EMILY’S POV.
Ethan and I shared a quiet but lovely breakfast. No grand decoration, heavy emotions, just two people eating panwanteds and sipping coffee while grinning at each other occasionally.
It felt like a glimpse of the kind of life I want, the life we could have if everything was different.
He talked a bit about work and I just listened, nodding. I didn't say ,much. I was wrapping my h were rt aonesnd everythime ng he said earlier. The promises he made, the warnings about Camille and the look in his eyes, the one that made realize his seriousness and sincerity.
After breakfast, he leaned over and kissed my lips. Then whispered, "I'll try and be early,"
And I smiled, nothat was "Please be safe,"
After he left, the apartment became silent. I stood at the doocasual outfitsthe door that's shut.
I stood st
Emily’s POV… My three-year-long facade of happiness finally came to an end in a single day. How did this happen? I’ll tell you. It all started the day I caught him cheating on me. I stood there frozen in the doorway like a block of ice. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears. The scene in front of me felt like a cruel joke- Daniel, this same man I had loved for three years, was there before me, tangled up with another woman in our bed. I repeat- OUR bed. At first, neither of them noticed me, but when Daniel finally looked up, his expression wasn’t one of guilt or regret. It was annoyance. As if I were the one who had done something wrong. “Emily,” he said, casually pulling the sheet over himself. “You weren’t supposed to be home yet.” That was it. No apologies. No frantic explanations. Just those cold, indifferent words that sliced through me like a knife. The bitch beside him- brunette, sat up smirking- she didn’t even bother covering up. She just raised an eyebrow
Emily’s POV…Ethan studied me over the rim of his glass, his sharp blue eyes filled with quiet amusement. He didn’t smile-not fully- but there was something in his expression that told me he wasn’t used to being challenged. "Alright, Sinclair. Let’s see what you’ve got."He let a beat of silence pass, as if assessing me, before taking a slow sip of his drink. When he finally spoke, his voice was slow, deliberate. "That depends," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Are we talking business or something else?"I smirked. "Wouldn’t you like to know?"Ethan let out a quiet chuckle—low, deep, the kind that sent a strange thrill down my spine. "I usually don’t play games," he said, watching me with an intensity that made my stomach tighten.“That’s funny,” I replied, swirling the champagne in my glass. “Because you’ve been staring at me like you’re already playing one.” His gaze didn’t waver. If anything, it darkened slightly. “Maybe I’m just trying to figure out your angle.”I took a sl
Emily’s POV… I stared at the business card in my hand, my heart pounding as I tapped Ethan’s number into my phone. Olivia sat beside me, practically vibrating with excitement, mouthing “do it,” over and over again. With a deep breath, I hit call. It rang twice before a deep, familiar voice answered. “Carter” My breath caught at the way he said my last name—calm, controlled, effortlessly powerful.“Ethan,” I said, trying to sound composed. “It’s Emily.”There was a beat of silence. Not the awkward kind. The calculated kind. Like he wasn’t surprised I had called—but he was still deciding what to do with that information.“I see you took my offer,” he finally said.I smirked slightly. “That depends. What exactly was your offer?”A quiet chuckle. Low. Amused. “Why don’t you come by my office tomorrow, and we’ll find out?”I hesitated. “Your office?”“Yes. Unless you’d prefer somewhere else?” His tone was smooth, unreadable.“No, your office is fine,” I said quickly, gripping the phon
Emily’s POV… Ethan pulled back abruptly, his breathing uneven. His grip on my waist tightened for just a second before he forced himself to let go. His forehead nearly touched mine as he exhaled slowly. “We’re not doing this here.” I, still still dazed from the heat of his kiss, smirked. “So where, then?” Ethan stepped back, shaking his head, his expression unreadable. “Emily.”I titled my head, eyes gleaming with challenge. “My apartment.” A dark chuckle escaped him, but there was no amusement in it- just something dangerous. He studied me, his gaze trailing over my face as if searching for hesitation. “You don’t stop pushing, do you?” he muttered. “Not when I want something.”His jaw tightened. “You should be careful about that.”I took a step closer, deliberately, testing him. “Why? Because you’re not like your brother?”Ethan’s expression darkened instantly. His eyes flashed with something almost lethal, but his voice remained controlled. Too controlled.“No, Emily. I’m not
Emily’s POV… I stirred as the soft morning light streamed through my bedroom window, casting a warm glow over the sheets. The first thing I became aware of was the soreness in my body—a reminder of exactly how last night had unfolded.The second thing? The steady, solid warmth beside me. Ethan was still here. I blinked, my head turning slowly on the pillow. He was lying on his back, one arm resting behind his head, the other draped loosely over his stomach. He’d been awake, watching me for a while. I swallowed, suddenly unsure of what to say. “You stayed.” Ethan’s lips twitched, but he didn’t move. “I did.” That was unexpected. Ethan Sinclair wasn’t the type to linger. He wasn’t the type to entertain repeats- at least that’s what I’d always heard. And yet, here he was. Before I could over-think it, he shifted, reaching over to brush a strand of hair from my face. His fingers were warm, his touch, too gentle for a man who had been anything but last night. “What are you doing
