Ethan's POV Unable to sleep, I lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the hours dragged on. My mind refused to be quiet, haunted by the usual shadows of the past. When dawn finally broke, I forced myself to get out of bed and into the shower, letting the water wash away the remnant of the restless night. Walking into the building, I was greeted by my employees, but as usual, I ignored their greetings. I headed straight to my office and immediately got into work. A few minutes later, a knock stopped at the door. “Come in”, I said, not bothering to look up. “Good morning, sir,” a polite voice greeted me. I raised my head and saw Julianna Adams standing before me. Her posture was formal, and her tone was professional. I smirked,”Morning, Miss Adams.” You are officially my assistant,”I continued, my voice calm but firm.”I believe you already know that. I also assume Jane has informed you about what your role as my P.A entails. I kept my eyes on her, waiting for m
Chapter 12Julianna’s POV‘’Be my wife. For a year.’’Ethan smirked, his voice calm but laced with arrogance.I froze, certain I had misheard him. ‘’What did you just say?’’ I asked, my voice sharper than intended.He swirled his wine glass, his gaze never leaving mine. ‘’Julianna Adams, I hate repeating myself. You heard me right– be my wife. For a year.’’ He raised an eyebrow, daring me to refuse him.A laugh escaped me, dry and humorless. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing.’’ No,’!’. I said firmly, the word cutting through the tension like a knife. Without another thought, I pushed back my chair and stood to leave.He scoffed behind me, his voice cold and calculated. ‘’And Where do you plan on getting the fee for your brother’s surgery? Or is it that you don’t care about him as much as you claim to?’’His words stopped me in my tracks. My heart clenched as his accusation lingered in the airSlowly, I turned to face him, keeping my voice steady despite the anger I felt. ‘’Etha
Julianna's POV “Code Blue!” We’re losing him!.” The words echoed through the hallway, freezing me in place. My heart dropped as I dashed towards the operating room, only to be stopped by a nurse blocking the door. “Please,” i begged, tears streaming down my face. “He’s my brother. He needs me! The nurse smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry ma’am, you can't go in. Let the doctors do their work. I stepped back, trembling. My heart raced as I try to catch my breath, my gaze fixed on the transparent glass window as though my desperate gaze could save Henry. Then I saw him–Ethan walking in as if he owned the place. Beside him was an older man with a composed yet commanding presence. Without a word, the man smiled at me and entered the operating room. “Who is that”? I questioned the nurse who looked shocked. She regained her composure, “Dr. Anderson. One of the best surgeons in the country. If anyone can guarantee your brother's successful surgery, it's him.” I felt instant relief
Chapter 14: Ethan's POV Her eyes burned with hatred as she stared at me, her emotions laid bare for anyone to see. When I said what needed to be said, she scoffed and turned away, her movement sharp as if distancing herself from me would erase the truth. That look in her eyes said it all–she despised me. Mutual, I thought coldly and that was precisely why I chose her to be my wife.It wasn't love, attraction or even affection that brought us here. This was a calculated decision. If I had to pick between my company crumbling under the weight of these ridiculous rumors about my sexuality or tying myself to a woman I couldn't stand, the choice was simple. Marriage, even a fake one was less evil.I watched her every movement for a moment longer and was curious to know what was going on in her head. She hated me now, but would she back out of the deal?I doubted it.A deal was a deal, and Julianna Adams didn't strike me as the kind of person who would abandon her brother's life
Chapter 15Ethan's POV I walked out of the club, heading straight to my car. The cool night air did little to distract me as I slide into the driver's seat and started the engine. My phone buzzed, and I plugged in my earphones.“Speak,” I said.“Henry's awake, Sir.” Jane informed me.“Alright,” I replied then ended the call without a second thought.When I got home, I followed my usual routine: a quick shower, a glance at the files on my desk. Hours passed as I worked through the night, my mind clear and focused. It was better than dealing with the haunting nightmares.*****The next morning, Nexus demanded my attention as always. The day was filled with meetings and phone calls until my watch struck five.I picked up my phone and dialed Julianna's number. The line rang, but there was no answer. I frowned slightly and called again. Still nothing.Without hesitation, I grabbed my keys and left the office. The drive to the hospital was quick.When I arrived, I walked straight th
Julianna's POVHenry was sitting up in bed, eating his lunch. The color was slowly returning to his cheeks, though he still looked weak.The door opened, and Dr. Matthew walked in with a clipboard in his hand and a warm smile. His calm expression immediately puts me at ease.“How are we doing today, Henry?” he asked, ruffling Henry's hair.Henry groaned but smiled. “I'm okay, Sir.”Dr. Matthew nodded as he flipped through the notes on his clipboard. “That’s good to hear. Your surgery was a success, but you need to recover fully before you are allowed to get discharged. You need to rest and avoid stress for the next few weeks. No screens for long periods, No video games, and definitely no football. “Understood?”Henry gave a small nod, glancing at me for reassurance. I smiled and squeezed his hand.The doctor turned his attention to me. “Miss. Adams, it's important he sticks to a proper routine–healthy meals, lot of water and rest. We”ll do a follow-up brain scan in two weeks to moni
