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chapter 3
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Ethan's POV
"Eva," I began, taking a deep breath, "will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I asked my heart in my throat.I was certain she would say yes, but I wasn't prepared for the look on her face. There was no smile, no joy. Instead, her expression was indecipherable.I could hear the surrounding crowd, phones at the ready, capturing this moment for all eternity. I remained on one knee, waiting for an answer.The silence stretched on, and I could feel my pulse quicken.Was this a mistake? Was I about to be rejected in front of everyone? My heart was pounding, my palms were clammy, and I had to resist the urge to stand up and flee. I waited, hoping, praying, that she would give me the answer I longed to hear.The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel my anxiety rising with each passing second. How much longer would I have to wait? Suddenly, she spoke, her voice cutting through the stillness like a knife."Yes," she responded, "I would be honored to be your wife."A smile played on her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes. There was something else there, a shadow, a hint of something I couldn't place.But at that moment, I was so overcome with joy that I didn't dwell on it. I slipped the ring onto her finger, and she turned to face me, leaning into my embrace. I held her close, the rest of the world fading away as I savored this moment of triumph. I was overwhelmed with joy.The sound of enthusiastic snaps, hearty laughter, and exuberant cheers emanated from the boisterous crowd, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere that permeated the air.The room was alive with sound as if every atom was vibrating with excitement.I could feel the happiness radiating from every person in the room, and it filled me with a sense of blissful contentment. It was a moment I would never forget, frozen in time. I'd known Ava since high school, and she'd always been a special part of my life. Now, we were getting married, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect future. My heart felt full to bursting with joy and excitement, and I knew that this was the beginning of a wonderful future together. I had dreamed of this moment for so long, and now it was finally happening.**********************"I'm sorry, Ethan. I'm not sure I'm ready to marry you," Ava announced to me as I drove her home. Confused and hurt, I asked her to explain."What do you mean? But you said yes to marrying me an hour ago. Why the sudden change?" I questioned, hoping for a logical explanation.Ava sighed and looked away."I just wanted to save you from the embarrassment. Sorry, I don't think I love you enough to marry," her voice barely above a whisper.I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My heart was breaking as I sat there, staring at Ava, trying to make sense of what she was saying. It was like my world had been turned upside down, and I couldn't find my footing.The ride home was silent. There was an awkward tension in the air, and I couldn't find the words to break it. I felt like I was alone in the world, even though Ava was right there next to me. The weight of the news hung heavy in the air, and I struggled to process it all.*******************I sat in the sitting room of the family house, surrounded by relatives who were all listening intently to the lawyer as he read my dad's will. I found it hard to focus on the reading, my mind wandering to other things.I didn't care about the money or property. I'd made my fortune and needed nothing from my dad's properties. I just wanted to get this over with so I could get on with my life. I shifted in my seat, trying to be patient, but my mind was already elsewhere.The lawyer mentioning my name snapped me back to reality from my wandering thoughts."As per the instructions provided, it is recommended that in the event of a marriage, a single company be awarded to the individual, In the scenario where the individual is unmarried, 'the company is to be granted to his half-brother, Liam, the lawyer said, adjusting his glasses as he spoke. Even though I had no interest in my father's will, I couldn't sit back and watch as Liam would be given what was rightfully mine. I couldn't understand why the company should go to Liam just because I wasn't married. I was the eldest son, and he wasn't married either. The whole situation seemed unfair and confusing."I will be getting married next month." I lied. Everyone in the room looked at me with suspicion and confusion, their eyes boring into me as if they could see right through my lie. I didn't hate Liam or anything he had always been a good brother to me. But I just couldn't stand by and watch as he was given what belonged to me.**********I kept thinking about Ava, and I couldn't seem to get her out of my mind. I tried to focus on other things, but every time I saw something that reminded me of her, I was pulled right back into those thoughts.I wondered if I would ever be able to love anyone else as much as I loved Ava, and I wasn't sure if I could move on from her. It felt like a weight was hanging over me, and I didn't know how to let it go.My mom's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I hadn't even realized that I was daydreaming. "Ethan?" her tone was gentle but firm. "Did you hear me?" I felt myself snap back to the present moment, and I turned to face her. "Sorry, what did you say?""You didn't tell me you proposed already!" her face breaking into a smile."Proposed?""You mentioned your wedding is in a week, remember?" and when did you propose to Ava, a frown on her face.She didn't even ask who I proposed to - she was so certain it was Ava."I proposed to Ava, but she said no," I said it with as much firmness as I could muster, but deep down, saying those words filled me with hurt. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, punctuated only by the sound of my breathing."What?!" my mom exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "But you said you were getting married next week. What happened?"I hung my head in shame, feeling as though I had let everyone down. "I lied," I admitted. "I couldn't just watch my inheritance be given to Liam. I don't even have anyone to marry, and Ava made it clear that she doesn't love me enough to marry me."My mom's expression softened as she reached across the table to take my hand. "You did the right thing. We'll figure something out. You don't have to go through this alone."Related chapters
