Emily's POV "Head out?" I asked, confusion etched on my face, my mind racing with thoughts. But before I could press for more information, Ethan's smile grew wider, and he said. "Remember, I said I had a gift for you?" His eyes sparkled with excitement, and I felt my curiosity piqued. "What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Ethan chuckled, his smile still radiant. "All in good time." His voice was low and mysterious. "Let's just say it's something I think you'll enjoy." He set the tray down on the bedside table, his movements are fluid and graceful. "Finish your breakfast, and we'll be on our way." I nodded, my mind whirling with possibilities. What could the surprise be? And where were we going? I couldn't wait to find out. As Ethan left the room, I couldn't help but pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. Was this happening? Ethan had just brought me breakfast in bed, and now he was taking me on a surprise adventure. I felt like I was floatin
Emily's POV: As I lifted the lid of the box, I was taken aback by the beautiful silver necklace, adorned with a small crystal pendant that sparkled like a diamond. But that wasn't all - nestled beside the necklace lay a small, leather-bound book, its cover embossed with the title "You Are Beautiful" in elegant, cursive script. I felt a lump form in my throat as I picked up the book, running my fingers over the soft cover. "Ethan, this is...wow." My voice was barely above a whisper. Ethan smiled, his eyes shining with warmth. "I saw the book and thought of you, the words inside resonated with me, and I wanted to share them with you. You are beautiful, inside and out." I opened the book, and a piece of paper slipped out, carrying a handwritten note: "To a woman who radiates light and joy, may these words remind you of your beauty and worth. -E" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I looked up at Ethan, feeling a deep connection to this kind, thoughtful man. Was th
Emily's POV: "Mind if we meet tonight?" Liam asked, his voice low and inviting. "Yes, I would." I need to get out and get some fresh air to clear my mind. I was all over the place emotionally. "Okay, I'll come pick you up at the usual spot?" "Yes." I felt a flutter in my chest. "See you, Miss Clumsy." He teased. I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself. "Hey, that's not fair!" I protested, but he just chuckled and hung up the phone. I was left staring at the screen, my heart racing with anticipation. What would tonight bring? Hanging out with Liam was better, I thought to myself. Maybe if my affection towards him grew, I would be able to forget about Ethan. At least Liam was gentle and kind, and I was sure he loved me for who I was. Unlike Ethan, who seemed to take pleasure in toying with my emotions. As I got ready for our meeting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to love Liam the way I deserved to be loved. And
Emily POV: "You're right, it's family issues rather." I lied to conceal another lie, and Ethan saw right through me. He gave me a piercing stare, his expression calm and collected. "I can manage that." His voice was laced with a hint of skepticism, and I knew I was in trouble. He didn't believe my deception, and I knew he would dig until he uncovered the truth. "Would you mind sharing, or are you in a hurry to meet your friend?" His facial expression was suspicious when he said 'friend', and I couldn't help but wonder if he knew who I was secretly meeting. "I'm not in a hurry, but the issue is confidential." I tried to sound calm despite my racing thoughts. The way Ethan said 'friend' still lingered in my mind, his tone and expression hinting at a deeper understanding. I felt like he could see right through me like he knew the truth I was desperate to keep hidden. "Have fun with your... friend." Ethan's voice trailed off, leaving the word hanging in the air like a
Emily's POV: "But anyway, prepare your singing voice." He added, and with that, I could guess where we were headed. Karaoke. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. I was not exactly the next American Idol. "Is it a karaoke?" I tried to sound casual despite my growing unease. "Maybe, prepare your singing voice." A small smile played on his face. That was all the confirmation I needed. We were going to a karaoke place. I could feel my anxiety spiking at the thought of singing in front of people. "Maybe you should be the one to prepare your voice, I'm always ready." I feigned a smirk, hoping to hide my true feelings. "Oh?" His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You would be so surprised." He added with a small laugh. "Little information, I was part of the choristers in church back then." He continued. "Really?" A small smile appeared on my face. "Yes, Little Liam, with a suit every Sunday, with that bass voice..." We both burst o
Emily's POV; Liam's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine. The crowd's chants grew louder, and I felt my heart racing with anticipation. Then, in a moment that seemed to slow down time, Liam's lips brushed against mine in a soft, gentle kiss. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their whistles and screams filling the air. I felt like I was melting into Liam's embrace, our lips moving in perfect sync. The host's voice boomed through the microphone, "And there's the kiss we've all been waiting for!" The crowd's cheers reached a deafening pitch, and I felt like I was on cloud nine. As we pulled away from each other, gasping for air, Liam grinned at me, his eyes shining with excitement. I couldn't help but smile back, my heart still racing from the thrill of our kiss. Liam stepped back onto the stage, this time whispering something in the emcee's ear. The emcee's face lit up with a knowing smile, and he turned to t