Emily’s POVThe black sedan pulled to a halt in front of my apartment. I clutched onto the thin strap of my purse, avoiding his gaze. My heart slammed against my ribs, feeling a moment of hesitation. I was about to slide out of the passenger seats before my hand could reach the door handle when Ethan's hand landed on my wrist, closing around it. His grasp was firm but not harsh as if he never wanted to let me go."Emily -" He began, voice low and deep."No," I interjected, yanking his hand free from my wrist. "I understand; I have clearly said that multiple times," I said, my voice coming steadier than I had imagined. I slid out of the car, closing the door with a sharp click.I felt his eyes on me, watching me for minutes as if he was expecting me to turn back and meet him. I didn't look back; instead, I hurried up, hastening my steps, gripping my small purse tightly until I reached my front door.I unlocked the door and went inside. As soon as I got inside, I slammed the door shut
EMILY’S POVA sudden knock came on my apartment door, loud and unexpected. I flinched slightly, and my head turned towards the entrance door."Babes, please hold on. Someone is knocking on my door," I said, to Olivia over the phone, my voice tightening."Are you expecting anyone, Emily," Olivia asked, and I nodded negatively as if she could see me."Not at all, I'm not expecting anyone," I responded."Maybe you should ignore it," Emily suggested, and I nodded in agreement. "I think I'll agree with you. I'm not expecting anyone," I replied, and just then I heard another loud bang on my door.My eyes went to the door, my mind racing with various thoughts. I'm not expecting anyone. No texts? No calls? -- just nothingCould it be Ethan? Maybe he's back and if he's the one, why is he here? I thought he didn't want to ruin his reputation. Coming over to my house will ruin his reputation.I stood up from the plush sofa, still holding my phone as I adjusted my gown. I approached the person, m
EMILY POVI shut the door to my apartment and leaned against it, releasing the breath I didn't realize I was holding.I shut my eyes, as my mind wondered why Daniel had come to my house in such a drunken state. Does he want to reconnect with me? I heard a muffled snore of Daniel as he banged the door hard."Emily!""Emily!" Olivia's voice cut through my world as I recalled that I was conversing with her over the phone."Olivia," I called, my voice barely above a whisper. "I left him outside, and I'm fine, I'm safe," Reassuring myself and her."Good!" She said, her voice firm. "Let him be, he will be fine. When he comes back to his senses, he will leave your doorstep. I need to handle that brat."I chuckled at her word 'handle'. She wants to handle a son of the Sinclair family, a powerful and influential family at that."Just don't get yourself into trouble. I appreciate you for your concern. I owe you one, girl," I appreciated, sincerely."Save it, girl. Just text me when you need my
EMILY’S POV.Ethan and I shared a quiet but lovely breakfast. No grand decoration, heavy emotions, just two people eating panwanteds and sipping coffee while grinning at each other occasionally.It felt like a glimpse of the kind of life I want, the life we could have if everything was different.He talked a bit about work and I just listened, nodding. I didn't say ,much. I was wrapping my h were rt aonesnd everythime ng he said earlier. The promises he made, the warnings about Camille and the look in his eyes, the one that made realize his seriousness and sincerity.After breakfast, he leaned over and kissed my lips. Then whispered, "I'll try and be early,"And I smiled, nothat was "Please be safe,"After he left, the apartment became silent. I stood at the doocasual outfitsthe door that's shut.I stood st
EMILY'S POslowlywarm ray of sunlight reflected through the window, kissing my cheeks gently. I stirred underhadn'tanket, slowing opening my eyes as Iblinked it several times.For a moment, I fe,lt peace and happiness I haven't felt in days. Everything felt calm, and quiet.I yawned, stretching my arms out and shifted slightly,bulgeding to the left side of the bed where Ethan had been lying beside me last night.But it was empty. My eyes bulge almost immediately, shaking off the last traces of sleep in my eyes as my heart skipped a beat."Ethan?" I called out softly, sitting up quickly as feleft; heihadI glanced arouna d, seeing no trace of him.The blanket next to me waspickeded well. He hadn't just leave,, he has been gone for while.Without thinkin g twice, I jumped off the bed, picking off his shirt from the floor and put it on. I rushed towa
EMILY'S POVThe following day, I found myself standing in front Ethan's house, my heart thudding painfully inside my chest like a twisted knife.My palms were sweaty, and every step I take towards his front door felt heavier. I almost ran, I almost turned around but I couldn't.I need to end this properly like Olivia has said.I rang the doorbell.After a few seconds, Ethan opened the door. He would there, gazing at me. He wore a simple grey t-shirt and black jeans. His hair was a little messy, like he had been running his hands through it, and his face looked tired, like he hadn’t slept either.For a moment, we just stared at each other.Without any word, he stepped aside and let me in. I walked past him into the living room. His fragrance hit my nostrils like a punch in the face.I turned around and faced him.
