Author’s POV“Conditions?” Ethan asked, a little surprised, his eyes narrowing at Hannah’s boldness. He could not help but wonder where her sudden boldness had come from. He had expected her to bend, to follow his lead, not make demands of her own. This was absurd. Hannah seemed not as weak or easily controlled as he thought.Staring at her now, his fingers itch in irritation. He was used to being in charge, having the final say in everything, whether in his personal life or business-related, but here Hannah was, his new wife, standing her ground, and it incensed him.Hannah folded her arms with a stern look seeing how nonchalant he seemed about her request. “You’re hardly in a position to make demands, Hannah,” Ethan said with a low intimidating growl.At this moment, Hannah’s heart was pounding, but she wouldn’t let him see her fear. She knew if she was going to survive in Ethan’s world and not have him disregard her as just some girl he’s married to, she’d have to play her cards c
Author’s POV“There’s one more thing,” Hannah said.Ethan’s smirk quickly faded away. “What now?” He asked.“If I’m marrying you, I’m going to need protection and access to your family’s resources.”Ethan almost busted in laughter as he heard her words.“What do you think this is? That you’re now a part of the family just because you’re marrying into it.” Ethan said and scoffed dryly.“That’s the deal, Ethan. Either you give me access to what I want or you can go find a wife somewhere else.” Hannah said sternly.Ethan bit his lip in agitation, sighed heavily, and gave in.“Alright then. You can have it.” Ethan said hesitantly.Hannah smiled victoriously, picked up the pen and as she tried to sign, her heart pounded in her chest. She glanced at Ethan one last time, his eyes hard and cold, waiting for her to comply, as if his life depended on it.Hannah heaved a tired sigh and in that moment, she muttered silently, “I will find you Lily, no matter what. I will make you pay for what you
Author’s POVHannah’s steps quickened as she moved down the long corridor, and then suddenly stopped, realizing she didn’t know where she was going.Ethan had instructed her to stay in his mansion tonight and then have her things packed the next day, to ensure her safety.Much against her will, she finally gave in to his instruction, but now she realized she didn’t even know which room she was supposed to stay.“Let me show you to your room,” Reginald said,- approaching her with slow measured steps.He stopped in front of Hannah and a warm smile appeared on his face,“This way, Ms. Young.” He said and walked away, leading her to her room.Hannah heaved a tired sigh and then followed him.Her heart was still pounding in her chest as she followed him, the words from the mysterious text still echoing in her mind. “Midnight, the old pier. Come alone.”Hannah was unsettled. All she wanted was to get to her room and then sneak out before midnight, but with Ethan’s suspicions and watchful ey
Author’s POVThe possessiveness in Ethan’s voice made her stomach turn, but she swallowed down her disgust and nodded in response.“I understand,” she said softly, her fingers trailing down his arm in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture.Ethan let out a slow breath, his grip on her wrist loosening slightly. He stared at her for some time and then muttered softly, “Good. I expect you to be ready for tomorrow’s event. I need you to not embarrass me or do anything stupid.”Hannah nodded, forcing herself to meet his gaze, “Of course, Ethan.”With that, he slowly released her hand and stepped back, his cold demeanor slipping back into place, “Get some rest.” He said in a tone that seemed more authoritative than concerning, then turned and walked down the hall, his footsteps echoing as he walked away.As soon as he was completely out of sight, Hannah let out a relieved breath, her hand trembling as she rubbed her wrist where his fingers had gripped her.She couldn’t let him control her l
Author’s POVHannah’s breath hitched, her body frozen in place as the figure’s words played in her mind. She felt every instinct telling her to run, but her legs refused to move. She couldn’t, not without information about Lily. It was after all the only reason she came out here tonight.“What do you mean?” She demanded, her voice although shaky, she was determined, trying to hide the fear surging through her body.“Where is Lily? Tell me!”The figure’s grip tightened for a moment, and then released her and took a step back. The figure chuckled ominously for some time in a way that only irritated Hannah more.“It’s quite ironic that you’ve been searching the whole world for her and she has been closer than you think the whole time.”Immediately Hannah heard this, her eyes widened in surprise.‘Lily is close?’ She thought to herself, finding it hard to believe.She quickly searched her purse for her phone, fumbling with it to find her way out of the Pier. Clearly, she had wasted her t
Author’s POVThe figure took a step back, seeing how unsettled she was. “Why?!” Hannah yelled, and a dark sinister smile appeared beneath the shadow of the hood.“Why?” He repeated.“Because dear Hannah, this is just the beginning. You thought marrying Ethan was the solution to your problems, but it’s only led you into more danger.”“He’s not the man you think he is.” Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps cut through the air, startling both Hannah and the mysterious figure.Hannah quickly shifted her gaze toward the direction of the footsteps, but before she could turn back, the figure had disappeared into the shadows, just as a pair of headlights illuminated the Pier.Scanning her eyes in confusion, Hannah turned to see a black car pulling up slowly. Her pulse quickened as she glanced at the car, unsure of who was behind the wheel. Was it Ethan? Did he follow her? Or was it someone else entirely? These questions filled her mind as she cautiously walked toward the car, her h
