Semua Bab No Strings Attached: My Brother’s Best Friend : Bab 101 - Bab 110

Ethan’s POVThe soft clinking of silverware against plates echoed faintly in the quiet restaurant, blending seamlessly with the soothing hum of background music. I leaned back in my chair, studying Emily. She seemed more flustered than usual, her eyes flicking away whenever our gazes met. I couldn’t tell if she was just shy, or if there was something deeper beneath her calm exterior. Whatever it was, it intrigued me. I’d always felt a pull toward her, but today it seemed stronger than ever.I tried to focus on the conversation we were having, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the simple fact that we were finally having lunch together. Something I’d wanted for far too long, yet had never allowed myself to pursue. For months—maybe even years—I’d been too wrapped up in the chaos of work and my own self-inflicted solitude to notice what was right in front of me. Emily.As I sipped from my glass, my mind wandered to why I’d never thought about courting her before. She was smart, be

ReubenThe club was packed tonight, the air thick with smoke, sweat, and the pounding bass of music that made the walls tremble.I sat in my usual spot, a private booth tucked into the shadows, where I could see everything but remain unseen. A half-empty bottle of whiskey sat on the table in front of me, its amber liquid gleaming under the dim lights. A cigarette dangled between my fingers, the smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling.It should have been a good night. I had everything I needed to forget—booze, smoke, and the kind of mindless chaos that usually drowned out the noise in my head. But tonight, none of it worked. My thoughts were stuck, circling around Emily, as they always did.I took another drag from the cigarette, letting the burn sear its way into my lungs before I exhaled. I should have been over her by now. I’d told myself that a thousand times. But every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face—those soft eyes, the way her smile lit up a room. She haunted me, a gh

Ethan’s POV The day had been long, but not long enough to dull the sting of Reuben’s words. As I drove home, the conversation replayed in my mind, his accusations looping like a broken record. Was I truly at fault? Had I overlooked something? No. Emily had been clear. Reuben’s issues stemmed from his own swindling, uncaring attitude—not me. Still, the weight of his words clung to me like an unwelcome guest. The iron gates of my estate swung open, and I eased my car into the driveway. The soft glow of the mansion lights greeted me. As I stepped out, the familiar scent of Lady Tatiana’s cooking wafted through the air, instantly calming me. Inside, I found her bustling in the kitchen, her gray hair neatly pinned back, her movements precise and practiced. "Good evening, Lady Tatiana," I greeted, leaning against the doorframe. She turned, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Good evening, Sir Ethan. You’re just in time—dinner will be ready shortly." "What are you making

Emily’s POV The Frost Mansion was a sprawling estate, its opulent walls and gleaming marble floors a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the office I’d just left behind. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft candlelight flickering in the corners of each room, casting an almost magical glow over the gathering. The clinking of glasses, the murmur of voices, and the laughter from a nearby group made the entire space feel alive, yet there was a certain stillness in the air—something unspoken that lingered just out of reach.Lila, always the gracious host, led me through the grand foyer and into the dining area, where the rest of the family was already seated. She released my arm only to immediately pull out the chair beside hers, a clear invitation to join the table. Ethan followed behind us, his steps quiet, almost predatory, like a lion sizing up its prey."Emily! You're here!" Joan, Lila's mother, called from the end of the table, her warm voice cutting through th

Emily’s POVDinner at the Frost Mansion was as grand as I remembered. Even the events of the last year seemed forgotten as we sat, laughed and ate together.The hum of conversation filled the room, but there was a tension underlining it.I was seated between Joan and Lila, and their presence grounded me in a way that felt safe. Across the table, Caden sat with his usual confidence, his sharp features illuminated by the soft candlelight. His presence was commanding without being overbearing, a trait that had always made him stand out.“Emily,” he greeted with a slight nod and a faint smile when our eyes met.“Caden,” I replied, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. There was something about him that always made me feel like I was under a spotlight, even in the middle of a crowd.We all began to eat, the clinking of cutlery occasionally punctuating the flow of polite conversation. Joan asked about my work in Silver Lake, and I answered with enthusiasm, describing the communit