Ethan seemed to have a special talent. Whenever he showed up, one could only see him and nothing else.
Elisa finally realized that she should keep her cool. It was probably because the man who had his arm wrapped around my waist was way better than the man by her side who didn't know what to do. This made her feel a little embarrassed. Therefore, she threw the coffee cup in her hand away and turned around to leave.
Lily clenched her fists and shouted behind Elisa. "You should fucking apologize to Hailey!"
I squeezed Lily's hand. "This is not something that a school teacher should say. Watch your language."
Lily looked at me in disbelief.
I then added, "Hey, Lily, stay cool! There's a handsome guy watching us."
Lily and the man behind me shared a look and erupted into laughter. That was when I felt something shaking behind my back. Ethan was chuckling as well.
Ethan released his hold on me and remarked, "I'm here to pick up my suit, and I plan to head back home afterward. Do you want a lift?"
I was going to say no when Lily nudged my waist.
"Sure. Hailey and I were planning on going home as well."
Ethan took a large gift box from the shop clerk, and when we got into the car, he asked us to hold the gift box to prevent the bumpy ride from messing it up.
It was a strange request, but I still nodded. Holding the gift all the way home wasn't that much trouble anyway. When we arrived outside our houses, I wanted to return the gift box to Ethan, but he waved his hand. "This is for you, Hailey."
With that said, Ethan closed the door to his house.
Lily and I looked at each other in a daze. We then went into my house and opened the gift box. When we saw what was inside, Lily screamed with joy.
I gently picked up what was inside the gift box. It was a dress made from high-class silk. It had a soft touch and emitted a soft glow. Diamonds were placed on the neckline and hemline. The dress was dazzling, like the night sky. Every diamond was carefully chosen and shined brightly like the stars.
Lily guessed the dress must cost at least four figures. 'You probably need to add a couple more zeros to that,' I thought.
Compared to this dress, the dress that Elisa wore earlier looked amateurish. There was a gift card inside the gift box as well. The words [To Hailey.] were written beautifully on it.
"This is too pricey for a neighborly present." I packed up the gift box, planning to take it next door.
Lily suddenly remarked, "This dress fits perfectly. How does he know your size?"
I nearly stumbled, recalling Ethan's embrace at the bar. I turned and stuttered, "Maybe he's got good eyesight."
Lily countered, "He guessed your size through those loose clothes of yours? Seriously?"
"Then he's got quite an imagination," I assumed.
Lily grinned slyly. "Imagining you without clothes?"
Her comment lingered in my mind, clouding my thoughts. Feeling awkward, I knocked on the neighbor's door, holding the gift box.
"Hailey?" The man stood freshly showered, steam wafting from his body clad only in a towel.
I shut my mouth tightly, fearing I might blurt out, "Have you been picturing me without clothes?"
Ethan leaned in slightly and softly repeated, "Hailey?"
"I don't know what you gave me this gift for." I offered him the gift box, averting my eyes from his chiseled abs.
"No need to thank me," he said, tapping the box. "It's not a gift; it's a favor."
"I don't get it." I shook my head.
"In a few days, I need to attend the Aesthete Gala, the one making headlines. But I lack a companion," he explained, seeming a bit forlorn, water droplets clinging to his lashes. "So, for the sake of the dress, will you accompany me to the Gala, Hailey?"
"Did you receive an invite?" I inquired.
"Unless there was a mix-up by the Gala organizers, yes, I did," he teased.
I hesitated. My initial plan was a quick appearance for my grandfather's sake, not an extended stay. Committing to Ethan would likely prolong that evening.
"If you're hesitant, you can keep the dress. It'll be a gift, not a favor anymore," Ethan said, leaning against the doorway with a soft smile. "Thanks for making this the best Valentine's Day I've had in years."
He was crafty, reminding me of his assistance on Valentine's Day and today at the store. Without his intervention, that coffee mishap would've unfolded differently.
"I'll join you," I conceded.
Ethan's eyes sparkled as soon as these words left my lips.
*****
The Aesthete Gala arrived swiftly. The company had booked the entire estate hotel. The main ballroom hosted the event, with attentive servers in the garden providing drinks and services. Hotel rooms, including the plush presidential suites, were open for guests if they felt weary, though it seemed unlikely anyone would tire tonight.
"Look, there's Albert Ava! She owns over 120 media companies and her net worth soared to 4 billion dollars last month!"
"Did you see Rupert? His company just teamed up closely with NASA for new projects!"
