The cold, oppressive air of the mansion’s dining room mirrored the distance between Ethan and Emma. Though they now shared a tenuous bond shaped by his condition and her role as his caretaker, there remained an unspoken void that neither could fully bridge. Ethan, with his sharp tongue and relentless gaze, seemed determined to keep her at arm’s length, while Emma’s every action betrayed a quiet yearning for something more. As Emma prepared breakfast in the adjoining kitchen, she thought back to the life she had left behind—the life of the unloved daughter. Her parents had always favored her elder sister, Vanessa, who was the perfect daughter, the shining beacon of the family’s pride. Emma, on the other hand, had been relegated to the background, her opinions dismissed, her dreams mocked. Studying medicine had been her rebellion. It wasn’t the life her family had wanted for her, but it was the life she had chosen. She had pursued it secretly, scraping together funds from odd jobs an
Chapter 34: A Step Toward Healing The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of Ethan’s mansion, illuminating the quiet tension that lingered between him and Emma. It had been weeks since their uneasy arrangement had begun—Emma caring for Ethan while guarding her secrets, and Ethan slowly allowing her into his world despite his guarded nature. Today was a significant day in Ethan’s recovery journey. Dr. Morris, his physical therapist, was scheduled to visit and evaluate his progress. Emma had prepared everything meticulously, ensuring the therapy room was in perfect order and the necessary equipment was ready. Ethan, however, seemed less than enthused. “Do we really need Dr. Morris here? You’re more than capable of handling this,” he said, his voice laced with irritation as Emma helped him adjust his sitting posture. Emma raised an eyebrow. “You know this is important, Ethan. You want to walk again, don’t you?” Ethan’s jaw tightened. “I do. But I don’t need anyone pit
The morning sunlight was warm against Emma’s skin as she walked through the gardens of Ethan’s mansion, the gentle breeze tousling her hair. It had been a few weeks since Ethan had taken his first unsteady step, and every day, he grew stronger, both physically and emotionally. But Emma couldn’t shake the feeling of being caught between two worlds. On one hand, she had her life with Ethan, an arrangement, yes, but one that had begun to feel like something more. On the other hand, she had the family who had never believed in her, a family that had used her as a pawn in their ambitions.The weight of her past and her family’s expectations hung heavily on her heart.Her thoughts were interrupted when Ethan’s voice called out to her. “Emma.”Turning, she saw him approaching in his wheelchair, a determined look on his face. He had been practicing standing for longer periods lately, but he was still far from walking unassisted.“Hey,” Emma greeted him with a soft smile.“Can we talk?” he ask
The following morning, Emma stood in front of the full-length mirror in the bedroom, her hand resting lightly on the cool glass. Her eyes scanned her reflection, but it wasn’t just her appearance she was concerned with; it was the weight of the conversation she had had with her family the day before. Her mind kept replaying their words, the harshness in her mother’s voice, the suffocating pressure she had always felt. She could feel the chains of her past trying to pull her back, but now, there was something else, something new—something that made her question if she was ready to break free.Her gaze shifted to the bed where Ethan lay, his body propped up with pillows. He had come a long way in his recovery, though it was still a daily struggle for him to find his balance. Despite the challenges, he had shown her a level of care and support that she hadn’t expected. When she thought about her family’s manipulation, the contrast was striking. Ethan had never tried to control her, and h
Ethan leaned against the backrest of the wheelchair, his face impassive as Emma wheeled him into the spacious therapy room. The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, mingling with the hum of muted conversations and the soft rustle of medical equipment. The room was bright, with sunlight streaming through large windows, but Ethan’s mood remained as cold and distant as ever.“This is ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath, his fingers gripping the armrests of the wheelchair tightly.Emma, pushing the wheelchair from behind, heard his complaint but chose to ignore it. Over the past week, she had grown accustomed to his grumpy remarks. If anything, she found them oddly amusing—though she’d never admit that to him.“It’s only ridiculous if you don’t try,” she replied, her voice light but firm.Ethan glanced over his shoulder, raising a brow. “I don’t need therapy. I’ve survived worse things.”Emma rolled her eyes, stopping the wheelchair near a padded therapy table. “Survivin
Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling of Emma’s lips on his, no matter how hard he tried. Every time he closed his eyes, the memory of her soft touch and the warmth of her presence flooded back, leaving him restless. The kiss had been unexpected, yet it stirred something deep inside him, something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years.Sitting in his wheelchair, Ethan stared out the large window of his study. The world outside moved on, the gentle sway of the trees and the distant hum of city life a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him.Emma entered quietly, carrying a tray with his breakfast. She set it down on the small table near him, her expression neutral as if nothing had happened.“You didn’t eat dinner last night,” she said, her tone more matter-of-fact than concerned.Ethan turned his gaze toward her, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly. “I wasn’t hungry.”“Well, you’re eating now,” she replied firmly, pulling out the chair across from him and sitting down.He
