I watched Ethan from across the streets, my heart sank at the sight of him holding hands with another woman. The pain of betrayal I felt was almost unbearable.
“Maybe she was just a friend or a distant relation,” I said to myself trying so hard not to be judgmental. I wonder why I was getting So worked up about him being with another woman when I knew it was a one-sided affection. Ethan knows nothing about my feelings for him and Today of all days, was meant to be the day I confess it to him. It was his birthday today. I had rehearsed the words I would say a hundred times, but now, seeing him with someone else, it felt like all my efforts had been put to waste. I couldn’t help but reminisce about the first day I met Ethan at Douglas Mansion, all dressed in a fitted dark suit enhancing his masculinity. His eyes pierced deeply through me like it was longing for something different, something missing. I had mistaken him for the lawyer Dad had asked me to come get the documents from. “Good afternoon, you must be Mr. George,” I said stretching my hands forward for a shake. I could see a confused look on his face as his hands met with mine. I didn’t pay much attention to it, I assumed he was perhaps perplexed by my beauty just like the rest of the men I had met. Since childhood, I had always been the pretty blonde girl with stunning features, attracting men my age and older. Getting no response from him, I decided to cut straight to the chase and not waste my time any further “The document please.” I asked, with hopes of getting a favorable reply this time. “Ma’am….” I heard his baritone voice call out. Excuses usually followed such inconsistent tone and I couldn’t afford to listen to one right now. Without waiting for him to continue speaking, I interrupted, already upset he had forgotten the files. As much as he was good-looking and charming, It didn’t compensate incompetency. “Don’t tell me you forgot the documents or something, I’m sure you do not want us to begin our first meet on a rough path, 'cause I……” “bravo…look who we have here, the prodigal daughter finally finds her way home” I heard grandma interrupt from the stairs, her sharp tone adding to the already brewing tension. “Oh, crap! Not her.” I cursed under my breath. She was just the last person I wanted to encounter today, not while I was stressed. Madame Rosette like she was popularly called was a pain in the ass, mine at least. I was aware of the fact that she never liked me and she always made sure to remind me I was the unwanted grandchild of the household. I tried my possible best to avoid crossing paths with her but, this was a difficult task. She was always popping at my face when I least wanted. Ignoring her choice of words, I approached her, pulling her closer for a kiss. “Hey Grandma, how have you been?” “Better without you here." Despite her sharp remark, I maintained my composure, unwilling to let her get under my skin. “Well, I’m here now, you’ll just have to bear with me,” I said with a forced smile. Madam Rosette scoffed, her disapproval evident in the way she narrowed her eyes at me. “ I see you haven’t lost your arrogance, so, what brings you to the Douglas Mansion? I thought you no longer felt the need to be around us. ” She spoke adjusting the glasses between her eyes. I chose to ignore her comment, focusing on the main reason for my visit. “Well, Dad sent me to get some documents from him,” I said turning my gaze at the gentleman who had been standing quietly like a mounted statue placed on his watch. “I see, you’re not so useless after all. But, what documents could the new driver, Mr. Ethan be with? He hasn’t even resumed duty” Madame Rosette asked raising her brows inquisitively. “Oh shit!” I’m being hit by the realization that I have been asking the wrong person. I see why he was too dumbfounded to speak. Feeling a slap of embarrassment on my face, I quickly glanced at the man I had mistaken for Mr. George, my cheeks flushed with guilt, his expression was wearing a mixture of confusion and amusement but, there was no hint of offense in his eyes. I…I’m so sorry, I stammered, my voice trailing off as I struggled to find the right words to apologize for my mistake. He chuckled softly, gracing me with his warm and understanding smile, “No need to apologize ma’am. It’s an easy mistake to make.” I could see Grandma’s sly smile through her crooked teeth as she spoke. I know she won’t let this slide, an opportunity to get on my nerves. “As expected, you just can never do anything right. I doubt if Douglas’ blood flows through your veins” she hissed. Those words were not new to me. I had grown a thick skin to her antics, I ignored her once more, and turned to face the man I mistook with an extended hand, this time addressing him properly, “Elizabeth Douglas.” “Ethan Haynes” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ethan and once again, I apologize for the mix-up.” His smile reassured me as he shook my hands firmly. I’m snapped back to reality by the honking cars, signifying I was blocking their path. ********* Returning home, I could feel my eyes water up from thinking too hard. I was unsure of what to think, as I read his reply to the text I abruptly sent. “He had a woman….A WOMAN” All along I was invested in someone’s man. Damn….I thought we had something going on, I sighed in realization