Chapter 151

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. "And let you snap at me for disturbing your beauty sleep? No, thank you."

Despite her usual sarcasm, Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He watched as she moved around the room, tidying up and avoiding his gaze.

"Emma," he called, his voice firm.

She paused, looking over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"Come here."

Reluctantly, she approached, crossing her arms defensively. "What is it?"

Ethan tilted his head, his sharp eyes scanning her face. "What’s bothering you?"

Emma’s composure faltered for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a scoff. "Nothing. Why do you think something’s wrong?"

"You’ve been avoiding me all morning," Ethan replied bluntly.

Emma sighed, rubbing her temples. "It’s my family. They’ve been calling nonstop. I guess I’m just tired of their... interference."

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "Do you want me to deal with them?"

"No!" Emma said quickly, shaking her head. "I mean, thank you, but this is something I need to handle myself."

Ethan studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "If you’re sure."

Emma offered a small smile. "I am. But I appreciate the offer."

---

Later that afternoon, Emma sat in the garden, her thoughts swirling. The tension with her family was nothing new, but their sudden interest in her life had become overwhelming. She didn’t notice Ethan rolling his wheelchair toward her until he spoke.

"You’re hiding," he said matter-of-factly.

Emma startled, turning to face him. "I’m not hiding."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You’re sitting in the middle of the garden, staring at nothing. That’s hiding."

Emma sighed, leaning back against the bench. "Fine. Maybe I needed some space."

"From me?" Ethan’s voice was softer now, almost vulnerable.

Emma glanced at him, surprised. "No, not from you. Just... everything else."

Ethan rolled closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Talk to me, Emma. I’m not great at this whole... comforting thing, but I’ll try."

Emma laughed despite herself. "You’re doing fine so far."

For a moment, she hesitated, but then the words spilled out. "My family—they only ever contact me when they need something. And now, with everything going on... I guess I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Ethan’s expression darkened. "You don’t owe them anything. If they’re making you feel this way, you have every right to shut them out."

Emma looked at him, touched by the sincerity in his voice. "Thank you, Ethan. But they’re still my family, and I can’t just... walk away."

"You’re too good for them," Ethan said quietly.

The intensity of his gaze made Emma’s breath hitch. She wasn’t used to this side of him—the man who cared, who saw her as more than just his doctor or his wife in name only.

"You don’t have to face everything alone," he added, reaching out to take her hand. "Not anymore."

Emma felt a lump in her throat. She squeezed his hand lightly, the gesture saying what words couldn’t.

That evening, the tension lingered, but there was an unspoken understanding between them. Emma prepared Ethan’s medication and helped him into bed, the silence between them comfortable.

"You know," Ethan said as she adjusted his pillows, "I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad you’re here."

Emma paused, looking down at him. "Even when I boss you around?"

Ethan smirked. "Especially then."

Emma laughed, shaking her head. "Goodnight, Ethan."

"Goodnight, Emma."

As she left the room, Ethan stared at the ceiling, a small smile playing on his lips. For the first time in years, he felt like he wasn’t entirely alone.