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Ethan's POV;"It won't be hard to find a bride for you," my mom assured me. "You're one of the richest and most handsome men in the city. You'll have no problem finding someone."I shook my head, trying to push away her words. I didn't want a bride. I didn't want anyone but Ava. She was gone, and I might never be able to bring her back.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had to focus on the future. As I thought about Ava, I could still see her long, silky brown hair cascading down her back, framing her strikingly beautiful face. Her deep blue eyes were like the ocean, and her long, elegant nose only added to her allure. I found myself entranced by her perfect lips, and her alluring scent still lingers in my memory. But I knew I might never have her again. I had promised myself that I would never fall in love again, never put myself in a position to be hurt like this again. I tried to forget her, but I knew it was impossible. I would always carry a piece of Ava with
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 5
Emily's POV:I felt indifferent towards the dinner date. I just wanted the whole thing to be over with. Not that I didn't care about the sanctity of marriage; I knew it was a lifelong commitment. However, I couldn't help but feel that what I was doing was foolish. Despite knowing the consequences of my actions, I felt that marriage was my only option. After all, being single was not all it was cracked up to be when nobody showed any interest in me. As I thought about Ethan's willingness to marry someone he had never met, I wondered if there was something wrong with him. What kind of person would agree to such an arrangement? Was he desperate for a wife, or was he just trying to fulfill his family's expectations? And if that was the case, why didn't he just marry someone from his social circle? Was he perhaps trying to make some kind of statement? Or was there something else I didn't know about him? I became more and more curious about this man I was supposed to marry. I still cou
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 6
Emily's POV The rest of the dinner was filled with silence. Ethan didn’t say a word to me. He was just on his phone, which made me feel hurt. I was worth talking to, wasn’t I? Even if he didn’t say a word, his silence spoke volumes. He didn’t like me. "So, what are your hobbies?" I tried to engage him in a conversation, but he didn’t seem interested. "I have no hobbies," his deep voice and brooding expression made our presence together seem awkward. He was still staring at his phone, and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. I hadn’t forced him to come on this date. I was confused and didn’t know what to do. I looked around and saw other couples laughing and chatting, the sounds of their happiness filling the air. In contrast, my date was tense, and I felt like I was in an awkward job interview. We sat in silence, the ticking of the clock filling the air. I tried to make conversation again, but the words died in my throat, suffocated by the awkwardness that hung betwee
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 7
Emily's POVMy alarm clock was going off again, blaring its irritating noise. I groaned and pulled my hand out from under the covers to turn it off. I was so not ready to start the day. I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep for a few more hours.I hated setting alarms. They always woke me up from a deep sleep and made me feel groggy and grumpy. But today, I had to set one so I wouldn’t miss the court wedding. I agreed to sign a proxy marriage for Olivia, but it wasn’t because my mom had asked me to or because I wanted to help Olivia, She had always been rude to me, and I had no desire to help her out. But I had my reasons for doing this.I got up and took a quick shower, then dressed in a simple but flattering outfit. I took my time doing my hair, making sure it looked just right. As I looked in the mirror, I gave myself a small smile. I looked good, and I felt ready to take on the day. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door, feeling confident and prepared.As I walked to the cab
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 8
Ethan's POVI buttoned my shirt, surveying my reflection in the mirror. I looked sharp and professional, ready for the business meeting I had to attend. I ran a brush through my hair and headed downstairs to the kitchen, determined to get a cup of coffee before I left. As I walked into the kitchen, I heard the sound of someone moving around. I wondered who it could be. I was engrossed in my phone, reading a message about an urgent matter, when suddenly I bumped into someone and felt something hot and wet splatter onto my shirt. I looked down and saw coffee soaking through the fabric. I cursed under my breath, realizing that I didn't have time to change. I was going to be late for my meeting.It was Olivia's sister, of course! I didn't even know her name. I was furious. "Look at what you've done!" I yelled, gesturing at my stained shirt. "You're a complete klutz!"She stammered, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to -" But I cut her off, my anger getting the better of me. "That's the only
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 9
Emily's POV As I hurried up the flight of stairs, taking them two at a time, I felt the sweat beads trickling down my forehead. The only thing that I could think of was getting to my room, taking a long and hot shower, and getting ready for work. But my thoughts were racing faster than my feet. I had gotten myself into a real mess, and now, I was struggling to find a way out of it. A part of me wanted to turn back, go home, and forget everything. But something was stopping me. I had already signed the proxy marriage papers, and I couldn't back out now. The weight of my decisions was dragging me down, and I felt like I was drowning in the ocean of my own choices. I couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into. Was it worth it? I had so many questions and no answers. All I could do was try to put up a brave front, go to work, and pretend like everything was okay. I was taken aback by Ethan's behavior. He had bumped into me, causing the hot coffee to spill all over my