of how foolish I had been. It was all a one-sided attraction all along. I searched for my phone dialing the only number I could think of, “Maltida, please pick up the damn phone….” I cursed impatiently, tears welling up my eyes, in anticipation for my best friend’s response. After what felt like forever, I heard a voice on the other end “Yo bitch, what’s up?” “Mal…Mal…Maltida” I choked, my words hung in my lungs unable to flow. I burst into tears, my emotions were getting the best of me. “hey..hey…hey…chill….let do this” I hear . “Breathe in” I do as she says …now, “breathe out” Certain I had followed her order, she asked “Now, where are you Elizabeth?” “Home” I managed to utter. “Good, stay there. And make sure you don’t do anything drastic, I’m on my way girl.” I nodded in response to her order, as though she could see me. With a promise to stay put, I hung up and sank into my chair, feeling like an empty void. Minutes felt like an eternity as I waited for Maltida’s arrival, each second filled with emptiness and pain. Unable to wait any longer, I walked up to the bar in search of the wine bottle, I needed to pour myself a drink, to quench the burning sensation I feeling. I’m taken aback by the sound of the doorbell. I staggered to the door, wiping off my tears. I had to compose myself. Maltida burst through the door, her eyes wide with concern as she enveloped me in a tight hug. “hey…hey…. It’s okay” she murmured, her voice a beacon of reassurance in the dark. “you’re stronger than this Ella, we will get through it together. I promise.” I could feel myself calming down with Maltida by my side. She was all I needed to recollect. “Now, tell me, what has that old and evil witch done to you this time” she spoke making a weird ass face at the mention of my grandma. She thought Madame Rosette was the reason I was devasted. I let out a soft chuckle at her facial expression and my stupid self. I couldn’t believe I was crying like a baby over a man who was happily having dinner with another woman. I let out a loud sigh “Well, Madame Rosette didn’t do anything this time.” “oh please! You don’t have to cover for the old witch, I know she’s your grandma but then…” “I’m serious Tilda…Madame Rosette has nothing to do with this” I told her once more, trying to sound as convincing as possible. “Okay, so, who’s making a badass bitch cry like a baby whose lollipop got snatched.” Well in a sense, she was right, my lollipop was snatched from me. “Ethan….” Not letting me finish, she adjusted her sitting position, giving me her full attention, she knew how obsessed I was with Ethan. “What is it?, Did something happen, did he reject your proposal?” I could see her eyes flicker with expectancy as she spoke. “no….worst” “huh?” “ETHAN HAS A FIANCEE”…I said letting the cat out of the bag.CHAPTER TWO It was a brand new day. I woke up feeling sore and tired, my eyes swollen from all the crying I did the night before. I needed to snap out of this state quickly—I had a meeting with Dad and couldn’t afford to wallow in my emotions any longer. I headed to the bathroom to take a long, hot shower, hoping it would soothe my nerves. Afterwards, I brewed some mint tea, trying to calm the throbbing in my head from the previous night's drinking session with Matilda. As I descended the stairs, I was greeted by a messy sitting room. “Argh… The least she could have done was help me tidy up,” I sighed, shaking my head at Matilda’s usual antics. I decided it would be best if I hired a cleaner to deal with this mess later. I was done with my regular morning routine, and was ready for work. Ethan was outside already, punctual as ever. I walked towards the car, trying my best to act normal and cool. Seeing him felt like rubbing salt on my wounds, but I couldn’t let my emotions sho
ETHANI had just received an anonymous message, and the urgency in the words set my nerves on edge. "Come over to Emeraldo Hotel right now, a life lies in whatever decision you make." My mind raced, trying to decipher who could have sent such a text and why. I didn't need a fortune teller to tell me; someone dear to me was in trouble, and I had to find out who it was.I looked over at my friends in the club, who were obviously lost in getting drunk. "Guys, I need to go," I said abruptly, grabbing my jacket."Oho, your hot boss is calling again," Mike teased, winking at me. "I bet you can’t say you aren’t attracted to her, huh?”"Oh, please, we all know Ethan is faithful as f*ck to Stella. What hold has that b*tch got on you, man?” Dave shook his head, irritated at the mention of Stella’s name.Dave and Mike had never liked Stella, not even once. They claimed she wasn’t the type of lady a man should settle for and often complained about the weird negative aura she emitted any time sh
“Dad, here are the documents you requested,” I said, handing over the documents.“Are you done with all the paperwork?” he asked flipping through the pages.“Yes, I have. The Miners are demanding a 15% increase in work wage, hence they won’t release their signatures until it’s resolved.” I alerted him of the problem at hand, not waiting for him to notice the missing documents and question my competency.“Okay, let the head of finance handle that. Good job Elizabeth. You will make a good C.E.O.” he let out briefly.My eyes widened in shock. I was startled by the sudden compliment from my father. As much as he loved me, he had never been one to be expressive about it, especially after my mother’s death. He had kept to himself more often. I wasn’t offended by his actions, I didn’t know what it felt like losing a loved one and having her lookalike as a daughter.I tried to understand his pain, I was a replica of my mother whom he loved dearly and looking at me brought back memories he w
