"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 conscious but too drunk to move. "Let me help with your shoes," I said, pulling them off. "Umm, comfy. The trousers too," he murmured. I chuckled. "Let's start with your shirt." As I unbuttoned his shirt, Ethan suddenly grabbed my wrist. I looked up, startled. His eyes, though glassy, held an intensity that caught me off guard. He pulled me closer, his other hand cupping my cheek, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine. For a moment, I was too stunned to react. His kiss was warm and insistent, a mix of desperation and longing. But reality quickly snapped back. I pulled away, breathless and flustered. "Ethan, you’re drunk," I said gently, trying to steady my racing heart. "You need to rest." He looked at me, his expression confused and vulnerable. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "It's okay," I assured him, smoothing back his hair. "Just rest. I'll make you some tea." I hurried to the kitchen, my mind racing. My heart was still pounding from the unexpected kiss. I filled the kettle with water, trying to focus on the task at hand. As I waited for the water to boil, I couldn't help but replay the moment in my head. The intensity in his eyes, the warmth of his touch—it was all too much and yet, not enough. Once the tea was ready, I returned to the bedroom. Ethan was still lying there, his shirt half-open, his eyes closed but not quite asleep. I set the tea on the bedside table and sat down next to him. "Ethan, I've got some tea for you," I said softly, touching his arm. He opened his eyes slowly, looking up at me with a sleepy smile. "Thanks," he murmured. I helped him sit up and handed him the cup. He sipped it gratefully, his hands trembling slightly. "How do you feel?" I asked, watching him closely. "A little better," he admitted. "Thanks for taking care of me." "That's what friends are for," I replied, smiling. He reached out and took my hand, squeezing it gently. "I want to be more than friends with you, Lizzy. I want you to be mine. I can't afford to lose both Stella and you." My body went stiff, shocked by his words hanging heavy in the air. "Ethan, you're drunk. You don't know what you're saying." "Please, Lizzy," he whispered, staring deep into my eyes. "I know I’m drunk, but I’m not lying. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long. Losing Stella hurt, but the thought of losing you... it terrifies me." His eyes were earnest, filled with a vulnerability that pierced my heart. My mind knew this was too sudden and wrong, but my long-time feelings for him overpowered my logic. I leaned closer, feeling his breath on my face, and placed my lips on his. The kiss was tender at first, his breath pulsating against mine as we both landed on the bed. The passion between us ignited, our hands roaming, our lips seeking. Every touch, every caress, felt like an affirmation of the connection we had always shared but never acknowledged. The night unfolded in a blend of whispers and soft moans. We moved together, our bodies intertwining in a dance of newfound intimacy with only the sheets and dimmed light as witnesses to our lovemaking. Each touch was filled with unspoken desires, every kiss a promise. It was as if we had reconnected on a deeper level, forming an unbreakable bond. "Lizzy," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. "I’ve always loved you." "I love you too, Ethan," I whispered back, my heart swelling with joy. This had always been what I wanted, Ethan becoming mine. It felt surreal and I wanted to enjoy every moment of it. We lay there, skin against skin, breathing in the warmth of each other. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in a world of our own. When the morning light began to filter through the curtains, we were still wrapped in each other’s arms. I looked at Ethan, his face peaceful in sleep, and felt a sense of rightness. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them together. The bond we had formed was something precious, something I was willing to fight for. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment. For the first time in a long while, everything felt just right. My phone buzzed loudly, cutting through the quiet. I quickly grabbed it, hoping not to wake Ethan. It was Maltida, my best friend. "Hey," I whispered into the phone. "Lizzy, where are you? I've been trying to reach you all night!" Maltida's voice was urgent, and filled with worry. "I'm home. Sorry, it's been a crazy night. I'll explain later." "Can I come over?" she asked, her tone shifting to something I couldn't quite place. "No!" I said, my voice louder than usual. "What are you hiding from me girl." I could feel the inquisitiveness in her words. "Spill, I'm waiting Lizzy." "Okay okay, Ethan is over here and not in his best state. He would feel awkward having you around." I finally let out. "Girllll" Maltida gasped could be heard loudly on the phone. "You have got a whole lot of explanation to do." "So, why did you call this late?" I asked, trying to divert the attention from Ethan. "Your sister Alicia. She's back. "Yeah, I know." I frowned at the thought of Alicia. I and Alicia had never been on good terms. She was grandma's favorite and i was not. I was always made to bend to her demands right from childhood. Even when it rightfully belonged to me, but she wanted it, i had to let go. "Well, She's back and I heard she's aiming for the same position as you." I was unfazed at the revelation, it was no news to me, this must have been a reason for her return. Hearing Dad was planning to retire and I had the possibility of being the next chairperson must have gotten to her. I was baffled by why she wanted to go into the mining sector when she majored in art. "That's her problem, may the best man win. Moreover, she doesn't stand a chance." I bragged. "That's not all sweetheart, Stella has been spreading rumors about Ethan." "My heart raced as I pressed her for details. "What exactly did Stella say?" Maltida's voice was laced with concern. "She called off the wedding because Ethan has been cheating on her and when she confronted him, Ethan got into a fight with her at the bar and threatened her. She sounded terrified, Lizzy." I felt a surge of disbelief. "That's impossible. He was with me the whole time. He was drunk, but not violent." I tried to process the accusation, but it didn't add up. Ethan's gentle touch still lingered on my skin, and I knew he wasn't capable of such behavior." "Just be careful, okay? I don't trust Stella. She might try something." "I will. Thanks, Tilda." I hung up, my mind racing. I turned to look at Ethan, still asleep but starting to stir. What was Stella up to? And why would she make such accusations? "Ethan," I said softly, shaking him gently. "Wake up." He opened his eyes, confusion flickering across his face. "What is it?" "We need to talk."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
"What do i want from you?" She sneered at me. "Yes Chloe! What do you want from me?" I repeated, colder than before. "You think I want something from you." Chloe let out a demeaning chuckle. "Ahhh! You're such a silly fool to think you have anything to offer me." "Everything you own is mine, Elizabeth. EVERYTHING." "I'm here to collect what's rightfully mine, starting from your seat right here." She stated, her hands resting on my chair, swirling me slowly. "Chloe, we're sisters. We shouldn't be doing this." I sighed, trying to be rational. I didn't want to stoop to her level or compete with her. "Sisters?" "Who? Me, you?" "You must be delusional to think I consider you my sister." "I can see this pregnancy is getting to your head." "I can and will never be your sister, Elizabeth." "You're just an illegitimate child, who will suffer the consequences of her mother's actions." "That's enough, Chloe," I roared angrily. I hated when my mother's name was mentioned in such manner. I
I looked at Grandma, her stern eyes brooking no arguments. I knew her decision was final. I was the puppet after all, and I didn't want this to linger any longer.For peace to reign, I began going on my knees slowly, the cold floor graced my skin mockingly. I turned to face Chloe, whose lips curled into a snug smile despite the fake tears in her eyes. Her smile felt like a slap on my face.I couldn't take it anymore. I was halfway down my knees. The injustice of it all burned in my chest. I suddenly felt stupid. I was no longer a child to be pushed over by Chloe and Grandma.I immediately straightened myself back up and turned to Grandma. She cocked her brows, confused as to why I wasn't adhering to her order."Didn't you hear what I said, Elizabeth?" Grandma's eyes burned with fury as she spoke."No, Grandma. I won't do it," I replied.Grandma's eyes widened in shock. "What did you say?""I said no," I repeated, my voice stronger than the last. "I'm done apologizing for things I didn