I'm proud of you, son. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect son” Dad said as soon I stepped into his arms. This was the first time my father had commended me since I started working in the company. It's always been from one complaint to another about something he feels doesn't quite meet his expectations. The fact that he openly commended me in the presence of this multitude, I certainly won't forget this moment.“Thank you, Dad, this means a lot to me” He gives me a pat on the shoulder before pulling away. He handed the microphone to me before stepping down from the podium. I allowed the applause at his descent to subside before addres
Alexia’s POV “You will regret this! I will ruin you!” Kenneth threatened as he struggled with the two security personnel dragging him away. Ethan's only response was to smirk at him as he beckoned the other security personnel to restrain Bridget as she was about to dash out of the hall.Ethan turns his gaze to me, cocking his head as though he was deep in thought. “I think it would be fitting if you handled her address, after all, you were the one she wronged”. He said, handing the microphone to me. I shook my head in refusal. Though I appreciate his consideration, I don't think I want to do this. How do I face this crowd to expose my best friend, when I can't even look in her direction, without bursting into tears?“Ethan, I can't handle it please” I looked pleadingly at him. “You are the strongest woman I have ever seen and I know you can handle this. You need to, so others don't think they can walk all over you and get away with it.” He gives me an encouraging smile. I took a de
Alexia’s POV “I love you,” Ethan said when our dance slowed to a more relaxed pace. I blinked at him in shock as those three words clang and resonated through the whole of my being. I know he alluded to it when he invited me to the podium, but a part of me believed it was all for show.“I love you with every fiber of my being and I want to say thank you for showing me what love is.” He gazed at me with so much intensity. I could see the emotions shining through those gorgeous eyes of his and all I wanted to do was get lost in this feeling.“I love you too Ethan” I confessed. His smile widened at my confession.“Stop smirking!” I chided him playfully. “There is no need to be embarrassed about admitting your feelings to your ‘head over heels in love with your’ husband” He gives me a knowing look that has me itching to slap the smugness of his face. The fact that we are not alone and people may misinterpret it as us fighting, had me reining in the urge. “So, I have been thinking….” Et
Alexia’s POV I started blinking rapidly as I refused to cry. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes, but I was desperate not to let them fall. I can't show weakness in front of Ethan's Mom and Linda, they would gloat about it and I refuse to give them that satisfaction.For a moment I gaze at Ethan’s face, my heart twisting in all kinds of agony as my mind tries and fails to reconcile the man who confessed his love for me just a few minutes ago and the one who just betrayed me in the worst way possible.“Ethan, do you care to explain what is going on here, to the rest of us in the gallery?” I asked cooly, my lips stretching into a smile that failed to reach my eyes, as I stepped away from his hold and almost lost my balance in the process.The wave of pain crashed down on me, a tangible weight. Ryan rushes to my side to place a hand on my back for support as he gives me a look filled with worry. I was grateful for his support, heaven knows I needed it.“Are you all right?” Ryan wh
Ethan's POV It's been two long weeks since the party. The same party where I got the CEO position and also lost the most important person in my life. A lot of things happened that night, but what has kept me on edge is the fact that I hurt Alexia so terribly, I can't even imagine the pain she is currently in right now. Two weeks since I last saw Alexia! Two weeks of trying to lose myself in work in order to escape the mess I have placed myself in My brooding gaze didn't stray from the monitor even as my father walked into my office after knocking on the door. This is the first time he is knocking before entering my office. I noticed this listlessly. Dad doesn't usually knock before entering my office. I guess being the CEO has certain perks after all.“Good morning Dad” I greeted him as he took the seat adjacent to mine.He arched an eyebrow at me. “It's past 2:00 pm, in the afternoon Ethan” “Sorry about that, I lost track of time.” That is my customized excuse when in all honesty
Alexia’s POV “She is fine, Ethan,” Stacey said into the phone. She rolled her eyes at whatever Ethan said. “Yes, she still doesn't want to talk to you. Look, I know you are worried about her.” She paused briefly as she listened to Ethan.“Just give her some time, I am sure she will come around” she said. I scowled at her for assuming I will ever want to talk to that cheat. She pretends not to notice my reaction as she goes on to respond to Ethan.“Sure! Alright bye!” she hung up the call and gave me her no nonsense expression as she strides to where I was sitting on the sofa.“You look miserable honey” she commented drily. If I could muster the energy, I would have rolled my eyes at her stating the obvious. I not only look, but also feel miserable.Since Stacey snuck me out of the party through the back door two weeks ago and took me to her house, I have not left her sofa, safe for going to the bathroom or using the toilet. I have been so stuck in my grief that I have become a shadow
