Ethan's POV “Did she block my number or what?" I growled out angrily.Rex looked up from his phone, we've both been trying to dial Annelise consecutively now and it's all to no avail.It was ringing on Rex's end but wasn't connecting on my own end at all. She wasn't picking Rex's own either.“It seems so.” Rex mumbled, only adding to my anger.I've been calling her since yesterday evening. The text I sent wasn't delivered, yet Rex's own has been viewed.I still don't know the basis of her anger since she left the house weeks ago but it's really getting out of hand now.My grandmother has been on my neck since then, she always wants to talk to her. And for some stupid reason, I have barely slept since she left.“Let’s go to the company. I'm sure she'll return your calls or something, she's probably busy.” I told him.At this point, I might be forced to show up at her friend's house even though that's the last thing I know she'd want from me.But this charade has gone on for long alrea
Ethan's POV Simon's face went white as soon as he processed what I just said. “I-i can explain. It wasn't to deceive you, I swear." He panted as he walked over to me.I allowed him to stand in front of my table while I sat down comfortably with a relaxed look on my face, though I wanted nothing more than to just go over and smash his face in.“Okay, explain. I'm all ears." I said, watching how he started sweating even though the air conditioner was at its highest.“I- her other name is Anastasia, yes. So it's not entirely a lie.” He fibbed.He must really think I'm a fool to tell such an obvious lie to me. The way he was perspiring and looked like he was going to sh*t his pants added to his suspicious look.I didn't even need that to get that he was lying, Annelise herself confirmed that it was the truth. I was solidly against carrying out any investigation on her when we just got married.“Really? Do you have documents to back up your claim? F*ck documents, you're nothing but a scr
Ethan's POV “Give it back, Lucas.” I ordered him.He ran with it to the door, only making my jaw tighten more."No, just come have lunch with me. Your head might explode if you keep going this way, look how swollen and dark your eyes are, do you even sleep? I might need to have a conversation with your wife.”"What has my wife got to do with this. And I didn't complain to you that I was tired?” I asked with gritted teeth."Man, you need to really calm down. I didn't even say anything bad, are you sure you're good?” He asked, searching my eyes as if he was searching for something.“Can you leave my office now? And come drop the laptop here.” I told him.He knew this isn't the time to joke with me or anything, he just calmly walked over and dropped the laptop then turned around to leave.“You know what? On second thought, I think I'll come with you." I told him after my stomach growled for the umpteenth time today.I didn't have breakfast this morning, nor have I had lunch. Angela has
Annelise's POV “Can't you walk faster?" Esther asked me.“You can't tell a pregnant woman to move faster than she already is, this is how fast I can go." I purposely reduced the pace to annoy her even more. We decided to come out to get lunch today, we met up at this restaurant since she was at work and I was in the house painting.I needed to get some orders done before the end of the week when I'll be getting away from this city in general.Esther playfully pushed me out of the restaurant when I reduced the pace. I bumped into a wall, a soft wall of muscles.And this wall smells awfully familiar. I'd have wavered sideways if strong arms didn't steady me that it looked like I was embracing the person.I looked up, still frozen to look into the familiar black pupils stared back into mine, that face that I woke up to see almost everyday for months and those arms that I used to hug to myself and gave me comfort.“Ethan?" I whispered like I didn't believe that he was the one.Something
Annelise's POV Ethan looked at me with a shocked expression on his face, as though I just grew two extra heads. I glared at him really hard, my teeth were grinding so hard that I was scared that it'd break at this moment.He opened the door from the driver's seat without even standing up and I was out before he could say ‘jack'. I ran out of the car and started looking at the parking lot wildly for Esther.I needed to know if she was still here, I needed her, I needed to talk to someone or I'd go crazy!I saw her car still in the same place we parked it before we went in and I ran towards it, it was almost like I flew towards the car because of how quickly I got there.I opened the car and got into the passenger's seat with my chest heaving up and down. My heart was hurting so much as though a sledge hammer has been used on it.“Hey, hey, hey, what happened?” I heard Esther say above my head."It's okay, you're okay. Everything is okay.” She said to me calmly. I just sighed and looke
Annelise's POV “There's still more in the pot if you want it." I was already in the kitchen and taking more before she could finish those words.My appetite today is just so horrendous. I wasn't able to keep down anything yesterday yet I felt like I could consume a whole mountain today with how hungry I was.I finished the plate too in no time and topped it with another bottle of water. I'm definitely going to visit the toilet a thousand times before it's morning.“Are you satisfied now? We can still order pizza if you want.” Esther asked me as we both sat down on the couch after we both did the dishes.“I'm okay, thanks for asking." I smiled at her. There's no space for any other thing in my stomach though I was craving a lot of things.I turned my head to the random show that was playing on the television. This is just that kind of time where the television is just playing on to serve as a background noise, my mind wasn't even there.It's somewhere far away from here, a future wher
