ETHAN
I 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 she was around, but I could care less about their opinion. She was the love of my life, and I was about to get married to her. “Guys, come on. That’s my fiancée you’re talking about. The least you can do is show her some respect,” I said, not wanting to continue the conversation about my love life any further. “Got to go now. We’ll talk some other time.” As I drove to Emeraldo Hotel, I couldn’t help but feel that this was somehow connected to Stella. She had been acting strangely the past week, and a part of me feared that whatever was troubling her had reached its boiling point. With an unsettled mind, I picked up my phone and gave Stella a call. Her line was unreachable. This was strange and so unlike her. I was getting more anxious, I dialed her home phone, but no one picked up. My worry intensified; I couldn’t help but think she was in real danger, and I needed to make it on time. Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, I pressed down on the accelerator. I had to get to the hotel as fast as I could. ***** I had just reached the hotel, and I was fifteen minutes behind time. I parked hastily and rushed inside. The hotel screamed luxury even from afar; its lobby was as big as New York City itself, with its walls reflecting the lights from the chandeliers hung above. It was so easy for one to get lost in such a bustling environment. The lobby was filled with well-dressed guests moving around, carrying out their various activities without minding each other. I scanned through the crowd, wary of any sign of danger or distress. Finding none, I proceeded towards the reception hall, hoping for some clues. “GOOD DAY SIR, I AM LUCY, AND YOU’RE WELCOME TO EMERALDO HOTEL.” The young receptionist greeted me with a radiant smile, which was just as welcoming as her words. “Good evening, Lucy,” I answered, acknowledging her greeting with a soft tone. “How may I be of help to you, sir?” She asked, maintaining professionalism. “Uhmm, well, I don’t know if you could-“ I paused, realizing it would be stupid to let her know I rushed here over an anonymous text. My phone buzzed again with another message: “First floor, Suite 2." “I guess I’m being monitored. I hope I’m not the target.” I thought, second-guessing whether it was right for me to come alone without informing anyone. I pulled out my phone, leaving an emergency text for Lizzy. She was the only one I could truly confide in right now. “You were saying…” the receptionist called out softly, interrupting my thoughts. “Sorry, would you mind showing me the way to the elevator?” “That way,” she pointed out to the left. “Thank you.” I hurried to the elevator, my heart pounding as it stopped on the first floor. I lifted my feet slightly above the ground, wary of each step I made, while I used my eyes to find the number 2 on the doors lined up. “Ah, there it is,” I exclaimed, running towards it like it had a time bomb attached. As I got closer to the room door, I could hear a faint sound of pleasure coming from within. “That doesn’t sound like danger. This probably isn’t the right room,” I thought. With a doubtful heart, I checked my phone again, opening the message the anonymous sender had texted to the boldly written text “Suite 2.” Seeing that I wasn’t standing in front of the wrong room, I decided to walk in, pushing the door of the suite open. Walking in further, I could see ruffled clothes on the floor. The suite looked like it was booked by two lovers on a honeymoon or something. At least, that was what the atmosphere emitted. “Ahhhh” “Uhmmm, harder,'' “Uhmmm” The moans from the room got intense as I stepped closer to the bedroom. I could sense a familiarity in the voice I heard. I tried hard to decipher the voice coming from within, resulting in my leg hitting the wine glass. The sound of the wine glass shattering into pieces was loud enough to wake a deep sleeper, but not those two in there. They were so immersed in their lovemaking that they couldn’t hear a thing. I paid attention to walking more carefully towards the room door. Peeping through the already-opened door, I was welcomed to witness the shock of my life. My fiancée, Stella, had been the one making those sounds all along. “Ste.. Stella?” I called out, my voice trembling from shock. “OmG! ETHAN, what are you doing here? Stella's eyes flickered from shock almost immediately. Her body was still lying naked on the bed, with no decency to wrap her shameless self up with the sheets before questioning me. “I should be asking you this, Stella. What in the world is going on here?” I yelled, my veins bulging from the anger built in my