Alexia’s POV The ride from the hospital back to Stacey's was froth with tension. Jeff, who had stayed outside the hospital and so didn't know what the cause of the tension was, alternated between gazing at me from the rearview mirror and shooting Stacey a worried look. Stacey and I ignored his inquisitive look. There is no way I am telling him what the test result said. If I did that, Ethan would be here before I could say Jack. “I'm terminating it.” I said immediately Stacey and I stepped into her apartment and shut her door behind us. I paced the length of the living room as I tried to make sense of the whole thing. “I think you should calm down before making any rash decision.” Stacey advised as she went to sit on the couch. Easy for her to say. it's not her life that is in a mess right now. “What other options do I have?” I said whirling around to face her with a panicked look. “The doctor said I am four weeks pregnant! How is that even possible? How can I be pregnant?” I wh
Ethan's POV “What the fuck is she doing here Mom?” I said in outrage immediately I stepped into the mansion. The first thing I noticed the moment I walked in was Mom and Linda sitting on one of the couches, gossiping about only God knows what. Seeing her laughing and enjoying herself after the havoc she had done has the tight leash I had on my temper snapping.“Good evening to you too son. You just came home after two weeks and you don't even have the decency to greet your mother?” Mom asked with raised eyebrows.“I'm sorry about that Mom. Good evening ma” “Good. I am glad you are finally home. I have missed you terribly” she said, coming over to give me a hug. I reluctantly returned the hug, though I am not in the mood for hugs right now.“Mom, what is she doing here?” I repeated my question the minute mom pulled away. Rather than answering my question immediately, she took my hands and dragged me with her to where she and Linda were sitting, before she deemed it fit to respond to
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
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 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
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
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 I thought about all I had learned this morning as I approached Nathan’s office. What she had found was more complicated than she’d anticipated, and she knew she needed Nathan’s support to get to the bottom of it.I tapped lightly on the frosted glass door, hearing the muffled “Come in” from inside. Taking a deep breath, I stepped in, finding Nathan behind his desk, absorbed in his computer screen, closing the door behind me, as I walked up to his desk. The sound of the door closing, jolted him as he looked up in surprise, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.“You are back so soon?” He asked, sounding surprised.I smiled at him. “Yes, at least for now. I have spoken to a few of your staff, and I think I will speak to the others later. I don't want to rush things so whoever is responsible wouldn't suspect we are unto him or her.Nathan raised an eyebrow, interest immediately piqued. “Did you find anything from the few of them you spoke with?”I nodded, settling into th
Alexia’s POV I munch on the apple Elsie placed in my front earlier. I feel restless as I sit here just eating food and watching TV. I wonder how those stay-at-home moms do it. I envy them because these past couple of weeks off work have me feeling antsy and restless.Our sitting room which was bathed in a soft, afternoon light, with the faint scent of her favorite lavender candle lingering in the air, would usually cheer me up a bit, but today the reverse was the case.I was just reaching for the fashion magazine Stacey brought when she came to visit last week when my phone buzzed.Seeing Nathan’s name flash on the screen, I answered with a calm voice, trying to hide the surprise I felt. This should be the first time I am getting a call from him. "Hey, Nathan! What’s up?""Alexia, sorry to call out of the blue like this," he began, his tone unusually serious. “I know you are on bed rest and shouldn't be doing any work, which is why I feel like shit calling you, but I have exhausted
Ethan's POV I leaned back in my chair, my sharp gaze fixed on the report in front of me. For the umpteenth time, I wish Alexia was here to help me with this. Fielding reports was her area of expertise, not mine.I glared at the series of financial graphs glowing from my tablet screen, if only I could magically wish them away, thought, sighing deeply.Despite the report's importance, my mind was elsewhere. I rubbed a hand across my jaw, lost in thought, wondering if I should take a rare moment off and spend some time with his wife.I have been on these reports for the past two hours and I haven't made much of a progress.Just when I was about to push the report aside and take some much-needed break, my phone rang, jolting me from his reverie. Dad's name flashed like a beacon on the screen and a flicker of surprise coursed through me. I certainly wasn't expecting a call from him. He seldom called unless it was about business.“Dad,” I answered, my voice sounding professional, though w
Ethan's POV I picked up my suit jacket from the back of the chair I had hung it earlier, ready to call it in. It's been one hell of a day filled with a series of meetings. I had barely catch my breath since I got back from my visit with Ken.As I strode out of my office, locking the door behind me, I noticed the lobby was nearly empty, which isn't strange seeing as I am almost always the last to leave the office. Chloe had gone home about an hour ago.I walked through the main hall keeping my stride calm but purposeful.I know looked more relaxed than heI had in the series of meetings as if I was shedding the CEO mantle with each step toward the exit.I took the elevators to the down floor today. I want to conserve the little energy I have left because I intend to play some fun games with Alexia when I get home. I already anticipated the thrill of playing with her would be elicited inside.Stepping out from the elevator I strolled to where my car was parked outside and opened the p