Author’s POVThe closer Ethan got to her, the faster Hannah’s heart was beating. But she knew she could not allow her nervousness to show or else Ethan might feel more suspicious of her activities.“I just needed some air,” Hannah said, her voice wavering as she spoke.Hearing this, Ethan’s lips curled into a faint smile, almost as if he had her right where he wanted.“Air, at this hour?” He asked, circling her slowly with a scrutinizing gaze.“You really think you can sneak out without me knowing and then try lying about it? Do you take me for a fool, Hannah?”Hannah’s her started becoming shaky, but she clenched her fist, trying to hold her ground, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” She replied, her voice firmer this time.“I just needed to think. Alone.” She said and then locked gazes with him,“What? I can’t even do that?”Ethan suddenly stopped in front of her, his gaze piercing into hers, “You think I don’t know what’s going on in your head?” He asked softly, his hand brushing a stra
Author’s POVFor a short moment, Hannah did not move. She did not understand how a man who had just made her whole body yearn with desire a few moments ago, could suddenly turn so cold.She stared at him unflinchingly, her mind running wild with thoughts.‘What happened to him?’ She finally asked herself, trying to see another side of Ethan.She had heard so much from different people about him but had never formed her own opinion of him. Not that he had given her a chance to with how cold and controlling he acted toward her most times. At this point, Hannah did not know what to believe. Reginald had told her that Ethan was not as bad as he seemed, but then there was the hooded figure at the Pier, warning her that he wasn’t what she thought he was.“Did you hear me?” Ethan’s voice sounded, breaking her out of her thoughts.“Yes, Ethan.” She whimpered.Immediately she turned to leave, her feet shaking as she walked away, but then Ethan’s voice suddenly stopped her, “And oh, Hannah.”H
Lily’s fingers trembled as she lowered the phone from her ear. Michael’s words felt suffocating, pressing down a huge weight on her chest. She stood frozen, trying to process it all.Lucian leaned forward, his eyes sharp and searching like he could see something was very wrong. “Lily?” His voice was firm but careful, “Who was that?”Lily swallowed hard, her throat dry. “Michael.”As soon as Lucian heard that name, his expression darkened instantly and he clenched his fist in anger, “What did he say?”Lily gripped the edge of the table, trying to steady herself. “He said I should have left when I had the chance. That… that running didn’t save me before, and it won’t now.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.Lucian’s jaw tightened. His fingers curled into fists on the table. “He’s threatening you?” He asked, unable to believe the sheer arrogance.Lily nodded numbly. She felt trapped like the walls around her were closing in. This was a nightmare she had lived in for so long and it seemed no
Lily clasped her hands over her mouth stifling the sharp gasp that escaped her lips. Seeing Lily’s expression, Hannah’s frown faded into something more emotional than accusing. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.” Lily finally found her voice, even though it was shaky and feeble. “I didn’t mean for any of these to happen.”A tear dropped from Lily’s eyes realizing that her mistake could’ve caused another person’s life. “I’m so sorry for everything… I’m sorry…”“You were right,” Hannah interjected, “We have to a solution to this Michael and Alfred affair, together.”“But you can’t do anything bundled up like that.”Hannah stopped, realizing she was right. She couldn’t do anything for at least the next two weeks.“Why did you call Ethan? Did you want to ask him for money?”“No,” Lily answered quickly, shaking her head. “He called me and asked to see me. I only called back to tell him that I couldn’t make it.”“He called you first?” Lily nodded. Silence stretched between them for a moment. The
Lucian rounded into the already crowded parking lot of Springfield Teaching Hospital. Without waiting for Lucian to find a parking space, Ethan hopped down, half-running, half-walking towards the entrance of the hospital. The nurse at the reception greeted him first, smiling like she had just seen a superstar. Ethan had that effect on people. He stood out in a room full of people without even trying. Usually, he would return a smile with a polite nod but today, he couldn’t seem to hold himself together. “I’m here for Hannah. Hannah Young.”The nurse’s eyes lit up, “Hannah, the lady that fell two stairs…”“She fell?! How could she fall? It’s impossible! Hannah is usually very careful.”The panic in his voice startled even the nurse, and her smile faded into a cynical raise of the brow.“Are you her guardian?”“Yes,” he replied quickly, “She’s my wife.”The nurse’s eyes lit up, glinting with envy and somewhat… jealousy. “I must say, she’s a very lucky woman…”“Oh for fucks sake, ta