Annelise's POV I got the deal signed in no time, I was really excited to have gotten it. That man is one of the major people in the art industry and I just managed to get it so easily.He had said my arts were too exquisite to be ignored or not elevated to a proper level. He's like a distributor and he'd help in getting the clients while I just do the painting.I dialed Esther when I was done and waiting for my cab outside the cafe I met with the man.She picked the call on the second ring, “Hey love, how did it go?"“I got the deal!" I said immediately out of excitement.“I knew you were going to get it, you're so f*cking good and competent that anyone would want to work with you!” She replied. "Thanks for the compliment, flattery has always been your thing so I'm not surprised.” I mumbled.A figure suddenly appeared before me, a stifled gasp escaped my mouth that I had to hang up on Esther before she could finish talking.“I wasn't even flatt-" “I'll talk to you later, Esther." I
Annelise's POV I should have known that the company being at its lowest and my father's perception of it being my fault automatically means he'd stop her treatment!I tried calling him several times and he didn't even pick the calls till I got so mad and frustrated and could only wish that the car could fly.Going home would mean absolutely nothing, going to my former house was also as useless as anything because there's no way my father would be there at this moment. This pent up frustration and anger in me was begging to be unleashed on someone, just anyone at all.“We're here." The driver's voice was what made me open the door, even though i was looking outside the car. I opened up and ran out of the car, paying the cab man.This isn't even the time to conceal any emotion or act like I've been acting when in the midst of people I'm sure knows me. I ran into the building without waiting at the reception.The receptionist either was incompetent or saw my face before I ran into the
Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Five: AnneliseOne Month LaterMy life had finally returned to how it was in the beginning before everything started, but now it felt more peaceful. I remembered the discussion I had with my mom when I asked about my real father, and she finally told me the truth.My biological dad had passed away, and she had remarried to avoid bringing disgrace to her family. She hadn’t told me because she thought everything was fine. I sat on the kitchen counter, enjoying kiwi and peanut butter. I hummed excitedly, swinging my legs gently. It was the most delicious thing I’d eaten.“Want some?” I offered Ethan, who looked at it with disgust.“No, I’m good.” Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes. Ethan’s widened in panic.“I was just kidding. Of course, I want to eat it, but I’m worried it’s not enough for you,” he said hastily.I narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you sure? Or do you just not want any?”“Of course, I’m sure,” he replied, his face breaking into an uncharac
Ethan's POV Lucas had called me urgently this morning, informing me to be at the company. He didn’t elaborate much, and I was left wondering what was happening.I stood in the elevator, which was taking me to the top floor. I don’t know why, but I felt something was about to change. The soft chime of the elevator door sounded, and as it stopped, the door slid open. I stepped out and walked down the hallway into the conference room.Opening the door, I was greeted by the eyes of the board of directors, including Amanda’s. What was she doing here? I saw Lucas come forward to meet me.“What is happening?” I gritted out.“I don’t know either. Madam Amanda called me this morning, telling me we should be present at this sudden conference meeting she had called.” I nodded at him and walked to the front where an empty seat, clearly meant for me, awaited. I sat down.“Most of us know why we are all here, and we have all heard about the scandal. Now, I want to transfer all my shares to Ethan,
Annelise's POV I caressed my bulging stomach gently, with love shining in my eyes. Suddenly, I felt a soft kick against my belly and giggled at the sensation. I could feel my baby's feet pressed against me.Pulling up my top, I exposed my stomach and smiled at the tiny feet. "Naughty baby," I scolded gently. I heard chuckling behind me and turned to see Ethan staring at me with love and admiration in his eyes. I blushed at the sight—it was overwhelming.“Why are you chuckling?” I asked.“It’s beautiful seeing you scold our little one with such love,” he answered, sitting beside me. His gaze shifted to my stomach.He placed his large, cold hand on my belly. As if recognizing it was his father’s touch, our baby kicked hard, causing me to flinch. I shot Ethan a glare. He chuckled sheepishly before sighing. I sensed immediately that something was wrong.“What’s wrong?” I asked, taking his hand in mine.“Amanda has been calling me. I haven’t picked up because honestly, I have nothing to s
