CEO, Addicted to Pampering

Shattered Bonds: Unveiling Secrets

Frozen in shock, he watches as the woman at his feet first clings to his legs, then climbs up to embrace him, rubbing against his chest. Ethan looks down at her in surprise as her hands slide inside his shirt. He allows her to explore his body, seemingly trying to confirm something through the contact. Her face turns a shade of pink. She unconsciously twists in his arms, unsure of what to do. She is driven by instinct to tiptoe up and kiss the man's lips, which are cool with a pleasant hint of mint. His body is also cool to the touch and feels soothing against hers. She feels less hot, but another part of her body yearns for more. Confused about what to do next, she nearly cries in frustration and utters pained moans.

Ethan's breathing quickens, and his eyes darken with desire. He wraps his strong arms around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. He asks, 'Are you sure about this? If you provoke me, there will be no turning back.' She gazes at him mesmerized and responds with her soft lips kissing him again.

Traces of yesterday's intensity remain on the carpet, sofa, and windowsill. Emily awakes to the sound of water running from the bathroom. She sits on the bed, clutching the covers. Her mind is blank for a few seconds before her memories flood back. She thinks about the confusion and intensity of the previous night - the man's ragged breathing, hot body, and domineering aggression... Her face grows pale.

Lost in thought, the sound of water in the bathroom stops. Emily doesn't think any further. Fighting the discomfort in her body, she jumps off the bed, quickly grabs her clothes off the floor, dresses, and quietly leaves. Shortly after Emily leaves, there is a click. The bathroom door opens. Ethan Shaw steps out. Wrapped only in a towel, his broad shoulders, muscular chest, narrow waist, and long legs are on display. Droplets of water slide down his chest muscles, disappearing into the sexy V-lines at his hips. His short hair, damp and disheveled, adds a touch of recklessness. He glances casually around the room, and when he sees the empty, disheveled bed, he pauses, then walks over with a slightly heavy gaze. He calls out to his friend, Nathan Fillion. Soon a lazy voice comes through: ‘Ethan, what's up? You're actually calling me?’ Ethan ignores his teasing. ‘I met a woman last night.’

Silence.

‘Cough, cough, cough.’ The man on the other end of the phone seems choked up, coughing violently, ‘What? Ethan, when you say 'met' do we mean the same thing?’

Ethan: ‘Well, we slept.’

‘Cough, cough, cough...’ Nathan Fillion breaks into a violent cough, his shock like seeing the sun rise from the west. ‘Damn, aren't you the one who hates physical contact? I remember when a woman accidentally touched you, you immediately washed your hands ten times.’ ‘Uh-huh.’ But last night, Ethan Shaw wasn't repulsed by this woman at all. Not only was there no repulsion, but he actually liked her faint, gentle scent. He couldn't help but want to get closer to her. He calls Nathan to understand what is happening to him. ‘You're telling me your problem just suddenly got solved?’

‘I don't know.’ Ethan pauses and frowns slightly. ‘She seems different than other women. My body doesn't repel her; in fact, I like having her close to me.’ Last night he gave himself over and over again. It never seemed to be enough. This phenomenon is new to him. ‘There's more,’ Ethan continues after a pause, his voice deep. ‘I slept for six hours last night without waking up once, and I didn't have this nightmare.’

Nathan is surprised on the other end: ‘What's going on?’ Ethan narrows his eyes and rubs his forehead, his voice a little hoarse from a night of indulgence, ‘If I knew, I wouldn't be calling you. I wonder if this has anything to do with her?’ ‘The woman who shattered your purity?’ Nathan jokes. Ethan is silent. Nathan quickly becomes serious, ‘You want to know if it's related to her, right? Just try it again with her and you'll know.’ Ethan remains silent. Nathan continues, ‘Ethan, I'm not kidding. If it really is because of her, then this woman could be your savior.

A savior? Ethan's world has been in darkness for twenty long years. He thought he'd gotten used to the darkness. If he had never experienced light and warmth, he would have continued to live in darkness. But after experiencing such beauty, he can't bear the thought of returning to that darkness. If she really is his savior, this woman, he won't let her go, no matter what.

Emily Johnson leaves the hotel feeling exhausted. As soon as she steps outside, she receives a call from Linda Johnson. 'Sis,' Linda's voice comes from the other end. 'Let's talk.'

Emily responds coldly, 'I have nothing to talk to you about.'

'Is that so?' Linda's voice carries a soft smile. 'What if it's about something involving David? Don't you want to talk then?'

'David? Emily's face changes suddenly, and her voice fills with gritted anger, ‘Linda, what are you implying?’

Instead of answering directly, Linda chuckles lightly, ‘Sis, I'm waiting for you at the Bright Mornings. Don't stand me up.’

When Emily arrives at the restaurant, Linda is already waiting for her in a private booth. Linda is wearing a little black dress that fits her perfectly, and her hair is lightly curled. She has a subtle scent of perfume. Linda greets Emily with a soft smile and says, 'You're here, sis? Please, have a seat.' Emily stands by the table, looking at Linda with a cold expression.

Linda calmly retrieves a check from her bag and places it on the table. 'Sis, this is ten million dollars. I believe it will cover your needs for life.' Linda looks up and says, ‘I understand that David's illness is expensive, and you are working hard to earn money by taking small roles in TV shows. I hope this money can help both you and David live more comfortably.’ Emily examines the check on the table with a neutral expression.

Linda speaks up, breaking the silence, 'To be honest, you must have heard the news by now. I'm carrying Alex's child and I intend to keep it.' Linda pauses, placing a hand on her stomach, 'But before that, you need to end your engagement with Alex. Otherwise, our child won't have a legitimate status.' Emily hears these shameless words but surprisingly does not feel angry. Perhaps all her emotions had been vented the night before. Now, she finds these words laughable and ironic. She smirks mockingly, ‘Linda, does Alex know about what you're doing?’ Last night, Linda mentioned her pregnancy, and Alex did not seem pleased. It is clear that this child was an accident to him. Alex is about to take over the Suarez Corporation and he does not want to make his relationship with Linda public at this time. This matter could impact his personal reputation. Linda's private meeting with her was something Alex obviously didn't know about.

As expected, Linda's expression changes instantly, and a resentful look crosses her face. She says, 'Emily, let go. Alex loves me. He stopped loving you a long time ago. Do you think he would have chosen you if it weren't for the arranged marriage our families had set up since we were kids?' Linda continues, 'Emily, what's the point in clinging to a man who doesn't love you?' Emily Johnson remains composed as she listens to Linda's words, her coolness intensifying. 'The matter between Alex and me is not for a third party to intervene,' Emily states objectively. Linda's expression freezes, her face darkening. She bites her lip. ‘Will you initiate the breakup of the engagement?’

‘If this is all you wanted to talk to me about, I'm not interested.’ With that, Emily turns to leave.

‘Wait!’ Linda stands up, grabbing Emily’s hand. ‘What amount of money would it take for you to leave Alex? Are you not satisfied with ten million? How about fifteen million? Please do not be too greedy; the amount I am offering is more than enough…’

Slap!

Emily loses her patience. Linda is slapped across the face, leaving five red finger marks. She is stunned and in disbelief, covering her face. As she raises her hand to retaliate, she notices a familiar figure at the door and stumbles backward in fear. Emily observes Linda's terrified expression and hears her panicked scream, 'Sis, I'm sorry, I know I was wrong. But I can't control my feelings, I truly love Alex. Please forgive me, don't hurt our baby.'