Ethan surfed his computer feeling restless, he had finally found Iris yet he didn't feel as satisfied as he expected to.He felt no spark. Instead, he found himself thinking about someone else. “She is your son’s girlfriend,” he reminded himself, as he stared at Emily's table.There was something about her that made his heart flutter, from the moment he set his eyes on her. he wished she was Iris. A Knock on the door interrupted his train of thought, he raised his head to find Irene by the door with a wide grin.“Are we still on for dinner?” she asked.He looked at the time. he had spent the whole day thinking about Emily, “sure” he replied, grabbing his coat and getting to his feet. “Instead of Dinner” Irene said walking towards him.“I was thinking we could go to your place” she suggested closing the gap between them and leaning in for a kiss.“No” Ethan replied bluntly, he was starting to get irritated by Irene. Irene was taken aback by his bluntness her eyes widened in shock. “
I raised my head to find Ethan smiling at me, " What are you doing Emily!" He smirked standing by the door. My heart sank."Ah!" I screamed with eyes wide open, searching for a way to cover myself, I put my hands over my body scanning the room for anything to cover myself up but there were none. "Close your eyes, look away" I yelled at Ethan who was gawking at me, "Sorry" he chuckled turning his face and allowing me the chance to run upstairs. As soon as I got to my room, I slammed the door burying my face in my hands.How embarrassing. I wished the floor could swallow me. I am just going to sit here until he goes back to New York. "Babe" I heard a gentle knock on the door, I moved away from the door, burying myself in piles of clothing. "It's me babe, can I come in" Jake asked, Ethan must have told him what happened. You fool I berated myself. who sits naked in front of a door. I felt like a fool."I am coming in" Jake said, pushing the door open, foolish me forgot to lock the d
What. My heart fluttered. Tongue-tied, I blushed like a fool, "I have this desire to make you extremely happy Emily, not because you and my son are dating, but because you deserve all the happiness you could get".As Ethan declared, my mind was in a state of turmoil, what was he saying? Is this a love confession? "I am having dinner, with some clients at The Ballroom, I think you should get a new dress," He said changing the topic, like he didn't just say the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I nodded not saying another word, I wished I had courage, I would have persisted. I sat quietly smiling to myself, 'Don't get the get the wrong idea, he is just being nice' I warned myself.I bit my lower lip trying to contain my thoughts as we got to "Pink" a boutique in the centre of town. "Here you go," Ethan said, handing me his palladium card as he settled into his seat. I paused staring at the card, I had never seen one up close before. "Get whatever you want" He said pushing the card
"If she is your new Assistant, what happened to Alfred" Mr. Coltmen asked staring at me with a warm smile, he looked exactly like his brother. "Emily is just temporary, while I am at Castle Tech" Ethan explained. "That God-forsaken company, I wonder why you bought it" Mr Coltmen frowned"What I wonder, is how you got Maxwell to sell his darling company to you" Pyria laughed I guess it was an inside joke.I sat quietly watching them discuss while enjoying the feel of Ethan's hands in mine. 'he is just being nice' I kept having to remind myself as I found my mind wandering. "I offered him something better" Ethan said caressing my hands under the table, it felt euphoric, and my heart fluttered at each stroke. I glanced at Ethan whose eyes were focused on Mr Coltmen, his touch was so delicate, it could make a person fall in love. "Don't tell me! You gave him Alpha, didn't you" Pyria said, I had no idea what they were talking about and they sounded more like friends than clients. "Ye
Without saying another word to me, Ethan walked downstairs and out of The ballroom, I followed quietly as he led us to the limo waiting outside. 'what about the dinner? I wondered following him into the limo. As we got in, he picked up his phone focusing on the screen, I sat quietly by the side, stealing glances and feeling ashamed of my behaviour. "I am sorry" I finally mastered the courage to say, I was the reason he had to scold his son and the reason he couldn't continue dinner with his friends. He raised his eyes above his phone with a smirk on his face, "Did you really hit him" he asked.My shoulders slumped as I nodded shamefully. a burst of laughter rumbled from deep within him as his face curved into a smile. "I guess he deserved it" he chuckled, putting a part of my mind at ease, yes he did. "huh" I exclaimed, this wasn't the response I was expecting."I didn't think you had it in you though," Ethan continued opening the mini fridge and pulling out a bottle of whiskey
Is this what you want?" Ethan said, placing a gentle kiss on my neck as I let out a light moan, "And here," he said moving lower to my neckline, his beard tickling me as each kiss left a desire for more."Lower," I whispered out of breath as he gently placed me on the leather seats of the limo."Are you sure," his eyes darkened with desire as I nodded desperately. He took me into a kiss and his hands wrapped tightly around my waist. "This is wrong!' Jake yelled out of nowhere startling me and waking me up from my slumber. "It was a dream" I sighed, sitting up and taking a deep breath as sweat beads began to fall from my face. Why was I dreaming about Ethan I wondered running my hands through my hair, I didn't need to remind myself how inappropriate it was to be dreaming about my ex-boyfriend's father.My mind drifted to the idea of making love to Ethan. 'Stop it!" I scolded myself shaking off the naughty thought, I raised my head to realize I was in a strange room.The memory of l
"Hello Mama" I picked up my phone ringing by my bedside, as I rubbed my eyes."Did I wake you?" my mother's soft voice asked. "No" I shook my head like she could see me, "I am up" I said adjusting my balance on the bed."I am sorry I left without saying goodbye, I followed my boss back to New York" I explained, feeling terrible for not telling her goodbye before leaving Asheville. "Your boss? Is he the reason you and Jake had a fight" my mother asked randomly,"What?" I exclaimed, wondering where she got the idea that Jake and I fought."Jake has been worrying sick about you, he said you two had a fight and you are not picking up his calls," my mother said and I rolled my eyes, that manipulative bastard was at it again. "My boss is his Father, and he has nothing to do with my fight with Jake, Jake knows why we fought," I said dismissing the conversation, even though I was certain Jake and I were never getting back together, I still wanted to preserve his image in my mother's eyes.
