Annelise's POVHe was looking straight into my eyes and was sweating so hard that it looked like he was going to pass out.“Annelise," he called my name again.“What. Do. You. Want." I said word after word, I could barely restrain myself anymore. It looked like I was going to burst at any moment."I wanted to see you," he replied after looking at me with that weird expression on his face."Is there anything you want to say to me? And dear Lord, it better be worth my time," I gritted.He swallowed thickly after hearing the threat behind my voice and seeing how much I was glaring at him.“I- I wanted to see you," he repeated that same line, further irking me.“You have ten seconds to say what you came here for or I'm going to kick your goddamn ass."“Nine," I started counting down for him when he still didn't say anything. His eyes widened in shock.“Eight."“I just wanted to check up on you. And to ask if you still want to go on that date with me," he rushed out.The f*ck?! I've seen d
Ethan's POV“Someone is here to see you,” Lucas said into the phone as I picked up his call. It's still so early for anyone to visit, and I don't have any visitors.“What's the name?” I asked.“Uh, she said her name is Grace, but I could have sworn that's not it. I've seen her before; I just don't know where,” he replied.Lucas is intelligent in all aspects of life—academically, financially, even intellectually—but not really, as he's so dumb when it comes to remembering faces.“Let her in,” I ordered, then hung up. It has to be something important for her to have passed the reception.I went back to what I was checking on my phone. Annelise just uploaded some of her new collections, and it's safe to say that I'm now a stalker. I've been stalking the page for days now.A knock came on my door, and I ordered whoever it was to come in. Someone with a disguising hat entered and walked slowly towards me.I could deduce that it was a female from the clothes and hair. The hat covered almost
Ethan's POV Ken went to her house? What was he even looking for? I got over the shock soon enough, or I just had to—there are other things to worry about at the moment. “Has the doctor said anything yet?” I asked. “Not yet. I’ve just been here, waiting for anyone to come out to say something, but none yet,” she replied. I started pacing with her too, trying so hard not to break into that room where she was being treated. It felt like hours already, even though I only just got here minutes ago. Could she have eaten something that didn’t go in sync with her body system? I racked my head for any possible reason she could be in there. Or it could just be stress. I was really worried, about to enter the room, when the door swung open and a doctor came out. Both I and Annelise’s friend ran to meet him immediately. “How is she now? Is she okay?” “Can we see her now?” we asked simultaneously. The man looked at both of us before his eyes settled on me. “You’re her husband,” h
Annelise's POV I woke up late in the evening when it was all dark outside, and I couldn't see anything in the room. I had to act cool and collected until I was able to trace my phone, which I used to turn on the lights.After doing that, I walked outside the room. The figure that was curled up on the couch made me wait at the entrance of the living room at first.It was Ethan. He has been here since the afternoon? Didn't I tell him to leave and that I was fine?He did say he was going to wait till I woke up before he left, and he did just that. The action warmed my heart a lot; I was really touched by the fact that he did stay.Where's Esther, by the way? She should be back already. I moved closer to Ethan to see that he was in a very uncomfortable position. His neck was hanging off the couch, and his legs were curved in a way that looked really uncomfortable.What do I do? Wake him up or just leave him alone since I can't make him sleep normally myself? But I also didn't want to lea
Ethan's POV I tried to smooth my hair while running out of the apartment, my hair all rough and scattered from how I placed my head on that couch.I didn't know if it was because my mind was at rest or because I really needed that sleep that I slept off, all I knew was that I didn't even know when I did.It was really dark outside; the street lights and few people were the only things I could see. I walked towards where I parked my car, it was parked differently from the other ones.I got into it and drove off without knowing where I was going or any particular destination in mind. All I knew was that I had to find a way to get the rescheduling done.They're foreign investors, and they might even be out of the country already as we speak. Lucas had called me countless times already, but I didn't hear the phone ringing because it was on silent.I dialed his number upon thinking about him, putting it on speaker so I could concentrate on driving too. He picked up on the second ring, his
Annelise's POV I slept off on the phone with Ethan earlier. I knew it was still too early to fall asleep that way, but I just couldn't control it. I woke up with my phone on my chest and my painting materials around me.“Just great,” I mumbled as I stood up from the couch I slept on. How I even managed to fall asleep while being in such an uncomfortable position amuses me.Ethan's cologne is still very much on this couch, and it's so strong. I found myself inhaling it deeply before I slept off, but now all I could get was my own cologne.I went back to the painting I was working on. I had orders that I hadn't even started yet. The one I'm currently working on is almost finished, so I added a few finishing touches before moving on to the next one.I had already started it when my phone pinged, making me take my eyes away from the drawing board for a few seconds. It was a message from Instagram.Since it's my business page, I decided to check what it was. I took off the gloves I had pu
Ethan's POV I dropped my phone after sending the last text. She finally replied to the order I sent from my fake account days ago. I almost forgot I even dropped a message. I had my secretary send the money from her personal account because I didn’t want my name to appear on the transaction.It’s evening already, and I should be on my way home, but I just wish the day didn’t end. I badly don’t want to go back to that lonely house. Getting to sleep was a hard thing last night. I ended up doing half of today’s work in the middle of the night, and I still didn’t sleep until morning. It feels like a hassle even going home when I can just stay here overnight. I had to drag myself up and walk over to the door.I met Lucas on my way to the elevator. He had just stood up from his seat.“What are you still doing at work?” I asked, raising one of my eyebrows. We both got into the elevator, and he pressed the button for the ground floor.“I was rounding up some things. To think that I was on m
Annelise's POV I woke up with one intention on my mind, I needed to see my father concerning my mother. I've thought about it all night and I came to the conclusion of talking something out with him.I did my morning routine quickly and decided to make breakfast today since Esther was still sleeping, so I settled on making waffles. I mixed the ingredients and soon put everything in the waffle maker. I sipped on my tea as I waited for it to be done with my back resting on the kitchen's cabinet.I had thought about it all night and have decided to carry out an investigation myself on the person that hit my mother and the events that really unfolded.This is because the more I think about it, the more I get convinced that it wasn't just an ordinary hit, it all looks planned.The waffle was soon done and I brought them out, putting Esther's on a plate too because I know she's going to come out of her room anytime soon, I've heard sounds coming from her room already.I sat down to eat my
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