"Ethan, come with me," I urged, pulling him along. We both struggled to keep moving as he leaned heavily on my shoulder. At that moment, I was grateful for my morning exercise routine.We finally made it to the car, and I drove to my apartment. I didn't have access to his place and couldn't ensure his safety there."Ethan, are you listening to me?" I asked, glancing over to see if he had passed out."Uhmmm.""Good. We're almost at my place. You need to rest.""Are you going to make my favorite pasta for me?" he mumbled, giving me a puppy-eyed look.I chuckled, amazed at how cute he could be even when drunk. How could Stella hurt someone like Ethan? The thought of her made my stomach churn. She was still a problem I had to deal with.In less than seven minutes, we reached my apartment. The bar wasn't far, and I might have driven faster than usual. Once inside, I switched on the light and guided Ethan to my room."Stay here, Ethan," I said, gently laying him on the bed. He was consciou
I watched as Ethan sat up lazily, obviously still recovering from last night’s drunken state. “Ethan,” I began, “about last night…”“Lizzy, I’m sorry about last night.” He interrupted, his eyes filled with regret. “I know what happened shouldn’t have. I regret my actions and I promise to take full responsibility for it.”My skin tightened at his sudden apology; this was far from what I was expecting. I didn’t need any of it. It wasn’t wrong for two people to confess their feelings. I guessed he was scared I was going to get at him for sleeping with me. I wanted him to see me for the woman I am. Not his boss at work, not his friend, just two individuals in love.“Ethan, I don’t need an apology. Moreover, what happened was consensual,” I stated slowly, hoping he’d understand.“Ethan,” I called out, moving closer toward him. My hand reached for his face while I spoke. “what happened yesterday didn't suddenly happen. I love you, Ethan. I have always loved you. I just didn't know how to le
I stood up, my spirit unwavering. I had come too far to give up now. Picking up my phone, I dialed my office number. Janet answered after a few rings.“Hello, Janet speaking.”“Janet, it’s Miss Douglas. I need you to find someone to cover my responsibilities for next week. I’m taking a break,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “And don’t forget to inform my dad.”“Is everything okay, Miss Douglas?” Janet asked, her concern evident.I knew Janet loved to gossip. I couldn’t afford to be the next topic of discussion. “I just need some time to sort things out. Please handle it,” I replied, my tone cold, not wanting to give her more to talk about.“Of course, Miss Douglas. Take care.”I hung up, feeling a slight relief. I needed time away from the office and all the reminders of Ethan. As I was contemplating my next move, my phone buzzed with a message from my best friend, Matilda.Matilda: Hey babe, I need the scoop. You haven’t explained how Ethan ended up in
About an hour later, Janet arrived with the envelope. I thanked her and quickly closed the door, ripping it open. My eyes scanned the letter, my breath catching in my throat. It was from the private detective I had hired to file a case against Stella, using the proof my private investigator had provided. Lizzy, I reviewed the evidence provided by your investigator regarding Stella’s activities. Unfortunately, the proof isn’t sufficient to file a solid case against her. Without stronger evidence, pursuing this case is not advisable. I recommend putting this matter aside unless more substantial proof can be obtained. Sincerely, Detective Harris My hands trembled as I read the letter again. So, despite everything, there wasn’t enough to bring Stella down legally. Frustration bubbled up inside me. I had hoped this would be the breakthrough I needed, something to finally open Ethan’s eyes. I stared at the documents, my mind racing. What should I do now? How could I get more proof?
ETHAN I sat on my comfy chair in the sitting room, staring at the two letters on the table before me: the promotion offer letter on the right and the resignation letter on the left. This promotion was a fantastic chance, a huge step up in my career, and something I had always wanted—but it came with strings attached. Memories of that night with Lizzy kept flashing in my mind, making my decision even harder. I sighed, rubbing my temple, an act I do whenever I was indecisive and stressed. I needed to make a decision quickly. Today marks the end of the submission deadline for the promotion. Uncertain of what to do, I decided to reach out to Mike for advice. I picked up my phone, dialing his number. After several rings, it connected, and I could hear his husky voice behind the phone. "Hey, Ethan! What's up?" Mike answered, sounding like I had just woken him up from a deep sleep. "Hey, man. Got a minute? I need your advice on something," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.