The impact of my punch landed squarely on Irene's jaw, sending her staggering backwards in shock. The room fell silent as everyone turned to me.My heart pounded in my chest and my hand still trembling from the force of my blow.I was never one to resort to violence, but Irene crossed a line.Irene recoiled, her eyes wide with disbelief. She placed her hands on her cheeks staring at me in shock, I instantly felt terrible, I surveyed the room filled with eyes pointing in my direction and it made it worse. "Ms. Sanders" Jennifer yelled getting to her feet, "We do not tolerate violence in this office" Jennifer said with crinkles around her eyes. My breath shortened, as my gaze circled back to Irene who just stood in shock. "HR would have to hear about this" Irene said out of breath as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. I bit my lip trying so hard not to smile, she deserved it. "No, I would handle this" Jennifer offered staring at me and beckoning for me to follow her, I follow
"What are you waiting for? Don’t leave the poor guy hanging," my father teased, raising his fist in the air. "Say yes," he said, joining the chants. The moment those words left his lips, it felt like the world paused. Everything I had ever wanted, everything I had ever hoped for, was falling into place. My father’s approval was the last piece of the puzzle. With a heart full of joy, I turned to Ethan, my voice shaky with excitement. "Yes!" I said, extending my hand to him. Ethan's smile widened as he slid the ring onto my finger. He lifted me into the air, swirling me around, and I giggled, my heart fluttering with excitement. It was a moment of pure bliss, as though nothing else existed in the world but us. When he finally set me down, I noticed Jennifer walking toward me, a soft smile on her face as she held a beautiful white dress in her hands. "You always said you wanted to get married in your mother's dress," she said, holding out my mother’s wedding gown, now perfectly alte
"What's going on, Dad?" I asked, my voice rising above its normal pitch, my heart starting to race. "Just come home, Emily. Now!" he yelled, ending the call abruptly. I stared at the phone, my mind blank. What could possibly be the problem? I couldn't think of anything, except maybe, like my mother, my father was sick too. I took a deep breath, dialing Ethan's number to inform him that I was getting on the next flight to Ashville."My dad just called me. He sounded really panicked. I think something is going on, and I have to go home now," I said as soon as Ethan picked up the call."Is everything okay? Did he say what was wrong?" Ethan asked. I shook my head as if he could see me."No, he just said I should come home. I'm going to the airport now to get the first ticket home," I felt the need to keep him informed."Just hold on. I'll call the pilot to take you," Ethan said, reminding me that he had a private jet. "I'll call the driver to take you to the hangar right now," he added,
"Long story short, his parents aren’t dead," Ethan said as he pulled into one of his mansions."What?" I exclaimed. "Don't shorten the story! Please, tell me the full details," I demanded, watching him park in the underground garage.Ethan sighed and turned to face me. "Wayne’s parents are not dead," he repeated.I narrowed my eyes, waiting for more. "They're at the island," Ethan continued.My eyes widened. "When I took you to the island, I used the opportunity to see them. They've been hiding from Christof because he wanted them dead. They stole from both me and Christof," Ethan explained.I nodded, starting to piece things together. "And the video?" I asked.Ethan smiled. "Faked. It was a video I made to convince Christof they were dead. He was starting to doubt my kills," he said with a shrug."And you didn't tell me? You let me judge you all this time?" I said, feeling a pang of guilt."Your judgment wasn’t far from the truth. I have killed people, Emily," Ethan said, locking eye
"So, tell me," I said, staring at him, my eyes glistening with curiosity.Ethan smiled. "A very important person owed me a favor. When Rose called, I decided to cash it in," he said.I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Who is this very important person who could easily turn a death sentence into nothing?" I wondered aloud.Ethan chuckled. "That’s my little secret," he teased, and I smiled."But," he added, "it wasn’t exactly changed from a death sentence to nothing. Someone else took the blame."My eyes widened, and I shot him a sharp glance. "An innocent man took the blame for you? That’s not fair!" I scolded."I wouldn’t call him innocent," Ethan replied casually, his tone so nonchalant it made me roll my eyes."I thought you said you’ve changed," I huffed, folding my arms across my chest."I have changed," Ethan insisted, but I just rolled my eyes again."Then tell me exactly what happened," I demanded, noticing he was only giving me snippets of the story. My eyes stayed fixed on him,
"Please, let's be a family," Ethan pleaded, kneeling before me and pulling out the ring, the same ring he had proposed with over three years ago. I watched him, a weak smile tugging at my lips. "I don't think this is the best place to propose," I said softly, glancing around the hospital room. "Besides, the floor isn't exactly sanitary. Please, get up." I said everything except what he wanted to hear."Well, answer me so I can get up," he replied, a smile playing on his lips. I glanced over at Jennifer, who nodded, urging me to say yes. I looked back at Ethan, my sweet Ethan, still on his knees."I love you," I said slowly, "and I would love to have a family with you. But I can't marry you." The words felt heavy as they left my mouth. I helped him to his feet, but I could see the hurt in his eyes."Why not, Em?" Jennifer’s voice cut through the silence that followed my answer."Marriage is... too heavy," I explained, feeling the weight of my father’s disapproval bearing down on me.
