The Billionaire's Hidden Wife

Episode 10

Catherine quickly washed her face and rushed to the front door. She peered through the peephole and saw Ethan standing outside. She hesitated, not wanting him to see her in this state. As she debated whether to open the door, he began knocking urgently and calling out, "Cathy, are you in there?"

With no other choice, Catherine opened the door. The moment Ethan saw her, he let out a sigh of relief, but his expression quickly turned to frustration. "Do you know how worried I was? I called you a million times! I thought something happened to you!"

Seeing him so concerned touched Catherine’s heart. There were so few people left who genuinely cared for her.

She kept her head down, trying to sound as casual as possible. "What could possibly happen to me in broad daylight? I just overslept."

She turned, hoping to avoid his gaze, but Ethan grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to face him. His worry deepened as he took in her pale face. "What’s wrong with you? Did Alex hurt you again?"

"No," Catherine responded firmly, shaking off his grip.

"Don’t lie to me. Tammy already told me everything. Yesterday was your second wedding anniversary, and instead of spending it with you, he was out with another woman. How can he call himself a man?" Ethan’s voice was filled with rage, as if he wanted to storm off and confront Alex right then and there.

Catherine cursed silently. Tammy and her big mouth!

“It’s not what you think. Don’t listen to Tammy’s nonsense. He was just with Serena for work,” Catherine insisted, knowing Ethan was only trying to protect her, but this was a private matter between her and Alex. No one else needed to be involved.

Ethan let out a sarcastic laugh. "Work, huh? You still believe that? Even after everything?"

“Ethan, I’m not defending him. It’s just the truth!” Catherine’s tone grew more resolute.

Ethan looked at her incredulously, hands on his hips as he let out a deep breath. “I don’t understand, Cathy. What is it about him that you love so much? You know he’s never loved you back, so why do you keep doing this to yourself? Or is he threatening you somehow?”

“Can you please drop it?” Catherine was physically and emotionally drained. “I have a splitting headache, and I really don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“Okay, fine. I won’t bring him up again,” Ethan relented, more out of concern than anger. His expression softened as he said, “But don’t forget our agreement.”

At the mention of the agreement, Catherine’s face fell. She had never taken it seriously. When she first told Ethan she was marrying Alex, he had nearly lost it. To calm him down, they made a pact—if she and Alex divorced within three years, she’d marry Ethan. But if they stayed together, Ethan promised to move on.

“Ethan, can I ask you something?” Catherine said, avoiding the topic.

“Of course.”

After a pause, she looked directly at him. “Why do you love me? You know I’ve never loved you, so why do you keep hurting yourself like this?”

Ethan was stunned. He hadn’t expected her to ask that. Catherine gave him an apologetic smile before continuing, “I know it’s harsh, but it’s the truth. Whether our agreement is three years or thirty years, you’re going to lose.”

“Ethan, I understand how you feel, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done. But I can’t return your feelings. You need to move on and live your own life. No matter what happens, I’m Alex’s wife, and that’s not going to change.”

Ethan stared at her for a moment, then unexpectedly burst into laughter. “Cathy, you’re being so serious. This doesn’t sound like you at all! Has Alex driven you to some kind of personality split?”

Catherine felt exasperated. “I’m being serious! Can you please take this seriously?”

“All right, all right, I’ll be serious,” Ethan said, forcing a straight face. “Look, I get it. We don’t need to keep going over this. The way I see it, you’re a fool for Alex, and I’m a fool for you. We’re both in the same boat, so no lectures, okay? But don’t worry—I’ll keep my word. If you’re still married in three years, I’ll give up. How does that sound, Miss Catherine? Satisfied?”

He gazed at her with exaggerated wide eyes, trying to lighten the mood. Despite herself, Catherine couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. Seeing her smile, Ethan smiled too.

“Ethan, thank you,” Catherine said sincerely. No matter how much she hurt him, he always found a way to make her laugh. While she was waiting and longing for Alex, Ethan had always been waiting for her, standing by her side. He had been there for her through everything, never leaving.

Ethan had given her just as much as she had given Alex, but that’s the thing about love—you can’t force it. No matter how much Alex hurt her, she still loved him. And no matter how much Ethan did for her, she just didn’t feel the same way. Love doesn’t follow logic. Maybe, as Ethan said, they were both just fools.

“Don’t be silly. No need to thank me,” Ethan replied with a carefree smile, before his expression shifted to something more serious. “Actually, Cathy, I came to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?”

“Tonight is the fifth anniversary of Blue Note, the bar. The owner used to work with my dad, and he asked if our band could perform to help celebrate.”

Catherine and Ethan shared a deep love for music. Three years ago, they had formed a band with a pair of twins who were three years younger than them. They had called the band “Starlight,” a name derived from the combination of their own names. While they had never performed on a big stage, they were well-known in their university circles.

“The bar?” Catherine hesitated. Ever since she married Alex, she hadn’t set foot in a bar. “I don’t know…”

“Is this because of Alex again?” Ethan guessed. Ever since she married him, she had completely changed. Her once lively personality had disappeared. She no longer attended parties, avoided group gatherings, and shut herself off from her old friends.

“It’s not about him. Can we not bring him into this?” Catherine said, exasperated.

“If it’s not about him, then come tonight. You’ve been isolating yourself for too long, Cathy. It’s not good for you. And until I know for sure that you won’t be my future wife, I have a responsibility to make sure you stay healthy!” Ethan’s tone was firm.

“Fine,” Catherine agreed with a sigh. She knew he wouldn’t let it go otherwise.