Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 39

It still felt like a dream to me that I had just been in Ethan’s house, not because he had personally asked me to come, but because over the last few days I had glimpsed another side of him I never knew existed. Everyone knew how closed off, cold, and strict he could be. He hadn’t made an exception for me in the beginning, either. But lately, the way he looked at me, the quiet protectiveness in his voice, the subtle shifts in his demeanor… it left me unraveling. I didn’t know what to make of it.Working from his home today had given me some free time, so after wrapping up the last report, I decided to swing by Maya’s place before heading home. I wasn’t in the right headspace for any more of Noah’s drama, nor did I want to think about him. I flagged down a cab, as the city’s traffic hummed around me like a restless heartbeat. I expected Maya to be home lounging, but what I didn’t expect was the scene that greeted me the moment I pushed open her front door.“Hey, babe, don’t nag me. I h

I chuckled lightly, staring at Maya with genuine surprise sparkling in my eyes. “You did? Now that’s new!” I said, the laughter bubbling up from my chest as she joined in.“Well, let’s just say he reached out to me for a little help,” she admitted, a proud grin tugging at her lips. “I suggested a few things, nothing major, and he went with the date idea. Although I have to admit, it was kind of cute watching him get all hopeful.”I tilted my head, still processing. “Why didn’t you say no, though? You know everything about us. I’m sure he was shocked you even agreed to help him out.”Maya shrugged one shoulder, rising from the edge of the bed. “I wasn’t in the mood to cuss him out that day, honestly. And let’s be real, the dinner date wasn’t going to magically change your mind, so telling him that flat-out would’ve been cruel, even if I don’t usually care about being nice. I figured, if he believes it’ll work, who am I to crush that dream before he even tries?” She gestured toward the

I pulled out the dress, and the breath caught in my throat. The emerald green gown shimmered under the soft light like liquid silk kissed by moonlight. It has tiny crystals scattered across the bodice which caught every flicker, subtle as starlight on still water—elegant, never gaudy. It was paired with a sleek black heels laced in delicate emerald ribbons that would wrap up my calves, it felt almost too perfect. I held it against my body, turning slowly, and a rush of warmth flooded my cheeks. It wasn’t just beautiful, it looked like it was made for me, as if the designer had traced my curves in a dream and brought them to life.I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Grabbing my phone, I typed quickly. “I just got the package. I love it. Although it wasn’t necessary. See you at 6pm.” Send. The little whoosh sound made my stomach flutter. Then I folded the gown back into its box and carried it to my bedroom like it was made of glass.Since I was gonna be home all day, I decided

Standing there in the dimly lit hallway, my heart still pounding from the whirlwind of emotions that had just swept through me. Adrian's chuckle echoed lightly, but it didn't ease the tension coiling in my chest. "Right! You definitely are," he said, his laughter bubbling up like he thought my words were just playful banter. But I wasn't joking. Not even close. "I'm sorry for all that. I didn't think my mom was gonna come at you like that. I was just trying to mess with Ethan, but that escalated pretty fast. For real, I'm sorry."I sighed, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. "Look, Adrian, honestly, I don't give a shit about whatever drama is going on between you and your brother, nor do I want to get involved in your family drama. I'm only here because Ethan pleaded with me to, and also, I wouldn't have agreed to it if I didn't come by your place and find another woman there." The words tumbled out in a rush, as I exhaled heavily, finally releasing all that has been ea