"Before we go to why I called you here, I want to apologize again for what happened at my megastore (boutique)."Please don't worry about it," Ethan reassured Sophia, his voice filled with genuine understanding.Sophia nodded, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she replied, appreciating Ethan's forgiving nature.Her curiosity getting the better of her, Sophia leaned forward slightly, her eyes focused intently on Ethan."Based on the CCTV footage, it seemed like you and that woman were acquainted because it seems you both were saying something before the quarrel started." She ventured, her voice laced with curiosity. "Is she a friend of yours?"Ethan's expression turned somber as he shook his head, a hint of weariness in his sigh."No," he replied, his voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "She's actually my ex-wife, Lily Johnson."Sophia's eyes widened in surprise, her mind spinning with questions. The revelation of their past connection added a layer of complexity to
Sophia cleared her throat; her voice was tinged with a hint of nervousness. "The truth is, I've always lied to my family about having a boyfriend," she confessed.Ethan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You don't actually have a boyfriend?" he interjected.Sophia shook her head, her gaze fixed on him. "I haven't really focused on relationships," she admitted.Ethan leaned forward, his curiosity evident. "So, let me get this straight. Your family wants you to introduce your boyfriend to them, but you don't actually have one?"Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and hope. "Exactly. My father, in particular, has been insisting on meeting the man in my life. It's becoming quite overwhelming, and I need a solution.Ethan furrowed his brow, contemplating the situation. "But why me? Why do you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend?"Sophia sighed, her gaze fixed on a distant point. "I've seen how you handled the situation earlier today, how composed and confident you
With a smug grin, the leader took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "I don't like introducing myself," he sneered, "but since I've been paid handsomely for this job, I suppose I can make an exception for you." His voice dripped with arrogance and malice. "I am Anthony Marino, a name that should ring a bell in certain circles."Ethan furrowed his brow, shaking his head slightly. "I haven't heard of you," he replied honestly, his tone tinged with skepticism. "Now, tell me what you want. Why are you targeting me?"Anthony's anger flared, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "You offended someone, and that someone has paid me generously to make you suffer," he spat, his voice laced with venom. "My task is simple: to break your bones and cripple you for your transgression."Ethan's face contorted with a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Cripple me? For what?" he exclaimed, his voice betraying a mix of anger and frustration. "I have no enemies. Who sent you and why?"A wi
Anthony Mario's eyes widened, a mixture of awe and disbelief dancing within them. He stared at Ethan intently, his mind racing to connect the dots. "You have this kind of amount in your account. Who are you?" he finally managed to articulate, his voice tinged with a hint of wonder.Ethan's laughter filled the air once again, a playful and enigmatic sound. He leaned back, seemingly relishing the moment."Why don't you take a guess?" he responded, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.Anthony's brows furrowed as he pondered Ethan's challenge. His mind whirred, considering the possibilities."I don't think any young person in Ashville could possess such wealth," he mused aloud, his tone contemplative. Then, as if a light bulb had illuminated his thoughts, his face contorted with realization."Wait a minute. Only one person comes to mind," he exclaimed, his voice laced with a mix of awe and realization. "The young, anonymous CEO of Aureus."As the words left Anthony's lips, he fixed his gaze
Ethan's brow furrowed in confusion upon hearing the security guard's request. "A security guard here?" he questioned, his voice tinged with surprise. "But aren't you already employed as a security guard at the Blue Moon Villa center?" he inquired, seeking clarification.The security guard let out a weary sigh and said, "Well, you see, sir, my role at the Blue Moon Villa center is more of a temporary arrangement. It's only when there are specific villas to be taken care of that I am called in for security duties. Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no assignments, which means I would be without work until I receive a call."Ethan furrowed his brow in concern and asked, "So, you're saying you're available for security work?"The security guard nodded earnestly and replied, "Yes, that's correct. I'm looking for a new opportunity, and I'd be more than willing to take care of your house until I receive another assignment."Ethan considered the guard's request and finally said,"Alright,
Cory stood outside the restaurant, anxiously waiting for his friend.Cory, Ethan's longtime friend, possessed a striking handsomeness that complemented his charismatic personality. Standing at an average height, he had an athletic build that hinted at his active lifestyle. His dark, tousled hair framed a well-defined face, accentuated by a neatly trimmed beard that added a touch of rugged charm.His eyes scanned the street, searching for any sign of Ethan. And then, as if in a dream, he saw it—a BMW M8 pulling up to the curb. His jaw dropped, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. The person who got out was Ethan.What?" Cory screamed out.Was this real? Could it truly be Ethan stepping out of that stunning vehicle?Ethan emerged from the car, exuding an air of confidence and success. His appearance had undergone a remarkable transformation since their last encounter. Handsomely dressed and radiating charm, he looked like a different person altogether. Cory's heart raced as he t
Cory's eyes widened as he stared at the wad of money in disbelief. "Is...is all of this mine?" He stammered, his voice filled with astonishment.Ethan nodded with a genuine smile. "Yes, every bit of it," he replied. "Consider it a gift from a friend. Take it, Cory. It's all yours."Tentatively, Cory extended his trembling hand, the mix of shock and gratitude evident on his face. Ethan gently placed the money into Cory's palm, making sure he felt its weight. "Use it wisely, my friend," Ethan advised. "This is your chance to leave those difficult times behind and start anew."Cory's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the sudden turn of events. The weight of the cash in his hand felt both overwhelming and empowering. "I don't know what to say," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.Ethan placed a reassuring hand on Cory's shoulder. "You don't need to say anything, Cory. Just promise me that you'll use this opportunity to create a better future for yourself," he said earnestly.Co
Ethan's eyes widened with surprise as he examined the intricate craftsmanship of the watch. "Sophia, this is beautiful. You really didn't have to spend so much," he said gratefully.Sophia simply shrugged and said, "Oh, come on, it's nothing compared to what you deserve."Ethan nodded appreciatively, wearing the watch on his wrist with pride. As Sophia started the car and began driving, Ethan found himself occasionally stealing glances at her, captivated by her beauty. Sophia noticed his gaze and let out a soft chuckle."What's on your mind?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.Ethan smiled sheepishly and admitted, "Honestly, it's hard to concentrate when you look so stunning. Your beauty is quite distracting."Sophia laughed; the sound was light and melodious. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Ethan."Their laughter filled the car as they embarked on their journey, and there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.After an hour of driving, Ethan