CHAPTER SIX

Rule number one: Never enter my room without my permission.

Rule number two: Do not go into my office without my permission.

Ella’s grip tightened around the paper, she knew Ethan was rude but she hadn’t realized just how controlling he was until now.

She let out a slow breath and continued reading.

Rule number three: Do not touch my personal belongings.

Rule number four: Do not ask about my private life.

Ella frowned. The list felt like she was a prisoner in this house. 

She flipped the page over, hoping she had reached the end.

Instead, one final sentence stared back at her.

Comply with these rules, and we won’t have any problems.

Ella sighed. She folded the paper, kept it back into the envelope and kept it on the nightstand.

She crouched down, taking her suitcase from the floor. She opened her suitcase and poured her clothes out on the bed.

Her eyes searched for the wardrope, till it landed on one. Walking over to it, she opened the doors and found rows of empty wooden hangers inside. She took out a few of them and began hanging up her dresses and blouses. She folded the rest of her clothes neatly on the shelves. 

After unpacking, she placed her suitcase at the bottom of the wardrobe.

The wardrobe looked full now. Her  clothes had filled the empty space. She let out a long sigh, hoping this day would finally come to an end.

Ella looked around the room one last time before walking into the bathroom.

The bathroom was two times the size of her bedroom back home. White marble covered the walls and floor, and a large bathtub sat beside the window with the curtains half drawn.

She turned on the hot water and waited for the bathtub to fill. Few minutes later, she stepped in and slowly sank into the water.

She closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of the water. For the first time since her father’s incident she felt at peace.

***

Ethan closed the file in front of him and glanced at the clock on the wall.

6.30 p.m.

He had just gotten out of a meeting, he needed to clear the stack of files placed on his desk before heading home.

The thought of home felt strange to him. He now had a stranger as a wife, how worse could his life get. He didn’t have a choice. When he saw Ella crying he felt it was right to bring up the offer because they both needed it. 

Marrying Ella wasn’t something he wanted. It was simply the fastest way to satisfy his grandfather's will.

A knock came at the door.

“Come in.” He said his voice sharp and bold.

His assistant, Angela, stepped inside holding a file in her hand.

“Sir, this is the contract from the Chicago branch. They need your signature before tomorrow morning.”

“Drop it,” Ethan said, his voice calm but sharp.

Angela hurriedly placed the file on his desk and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

She stopped immediately and turned back.

Ethan picked up the pen on his desk and opened the file. His eyes moved over each page, reading every line before signing where necessary. When he was done, he closed the file and gave it out to her.

“Send it back to the Chicago branch.”

Angela took the file from him. “Yes, sir.”

“And one more thing,” Ethan said, his gaze meeting hers. “Move Ella’s things to a new office.”

Angela hesitated for a second. “Miss Wright, sir?”

“You will address her as Mrs Blackwood from now henceforth.” Ethan said, his voice filled with authority.

“Okay, sir.” Angela said, her voice shaky. “I’ll have it done before she arrives tomorrow morning.”

Ethan looked down to the stack of files on his desk. “Good.”

Angela quickly left the office and closed the door behind her.

Ethan closed the last file and leaned back in his chair. His gaze landed on the framed photograph on his bookshelf.

His grandfather stared back at him with the same stern expression he had worn for most of his life.

“You need to get a wife, Ethan.”

His jaw tightened. He could still hear his grandfather’s voice, low and firm. He had finally fulfilled the old man’s will.

Ethan glanced down at the watch on his wrist.

8.45 p.m.

He hadn't realized it was late. He set the files on his desk well before standing up from the chair. He took his briefcase and headed to the door with his phone in his hand texting his driver to get the car ready.

He got to the parking lot and found his driver already waiting beside the car with the door opened.

“Good evening sir.” The driver greeted.

Ethan didn't respond, his brows furrowed as he stared at the screen of his phone. Without looking up he slid into the back seat, and the driver quietly closed the door behind him.

A moment later, the engine started and the car was pulled away from the parking lot.

Ethan leaned back against the seat and slowly closed his eyes, letting the soft hum of the engine envelop him.

His phone vibrated against the seat. He opened his eyes and glanced at the screen.

“Angela.”

He picked the call and lifted the phone to his ear.

“Mrs Blackwood’s office has been prepared sir,” 

“Good.” Ethan said, his voice calm.

“I’ve informed the department manager that she’ll begin working there tomorrow morning.”

“Is there anything else?” Ethan asked

“No, sir.” Angela replied softly.

“Fine.” Ethan said before ending the call.

He placed the phone on the car seat and loosened his tie before closing his eyes once again.

A few minutes later the car slowed as the tall black iron gate of the Blackwood mansion came into view.

The security guard immediately stepped forward and pressed the control button on the wall. The heavy gates swung open without making a sound.

The car rolled along the driveway, stopping at the front entrance. The driver switched off the car engine. He quickly came down to open the door for Ethan.

Ethan came down with his briefcase in one hand and phone in the other. He made his way toward the front door. 

He reached for the handle and pushed the door open. He took one step inside then froze.

His jaw clenched, his hand curled into a fist, nails biting into his palm. His face went red.

“Hello son.”