I couldn't sleep.
lillians voice kept echoing in my mind.
"I hope you enjoy what's mine."
Mine.
Was Ethan still hers?
The next morning, the mansion was unusually quiet.Ethan had already left for work.
Or ar least...that's what the maid told me.
Something didn't feel right.
On impulse, I decided to go out. I told the driver I wanted to visit a bookstore.
But halfway there, I changed my mind.
"Stop the car, I said suddenly.
Across the street was Kingsley Group Headquarters.
If Ethan was working, I would see him.
If not.....
I stepped inside confidently. The receptionist looked nervous when I introduced myself as Mrs. Kingsley.
"Sir isn't in a meeting ",she said carefully.
" With whom? "I asked.
She hesitated.
"Miss Hart ".
My chest tightened.
So he lied.
I followed the direction she gave me.
The conference room door was slightly open.
And there they were.
Ethan.
And Lillian.
Standing too close.
Lillians hand on his arm.
" I warned you ", she was saying softly. You can't protect her forever.
Protect me?
"Ethan voice was low, " stay away from her, " Lilian."
She smiled." Or what?" You'll choose her over me"?
Silence.
Plain flashed across Ethan's face.
"I never stopped loving you", she whispered.
My breath caught.
For a second.. I felt like I couldn't move.
Then Ethan spoke.
"You are not the same person anymore ".
Her expression changed instantly. Sweet to sharp.
" And neither ar you ", she replied coldly. " You married her to hurt her father. Don't pretend she metters.
That's when Ethan noticed me.
Our eyes met.
Shock.
Guilt?
Or something else?
Lillian turned slowly and saw me standing there.
Instead of embarrassment, she looked amused.
" Oh she said sweetly, "The Wife ".
I stepped inside, forcing myself to stay calm.
"I was looking for my husband ",I said evenly.
Lillian walked past me, stopping just inches away.
"Be careful," she whispered so only I could hear.
"You married into a family built on Secrets ".
Then she left.
The room felt suffocating.
I didn't look at Ethan.
"Where you going to tell me? " I asked quietly.
"Isn't what you think, "he replied.
I laughed softly.
" That's the oldest line in the world ".
He stepped closer.
"I met her to end things properly."
"Did you?"
His silence said enough.
My heart hurt __but I refused to show it.
"This marriage may be a contact," I said steadily," but I won't be anyone's replacement.
I turned to leave.
But before I could reach the door, Ethan grabbed my hand.
I froze.
He had never said my name before.
And the way he said it__
Wasn't cold.
Wasn't cruel.
It was almost...
Afraid.
" you ever try to leave me, I will destory everything you love. "
She smiled coldly. "Try me ".