Chapter 3

“Hello? Are you still there?” Ethan’s voice broke the silence.

Melinda’s heart skipped a beat as she snapped back to reality.

“Um, yes boss, sorry. You don't have to worry, I'll find my way, I don't want to impose” she muttered, her voice barely a whisper.

“Who said you were imposing?” Ethan replied, this time firm and cold. “I'll be in your office in fifteen minutes, be ready” he continued and immediately hung up, leaving Melinda disoriented and anxious.

Her thoughts swirled as she walked towards her office ceiling-long glass window, the warm evening sun creating a shiny glow on her face.

As she looked out, she couldn't help but sense a surge of excitement at the thought of sitting next to Ethan in his car, alone with him, but her logical side warned her of the possibility of Ryan being home to witness Ethan dropping her off.

Ryan’s temper was unpredictable and he overreacted to everything. If he saw Ethan, he may misinterpret their innocent encounter and beat her up, she thought. This made her tremble with fear.

Just as she was deep in her thoughts, Ethan’s deep voice pierced the silence as he swung open her office door.

“Hope you're ready,” he said, his voice dripping with charm, yet firm. Melinda’s tummy jumped in excitement as she jerked slightly, facing him.

Ethan’s gaze lingered on Melinda’s face and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. She was breathtaking, a beauty to behold. Her little stature only sweetened her charming delicate skin and features, giving her the appearance of an ethereal beauty.

Since losing his wife years ago, no other woman caught his attention the way Melinda did. Her exceptional skills in cybersecurity development saved his company from a $100 million loss and even before he met her, he was fascinated by her intelligence.

It was Mr Nicolas, the bank’s managing director who first drew Ethan’s attention to the exceptional work Melinda did at their sub-branch in Midtown. A meeting with the board of directors soon followed and shortly after, she was promoted to work at the headquarters.

From the moment she walked into his office with Mr.Nicolas, Ethan felt a surge of admiration for her. He wasn't anticipating someone so… beautiful. He didn't see her dwarfism, he saw a gorgeous intelligent woman.

Her kindness and compassion towards everyone coupled with her intelligence earned her a special place in Ethan’s heart. His admiration for her began to grow into a deep connection he couldn't ignore.

“Sir, you don't have to worry, I can go home alone just fine” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Ethan's expression softened as he settled into her cushion chair, his eyes locked onto hers.

“Come here” he muttered, his voice husky and low. Melinda’s heart raced as she took a step closer, her guilt and excitement battling for who would take the spotlight.

Ethan's gaze consumed her, his eyes burning with unspoken desire. “Come closer” he urged again, his tone deep and inviting. Melinda took another step, her heart pounding in her chest.

Ethan reached out and held her hands, pulling her closer, his touch sending shivers in her body.

“Why do you still stay with him?” he whispered, his dark brown eyes piercing through her, searching for answers.

“Have you looked into the mirror? Do you have any idea how gorgeous you are? He asked with his eyes a blend of concern and desire.

His words ignited a storm in Melinda. Her nervousness threatened to drown her as Ethan’s deep words wrapped around her soul, causing tears to drop from her eyes. His thick features and broad, muscular frame towered over her like a protective cover, even as he sat.

“What do you see in him that makes you put up with his abuse?” he continued.

The air became thick with tension, and Melinda found it hard to meet his gaze. Her body longed to reach out and kiss him but suddenly her mind began to sprint up questions about every little detail.

Was she sweating? Did her breath smell? Was her hair a mess? The questions ran through her mind simultaneously without stopping. She quickly pulled away from him but Ethan was quick.

He swiftly reached out for her hands, his fingers weaving through hers and gently pulling her back.

Their lips met in a surge of desire, Ethan’s tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that left her breathless. Melinda’s body immediately responded, her lips moving in harmony with his.

For a brief moment, everything else faded into the background. Nothing else mattered.

Ethan’s thoughts were a mix of desire and astonishment. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. Most of his relationships were just flings, meaningless, and with no deep connection. But Melinda…She was different.

Her scent, her taste, her touch, everything about her enchanted him.

Melinda pulled away, guilt washed over her face. “I’m sorry, we can't do this. I shouldn't have” she stammered.

“Because of Ryan? The man who abuses you?” Ethan replied firmly with a low tone, as his jaw tightened.

Melinda nodded as a tear dropped from her eye. “He’s still my husband. I shouldn't be doing this.”

“Let’s go downstairs, the driver is waiting” Ethan responded, his expression softening as he rose and they both walked out.

___

“Thank you so much” Melinda muttered as the sleek, black-tinted latest Apex car, parked in front of her home.

As she opened the car door, Ethan grabbed her hand, his touch gentle and comforting. “Be safe Melinda. If he tries anything, call me and I'll handle it, okay?” his gaze fixated on her, intense and unwavering.

Melinda nodded as she exited the car. Approaching her front porch, her body weakened. All the peace and joy she felt when she was with Ethan suddenly vanished and was replaced with anxiety and an impending sense of dread with every step she took.

As she took a deep breath and reached for the door handle, Ryna suddenly swung the door open, his eyes locked unto the driveway. He watched as Ethan’s car drove off, with a frown on his face.

He then looked at Melinda, his huge physique overshadowing Melinda’s small stature.

A choked cry escaped her as she staggered back, staring at Ryan’s furious face. “Oh baby, you're back” she stuttered, her voice trembling.

“Who just dropped you?” he spat, his tone filled with disdain.

“Oh, it's just a colleague at work who was kind enough to give me a lift” Melinda replied with a nervous smile as she tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.

For a few seconds, they both stared at each other, then Ryan gave out a cold, calculating smile and stepped aside. Melinda hesitated for a second, then quickly brushed past him as a shiver ran down her spine.

——

“Where's that bastard!” Ryan roared as he stormed into the bank, dragging Melinda along.

“Where’s he?! Where's the fucker who's been fucking my wife?! Huh?!” Ryan continued as everyone in the bank stared in shock, his rage reverberating off the marble floors, and Melinda at his back trying to escape his grasp.