The school bus rounded up at 6 Gavin Avenue, a large field of white daisies with large clay pots holding nothing but the wishes of tourists and locals. The Screenwriting school had carefully chosen this spot. They were particular about it. It was supposed to inspire them for an entry into the school’s fourth annual contest. “Can this inspire anyone?” Gloria asked, the petite young woman with large spectacles would have passed for the quiet, timid one in the group, but Gloria was far from reserved. She was outspoken, voicing her opinions and perspectives whether you liked it or not. As talkative as she was, she was also the observant one. Her attention to detail was commendable and just like every other day, despite the number of people trooping into the daisy field, amidst the noises, she was the first to notice that Hannah hadn’t said a word all day. Instead, she repeatedly glanced at her phone, like she was expecting a call any minute, unfortunately, all day, her phone didn’t ri
Lucian leaned forward, watching Ethan closely. The misery on Ethan’s face made him wish he could simply wipe it away, but matters of the heart were more complex than closing a business deal. He would know because he’d been there.“Does she know…?”Ethan furrowed his brows, confusion weaved into the lines of his frown.“Your wife… does she know how you feel?“Ethan’s gaze dropped to the table, his jaw tightened as if the question physically hurt. He took a deep breath to steady himself but it didn’t help.“I don’t know, Lucian.” He replied, his voice was low and strained— either from the alcohol, the misery, or both. “I don’t know anything anymore.”Lucian’s gaze softened, “I think you should tell her how you feel, explicitly. Tell her the way it is in your head.”“What if it doesn’t work, man?”“At least, you can say you tried.“Ethan swallowed hard, nodding his head in agreement. He didn’t want to think about it not working but Lucian was right, at least he would say he tried.The ni
Torn between running after Hannah, and answering the phone, Ethan chose the latter.He picked up the phone and walked outside, right into his garden before pressing the phone to his ear. “Just because I called you once doesn’t give you the right to call me at any time, do you understand?”“I can’t make it,” Lily calmly spoke, yet apprehension laced through the calm. “I can’t see you today.”Ethan raised a brow, not from disappointment but confusion. “Why not?” He asked, this time calmer than before.“I just can’t.”“I need to know what’s going on between you and Hannah. Did you say anything to upset her?”The line went silent. Lily’s words dried up.“Lily?” Ethan called, “What did you say?”“I didn’t mean it, Ethan, I swear. It came out wrong.”“What happened?!” Ethan repeated, his patience slipping Lily contemplated the situation. Would telling Ethan the truth solve the problem? Or would it worsen it?“This is between me and Hannah, Ethan. We will figure it out, but if you must kno
Lily had thought she was over Ethan. Maybe it was Hannah’s firm claim on him that stirred the jealousy within. “Really?” Lily’s expression darkened. “You care about his reputation that much? Then, have him pay off the debt. Saves us all the trouble.”Hannah let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Was this your plan all along? Is this why you came here with all these troubles? First, Alfred, then you, now Michael?”“My husband has no business paying off the money you stole, Lily! I won’t let it happen. You took that money; you should’ve thought about the consequences. Now, face it and leave Ethan out of it! If I receive one more threatening message, I’ll report you to the police myself.”Before Lily could say anything, the door was slammed on her face. Lily released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. She had never seen Hannah look so feral.“Make Ethan pay?” Lily inhaled a sharp breath. “Is that all you could come up with?!”—————Ethan glanced at his wristwatch for the thi
Ethan pressed his lips deeper—it felt good; it was magical. His heart throbbed like it would jump out of his chest.This was a breach of contract, and he knew it. But what could he do when his heart wanted nothing else but Hannah? But Hannah wasn’t kissing him back.She went rigid, her lips unmoving beneath his. Her breath hitched, her fingers curling into weak fists. It took a minute for her mind to catch up, but Hannah gasped and pulled away when it did.“Ethan…” her voice came out a bit breathy than intended. Ethan looked up. His eyes flashed with fear—fear that he had upset Hannah and ruined the relationship before it even started. “I thought… I just…” he paused to catch his breath. “I don’t know what I was thinking,” he admitted. He just wanted to kiss her. He had been wanting to do that for a while now. Hannah frowned, disappointment etched on her face. “Do you think I’m easy?” “Do you think this is appropriate considering the kind of relationship we have?”Ethan’s gaze so
“It’s getting late,” Ethan managed to find his voice after the heartfelt speech he had given to his wife. Even though Hannah felt partly unconvinced, she couldn’t help the invisible smile tugging on her lips. His confession still felt surreal. Ethan loved her? Truly and deeply? How could it not feel surreal? Despite her embarrassing past, Ethan Ford loved her. After they arrived at the mansion, Ethan opened up her doors. She’d never felt so seen or so loved. “Truly, it’s the little things,” she muttered. “What?” Ethan asked, having heard her low mumble. “It’s nothing,” Hannah smiled, looking away. Ethan went quiet for a while, but after the confession, he suddenly felt the need to do more to show he meant it. He wanted to talk to her more and pay more attention.He glanced at Hannah, and all he wanted to do was hold her and kiss her. His hand went to her thigh, but before he could hold her, his gaze involuntarily landed on his rearview mirror, which unexpectedly caught Lily’s ga