Chapter one - the fall from power
The rain came down like shattered glass against the windows of cole enterprise.
Outside the city pulsed with life; inside silent ruined the twenty - fourth floor - the silence that came after power has been broken
Ethan Cole sat in the office chair, staring at the storm. The once- invincible CEO - the man whose voice could make or distroy a fortun -
now look like a ghost himself the tabloids has already begun their funeral for his career:
"Billionaire CEO crippled in tragic crash - empire in jeopardy."
"Cole industries faces collapse after tragedy strikes."
He almost smiles at the headline, if only they knew.
Marcus, his driver and oldest friend, entered quietly, holding a cane and set of papers. "everything's ready, sir. the board believes you'll step down next week. the doctor have sign the report,"
Ethan took the cane, spinning it slowly in his hands.
"Good, the more convincing it looks, the faster the vulture stops cycling,"
Marcus hesitated, "Ethan… this is madness. you're not crippled. you could work out there right now and shut them up."
Ethan leaned back, his dark eyes cold but heavy with something deeper - pain, maybe guilt.
"And what would that proves? that I can still run a company? I already know I can. what I don't know… He paused, looking towards the rain,again. Is if anyone can love me when I can't,"
Marcus frowned. "you really think pretending to be broken will make someone love you more?"
Ethan looked up, his jaw tight. "it's not about more. it's about real. I've spent my life surrounded by people who smiled for money and bowed for my name. i want one person who'll see me - even if i looked like a man who can give nothing back,"
Marcus signed, defeated. "And if no one does?"
Ethan turned away, watching the lightning split the sky.
Then atleast I will know the truth."
He rose - perfectly steady - he and worked towards the mirror the mirror walls, his reflection half - lit by the city glow. for one last moment, he stood tall, the powerful CEO the word remembered. then, deliberately, he reached for the wheel chair waiting waiting behind him and lowered himself into it.
The transformation was chilling - a man surrendering his throne by choice.
When the door opened the press entered, Ethan expression has changed completely: the proud CEO was gone. in his place sat a broken man with a quiet, haunting dignity. camera flashed. pity filled the room.
Marcus stood behind him, watching the performance with a heart that felt too heavy. he knew this wasn't just a plan. it was a confession. Ethan Cole wasn't pretending to be crippled - he wasn't purnishing himself for being untouchable for too long.
And somewhere deep inside, as the storm raged on, a question echoed in Ethan mind:
If I stripped away everything - power, pride, and perfection - will anyone still love me?"
The rain outside didn't answer but fate was already moving - in the form of a woman who had no idea she was about to meet a man hiding behind his own lies.