5

Lauren hurled the bottle of wine at Ethan, and he dodged it. It hit the wall with a loud crash and shattered to the floor. 

Ethan looked back at the mess, then turned to Lauren. 

"If you're done, I'll be on my way."

He walked away without waiting for a response, and Lauren's enraged scream ushered him out. 

He got in his car and drove off, clutching the wheels till his knuckles turned white. The air around him grew stuffy, and he pulled over at a near empty bridge. 

Running out of the car like it was on fire, Ethan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. His breathing was rough, and his throat stung from unshed tears. 

[I want to see her.] He thought, clutching his hands together. [I miss you, Wynn.]

•••

"Commence the next phase of the Colham City Airport." Ethan ordered, handing the file over to Wynn. 

She didn't have on her infamous curt smile, instead, she held a frown- unable to muster a fake smile. 

"Miss Mayfield." Ethan called just as she turned to leave, and she stopped in her tracks, then reluctantly turned to face him. 

Her gaze was soulless, egging him on to say what needed to be said so she could leave. 

"You don't have to resign." He announced. "I won't bother you again."

Wynn's brows furrowed slightly as she studied him. There was not a hint of a smirk on his face. He looked dead serious. 

"I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable, and more so for making you cry."

Wynn stared at him, then looked away. 

[Seems like he's being honest.] She mused.

Despite talking a big game, she hated the idea of moving companies and abandoning all the work she put into Shelterline. 

So his sudden decision to back off was a breath of fresh air. 

[I'd still see him around, but so far this is good.]

She nodded. "And please, move out of my apartment building while you're at it, Mr. Sterling."

With that, she walked out of his office. 

•••

*"So?" Caelyn's spoke through the phone. "Has he bothered you since then?"* 

"Not for a week, no." Wynn sighed. "I still see him around the neighbourhood and at work. The jerk didn't move."

*"At least he backed off. Just give him some time, maybe he'll move out eventually."*

"I hope so." Wynn rubbed her eyes, then closed her laptop.

She heard a knock on the door. 

"Listen, I'll keep you updated, okay? I'll see you later."

*"Bye."*

Ending the call, she headed to the door and swung it open. She furrowed her brows at the Pizza delivery girl.

"One pepperoni cheese pizza and a Coke." She said, holding the box and a small bag out. 

"Um, I didn't order this."

"The order was sent by an 'Anonymous' for a Wynn Mayfield in room 4A."

"That can't be right. I didn't-" Wynn froze, then pinched the bridge of her nose when realisation hit her. 

"I'll have that, thank you." She grabbed the order from the girl, then closed the door behind her. 

She stomped her way up the stairs, then charged through the long hallway- stopping at 5A. 

She knocked on the door, thunderous and impatient. She didn't care for the neighbours one bit, she just wanted to strangle the man inside. 

It swung open, revealing Ethan in a thin, V-neck sweater and Sweatpants. His hair was damp, and there was a white towel hanging on his shoulder. 

"You said you'd stay out of my life!" She snapped, shoving the pizza and Coke into his hands. 

Ethan shook his head. "I said I wouldn't 'bother' you. That's why I sent this anonymously."

Wynn blinked in complete disbelief at the innocent expression on his face. 

[Is he for real?]

"I hope you don't mind. I noticed you didn't eat lunch at work. You probably haven't eaten supper too."

"Are you watching me now?" Her brows wrinkled and she crossed her arms. 

"I am." He replied. "My eyes can't help but follow you."

Wynn's jaw dropped at his audacity, and her hands made to grab his neck, but she withdrew them. She thinned her lips, withholding a scream as she paced in front of his door. 

At this point, she was backed against a wall. 

"I *beg* of you, Ethan. Leave me alone."

She resorted to begging. 

"I gave you a week." Ethan furrowed his brows and Wynn's eyes popped out of their sockets. 

"~Wow! A *whole* week?!~ So considerate of you to pencil in my boundaries for seven business days!"

"It was my pleasure." Ethan grinned, well aware that his clueless front was pulling on her last nerves. 

He watched her eye twitch in response, and he held back a laugh. 

"Ethan," Wynn exhaled to calm herself, "what would it take for you to disappear right now?"

She watched a small smile grow on his lips, and his gaze softened. 

"I'm sorry, Wynn." He started. "I'm going to be selfish with you. I'm willing to stick by your side, even if you don't want it."

He watched her brows draw together, a shadow of hurt behind her frustrated glare. 

Then, Ethan dropped the things in his hand and stepped out of his apartment, inching closer to Wynn. 

[I don't have a fighting chance when my gestures are this weak.] He thought.

"I know about your list." He said, "so how about we make a deal?"

Wynn kept her glare on him, but her silence gave him the go-ahead. 

"To prove my feelings are genuine, I'll do everything your beloved fictional men have- and more. If I win your heart, Wynn Mayfield, promise me you'll be mine."