Ethan's POV: I felt a knot in my stomach as I paced back and forth in front of the clock. Where was Emily? She had promised to return today, and now she was nowhere to be found. I tried calling her again, but her phone went straight to voicemail. I left another message, trying to keep my voice calm. As the minutes ticked by, my anxiety grew. Something must have happened to her. I thought about our last conversation, wondering if I had missed something. Had she hinted at any problems? I racked my brain, but nothing came to mind. I knew Emily was a grown woman and could take care of herself, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of worry. Maybe she had simply slept over at a friend's place, but she could have at least called me. I tried not to be overly concerned, but I was deeply worried that something dangerous might have happened to her. I prayed and hoped that everything was okay. I decided to head to the kitchen to make a cold coffee, hoping the familiar ritual would calm
Emily POV:My heart skipped a beat as I realized I was in Liam's room. The large picture frame on the wall, the sleek furniture, and the luxurious decor all screamed 'Liam'. I felt a flutter in my chest as I remembered the events of the previous night. I had been so caught up in the moment, in the music and the laughter, that I hadn't even thought about where I was going or what I was doing. And now, here I was, in Liam's bed. I looked around the room again, taking in the details. There were photos of Liam with his friends and family, and a few awards and trophies on a shelf. But what caught my eye was the photo of us, taken just last night, on the stage. We were smiling and laughing, our arms around each other. I quickly scrambled out of bed, my mind racing with thoughts of how I was going to explain my whereabouts to Ethan. I had told Ethan I would be returning home, but clearly, that hadn't happened. And now, it was past 10 am the next day, and I was still in Liam's apar
Ethan's POV I stepped out and saw Emily in the living room. "Is there a problem?" I asked, concern etched on my face. "I was hearing loud voices.”I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "An unexpected visitor?" I repeated, my voice gentle. I took a step closer to Emily, trying to get her to meet my gaze. "Everything okay?" I asked, my tone softening."There isn't," she said, her gaze drifting away from mine. Her voice was laced with a hint of tension, and I could sense that she was hiding something.I nodded, taking note of the subtle change in Emily's demeanor. "Olivia's back," she announced, her voice neutral. I couldn't help but think of my own unwanted visitor. But my attention was quickly refocused on Emily, and the hint of unease that lingered beneath her composed exterior.She cleared her throat nervously. "I was about to inform you... I will be leaving this morning." Those words made my heart drop."Just wait until after dinner, then," I said, trying to sound casual. But E
EMILY'S POV I rushed back, my footsteps silent on the stairs as I watched him walk away. His eyes sparkled with a love so true as he confirmed his love for Olivia. My heart shattered into a million pieces as I realized the painful truth: he was in love, and he had always been in love. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I felt my world crumbling around me. My box of emotions was overflowing, and I couldn't hold back the sorrow anymore.I was already packed, my bags stood silently in the shadows, a poignant reminder of the decision I'd made. Immediately after dinner, I would be leaving him forever. The thought was razor-sharp, cutting through my heart like a knife. I felt a chill run down my spine as I contemplated the finality of it all - the end of our relationship, the end of our life together.Tomorrow was a day of conflicting desires. A part of me yearned for its arrival, eager to escape the anguish that had become my reality. I longed to leave behind the shattered remain
Ethan's POVI found myself drawn to her room, compelled to gaze into her eyes. Their piercing beauty had a calming effect on my frazzled nerves. I stood there, mesmerized, unsure of what to say to her. Our time together was fleeting, and soon we'd be parting ways forever. In the precious moments I had left, I couldn't help but indulge in the beauty of her gorgeous eyes.I retreated to my bedroom, seeking solace in the familiar comfort of my bed. As I lay down, I stretched out my muscles, trying to release the tension that had been building up inside me. But despite my efforts to relax, my heart remained heavy with pain.My heart ached with the weight of inaction. I yearned to fight for what I desired, but the risk of vulnerability held me back. The fear of being shattered once more, of enduring an everlasting pain, kept my emotions in check. My mind screamed to take a stand, to seize what was mine, but the terror of heartbreak silenced my resolve, leaving me paralyzed and torn.The sh
