Ethan continued, meeting Mrs. Anderson's unwavering stare. "You know, since Olivia is so close to Mia, I didn't want there to be any awkwardness, Mom."Mrs. Anderson gets convinced by their words, her expression softening."Well, that certainly puts my mind at ease," she said with a warm smile. "I know how much Mia values your friendship, Olivia. And Ethan, it's good to see you looking out for my daughter, even when she's not around."Mia thought to herself, 'Mom, I know you trust Ethan. It’s going to take more than this to break that trust. However, I'm your daughter too, and I'm not going to back down until you admit that maybe Ethan isn't the right choice for me after all. That you made a mistake in letting me marry him?'Mrs. Anderson placed a hand on Ethan's arm, giving him an understanding nod. "Mia is so fortunate to have the two of you in her life. It's a comfort to know she has such a caring friend and husband looking out for her."Ethan's heart sank as Mrs. Anderson's words

It was a crisp Sunday morning, Olivia's sneakers pounded against the gravel path as she pushed herself forward, her morning jog through the serene park usually a calming ritual. But today, a prickle of unease had settled under her skin, a nagging sensation that she was being watched, followed.Panic began to build within Olivia, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her heart rate fastened, and her instincts took over, she quickened her pace and changed direction, determined to shake off her perceived pursuer. But the presence behind her refused to be stop, growing closer with each passing moment.Ethan had decided to take advantage of the crisp, Sunday morning and go for his usual jog in the park. It was a peaceful ritual he looked forward to, a chance to clear his mind and rejuvenate his body.As he made his way along the familiar path, Ethan's steps fell into a comfortable rhythm, his muscles warming up as he moved. In the serene surroundings and the fresh air, he had his earbuds i

He lunged forward towards the girl and the puppy, scooping them up in his arms. He jumped to the other side of the road. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt the rush of air against his face. With a thud, Ethan hit the ground on his back, clutching the girl and puppy tightly to his chest. He shielded them with his body as the car rush past, the screech of tires echoing in his ears. The sound of the crash reverberated through the air as the collided with the pavement. For a moment, he felt like time had stopped. Everything went silent except for his own heartbeat. Then the girl started wailing, and the puppy squirmed in his arms. Ethan looked down at the crying girl cradled against him and sat up. He consoled her "Shh, you're safe now, princess. See everything is okay? The little puppy is safe, too." Gently checking her over for any injuries. "Are you hurt anywhere, baby?" He asked softly. The girl shook her head no amidst her sobs. He stroked her hair soothingly. "Shh, please

"Mia, I can't do that in front of our parents it's ridiculous! What will they think of me if I start holding Olivia's hand and flirt with her right in front of them?" Ethan looked at Mia with disbelief."But that's what we have to show to our parents. We have to convince them that you're flirting with Olivia. Only in this way we can make our plan successful. Only in this way we will be able to get divorced. Why don't you understand, Ethan? This is the most important step for our plan," Mia said.I'm willing to help convince them Olivia and I have something going on between us through more subtle means lingering glances, standing a bit too close, that sort of thing. But I won't cross obvious lines of decency in front of our family. Our parents deserve to be treated with respect, even if we disagree with their decision on our marriage. Pulling a stunt like that will only make the situation more volatile. Please, I'm asking you to reconsider this approach."My Mom are completely inflexi

Olivia flinched at first when Ethan guided her hand towards the puppy's fur. But as her fingers made contact with the impossibly soft coat, she felt herself relaxing slightly. The puppy seemed to sense her fear and ceased its barking, letting out a small whimper sound instead."See, he likes you," Ethan murmured reassuringly close to her ear. His warm breath tickled her neck, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.Slowly, Olivia lifted her head from the safety of Ethan's neck to get a better look at the puppy. It looked up at her with soulful brown eyes, its tiny pink tongue lolling out happily as she stroked it. A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her lips."I guess he's not so bad... But I don't like dogs," she admitted, running her fingers through the soft fur.Ethan chuckled at that. "Who said he's a dog? Meet Mango, my new furry friend. And Mango, meet Olivia, my new old friend." He took Olivia's hand, which he was still holding, and guided it to shake the puppy's p