"ARE YOU hurt?"Michelle pulled back and looked at her old man, who then caressed her arm and scanned her entire physique as if he wanted to make sure she was fine. She could not believe she was seeing her father in the flesh, with that deep concern evident in his brown eyes and with a little frown embedded on his forehead.Since her mother died, Gregory Finley had become a stranger to her. The father, who was supposed to be his daughter’s greatest strength and anchor, was not able to fulfill his responsibilities, so Michelle had to stand all by herself at a young age. She wouldn’t deny that she had loathed him for not appreciating everything she did in order to help him, and she gave up on him the way he gave up on her.But now... now that she looked at the man who was giving her a fatherly stare—the kind of stare that told her he missed his daughter so much and had been worried about her situation—she couldn’t help but cry like a
"ETHAN!"Michelle’s deep concern was visible in her expression as she looked at her husband, who then blinked slowly while he looked back at her. She couldn’t contain her happiness. It was the only thing she’d been waiting for... for Ethan to wake up so her life would turn bright again.She held her hand, squeezing it to convince herself it wasn’t a dream. The warmth of his hand had been her constant reminder that she was in reality, and right now she wasn’t dreaming. Tears streamed down her face. All she could feel was happiness."Oh, my goodness. I’m so happy that you’re awake," she uttered in great relief and embraced him. "You scared me. Are you hurt elsewhere? Do you need something?"Ethan shook his head, giving her a little frown. "N-No…" His voice was hoarse."Oh, thank goodness!""But who are you?" Ethan asked.Michelle stiffened in her direction. It felt as though her senses ha
"HAVE I mentioned that working at home isn’t allowed yet?"Ethan’s gaze went in her direction. Michelle stood in the doorframe of his home office, one eyebrow raised as if she were some strict wife who didn't want to see her husband working two weeks after he was shot.He adjusted his eyeglasses, pursed his lips carefully as he had just gotten caught, and cleared his throat afterward."This is an important proposal I have to check through," Ethan reasoned as he showed her the document.Michelle fought the urge to roll her eyes. It had been only three days since Ethan was discharged from the hospital, as they had some issues with his breathing and had to get it checked by a pulmonary doctor. They had to wait for the clearance, and when it was released, she couldn’t be any happier. Ethan told her so many times that he didn’t like to stay in the hospital and would have preferred to rest at home. She wanted that set up too. But now tha
IT WASN’T the first time he said he wanted to get married soon.In fact, Michelle had been hearing it from him at the hospital, and she would always agree, as there was no reason for her not to marry the man who she loved the most.But how come an overly used sentence could still bring a fascinating feeling to her whenever Ethan said it in the sweetest way?She smiled and nodded in agreement.They stared at each other for quite a long time, and Michelle couldn’t figure out how a billionaire like him came into her life and completely changed it into something beyond imaginable. Sure, they didn’t have a great start as their minds were both twisted by some necessities. But right now, she would say everything was different."Then I’ll tell mom to screw the extravagant birthday celebration. We should go for a solemn wedding. You can tell me the set up you want and I’ll make it happen," Ethan said, assuring her that whatever
MICHELLE and Megan were all smiles as they left the boutique after they paid for the wedding gown.“I can’t wait to wear this to my wedding,” she said as she put the big white box on the passenger seat. She heard Megan chuckle, putting her bridesmaid gown on the other side of the seat before she went into the driver’s seat.Michelle got into the front seat and put her seat belt on.“Don’t you think it was so stressful to look for the gown? How about we go for a coffee before I send you back home?” Megan suggested as she started the engine of the car.“Sure. Ethan and Marsha want me to buy them burgers and pizza,” Michelle said.“For sure, your painters must be so tired.”They both laughed.The sun was about to set when they arrived at the cafe near her home. After ordering some croissants and coffee, they sat at the table where they could see the city view and the sunse
“CAN you make me a baby brother, Mommy?”Marsha looked up at her as though her request was something that could be done easily. She gave her daughter a wide-eyed look as her hands moved to Marsha’s waist. Michelle started tickling her daughter, which made the little girl laugh so hard.“What did you say? You want a baby brother?” Michelle teased and continued to tickle Marsha until someone cleared his throat.Michelle and Marsha stopped and followed the voice, and saw Ethan leaning against the door frame of Marsha’s bedroom. He was smiling, contentment could be seen in his pair of marble gray eyes, which made Michelle smile in joy, too.“What are you sneaking at?” Michelle asked.“I just went here to pick up my queen and princess.” Ethan’s gaze dropped to Marsha. “Who wants to have a baby brother.”“Yes, Daddy!” Marsha exclaimed. “I want a baby brother,” she repeated, glancing between the two of them with a firm expression that indicated that nothing could ever change her mind. “I wan
"THIS IS the best wine in New York," Ethan said as he showed her the wines that had been delivered to their home.Two days before the most special event of their lives, Michelle and Ethan had become busier. Everything was all prepared, and the last thing on their long list of to-dos was to make sure that the reception would serve the best wines to all the people who they invited to share their greatest happiness with.Michelle smiled at Ethan. It was actually him who ordered the "best" wines. She was never a wine person, but her husband was..."Don’t you think you ordered too much?" she commented, noticing the five big boxes of wine on the floor.Ethan tilted his head. "We’ll reserve some for the after party. I’d like our visitors to enjoy the night, even if we fly to London for our honeymoon."Michelle nodded her head, but when his last statement sank in her mind, she looked at Ethan with widened eyes."London?" she asked, shocked.His lips curled into a smile, seemingly amused by he
"OH, my God!"It was Megan, who then covered her mouth in awe as she walked into her hotel suite.Michelle fought the urge to laugh at Megan’s reaction. "What?""You look totally amazing!"She looked at herself in the mirror again, straightening her wedding gown. In her mind, she couldn’t stop thinking about whether Ethan would be amazed once he saw her."Do you think Ethan will like my gown?" she asked Megan, who then fixed the tail of her gown at the back."Of course!" Megan said, and then looked up at her."Why the hell are you crying, Meg? You’re going to ruin your make-up!""I’m just so happy for you, silly!" Megan stood up, fanning herself.Michelle’s expression softened. Megan was totally beautiful in her sage bridesmaid gown. Andrew totally hit the jackpot. There was no doubt about that."You better stop that, or else I’ll cry too.""I know, I know! I’ll stop being emotional and save it for later." Megan embraced her tightly. "Congratulations, my dear best friend. Are you nerv