"Then don’t do it," Jennifer urged softly, her voice steady but filled with concern. I shook my head, tears streaming down. "I have to," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don’t have enough love to give them at the moment. They deserve more than a broken mother," I thought to myself. The nurse, standing nearby, remained silent, her face professional yet kind. She quietly placed her Doppler aside and handed me a tissue to wipe my tears. “You can head back to the doctor’s office,” she instructed gently. Jennifer and I both nodded, and we made our way down the hallway, my heart heavy with each passing moment.As we got to the doctor's office, we pushed open the door without knocking, only to stop abruptly. Another patient was seated inside. “Oh! Sorry,” Jennifer exclaimed, starting to close the door, but the doctor’s voice cut in. “No, Ms. Sanders, come in,” the doctor urged, his tone serious but also welcoming. I hesitated at the door, reluctant to walk in or speak about my choice
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jennifer’s voice was soft, yet filled with concern as she held my hand tightly. We walked into the clinic, the sterile smell of the place overwhelming my senses, and my heart raced in my chest. I could barely focus as I tried to take deep, steady breaths. "Yes, Jen," I replied, though the words felt hollow, like I was trying to convince myself just as much as I was convincing her."You just found out you're pregnant," she continued, her eyes searching mine for any flicker of doubt. "Wouldn’t it be better to wait? To think it through a little more?" Her voice was gentle, but beneath it was a plea.I shook my head, biting my lip to keep the tears at bay. "I don’t want to change my mind." The words came out firmer than I expected. I didn’t want to be swayed. I couldn’t be. I needed to do this before the weight of everything crushed me completely."I’ll go in myself," I urged, my voice quieter now. "Wait in the car with Irene and the others." I couldn’
“What!” I exclaimed, my eyes widening in disbelief. I turned to Jennifer, who looked just as shocked. “It can’t be,” I stuttered.Jennifer turned her head towards me, confusion etched across her face. “I thought you said you and Jason never…” she wondered.I nodded. “Never,” I echoed, panic rising within me.Jennifer looked back at the doctor, her voice firm and certain. “You must be mistaken, doctor. My friend has been celibate for over three…” Before Jennifer could finish, I cut her off. “I haven’t been celibate!” I whispered, feeling the heat of shame wash over me. My mind flashed back to the afternoon of her wedding, the memory of Ethan flooding back, the heat of the moment, our impulsive connection, and my frantic rush to escape afterward, forgetting the after pill.Jennifer’s expression shifted to one of motherly concern. “Who?” she asked, her voice firm. I bit my lip, avoiding her gaze, my eyes darting to the doctor, who was watching our exchange intently.“Ethan,” I murmured,
Six Weeks Later: The Final Hearing"Please, don't go through with it," I pleaded, my eyes fixed on Ethan as we stood together just before the trial. For almost six weeks, he had refused my visits, and this was the first time I'd seen him. He looked thinner, worn down by time in custody."You look pale. Are you okay?" Ethan asked, concern flickering in his eyes.I shook my head. How could I be? I had been feeling sick constantly, throwing up, dizzy, and suffering from headaches."Are you eating well?" Ethan’s voice softened. "Isn't Jason taking care of you?" He asked and I frowned at the mention of Jason. "We broke up," I whispered, my voice barely audible. After Ethan turned himself in I couldn't bear be with Jason, i was always sad around him, never giving him the time and attention he deserved, hence i had to break up with him, but he didn't takes it well, he insisted he could wait for me to heal and feel better, but i knew from the bottom of my heart that I could never love him. N