Ethan sat at the edge of his bed, his hands gripping the armrests of his wheelchair. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the room. His gaze shifted toward the parallel bars that had been set up in the corner—a constant reminder of the road ahead.Emma entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast. She smiled warmly, setting the tray on the table near him. “Morning, Ethan. Ready for today’s therapy?”He groaned, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Do I have a choice?”“Nope,” Emma replied cheerfully, pulling up a chair beside him. “You promised me you’d give it your all, remember?”Ethan huffed but couldn’t suppress a smirk. “You’re relentless, you know that?”“And you’re stubborn. A perfect match,” she quipped, handing him a glass of juice.As they ate in companionable silence, Emma’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing.“What is it?” Ethan asked, noticing the change in her expression.“It’s
The morning air was crisp as Ethan rolled his wheelchair onto the veranda, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. He stared out at the vast expanse of his estate, the gardens meticulously maintained by his staff. Yet, as picturesque as it was, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of hollowness. The once vibrant energy that drove him had been replaced by a quiet determination to rebuild—not just his mobility, but his life.Emma appeared moments later, her hair still damp from her shower, and a notebook tucked under her arm. She smiled at Ethan as she joined him at the table.“You’re up early,” she remarked, setting her notebook aside and pouring herself some coffee.“Couldn’t sleep,” Ethan admitted. “Too many thoughts.”Emma tilted her head. “Care to share?”He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about the company. I need to start making moves to regain control.”Emma frowned. “You’re still recovering, Ethan. Is it wise to take on that kind of stress right now?”“It
The morning light spilled through the tall windows of the estate’s dining room, illuminating the tension hanging in the air. Ethan sat at the head of the table, his wheelchair angled slightly as he scrolled through reports on a tablet. His expression was one of grim focus, the flicker of frustration evident in the way he tapped the screen harder than necessary.Across from him, Emma sipped her coffee quietly, observing him. She could tell he was building up to something, a storm brewing beneath the surface.“Is everything okay with the reports?” she asked cautiously, breaking the silence.Ethan’s jaw tightened as he set the tablet down. “No, it’s not. The interim CEO is already making moves to liquidate assets. Assets I specifically fought to protect.”Emma frowned. “That’s reckless. What’s his endgame?”“To make himself and the shareholders richer at the company’s expense,” Ethan growled. “And if I don’t act soon, there won’t be a company left to save.”Emma placed her cup down and l
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the estate as Ethan sat on the balcony, the crisp air brushing against his face. The view of the sprawling gardens was beautiful, but his mind was far from peaceful. His thoughts circled the mounting challenges—his company’s instability, the betrayal of people he once trusted, and his physical limitations.Behind him, Emma walked out carrying a tray with coffee and breakfast. She set it down on the table beside him and took a seat, her eyes scanning his face.“You’ve been quiet this morning,” Emma said softly, handing him a cup.Ethan took the coffee, his fingers brushing hers briefly. “I’m just thinking.”“About the company?”“About everything,” Ethan admitted, his voice heavy. “I feel like I’ve lost so much control over my life, Emma. The company, my legs, my independence... It’s overwhelming.”Emma reached out, placing her hand over his. “You haven’t lost everything, Ethan. You still have your mind, your strength, and people who believe in yo
Morning broke over the estate with a light drizzle, the soft patter of rain against the windows adding a serene rhythm to the day. Ethan sat in the living room, a tablet in hand, as he reviewed the evidence Jake had provided the night before. His jaw was set, his mind sharp despite the growing tension.Emma entered the room with a tray of coffee and a light breakfast. “Did you even sleep?” she asked, placing the tray on the table.“A little,” Ethan replied, not looking up from the screen. “There’s no time to waste. We need to act fast before he realizes we’re onto him.”Emma sat down beside him, handing him a cup. “Have you thought about how the board might react? If they’re still loyal to him, this could backfire.”Ethan sipped his coffee, his eyes narrowing. “They’ll react to proof. Greed and self-preservation drive them more than loyalty ever could. Once they see the embezzlement, they’ll turn on him.”Emma studied him for a moment. “You sound confident.”“I have to be,” Ethan said
The morning after the dramatic boardroom showdown, the house was unusually quiet. Emma woke up to find Ethan already gone from his room. Concerned, she hurriedly freshened up and headed to his study. She found him sitting at his desk, his wheelchair tucked neatly under the table, papers spread out before him.“Ethan, it’s barely dawn,” she said, stepping inside. “Have you even slept?”He glanced up, dark circles under his eyes but a determined gleam in his gaze. “Not much. There’s too much to catch up on. I can’t afford to waste time.”Emma sighed, walking over to him. She rested a hand on the desk. “You’ve been pushing yourself nonstop. You just regained a foothold in the company. Take a moment to breathe.”Ethan leaned back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders barely easing. “Emma, the company’s still vulnerable. I need to ensure that every leak is plugged before someone else tries to take advantage.”Emma frowned. “And what about your recovery? Your health?”“I’m working on t
The next morning, Emma found Ethan in his study, a frown etched deep into his face as he stared at his laptop screen. His wheelchair was positioned by the window, the early sunlight casting a golden glow around him. He looked up when she entered, his expression softening ever so slightly.“You’re up early again,” she said, setting a cup of coffee on his desk. “Is something wrong?”Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Just going through the company’s finances. The mess left by the interim CEO is worse than I thought.”Emma sat on the edge of the desk, concern etched on her features. “Do you think you can fix it?”“I have to,” he replied firmly. “This company is my responsibility. But...” His voice trailed off, and he hesitated before continuing, “I found some discrepancies. Things don’t add up, and I’m starting to suspect foul play.”Emma’s eyes widened. “Foul play? Like embezzlement?”“Possibly,” Ethan admitted. “I’ve sent some files to a trusted investigator, but it’s goin
Ethan woke the next morning to the sound of birds chirping faintly outside his window. For the first time in months, his chest felt lighter, a sensation that puzzled him at first. Then he remembered the night before—the conversation with Emma, her quiet tears, and the unspoken promise of a fresh start between them.He turned his head toward the doorway, where the faint aroma of coffee wafted into the room. Moments later, Emma appeared a tray in hand with breakfast neatly arranged. She smiled at him, a soft, tentative expression that made his heart stir.“You’re up early,” Ethan said, his voice still husky from sleep.“I thought you could use a good breakfast before your therapy session,” Emma replied, setting the tray on the nightstand. “Today’s a big day.”Ethan’s jaw tensed. The idea of physical therapy always brought a mix of hope and frustration. Progress had been slow, and while he trusted Emma, he couldn’t shake the nagging doubt that he might never walk again.Emma seemed to se
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