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 10
Emily's POVAs I entered the office, the receptionist looked up and greeted me with a warm smile. Her eyes were a beautiful brown, and I felt at ease. She said, "Hello, and welcome! How may I help you today?" "Hello, my name is Emily Jones. I'm the new assistant to the CEO." I said with confidence, making sure to maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake. I wanted to make a good first impression, so I paid close attention to my posture and demeanor. She responded with a friendly, "It's lovely to meet you, Miss Jones. I'll let the CEO know you're here." As I sat down to wait, I took a deep breath and reflected on my goals for the day. I was determined to make a positive impact in my new role.The receptionist picked up the phone and dialed a number. I couldn't quite make out the conversation, but it sounded like she was arranging for someone to come and escort me to the CEO's office. A tall, well-dressed man in a black button-down shirt and blue pants came into the room. He w
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love chapter 11
Emily POV"Wait, you said this is your first day?" Liam asked, raising an eyebrow. "And they're expecting you to show clients around the office by yourself?" I nodded, feeling a little flustered. "Yeah, I'm not sure how it's going to go. I've never done anything like this before." Liam looked at me with concern. "That doesn't sound like a great idea. Do you want me to come with you? I can help you out." I was surprised by his offer. It was so kind of him to offer to help me, even though we had just met."Yes, thank you so much." I was happy he came to my rescue.Liam smiles and said, "I'm happy to help out, Miss Clumsy. We can make a great team!" I laughed "I like the sound of that! The Dynamic Duo. Clumsy and Liam!" He joins in my laughter and "That's a name to be reckoned with!" we two smile at each other, a sense of camaraderie already beginning to form. I felt a little more at ease with him by my side."I'm glad you're willing to help. It's a relief to have someone to guid
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Ethan's POVI extended my hand, but Emily looked at it with confusion, her stubbornness radiating like a shield."Emily," I called softly.She snapped out of her reverie, her gaze focusing. Finally, she took my hand. Her palm felt incredibly soft, sending unexpected waves of comfort through me. I hated to admit it, but her touch soothed me."You're my wife.... for today." The words felt strange coming out of my mouth, but they were true.Emily's gaze dropped to my shoes, then met mine, her brown eyes locking onto mine. "That's what I'm being paid for," she said, her voice heavy with sorrow.I nodded silently, acknowledging the truth in her words. I felt bad for telling her that I was trying to create a conversation; I just couldn't say anything to alter what she just said. As painful as it was to her, that was the truth. I wanted to counter it, but no words could express it in a way I wouldn't show vulnerability.I had planned to drive myself, but occasions like this left me no choice
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Ethan Smith In record time, she emerged from her room, radiant in a fitted blue sundress that accentuated every curve. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Had I been blind to her allure this whole time? The dress hugged her figure in all the right places, showcasing the soft swell of her hips and the gentle dip of her waist. My gaze lingered, tracing the contours of her body. How had I managed to overlook this stunning woman standing right before me? "OH. GOD!!" my mind screamed as if finally waking up to the reality of my feelings. In that instant, I yearned to feel her warm breath dance across my skin, her body melting into mine. The thought of her gentle touch sent shivers down my spine. I craved the softness of her hands, the whisper of her fingers intertwining with mine. Every cell in my body ached to be closer, to feel her radiating heat. Time stood still as I gazed at her, lost in the depths of her eyes. The world around us dissolved, leaving only the two of us
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love Stern Warning
Emily's POV I walked away from him, my heart still racing from our brief moment together. The way he brushed away the biscuit crumbs, his fingers grazing my skin... I couldn't shake the feeling. I returned to my room, I couldn't shake off the memory of our encounter. My mind replayed the moment, scrutinizing every detail. "Ugh, Emily, what's wrong with you?" I muttered to myself, shaking my head. "You practically threw yourself at him." My cheeks flushed at the thought. I couldn't believe I'd been so forward, my lips parted, inviting him to kiss me. But he didn't. Instead, he coughed, breaking the spell. I felt like I'd been doused with cold water. Why did I do that? Was I that desperate for connection? I forced myself to focus, but my gaze kept drifting to the door, hoping he'd appear again. I smacked my hand against my forehead, feeling like an utter idiot. "He's your sister's husband, Emily! Get a grip!" I reprimanded myself, pacing back and forth. How could I b
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Ethan's POV I paced back and forth in my room, frustration boiling over. Why did my mom always have to sabotage my plans? Her constant interference was suffocating. But I refused to let her win. "No," I muttered to myself, determination hardening my resolve. "I won't let her control me." Or would I? The familiar doubt crept in, undermining my confidence. I stopped pacing and faced my reflection in the mirror. My eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm done letting her dictate my life," I declared, the words echoing in my room. This time, I meant it. I stood there, a grown man torn apart by conflicting desires. My mother didn't get it - I couldn't bear the thought of spending more time with Emily. Yet, my heart yearned for her desperately. The contradiction was maddening. How could I simultaneously feel an intense attraction to Emily and an overwhelming need to escape her? Two emotions wrestled within me: longing and repulsion, desire and resistance. It was as if my heart and m
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love Mrs Smith?