The tension between Ethan and Emma seemed to have taken on a new form. There was an unspoken understanding now, a strange but comforting dynamic that both terrified and intrigued them. Despite the moments they shared, the reality of their situation loomed heavily over them. Ethan had grown accustomed to Emma’s presence—her nagging, her care, her persistence. But as much as he hated to admit it, she was the anchor he hadn’t known he needed. And yet, the circumstances of their marriage continued to haunt them both. That morning, as Emma prepared breakfast in the kitchen, Ethan wheeled himself in. He watched her move around, her focus entirely on the sizzling pan before her. “You’re getting a little too comfortable here,” he remarked, his tone teasing but his expression unreadable. Emma turned to face him, her hands on her hips. “If you’d prefer burnt toast and black coffee every day, I can step back and let you fend for yourself.” Ethan smirked, the corners of his lips twitchin
Emma sat in the small garden outside Ethan’s mansion, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. She had come out for a moment of peace, a chance to process the whirlwind of emotions that had taken over her life. But peace was a rare luxury in her world.The events of the past few weeks had been exhausting. Between managing Ethan’s therapy, dealing with her family’s constant meddling, and hiding her identity as a doctor, Emma felt like she was standing on a tightrope, one wrong step away from disaster.Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Ethan’s wheelchair approaching. He stopped a few feet away, his eyes fixed on her.“You’ve been quiet today,” he remarked.Emma looked up, forcing a small smile. “Just thinking.”Ethan raised a brow. “Dangerous habit.”She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “You’re one to talk.”For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the tension between them easing.That afternoon, Ethan received another call from Oliver. The share
The next morning, Ethan woke up feeling lighter than he had in years. The weight of his past mistakes and regrets still lingered, but they no longer crushed him. Instead, they served as reminders of how far he had come—and how much he still had to do.As he descended the stairs, he heard Emma’s voice in the kitchen. She was humming a soft tune while preparing breakfast, a domestic scene so peaceful that it momentarily took his breath away. For a man who had spent years cloaked in cold indifference, this newfound warmth was both unfamiliar and welcome.He entered the kitchen and leaned against the doorway, watching her. Emma turned around, her face lighting up when she saw him.“Good morning,” she greeted, handing him a cup of coffee.“Good morning,” Ethan replied, his voice unusually soft. He took a sip, savoring both the coffee and the moment.****Later that afternoon, an unexpected car pulled into their driveway. Ethan frowned as he glanced out the window, recognizing the sleek bla
Ethan sat by the large window in his study, staring out at the garden as the winter sun cast long, golden shadows on the frost-kissed grass. His once proud and commanding presence had been softened by months of rehabilitation and reflection. Yet, deep inside, the embers of his determination still burned, fanned by Emma’s relentless support.Emma entered the room with a steaming cup of tea in hand, her footsteps light but purposeful. She set the cup on the table beside him, her gaze lingering on his face. He looked better now—healthier, more alive—but the weight of his recent trials still rested heavily on his shoulders."How are you feeling today?" she asked gently, pulling a chair closer to him.Ethan turned to her, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Better, thanks to you. I’ve been meaning to say..." He paused, his fingers tracing the edge of the armrest. "You’ve done more for me than anyone ever has. I don’t know how I can repay you."Emma shrugged, her expression teasing. "You
The morning sunlight bathed the expansive Johnson estate in a warm glow, but inside Ethan’s office, the atmosphere was anything but serene. Ethan sat at his desk, his wheelchair positioned at an angle that gave him a clear view of the sprawling garden beyond the windows. Documents, spreadsheets, and reports were scattered before him, but his attention was miles away.Emma had become a presence he couldn’t ignore. Her voice, her laughter, even her sarcasm had carved a permanent place in his life. But this morning, she seemed different—quieter, distracted. He noticed it the moment she entered the room with a tray of breakfast."Good morning," she greeted, placing the tray on his desk.Ethan glanced at her, noting the faint circles under her eyes. "You didn’t sleep well," he observed.Emma shrugged, forcing a smile. "You’re not my only patient, you know. I had some late-night calls.""You could’ve woken me up," Ethan replied, his tone teasing but laced with genuine concern.Emma snorted.