Ethan's POV“Prepare for the dinner bouquet tonight.” I said then hung up before she could think of saying another word and stared at the headlines again. A small smirk at the corners of my lips. My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. I answered it, already knowing who it was. “Who is the lady?!”Annabel screamed so loudly which made me wince and pulled the phone away from my ear.“Don't tell me that's the reason you called?’’ I asked, my voice laced with irritation.“Of course,...you’ve been sehen with women before, but definitely not like this.Who's she? Dad’s also curious– he had to cut his trip short because of the rumors.”I sighed and let the silence lingered.“Ethan? Are you still there?” she asked, her voice softer now, cautious. “Yes, I'm here,” I said, clearing my throat. “Annabel, the news isn't something to worry about. It's not just a rumor.”She went silent for a while, making me get irritated every passing second.“Since there's clearly nothing meaningful
Julianna’s povBalancing the weight of the tray on my shoulder, I make my way through the crowded Golden Bistro, a restaurant frequented by the city’s wealthiest, known for its infamous dishes. It's only my first week working here.’’ Tonight, the place is busier than usual. As I worked my way around a table, I bumped into a solid figure, causing the wine to spill on him and the floor, shattering glasses and dishes in the process.‘’Oh my God. I’m so sorry’’. I stammer, biting my lips in nervousness while avoiding eye contact with the man I believe is glaring at me.The man barely moves but glances down at his now-stained suit with a look of pure disgust. ‘’Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?’’ He asks coldly, glancing at the stain on his suit once again. He shakes his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as they sweep over me. ‘’How do you even expect to keep a job here when you can’t manage something as simple as carrying a tray? Pathetic’’.My chest tightens with a mix of ange
Ethan's POV“Prepare for the dinner bouquet tonight.” I said then hung up before she could think of saying another word and stared at the headlines again. A small smirk at the corners of my lips. My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. I answered it, already knowing who it was. “Who is the lady?!”Annabel screamed so loudly which made me wince and pulled the phone away from my ear.“Don't tell me that's the reason you called?’’ I asked, my voice laced with irritation.“Of course,...you’ve been sehen with women before, but definitely not like this.Who's she? Dad’s also curious– he had to cut his trip short because of the rumors.”I sighed and let the silence lingered.“Ethan? Are you still there?” she asked, her voice softer now, cautious. “Yes, I'm here,” I said, clearing my throat. “Annabel, the news isn't something to worry about. It's not just a rumor.”She went silent for a while, making me get irritated every passing second.“Since there's clearly nothing meaningful
Julianna's POVHenry was sitting up in bed, eating his lunch. The color was slowly returning to his cheeks, though he still looked weak.The door opened, and Dr. Matthew walked in with a clipboard in his hand and a warm smile. His calm expression immediately puts me at ease.“How are we doing today, Henry?” he asked, ruffling Henry's hair.Henry groaned but smiled. “I'm okay, Sir.”Dr. Matthew nodded as he flipped through the notes on his clipboard. “That’s good to hear. Your surgery was a success, but you need to recover fully before you are allowed to get discharged. You need to rest and avoid stress for the next few weeks. No screens for long periods, No video games, and definitely no football. “Understood?”Henry gave a small nod, glancing at me for reassurance. I smiled and squeezed his hand.The doctor turned his attention to me. “Miss. Adams, it's important he sticks to a proper routine–healthy meals, lot of water and rest. We”ll do a follow-up brain scan in two weeks to moni
Chapter 15Ethan's POV I walked out of the club, heading straight to my car. The cool night air did little to distract me as I slide into the driver's seat and started the engine. My phone buzzed, and I plugged in my earphones.“Speak,” I said.“Henry's awake, Sir.” Jane informed me.“Alright,” I replied then ended the call without a second thought.When I got home, I followed my usual routine: a quick shower, a glance at the files on my desk. Hours passed as I worked through the night, my mind clear and focused. It was better than dealing with the haunting nightmares.*****The next morning, Nexus demanded my attention as always. The day was filled with meetings and phone calls until my watch struck five.I picked up my phone and dialed Julianna's number. The line rang, but there was no answer. I frowned slightly and called again. Still nothing.Without hesitation, I grabbed my keys and left the office. The drive to the hospital was quick.When I arrived, I walked straight th