"And Keith, oh my gosh, he was spotted having tea with the Queen in London this morning, and now he's here?"
Elites from different fields gathered, turning this place into a hub of possibilities. The Aesthete family believed this event was a prime spot for high society connections.
If they knew that the annual Aesthete Gala was, in fact, my grandfather's way of celebrating my birthday, many jaws would drop.
Indeed, ever since I was born, the gala coincided with my birthday. Due to my concealed identity, my grandfather came up with this idea. It was an avenue for me to explore different paths if I desired.
While I cherished my career, the gala was simply... tedious.
Ethan hadn't shown up yet, so I stood alone, holding a glass of champagne. The dress he had gifted me drew numerous admiring glances.
The black gown, adorned with diamonds, hugged my form perfectly, its sparkles catching the light.
I caught fragments of their conversation.
"Who's she?"
"No idea, but she seems familiar. Did we see her last year?"
"She's got a unique vibe. Should I go talk to her and make friends with her?"
I didn't clarify anything, just smiled and sipped my drink, staying at the edge of the crowd. Suddenly, a gasp rang out.
"Elisa Lesley? How did she get an invite? Her father's pharma company never mingled here and recently had a rough patch."
"That's why they brought her in—a move out of desperation, I guess. But who's the guy with her? Her beau?"
"Are you sure? Would Elisa risk bringing a beau? Doesn't she know what her family expects from her?"
From the corner of my eye, I witnessed Leo and Elisa, close and conversing in harmony. Leo's eyes gleamed with joy, while Elisa basked in his admiration.
I stood near enough to hear Leo proudly introducing himself to someone Elisa had just met. "Yes, Elisa and I are deeply in love. I feel blessed to have found my soulmate." He clasped Elisa's hand firmly, a content smile on his face. "I know Elisa's way out of my league. I'm just a project manager at the MSG Group. I hope for more collaborations with everyone here."
Leo and Elisa raised their glasses, exuding an air of ownership over the event. Their matching diamond rings glinted in the ballroom's bright lights. I touched my bare finger where a ring once rested, eavesdropping on their chat.
"I recognize you, Leo, a rising star at the MSG Group," someone said.
Leo straightened up confidently.
But then the person asked, "Aren't you married to a medical intern? I remember you made the same promises to her that you're now making to Elisa."
The comment caused a commotion in the hall, prompting surprised and curious glances from those nearby.It was surprising that someone recalled such a small incident from two years back. Leo appeared visibly taken aback, but he skillfully concealed his shock. He quickly regained his composure and replied, "I had no genuine feelings for that medical intern. She was impulsive and always forced me to compromise. You know how some women, who achieve nothing and are blindly in love, can act recklessly... I agreed to marry her out of pity. But now, I've found true love with Elisa. I'm ready to be brave for her!"He then concluded, "That medical intern will soon be my ex."The crowd resumed their murmurs. Leo's act had them fooled, and some began to speak ill of the "impulsive medical intern," casting me as the antagonist.Others whispered about Leo and Elisa, while a few approached them, engaging in lively chats.Despite my hesitation to acknowledge it, L
If I ever thought a heart-to-heart could mend things between Leo and me, those naive hopes were now shattered. As I got to know Leo better, trust dwindled. I viewed him and Elisa as detestable figures that needed to vanish from my world.Elisa witnessed Leo's anger—the fury of a man whose claim had been violated. She couldn't fathom Leo's pretense of being a husband to me, fueling her frustration to the brink.Ethan stepped in, grasping Leo's hand as Leo lunged for me, holding on so tight that I thought I heard a snap. Leo paled in pain, eventually releasing his grip. I regarded Leo coolly; his actions no longer had any sway over me."Indeed, we should talk," I addressed Leo. He smirked, but his expression froze as I continued, "Right here."I continued, "It's simple. You cheated on me, I want a divorce, and you agreed. Anything else?"Leo panicked, seizing my hand hastily. "Divorce? Why? We never...""You just said you'd be brave for once,
"Could we meet later, Duncan? Maybe around 3:30 in the afternoon?" I inquired politely."Sure thing. What's the meeting about?" he asked."He's been cheating on me. I want to file for a divorce." My emotions transitioned from anger to urgency, then to a composed demeanor. "Got it," Duncan responded succinctly. "I'll see you at 3:30."Although I had a lawyer appointment at 3:30, I decided to stop by the bank first. I needed to check our family trust account and close the account Leo had been using.There was a long queue at the bank. The concierge staff scrutinized clients with sharp eyes. My worn-out T-shirt and cheap handbag clearly didn't meet their standards. With time to spare before 3:30, I chose to wait in line. Finally, it was my turn. The teller inquired, "How can I assist you today, ma'am?""I'd like to close my account," I stated.Such requests didn't benefit the bank and dampened the teller's enthusiasm. "Alright," he reluctantly agreed to assist me i
Hailey's POVI'm Hailey, a 28-year-old medical intern. Little do people know, I'm the sole inheritor of the Aesthete family.I lost my parents at a young age. Memories of them were blurry, mostly them calling me their little princess. After their departure, my grandfather Edward became my pillar. His shaky embrace and the thought that I might never see the two people who loved me most in this world lingered with me.Ever since, my main concern had been my grandfather's well-being. A few years ago, his heart issues worsened. Opting to be a cardiac surgeon proved a fortuitous choice, allowing me to stay by his side and tend to him. Each successful recovery post-surgery brought solace. My sole focus was my grandfather's health, as he was my sole kin. Hence, I remained a medical intern; I knew advancing to an attending physician would entail more obligations and less time for him.Yet, life's trials extended beyond the hospital and my grandfather—there was also my marriage.