Emily's POV The sweet words spilled from his lips like honey - "You're important to me," "I care deeply for you" - but I saw right through them. They were empty reassurances, crafted to soothe my frazzled emotions. I searched his face, my gaze piercing, but his expression revealed nothing. Still, I knew better. He was pretending, feigning concern. Olivia's haunting words still echoed in my mind: "I'll be back soon, and you'll return." The memory sent a shiver down my spine. "No, you didn't do anything, Em." I stared at him, shock etched on my face. "Em" - he'd never called me that before. Why now? It was just another tactic, a feeble attempt to soften the blow before cutting me out of his life. Just like everyone else. His sudden familiarity grated, a painful reminder of what I was about to lose. The truth stung: I was disposable, a temporary convenience. Then why now? I thought the contract stated that Olivia returns before I leave beside his Mom said I must fulfill my o
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love Chapter 85
Contract DissolvedEthan's POV I watched Emily head to her room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her. The pain in her eyes after that phone call had gutted me, and I knew I had to make today count. I wanted to tell her everything. I waited for her to get ready, and I steeled myself for the conversation ahead. I had to tell her the truth - that the proxy arrangement was over, that I couldn't keep pretending anymore. But it wasn't just about the arrangement; it was about my feelings. I was catching feelings for her, and I didn't like it. I didn't want to be vulnerable, didn't want to risk getting hurt. But I knew I had to be honest with her, and with myself. I took a deep breath, pushing aside the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. Time to end this charade and move on. She emerged from her room, dressed in black leggings and a cropped top, and for a moment, I saw her in a different light. The familiar contours of her face, the curve of her neck, see
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love Chapter 84
Emily's POV I gazed up at Ethan, his words hung in the air like a gentle promise. "You're important to me, Emily." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was the last thing I thought possible - that I, a burden to everyone around me, could be important to someone like Ethan. His eyes, warm and sincere, held mine, and for a moment, I felt seen, truly seen, for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Time seemed to freeze, suspending us in a moment of electric tension. Our eyes locked, unblinking, as if the world around us had melted away. The air vibrated with unspoken emotions, our faces inches apart. It was as if the universe had pressed the pause button, trapping us in a cinematic tableau. The only sound was our synchronized breathing, the only movement was the fluttering of my heart. Ethan cleared his throat, shattering the spell that had held us captive. "Thanks for the coffee, Emily,' he said, his voice low and even, as if the tender moment we'd shared moments befo
The Billionaire's Serendipitous Love Unexpected Feelings
Ethan's POV I gritted my teeth as Emily leaned into me, her body trembling with fear. The movie was intense, I'll give her that. But I didn't need her clinging to me like a lifeline. I tried to subtly shift away, but she only held on tighter. Her chest was pressed against my arm, and I could feel her warmth seeping into my skin. I hated it. I hated how my body reacted to her touch, how my mind started to wander to places it shouldn't. I focused on the screen, trying to distract myself from the sensation of her body against mine. But I could feel her gaze on me, sense her looking up at me with those big, scared eyes. I sighed inwardly, feeling like a jerk for not being more understanding. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was getting too close, that I needed to push her away before things got out of hand. "I'm Sorry" I couldn't help but notice the hint of disappointment in her voice, and I felt a pang of regret for not prolonging the moment. But I pushed it asid
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Emily's POV After I was done eating, I quickly freshened up and got into an outfit for the movie night. I chose a comfortable yet stylish pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a soft white blouse with a relaxed fit, and a cozy black cardigan to layer over it. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and I added a touch of subtle makeup to enhance my natural features. I slipped on a pair of black ankle boots, grabbed my small cross-body bag, and headed out to meet Ethan in the sitting room. As I entered the sitting room, Ethan looked up from his phone and smiled, his eyes scanning my outfit with approval. "You look great," he said, standing up from the couch. "Ready to head out?" I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest as he approached me. He was dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit of his own - a pair of light blue jeans and a fitted white T-shirt that showcased his broad shoulders. We walked out of the house together, the evening air crisp and cool as we made our way to the car park.