Chapter 14: Ethan's POV Her eyes burned with hatred as she stared at me, her emotions laid bare for anyone to see. When I said what needed to be said, she scoffed and turned away, her movement sharp as if distancing herself from me would erase the truth. That look in her eyes said it all–she despised me. Mutual, I thought coldly and that was precisely why I chose her to be my wife.It wasn't love, attraction or even affection that brought us here. This was a calculated decision. If I had to pick between my company crumbling under the weight of these ridiculous rumors about my sexuality or tying myself to a woman I couldn't stand, the choice was simple. Marriage, even a fake one was less evil.I watched her every movement for a moment longer and was curious to know what was going on in her head. She hated me now, but would she back out of the deal?I doubted it.A deal was a deal, and Julianna Adams didn't strike me as the kind of person who would abandon her brother's life
Julianna's POV “Code Blue!” We’re losing him!.” The words echoed through the hallway, freezing me in place. My heart dropped as I dashed towards the operating room, only to be stopped by a nurse blocking the door. “Please,” i begged, tears streaming down my face. “He’s my brother. He needs me! The nurse smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry ma’am, you can't go in. Let the doctors do their work. I stepped back, trembling. My heart raced as I try to catch my breath, my gaze fixed on the transparent glass window as though my desperate gaze could save Henry. Then I saw him–Ethan walking in as if he owned the place. Beside him was an older man with a composed yet commanding presence. Without a word, the man smiled at me and entered the operating room. “Who is that”? I questioned the nurse who looked shocked. She regained her composure, “Dr. Anderson. One of the best surgeons in the country. If anyone can guarantee your brother's successful surgery, it's him.” I felt instant relief
Chapter 12Julianna’s POV‘’Be my wife. For a year.’’Ethan smirked, his voice calm but laced with arrogance.I froze, certain I had misheard him. ‘’What did you just say?’’ I asked, my voice sharper than intended.He swirled his wine glass, his gaze never leaving mine. ‘’Julianna Adams, I hate repeating myself. You heard me right– be my wife. For a year.’’ He raised an eyebrow, daring me to refuse him.A laugh escaped me, dry and humorless. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing.’’ No,’!’. I said firmly, the word cutting through the tension like a knife. Without another thought, I pushed back my chair and stood to leave.He scoffed behind me, his voice cold and calculated. ‘’And Where do you plan on getting the fee for your brother’s surgery? Or is it that you don’t care about him as much as you claim to?’’His words stopped me in my tracks. My heart clenched as his accusation lingered in the airSlowly, I turned to face him, keeping my voice steady despite the anger I felt. ‘’Etha
Ethan's POV Unable to sleep, I lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the hours dragged on. My mind refused to be quiet, haunted by the usual shadows of the past. When dawn finally broke, I forced myself to get out of bed and into the shower, letting the water wash away the remnant of the restless night. Walking into the building, I was greeted by my employees, but as usual, I ignored their greetings. I headed straight to my office and immediately got into work. A few minutes later, a knock stopped at the door. “Come in”, I said, not bothering to look up. “Good morning, sir,” a polite voice greeted me. I raised my head and saw Julianna Adams standing before me. Her posture was formal, and her tone was professional. I smirked,”Morning, Miss Adams.” You are officially my assistant,”I continued, my voice calm but firm.”I believe you already know that. I also assume Jane has informed you about what your role as my P.A entails. I kept my eyes on her, waiting for m
Ethan's PovI pick up my phone and call Jane.Jane, I say firmly, I need you to call Miss Adams. Tell her she needs to resume work tomorrow.Make it clear that lateness will not be tolerated. One more mistake, and she'll cease to work here.’’‘’Yes, sir,’’ she replies.‘’Good,’’I responded before ending the call.A while later, my phone buzzes with a notification. I unlock it and find a photo waiting for me–a picture of Julianna leaving the hospital. Her eyes red, and she looks like she’s struggling to fight back her tears.A slow smile spreads across my face. Watching her look so vulnerable? It puts me in a surprisingly good mood.I can imagine the look on her face when she receives Jane’s text.Julianna…the more I get to see your different sides, the more curious I get. I mutter to myself, still staring at her picture. **********`I get to my house at 11pm after a pretty long day. I shower quickly and scroll through my social media. Funny enough, people clearly have nothing b
Julianna's POVI step out of the Nexus Global building, feeling like my soul slipping away. In the cab to Wilfred City Hospital, but my mind is blank. I don't want my brother to see me looking pathetic, so I pull out a small mirror from my bag and attempt smile. ‘’Come on,’’ I whisper to myself, my voice trembling. ‘’Why is it so hard to fake a smile?’’Tears blur my vision as i force my lips upward, but the smile feels fragile, like it could shatter with the slightest push. My cheeks ache from the effort, but I keep practicing, determined.When i reach the hospital, the artificial brightness of the lights feels suffocating. My forced smile stays plastered on my face as i enter Henry’s ward. My heart clenches at the sight of him–pale, weak, and barely recognizable as the lively boy he used to be.‘’Hey, little bro,’’ I say, as happy as i can muster. His tired eyes light up for a brief moment, and he manages a small smile.. I sit on the edge of his, wriggling my eyebrows playful