Ethan's POV"I want to see her." I'd repeated this sentence countless times since my return to Idalia at 16. My siblings never took me seriously. They couldn't fathom that my mother, the scorned "mistress," had sent me to the US when I was 5, where I was connected to Edward, the head of the Aesthete family. Had they known, they might have wished for my demise during that flight to the US. They would have whispered my name at the Christmas table, masking their smirks behind false sympathy.However, it was Edward I encountered first.My only skill was fighting. So when Edward inquired about my abilities, I promptly replied, "I'm Sicily's finest fighter, Sir."His eyes crinkled with amusement. "How old are you, kiddo?"I proudly declared my age as five."Well, young lad, would you like a new responsibility? Your mother entrusted me with your care before her passing. It seems you're quite capable of looking out for yourself."With a sense of pride, I stood tall. "Ye
Hailey's POVAs the door swung open, a hushed silence befell us. I took a step to the side, allowing Ethan to enter without a word. Accustomed to seeing Ethan donning a bright smile, his serious gaze now felt both unfamiliar and dangerously alluring."I brought wine," he murmured in a low tone, presenting a bottle of red wine. His eyes roamed from my forehead to my eyes and then to my lips. My heart raced, and my breath hitched as our gazes locked once more."Just one bottle?" I inquired.His unwavering gaze met mine as he replied suggestively, "I can fetch more if you'd like."My tolerance for alcohol remained dismal. By the time the bottle was drained, I found myself barefoot with a wine glass in hand, transitioning from the sofa to the floor-to-ceiling window."I remember how much of a little troublemaker you were when we were kids," I remarked, settling by the window with my robe loosely draped, fixating on my complaints. "You'd ignore my pleas, show off in front of the
My vacation ended here. After having breakfast with Ethan, I went straight to the hospital.Truly professional doctors must ensure they aren't swayed by emotions. I did well, maintaining a convincingly high level of performance. The blissful sex last night and the smooth work today kept me in a good mood all day until I finished work.I received an overbearing phone call. The woman on the other end rudely ordered me. "Come home for dinner after work."Considering the call was from Leo's mother, it naturally referred to her house.I had no intention of seeing her. Since our marriage, Leo's mother had shown clear disdain for me numerous times. She always believed I wasn't worthy of her precious son.At that moment, I received an email from Duncan. He had obtained videos taken by guests on my birthday night. Unlike the blurry footage from the banquet hall's surveillance cameras, this video captured Leo and Elisa's despicable behavior in high clarity. The funny declarations of tr
Ryan was still in the hospital, and he asked me to wait at a nearby coffee shop.My hesitation was evident on my face, prompting the waiter who brought my coffee to ask cautiously, "Is there anything I can help you with?"I glanced at the coffee shop's slogan. [Satisfaction Guaranteed or Free Replacement.]"No, it's fine."If I wasn't happy with my coffee, I could tell the staff without any questions, and they would immediately make me a new one. The whole process was straightforward and quick. There was no need to report to the manager or consult the CEO of the coffee chain, nor would nearby customers with half-baked opinions get involved. 'Hailey, why didn't you do it that way?' I asked myself.If only marriage were as simple as this coffee shop.During the divorce from Leo, my biggest concern was Ryan. Five years ago, he was my mentor, two years ago, he became my father-in-law, and now he was my superior. It was so complicated. Anyhow, among all of Leo's connections, he