EMILY POVThe sound of pages flipping woke me up as I sat upright on the couch, flipping my hair backward. I saw Olivia closing the book that was in her hand as she took a seat on the side stool in the sitting room."Are you awake fully?" She asked, gazing at me with concern etched on her face and I nodded."Yesz I'm awake fully," I responded, smiling faintly at her. I watched as she stood, carrying the stool over to my side before settling on it."Emily," She called, gently holding my hand as she stroked it. "Are you fine? Do you want to talk about it?"I have her small tired smile, resting my body on the couch, adjusting the blanket on my thigh. My eyes felt heavy, like they were carrying the problems of the world like a Messiah."Liv, I'll be fine," I whispered, even when I knew it was a big lie. My voice cracked, betraying me."Emily,
EMILY'S POVI froze, my phone pressed harder against my ears as Ethan's voice Ethan echoed in my head.For a moment I didn't know how to respond. I hoped they didn't hear his voice or know who I was talking to.My tongue felt heavy, my heart pounding loudly. I stared at Victoria, who was watching me closely with a smug expression on her face."I'll take my leave now," I said, turning my back at her as I clutched onto my bag and phone tighter. I got outside and reduced my pace."Emily," Ethan called again, his voice raspy.I walked out of the building, stepping on a pavement to wait for a cab."Yes," I finally answered, my voice low and steady.There was a brief silence on the other end before Ethan talked again. "You're ignoring me calls and kept my text messages on read. I guess that was deliberate," He said, frustra
EMILY'S POVI couldn't help but let my eyes fall on the huge picture frame once again as I strode inside the living room. It was impossible for me to get my eyes off it, to ignore it.The photo was huge and placed perfectly at the right place, where people entering the house could see clearly.I forced myself to look away, swallowing down the lump that had formed in my throat. I shouldn't let it get to me, not here, I shouldn't give Victoria the satisfaction she's craving for. I took a deep breath, as I halt after entering the sitting room fully.I heard the sound of footsteps approaching which caught my attention. I turned towards the stairs to see Victoria descending elegantly. She dressed casually, looking at ease as if she hasn't destroyed my confidence yesterday.She was on a phone, giggling loudly. Her voice were sharp but my heart sank as I heard the words she spoke.
EMILY’S POVThe ride to my home was silent, the busy light in the streets passed by like a film I couldn't focus on.My thoughts replayed my encounter in Victoria's office. Her cold eyes, her words cutting through my confidence and the sight of her kissing and hugging Ethan in front of me felt as if my world had turned upside down.When I reached home, I settled the driver and went inside my apartment. I dropped my tote bag on the table as I sank on the couch. I pulled out my sketchbook and clip through the pages. My designs that once felt like a dream come true, a hope now looks like an evidence of a testament of failure.The way she began crossing out some of the sketches. Big, bold X’s across the designs I had spent all night perfecting made my stomach to tightened and the energy in me died instantly.I need a fresh air, I need to clear my mind. I grabb
EMILY’S POVI stood in front of the room in my bedroom, adjusting the sleeve of blue blouse. I paired it with a baggy jeans and minimal makeup. I dressed well because I didn't want to give Victoria any reason to say any cryptic word at me.Victoria had texted me last night, asking me to come to her office to go over my ideas for the new design project.I wasn't expecting a project nor Vera label to collaborate with high profile fashion figures. I didn't even know that Victoria was a fashion designer, I never imagined her to be one.I stepped inside her office, and the interiors were screaming, class, elegance and power. Clean white walls, Glass shelves filled with awards, neatly arranged sketches on corkboard. A large window over looked the street below.Victoria stood from her desk when I entered. She wore a black silk blouse tucked into a fitted pencil skirt, her ha
EMILY’S POVThe next day, my pencil swung as I sat on the floor. The television was on and music was playing. Papers were littered on the floor.I adjusted the pencil that held and gazed at my sketching. The sketching outline of a coat inspired by the theme of reinvention. The challenge brought out a new side and I'm happy a double mind with Victoria being my instructor.I told Olivia about it and she wasn't expecting a development. I let her know that I wasn't aware that Victoria was a fashion designer. I had thought she was just a digital influencer and maybe a CEO of a big industry not knowing she's a fashion designer.Olivia laughed at me as she told him to always stay updated.As I was shading the lapel, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen to see a message from Camille."Hey Emily, I was wondering if we could meet today. I have something I'd l