The sound of Ethan emptying his bullets into Gloria echoed in my head as I stared at the man I used to love, "You are a monster" I thought to myself thinking back as he killed the mother of his son like she was nothing.I turned to stare into his eyes and there was no hint of remorse, "let's go" he said trying to hold my hands but I reflectively withdrew myself from his grip, I nodded feeling weak as I tried to drag myself out of the confinement I was locked. "Are you sure you are okay?" Ethan asked and I nodded, I had lost a lot of blood from the little cut Gloria had given me and my legs had weakened from sitting in one position for over a day. "Let me," Ethan said lifting me like I weighed nothing as he carried me out of the room, outside. He carried me out of the house in the middle of nowhere into the back seat of a tinted black jeep, before joining me and closing the door. "Find Wayne and Alfred and make sure to burn the house down" Ethan instructed to his men still station
Ethan gave me a confused stare, like he had no idea what I was saying. "I saw it all, Ethan. I know what you do," I said, glaring into his eyes."What are you talking about?" Ethan wondered, still pretending not to know."Don't lie to me," I yelled, swinging my hands as water from the tub splashed at Ethan, and he moved slightly."I saw it, videos of how you kill and torture people, how you are the so-called King of the underworld, doing illegal things," I said, watching his eyes widen."What kind of monster are you?" I asked again."Why didn't you tell me you were such a monster?" As I spoke, I felt a little relieved I didn't have a child with him. "Is that the kind of life our baby would have had, having a father who murders people? Is that the kind of life Jake had? No wonder he thought it was okay to attack me," I continued to berate Ethan, whose eyes softened as he looked at the ground."That was not my plan for us," Ethan explained, and I rolled my eyes."You are my peace, Emi
"First, you need to win his trust. Make sure he doesn't suspect anything," Wayne instructed, and I nodded as if he could see me."He already made the mistake of killing Gloria. Now, all I have to do is convince her father to go after him," Wayne said, pausing for a moment. "Although that will be a bit difficult, I need to convince him it will be successful," Wayne explained."Listen, Emily, the most important task right now is to get his guard down. Make him feel safe around you, make him trust you," Wayne instructed, and I took a deep breath. How could I make Ethan, who didn't tell me anything about who he really was, trust me?"Okay," I said, not sure how to do that, but I was determined. "When you get off the sea, I will give you a drive that will help us hack Alpha," Wayne said."Alpha?" I asked, forgetting for a second what Alpha was."Yes, his AI. It's his most powerful weapon at the moment and the reason he's untouchable," Wayne explained. Despite making plans with Wayne, I co
A Week Later"Good morning," Ethan said, kissing me on the cheek. I opened my eyes to find his beautiful brown eyes staring at me."Good morning," I replied, yawning and stretching to shake off the sleep."Guess what?" Ethan's eyes glistening."What?" I asked, still rubbing my eyes."You said you were seasick, so I asked the captain to take us to shore," Ethan said, making me jump out of bed as the sleepiness cleared from my eyes. "Are you serious?" I smiled, feeling elated.Despite the fact that the ship had everything I could think of, I was tired of being at sea. A week on the water with no one but Ethan and his staff made the introvert in me disappear."Thank you," I sighed, giving Ethan a warm hug and placing a gentle kiss on his lips."Is that all I get?" Ethan smirked, asking for a deeper kiss."My breath, I haven't brushed my teeth," I said, using my breath as an excuse not to kiss him. As much as I tried, I couldn't pretend to be completely okay and avoided every intimate co
"Oh! I think it's better now," I said, pulling out the phone and quickly ending the call. "I thought it was spoiled, but you're probably right. It's waterproof," I said, looking at the phone as though examining it."I called my father earlier, but he missed it. It could be him calling back," I said to Ethan, getting to my feet. "He doesn't know I'm with you," I whispered, moving away from Ethan before calling Wayne back."Hey, Dad, it's Emily. I'm sure you saw my missed call," I said out loud, just to make sure Ethan could hear me before I took more distance from him."You're with Ethan?" Wayne asked."Yes," I replied."Don't say anything. I'm sure he can read lips," Wayne warned."Okay, Dad," I said, turning to see Ethan staring at me with furrowed brows."I'm at the park. Where should I keep the drive?" Wayne asked. I looked around the park, having no idea."I'm just having ice cream," just in case. "I'm enjoying the ice cream, but I don't like the flavor I chose. Maybe I'll throw
"Fine, Ethan, show me, and I’ll trust you," I said, taking a deep breath. "This park is suddenly making me feel depressed," I added, changing the topic to avoid any suspicion."I think I want to go shopping. I need more comfortable dresses if we are going to stay long on the ship," I explained, watching Ethan nod."Okay," Ethan agreed, moving back to the picnic mat and packing up our things. As he came close with the ice cream pack, I looked at it."Oh! Is this the flavor I got?" I frowned, taking the chocolate-flavored ice cream from his hand."I wanted pistachio," my frown deepened. "What was I thinking when I ordered chocolate? I’m tired of chocolate," I began to complain.Ethan quickly took the ice cream from me. "It’s fine, I’ll take the chocolate. You can get the pistachio for yourself," Ethan said. I looked at him, faking a smile."Really?" I asked, and he nodded. "But you don’t really like ice cream.""I don’t mind," Ethan shrugged."Let’s get you the pistachio, okay?" Ethan u
To my surprise, Ethan didn't stop. His kiss grew more passionate, filled with a hunger I could feel deep within him. For a brief moment, I forgot myself in his arms, our lips devouring each other as if we couldn't get enough. His tongue danced with mine, sending shivers down my spine. I felt his hands roaming my back, pulling me closer, as if he wanted to consume me whole. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the intensity of the moment. His lips were fierce, demanding, and yet gentle, savoring every second of our kiss. I felt myself getting lost in his embrace, my heart racing, my soul on fire. It was as if time stood still, and I had forgotten everything, even my mission. We kissed for what felt like an eternity before he finally pulled away, his breath hot against my lips. "I've really missed you, Emily," he whispered, his minty breath sending tingles through my body. As soon as our lips parted, I quickly regained my composure, moving back t
"Let's get you back to your room," Ethan said, his voice soft but firm as he guided me out of the control room. His hand rested gently on my back, sending shivers up my spine. The warmth of his touch was disarming, but I couldn’t let it distract me again.As we walked back to my room, I kept my eyes forward, trying to ignore the way my body still ached for him, the way my lips still tingled from his kiss. I couldn’t afford to lose myself like that again.When we reached my room, Ethan paused at the door, his gaze searching mine. "I’m sorry if I pushed too hard earlier," he said, his voice laced with regret and something else I couldn’t quite place. "I’ve missed you so much, Emily." He confessed. His voice filled with desire. I forced a small smile, nodding. "I just need some time." I explained. His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if trying to read something in my eyes. I held my breath, praying he wouldn’t see through my facade, before he finally nodded."Take all the ti
"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