Chapter 6 Ethan’s Secret

Ethan's voice boomed down the hall, but I didn't stop. My heels struck the marble floor with the force of thunderclaps, every step cadenced defiantly against the tumult in my chest. Anger and frustration, and that something else-nameless, yet urgent for dismissal-puckered my throat.

The edges of my vision fuzzed but tearlessly, courtesy of the heating action of an absolutely fierce and powerful rage.

"What truth?" I muttered under my breath, fighting my way out through the heavy exit doors, and stepped out into the cool night air.

New York's streets pulsed with the chaotic energy of a night neither beginning nor ending-horns, footsteps shuffling-but none of it registered.

My entire world had shrunk to a single question: What the hell was Ethan hiding?

I leaned against a cold lamppost and inhaled sharply, trying to steady my racing thoughts. The city lights blurred together, and for a moment, I felt like I was flying.

"Why am I surprised?" I whispered bitterly, my voice swallowed by night. "He's a billionaire. Secrets come with the territory."

"Emma."

Ethan's voice, closer this time, sent a shiver coursing down my spine. I turned, and there he was, not a few feet away from me.

His tie hung loose around his neck, his perfect hair tousled as if he'd run his hands through it in frustration. For once, he did not look at all like the untouchable mogul who ruled boardrooms and owned skyscrapers.

He looked… more like a gentle innocent guy. And I hated how much that softened something inside me.

"Don't," I said sharply, holding up a hand to stop him. "Don't come any closer. Don't say anything unless it's the truth."

He paused, his piercing blue eyes searching mine. The streetlights cast a faint glow over his face, and for a moment, I thought I saw regret in his expression.

"It's not what you think," he said finally, his voice low and even.

I laughed-a small, mirthless sound-and my breath misted the cool air. "Not what I think? So Cara's just some kind of bored troublemaker, and you're Mr. Honest?"

"She's manipulating you," he said, the softening of his voice still tinged with urgency. "She wants to drive a wedge between us."

"There is no us, Ethan!" My voice cracked as I threw my hands into the air. "There's a contract. An arrangement. You said it yourself-this isn't real."

Ethan flinched, as if I'd struck him with a heavy metal For a moment, his icy veneer cracked, and something raw peeked through. But I became careless about Ethan or any of his deceptive emotions. I was fed up.

I seized for a moment and took a brief breath, "Whatever you're hiding," I continued, stepping closer, my voice shaking, "I deserve to know. I deserve better than this."

For a moment, he faltered. His lips parted like he was going to say something, and my heart stupidly hoped it would be something real. But then his jaw clamped down, and that familiar, guarded expression returned.

"I can't," he said simply.

Two words, and it was enough to break whatever meager trust I had earned with him.

"Then I can't do this," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

I felt broken, I turned and walked away, my chest heaving with the weight of everything unsaid. Ethan called my name again, his voice strained, but I didn't stop. I couldn't.

When I finally stepped into the apartment, Sophie was sitting on the couch, her laptop sitting precariously on her knees. Her eyes widened as I reeled inside, white and pinched.

"What happened?" she asked, laying the laptop aside and standing.

"It's over," I said, falling onto the couch beside her. "Whatever this was-this stupid arrangement-it's done."

Sophie frowned but said nothing immediately, instead reaching over to take my hand in a gentle squeeze.

After a long moment, she finally broke the silence with her characteristic bluntness. "Okay, but did you at least get a dramatic exit in? Maybe some perfectly-timed zinger? Because if not, I'd like to formally offer my services for next time.

Despite myself, I laughed shakily. "No zingers. Just a lot of shouting and walking away dramatically."

"Respectable," Sophie said with a solemn nod. 'Very 'angry heroine storming off into the night.' I approve."

I managed a small smile, but it faded fast. "I feel so stupid, Sophie. I knew this was just an act, but I let myself believe…" I trailed off, shaking my head. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters," Sophie said, putting an arm around my shoulders. "You're not stupid, Emma. You're just…you. A big-hearted, hopeful idiot. The good kind."

"Gee, thanks.

"You know what I mean." She nudged me gently. "You'll figure this out. You always do."

"Maybe I don't want to figure it out," I muttered, leaning into her. "Maybe I just want to quit."

"Sure. And maybe I'll quit carbs," Sophie said dryly. "But we both know that's not happening."

I laughed, the sound surprising me with its suddenness. Sophie grinned, clearly proud of herself.

"It’s all good," she said. "Now, go freshen up, put on some comfy nightwear , and let's have some fun. Preferably something with explosions or hot vampires."

"Sounds like a plan," I said, rising to my feet. But on my way upstairs to my room, the familiar ache of doubt settled in my chest once more but this time It wasn't that easy to let go of the memory of Ethan Carter, even if I wanted it to be that way.

Across town, Ethan stood in his penthouse, staring out at the glittering skyline. His reflection in the glass was tense, his usually composed features marred by frustration.

“You’re an idiot,” a voice drawled behind him.

Ethan turned to see Liam leaning casually against the doorway, a beer in hand and his signature smirk firmly in place.

“Don’t start,” Ethan warned.

"Oh, I'm starting," Liam said, sauntering into the room. "You had a good thing going, and you blew it. Classic Ethan."

"It's more complicated than that," Ethan muttered, turning back to the window.

"Of course it is," Liam said, flopping onto the couch. "It always is with you. But here's a wild idea: maybe, just maybe, you could try being honest for once?"

Ethan said nothing. His jaw only tightened as Liam leaned back and shrugged casually.

"Look, I get it. You've got your walls, and your control issues, and God forbid anyone see you as anything but perfect. But you know what?

Emma doesn't care about any of that. She just wants the truth."

"I can't drag her into this," Ethan replied, his tone very quiet.

She's already in it, man," Liam pointed out. "And she's probably tougher than you think. But hey, if you want to let Marcus win and lose Emma in the process, that's your call."

Ethan's fists clenched at the mention of Marcus, and Liam smirked knowingly.

Thought so," he said, standing and clapping Ethan on the shoulder. "Do something before it's too late, big bro. Or don't. Your choice."

As Liam left, Ethan stared out at the city, his mind a whirlwind of regret and determination.

For the first time, he wondered if letting Emma walk away was the biggest mistake of his life. Before he could take a step the door the signature opened up but this time it was his worst nightmare, Cara Simon bagged into his room, this time she came with war.