The silence between them stretched as Ethan’s confession lingered in the air. Emma didn’t press him further; she knew from experience that forcing him would only make him retreat deeper into his shell. Instead, she stood and began pushing his wheelchair again, letting him set the pace of their conversation.As they rounded a corner of the garden, the estate's sprawling fountain came into view. The cascading water glimmered under the late afternoon sun, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions Ethan was wrestling with.Emma broke the silence, her tone light but meaningful. “You know, when I was a kid, I used to think fountains were magical. I thought if you tossed in a coin and made a wish, it would come true.”Ethan arched a brow, his lips curving slightly. “And how many wishes did you make?”“Countless,” she admitted with a soft laugh. “Most of them were silly—like wishing for endless chocolate or a pony. But there was one I made every time.”“W
The gentle hum of birds in the garden wasn’t enough to silence the storm brewing in Ethan’s mind. Emma walked beside him, her hand lightly resting on the handle of his wheelchair. She had insisted on pushing him, despite his protests, claiming it was “therapeutic” for them both.Ethan, for once, relented.The garden was sprawling and serene, the afternoon sun casting golden streaks across the well-manicured hedges and blooming flowers. Emma guided him along the cobblestone path, her chatter filling the silence he was so used to.“And you wouldn’t believe the amount of trouble I got into sneaking textbooks into my room,” Emma said with a soft laugh. “My parents thought I was obsessed with novels, but in reality, I was devouring medical journals.”Ethan glanced at her, intrigued despite himself. “You really went through all that to study medicine?”Her smile faltered briefly, but she nodded. “It was the only thing that made me feel alive—like I had a purpose. Being the unwanted daughter
The day unfolded with a tense stillness that neither Ethan nor Emma dared to break. He had retreated to his office, burying himself in work, while Emma busied herself with household tasks. But the unspoken words between them lingered like a storm cloud, threatening to break at any moment.By afternoon, Emma decided she couldn’t take the suffocating silence any longer. She found Ethan in his office, his wheelchair angled toward the large mahogany desk cluttered with files. His brow was furrowed in concentration, but she could tell he was using work as an excuse to avoid their earlier conversation.“Ethan,” she said, stepping into the room.He didn’t look up. “If this is about breakfast—”“It’s not,” she interrupted, her voice steady. “It’s about us.”Ethan’s hand stilled over a document, his jaw tightening. He sighed and finally looked at her. “There is no ‘us,’ Emma. I thought I made that clear this morning.”She crossed her arms, refusing to back down. “You don’t get to decide that o
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the spacious bedroom. Ethan stirred awake, his sharp mind quickly remembering the events of the night before. He turned his head to find Emma still fast asleep, her face relaxed in peaceful slumber.For a moment, he allowed himself to admire her, the way the morning light caught in her hair and softened her features. She looked so different from the stubborn, opinionated woman who often challenged him. Vulnerable, even.What am I doing? he wondered, a pang of uncertainty creeping into his chest. This wasn’t part of his plan—letting anyone in, letting her in.He carefully moved to sit up, his legs still lifeless and frustratingly uncooperative. The wheelchair sat by the bedside, a reminder of his limitations. Ethan’s jaw tightened as he transferred himself to the chair, a motion he had perfected out of necessity.He didn’t notice Emma stir awake until her soft voice broke the silence.“You’re up early.
Ethan sat alone in his study, the faint hum of the city below barely registering in his mind. The meeting had taken more out of him than he cared to admit. His hands rested on the wheels of his chair, his body rigid with unspent tension.Emma’s words from earlier lingered in his mind: You’re not alone anymore.He clenched his jaw. What did she know about loneliness? About survival? Yet her stubborn determination to stand by him, even when he pushed her away, made him question everything he thought he knew about relationships.A soft knock broke the silence.“Come in,” he said, his voice sharper than intended.The door creaked open, and Emma stepped in cautiously. She was dressed in casual attire, a stark contrast to the poised professional who had accompanied him earlier.“Ethan,” she began, her tone tentative, “I know you hate interruptions, but I couldn’t sleep. I thought…” She trailed off, holding up a tray with two mugs. “Coffee?”He stared at her, unsure whether to send her away
The sun peeked through the curtains of Ethan's penthouse, casting a golden hue over the sleek, modern decor. Emma stirred on the couch, her medical journals scattered across the coffee table, evidence of another late night spent studying. Her peaceful slumber was broken by the faint hum of Ethan's wheelchair as he maneuvered into the living room.He paused at the sight of her, her hair slightly disheveled and her expression serene in sleep. A flicker of warmth crossed his usually stoic features, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared."You're going to ruin your back sleeping there," he said, his voice firm but quieter than usual.Emma jolted awake, blinking groggily before registering his presence. "Good morning to you too," she mumbled, stretching."You have a bed, Emma," Ethan said, rolling closer.She shrugged, giving him a sheepish grin. "The couch was closer to the coffee. Priorities."Ethan let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head. "Get up. We have a meeting in two hours."Emma