Annelise's POV “What are you saying, Annelise?” Ethan asked me.“I'm saying that it was the sex we had that night that made me pregnant. I was confused at first because I didn't remember what really happened that night.”“You're saying that the sex that night led to this pregnancy?” he asked, with a shocked expression on his face.“Yes, Ethan,” I replied, assessing his face to gauge his reaction. He had been happy before at the idea of us having a baby, even though he initially thought it might not be his.The confused look on his face quickly turned into happiness, which was contagious, and I smiled brightly too.He hugged me tightly and showered my face with kisses.“Thank you so much for this beautiful gift, Annelise,” he said."You're welcome. Now give me my food; I'm famished,” I commanded him with a strict look on my face.“Right away, your majesty,” he said as he opened up the plate himself. He started feeding me, and I happily ate the food.I finished everything on the plate
Annelise's POV I jumped on Ethan the moment I saw him at the entrance. His arms were waiting for me already, though my big stomach didn't let me hug him as much as I wanted to.“I missed you so much. When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me that you were coming?” I bombarded him with questions as tears streamed down my face out of happiness."I don't have my phone, remember?” He chuckled close to my ear."Yes, but still,” I trailed off, hugging him even more. I had to break the hug when someone cleared their throat behind us—it was Lucas and Rex.“Welcome back, man,” Lucas said as he patted Ethan on the back.“Thanks, and I appreciate you for helping out with everything,” Ethan replied, and they did that weird men hug.“You don't even know if I helped her out with it or not,” Lucas chuckled.“I know you'd always turn up for things like this. I don't need to hear it before I do; you're a real one,” Ethan said to Lucas."You're always welcome,” Ethan replied, and Rex greeted him t
Annelise's POV It's Monday now, and I have everything I need for revealing the truth ready. I was assisted by both Lucas and Esther, and I just want the DMZ meeting to be over so I'll have Ethan back.It's time for the event to start, and I didn't bother to disguise to enter the building even though paparazzi were outside in abundance.It's just a plus that I decided to come with both Max and Lucas, and since they're both registered in the company, they were allowed to go through the backdoor.It's afternoon at the moment, and I have anxiety churning in my stomach. I kept reminding myself that I was doing this for Ethan, and I didn't need to think about the crowd that I'd face.“I'll be there with you in that conference room so you'll have a familiar face with you. You don't need to be scared of anyone; just do your thing and let the media do the rest,” Lucas said before we got out of the car.“Thank you so much for everything you've done, Lucas. I really appreciate you, and I'm sure
Ethan's POV Annelise and I woke up to news about me flying around. It's the same thing that Ken has been using to threaten me before. It was the cuss word from my mouth that woke up Annelise.Though it's still afternoon, we both slept off hours after coming back from the hospital as we didn't sleep overnight normally.She sat up on the bed almost immediately after I cussed out loud, with her eyes still partly closed. She used her hand to wipe her eyes as though she was trying to wipe the sleep away.“What happened?" she asked as her eyes came clear.“Uh, it's… nothing. You can go back to sleep. I'm going to take care of it now.” I rushed out of bed, and she rushed behind me too.“Ethan, did anything happen with anyone? That didn't look like nothing back there at all,” she said behind me, successfully following me into the bathroom.I sighed out loud. "It's Ken. He released the news about me hitting someone, and it's everywhere on the internet now," I rushed out the words to her.“He
Ken's POV I've been reeling with joy since I was announced as the new highest shareholder of the company, automatically making me the owner of some sort.I honestly expected more from Ethan in terms of competition for the contract and all, but he seemed to be focused on another thing other than anything concerning the company these days, and that worked in my mercy.It could be because he's now separated from his wife, but I didn't care. All that matters now is that I'm way higher than him in rank, and he's below me.I've been trying all my life to achieve that, but he always manages to be one step ahead of me each time I try to surpass him.He was married to someone I like, and he's known by more businessmen and people as the one with the brains for business, while I'm the trophy grandson.I wonder how he feels right now with his most prized possession not with him anymore; he's probably about to commit suicide.A cruel smile came up on my face at the last thing I thought; dying is
Annelise's POV I was able to get to the hospital in no time, signed the final documents for the transfer, and it was all processed quickly.It wasn't that stressful because my father had already signed me on as one of her guardians, so it wasn't hard for me to arrange her move to another facility.All that's left is the actual moving, which is scheduled for tomorrow. I was told it couldn't be done today as all the paperwork needs to go through the final stages to reach the desired hospital.When I was done at the hospital and had spent some time with my mother, I went to the car dealership as I had told Ethan. I've been keeping him updated on everything that's been happening.He was replying to the messages up until the last one I sent, which I took as him ignoring it because of the argument we had about it last night.I went there and made inquiries on some of the budget-friendly cars they had. I ended up with a nice car that had some great features and was within my price range.Th