EMILY'S POV Liam's eyes darted around the space, his gaze lingering on every corner as if expecting someone to emerge from the shadows before finally settling on me to ask, "Did Ava speak harshly to you?” “No,” I replied, my voice firm so he couldn't see right through me, but unfortunately he did because I met a skeptical look on his face. “Emily,” he called, his voice gentle as always, "Are you hiding anything from me?" he added. His eyes locked on mine with an intense gaze. “I'm not.” I needed to be out of her. My body was here, but my mind and soul were with someone who cared least about me. I realized at that moment I was in love with Ethan. I had always known that, but what I just discovered was the connection between me and Liam-Lust. I didn't know how to put it. I didn't know how to tell him why I was giddy with excitement whenever he was around. It wasn't because I loved him; it was because I wanted to escape the sad reality of unrequited love. “Emily,” I snapped out o
Ethan's POVI watched from a distance as Liam's car pulled away from the curb, a mixture of curiosity and unease swirling in my chest. I had specifically warned Emily to keep our arrangement private, and yet, here she was, meeting with...him. I narrowed my eyes, my mind racing with possibilities. What were they discussing? And why did Emily feel the need to sneak around behind my back? I made a mental note to confront Liam about this later, my eyes never leaving the fading tail lights of his car.The anger simmered beneath my surface, a slow-burning fire that threatened to consume me. I couldn't believe she would kiss me, pretend to have feelings for me, when all along she was still entangled with Liam. The thought was a bitter pill to swallow, and I felt my jaw clenched in frustration. I wasn't used to feeling this way about anyone, especially not a woman. My usual detachment, my ability to remain aloof, had been breached, and it was a disconcerting feeling.I stood in front of the s
EMILY’S POVI felt a surge of anger and frustration towards Ethan, mixed with a strong dose of self-loathing for the desire I still felt for him. It was a toxic combination that left me feeling raw and exposed.I hated how my heart went crazy whenever Ethan was near. The skipping beats and nervous flutters were a dead giveaway to the feelings I was trying to suppress.I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't notice Liam standing there, and I ended up bumping into him.Liam raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on his face. "Hey, looks like I've got Miss Clumsy back in the building."I attempted to muster a smile, but my heart wasn't in it. The pain and turmoil I'd been feeling lingered, making it impossible for me to feign happiness.Liam's eyes locked onto mine, and he could tell something was off. "Hey, is everything okay?" he asked, his voice soft with concern."No, I'm good," I said, trying to downplay my emotions. But Liam wasn't buying it. He kept looking at me with that c
EMILY’S POVI opened my eyes to find the sun shining brightly through the window, its rays piercing my eyes.I rubbed my temples, trying to get rid of the annoying headache that had settled in.I stood up, stretching my arms and legs. I headed to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed some water on my face. The cool water helped me relax.I looked in the mirror, and my eyes widened as I remembered what had happened last night. The memories came rushing back, and I felt a mix of emotions.A wave of panic washed over me as I struggled to recall the events of the previous night. "What did I do?" I whispered to myself, my mind racing with fragmented memories. I rubbed my temples again, trying to massage away the throbbing pain as more visions flashed through my mind.My fingers drifted to my lips, and I was instantly transported back to the moment when Ethan's lips had touched mine. The sensation still lingered, a gentle tingling that seemed to echo through every nerve ending.I
Ethan's POV The ceremony went off without any major hitches, although there were a few dramatic moments that kept things interesting.Tonight was different, however. As I watched Ava and Liam together, I was surprised to find that the familiar pangs of sadness and disappointment were noticeably absent.I felt a deep sense of gratitude that the bitter emotions I had long harbored had finally begun to dissipate.Emily and I headed to the nightclub for a meeting with Don Sacrum, a prominent investor. Unconventional as it may seem, Don consistently preferred conducting business in such settings. His reputation preceded him, and I made it a point to be available at his beck and call, regardless of the hour.As the son of a renowned billionaire, Don Sacrum had inherited a vast fortune following his father's passing a few months prior.I glanced over at Emily, noticing a look of discomfort on her face. Seeking to alleviate her unease, I gently took her small hand in mine, offering a reassur
Emily's POV Ava's smile was a thin, cruel line. "Don't play dumb," she sneered. "I know all about the way Ethan looks at you now. The way he hangs on your every word."Ava's words hung in the air, her implication clear. I felt a surge of indignation, but I kept my tone level. "I don't know what you're insinuating, Ava," I said, "but I assure you, nothing is going on between Ethan and me."Ava's smile was a cold, calculated thing. "Even if there is something between you and Ethan," she said, her voice dripping with malice, "I promise you, it's coming to an end soon."Ava's gaze flicked to my ears, her eyes narrowing as she gestured to the earrings. "Those belong to me," she stated, her tone cold and possessive.I turned to Ava, my gaze locking onto hers. "What belongs to you?" I asked, my voice even and measured."Those earrings," she replied, her voice firm, her eyes never leaving mine."I think you must be mistaken," I said, my tone polite but firm. "Those earrings couldn't possibly