body. I had just caught my fiancée making out with another man, and what she cared about was why I was present there. I waited patiently for a response, hoping this was just a nightmare or a big surprise act. I needed an explanation from her. Why was my fiancée here, unclad in the arms of another? I needed to know who the man beside her was. and why did she choose to betray me? I wanted her to say something really bad, clarifying this as a mistake at least. “What do you think, Ethan? I’m having fun.” Stella uttered, with no single sign of remorse in her words. Her painful words stung into my soul as I struggled to process my thoughts. “Fun. Stella…you-you’re over here, in bed with another man, and you call this fun?” I yelled at her, my voice shaky from the pain I was feeling. “Ethan, I’m sorry, I think you should leave,” Stella muttered, giving me an apologetic look. “Who is he?” The man beside her raised a brow at her, waiting for a response. “He’s a friend. Babe, I need a moment with him, please.” Stella turned to face the man, not even batting an eye at me. “??? BABE?? A FRIEND??….” I was unable to move, my head sprang in disbelief and rage as I replayed those words. I watched the man walk out of the room. I wondered who gave him the right to ask that; I was the one betrayed. I was the one who should be apologized to. I looked over at Stella, the woman I thought I knew who now seemed like a total stranger. Her eyes, those eyes I once considered charming and innocent—were nothing but deceptive and cold. “Stella, I need an explanation. Why? Why did you do this?” I clenched my fist in anger as I spoke. I was trying so hard to be civil and rational. I watched as she finally sat up, wrapping a sheet around herself. She looked at me, obviously annoyed as if I was at fault for interrupting her sexcapade. “Ethan, our relationship ended a long time before this. You just didn’t see it. I needed someone more—someone exciting. And you….you were just too predictable, too easy.” Her words pierced through my skin, each one a fresh cut. “Too predictable? Too easy? And this is your idea of excitement? Betraying me like this?” She shrugged as if my pain were a minor inconvenience. “I didn’t mean for you to find out this way. But maybe it’s for the best. Now you know the truth, Ethan.” My heart bled more as she spoke. Her words stung deep into my soul; it all still felt like a dream, more like a nightmare I needed to wake up from. As I struggled to process my thoughts and respond, my phone buzzed again. I glanced at the screen and froze. Another anonymous message popped up: "You’re not safe. Leave now before it’s too late."“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.
LIZZY POV What did you say? I hear my father's voice, calm yet commanding. There was no time to back down now; I had started a lie, and I had to keep up with it. "I said I'm pregnant with Ethan's child." I repeated, but this time confidently. I stared at Ethan's face, hoping for a reaction from him, but his face was blank, with no iota of emotion. He stood there like a log of wood struck by lightning. I averted my gaze back to my father. I watched as he rearranged his seat, relaxing further. For the first time in what felt like forever, my father raised his head to look at me, not with the soft, loving eyes I had wished for but with disappointment. My heart sank in shame. I wonder what must be running through his mind right now. I sighed, waiting for one of them to say something or ask questions at least. It was not like I had an answer prepared; this was all a facade. Something I had blurted out foolishly, the same way I requested that Ethan marry me. "So, where's the pregnancy r
We arrived at the cafe a few miles away from the office. The ever-busy environment added to the already lingering tension between Ethan and me. The smell of the brewed coffee graced the environment with its presence, calming my tensed nerve. I sat in front of Ethan this time, without regard for his manly gesture. Ethan took a seat, and we both stared at the menu, waiting for the other to break the ice. The silence between us, which was unwelcoming, was broken by the young, charming barista, Lui, who approached us with a bright smile. "Ahhh! It's good to see you again, Miss Douglas. What's your order today?" He asked politely, ready to pen our orders down. "Hey, Liu. I'll have my usual." "thanks." "That would be an iced mocha." He confirmed, as he noted my favorite on his tablet. "And you, Mr.?" Liu asked, turning to face Ethan, who looked so lost in a world of his own. "Ethan," I called out, notifying him of the presence of the barista, Liu." "Uhhh?" "Sir, would you lik