Ethan's POVHer soft body was on mine; I couldn't see her face because my eyes were so hazy and unfocused. Besides, her long hair was covering her face.Her hand roamed my body, and little groans of pleasure escaped my lips. I just can't seem to get a hold of how addictive she smells too.My eyes went clear for only a millisecond; it went straight to her unclad thigh, a tiny butterfly was there. After that, everything went hazy again._I sat up on the bed; that same dream has been appearing and reappearing in my head since that night of the party in the family house.I've not had a good sleep for days now. I haven't even laid on the bed for up to thirty minutes when I started sleeping, then that same dream came.I can't really call it a dream if it did happen in reality. The only thing is just that I didn't even see her face when I woke up; it was through her scent on the sheets the next morning I knew I wasn't crazy.I sent a quick text to my private investigator to get anything he
Ethan's POV“What the h*ll did you do to my grandson’s face?!" She yelled; she looked so angry."I only redecorated his face,” I shrugged.So much is at risk with what I'm currently doing, but if this means I get to express myself and do as I wish just for this night, then the damage control can come up anytime soon.“You bas-” She stopped whatever she wanted to say, but anyone would know what she wanted to say. That word no longer moves me; I'm so used to it that it now feels like a normal thing to me, just like my name.“Why did you stop? That's my name, isn't it?” My voice was so low, though any sane person would know that I was only trying to control the anger that was threatening to come out.She clenched her jaw, her old face looking so angry.“I only came here to give your dearest grandson a warning. The next time he tries something like he did tonight, you wouldn't even recognize him again.”I walked away from the duo I'm meant to see as my closest family, as they are the only
Annelise's POV“Someone is here to see you, ma'am." I've gotten so used to Angela's voice that I know if she's the one talking without even checking.I opened up the door. “Who is it?" I asked her.“She didn't say that. She did say she's a close family member though," she replied.A close family member. I know Anastasia and her parents wouldn't come here to see me, so they can't be the ones."I'll be downstairs in a bit," I said, closing the door immediately.I racked my head as to who it could be. At the thought of it being a family member from my mother's side, I hastened up with dressing up and ran downstairs.They were already let in. I paused on getting to the last stairs; I couldn't breathe anymore.“If it isn't my favorite sister," the person said. It's none other than Anastasia; she was looking around the huge living area.“What are you doing here?" I asked her first as I eventually joined her in the living area.“Can't I come check up on my sister again?" She answered without
Annelise's POVHave you forgotten so soon what's at stake here?" I still didn't reply to him. It was my father; he had called me almost immediately after Anastasia left.The only mistake I made was picking up his call; I should have known what he was calling for.“You also seem to have forgotten what's at stake with me. You think I don't know how much you're generating just by being an in-law of a Harrington?”He was quiet for a while. "And you think I would prioritize your mother's health over that?”I gulped, my mouth dry. I'm really tired of going back and forth with him every time.“It's up to you to choose if you want the benefit you're getting from this or making your daughter happy by making me sad instead."I'm playing a very risky game here, and I'm aware of that, but if I continue being that weak girl to him, he'd just keep trampling upon me.“Is this what marriage does to you? You think because you're married to a rich billionaire husband, which is even courtesy of me, you
Annelise's POV“Ma'am, I was told to come call you," Angela's voice came from the door.I mumbled out a ‘coming,’ then I heard her footsteps start receding.I was done since, I was just rethinking this. Do I really have to do this? My palms are sweaty and clammy from sweating even though I'm under an air conditioner that's blowing hard.I stepped out of the room, taking in a really deep breath for the umpteenth time tonight. I straightened out my dress with my hand as though it was rumpled up.I descended the stairs downstairs, taking it one at a time. It's really almost impossible to not fall down the stairs with the heels I had on.When I got to the last step, I saw Ethan. His back was facing me, and he seemed to be on a phone call.I walked towards him; he must have heard my footsteps because he looked back.I've never gotten an expression out of him before, but seeing his jaw drop on seeing me had me surprised. He looked away almost immediately, but I had seen him at least.That m
Annelise's POVWe both walked around the room, Ethan just kept dragging me around. He would nod at most greetings from people; some even tried to talk to him, but the stoic expression on his face made them rethink their decisions.“Where exactly are we going?" I asked him when it looked like we'd only be walking for the majority of the night.“You'll see."Just then, he stopped walking, and I automatically did too.He stopped by the bar section of the hall. I frowned at that; different servers had been taking drinks around that we could have just taken one from them. Why the stress?“Tequila," he said to the person there.The guy behind the counter was practically shaking; he must have recognized Ethan immediately.Even the drink he was pouring was about to spill off if not for that he was doing it slowly.The guy handed over the drink to Ethan and turned to look at me.“What would you like to have, ma'am?" He asked me.“Just juice, I don't drink alcohol," I replied.I felt someone lo
Annelise's POVMy eyes widened immediately; Ethan was still looking at me.His eyes were completely dark. Any other person would think it was because of another thing, but I could feel the intensity of anger in those black orbs.I licked my lips out of nervousness and fear. If it was possible to hide under the ground and never come out, I would do that right now.There was suddenly a loud scream that automatically made the tension in the room dissolve into fear. The silence in the room was replaced with yells and screams of horror.There were men dressed in black and masked going around the room. They shot someone, hence the scream.They must have used a silencer because no one heard anything except for the scream from the person they shot.What I didn't expect was for me to be forced under a nearby table by none other than Ethan.The lights in the hall started fluctuating. I was shaking under the table with Ethan; he didn't even look fazed yet I felt like I was about to wet myself.“
Annelise's POV“So, how are you coping with the marriage?" He asked me.I looked at him as though he was speaking gibberish; he isn't in the right position to ask me that question. What does he expect me to reply to him with?“How it's meant to be; a contract marriage," I replied in a really formal tone."Oh please. I expect you to have been making some moves by now. You know, the only way to secure a marriage is to get pregnant, give him a child.”I looked at him with disgust on my face; I almost couldn't believe that he would say something like that.“I'm not a wh*re," I said with gritted teeth."So you mean it's only wh*res that give birth without being in love with their partner? I hope you do know that your mother was pregnant with you since the first night we met, way before we got married.”Anger surged through me; my teeth were hurting from gritting them too tight and for so long. I seemed to have never felt so angry that way before.Before I could say anything though, the doo
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