Love by accident

ETHAN’S POV

“What happened?” I ask Bran, my secretary.

“Nothing,” he responds. “Just a weird woman trying to come in. It seems she’s new here.”

“Call the facility and maintenance department and have them do something about that elevator. Seeing so many people there is an eyesore.” I order and get off the elevator as soon as it stops.

I look back as the iPad in my hands, for some strange reason, the company stock prices have been fluctuating. I push my office door open with my leg and as usual, my morning coffee is already waiting for me on my table.

Two shots of espresso, just the way I like it.

I take a quick sip and I can feel my cells waking up. The sound of my door opening makes me look up.

Of course, it’s Cole. He stands in front of the doorway with his hands open dramatically, like I’m supposed to stand up and applaud his presence.

“You look normal.” He says eventually and walks in, making himself comfortable on my leather sofa.

“How else am I supposed to look?” I responded, staring at him pointedly.

“You know, for someone that has a dozen hotels to look after, you come to my office a little too often, don’t you think?”

He merely rolls his eyes and places the legs on the arms of the seat for emphasis.

“It’s not mine yet. I am enjoying the lack of responsibility while I still can.” He retorts. “You, on the other hand, are on the verge of losing your title as the most eligible bachelor in the city forever.”

I shoot him a look.

“Since when do I concern myself with things like that?” I say dismissively.

“You really don’t know.” He says.

I raise an eyebrow, “Don’t know what?”

“Argh,” he groans dramatically and brings out his phone whilst shaking his head at me, pitifully.

I look back at the chart and try to think of a possible thing that has happened that can cause our stock to fluctuate.

“Ladies of Los Angeles in tears as young CEO of Stone Corporation and former most eligible bachelor, Ethan Stone has been accused of secretly hiring male escorts and misusing company money to hide it.” Cole reads in a terrible attempt at a newscasting voice.

WHAT THE f**k!!!

He shoves his phone in my face and I see article after article saying the same thing. Some even dared to suggest that I would be retiring as the CEO due to the accusations.

“The company's stock prices fluctuating because of this?” I say. “This?”

“You will be surprised how viral this has gone.” Cole says, rummaging through my liquor cabinet. “It’s all everyone is talking

about now.”

“How can people be so fickle-minded? It’s not even true.”

Cole scoffed. “Why are you acting like you are new to the game? People believe what they see.” He says.

“For goodness' sake, is whiskey the only thing you have here?”

“What do they see apart from me being the best at what I do?” I ask, ignoring his question.

Cole looks at me like I’m stupid.

“There has never been a picture of you with a woman, or a man on the internet, ever. No news of you ever being romantically involved with anyone. Of course, that’s what people see.”

I still don’t see the problem.

“What does that have to do with anything?” I ask, confused.

“Ethan,” Cole starts, his tone dramatically patient, as if he's talking to a child. “Scandals, most times don't make any sense. And people will believe whatever is on the news because they don't know anything about you. And believe it or not. It affects the company.”

I almost groaned in frustration.

“What am I supposed to do about this?” I ask.

“Now, that, my friend, is a good question.” He replies.

The door to my office burst open, again and Bran walks in breathing hard, like he'd been running.

“Mr. Ethan, there's something you need to see.”

“The scandal?” Cole interrupts. “He has already seen it.”

Bran looks from me to Cole, and then back. I nod my head, confirming it.

“The stocks have started plummeting. The board has scheduled a meeting.” He says.

“When?”

“On Monday.”

“You may leave,” I tell him. “I'll handle this.”

“I'll have the PR team, get the news off the internet.” He says and leaves the room.

I pull out my phone and dial a number. He picks on the second ring.

“Scott Lang.”

“It's me,” I say.

“Ethan! It's been a long time.” He exclaims.

“What is this scandal about me all over the Internet?” I go straight to the point. I'm not in the mood to exchange pleasantries.

“You saw it too?”

“Mr. Lang.” The impatience in my voice is obvious.

“Remember the favour you owe me. I want the news off the internet by tonight.”

“Wait, Ethan.”

“Is there a problem?” I ask coldly.

“It might be a little difficult,” he says.

“That would be your problem. I want it off the Internet now,”

“I can do that, it just might take a little longer than tonight.” He says.

“It is obvious that it's a targeted scandal. Someone is paying people to spread it on purpose. It will be difficult to bring it down if new people still post it.” His voice was cautious.

“I'm sure you will figure something out.” I say and cut off the call.

“There is an easy solution to this, you know?” Cole says.

“What solution?”

“Get a girlfriend.” He says “It's that easy.”

“That is not an option. They won't make me do what I don't want to do.”

Cole facepalms dramatically. “It doesn't have to be a real girlfriend.” He draws out.

“If the public believes it's real and you are madly in love with a woman, the first part of the accusation will be rendered incorrect and the rest of it will be seen as fake too and that's it. Problem solved.”

“And where will I find a fake girlfriend before Monday?” I ask.

Cole scoffs. “That can't be more difficult than finding a real girlfriend. Don't worry. I know a lot of girls.”

I scoff.

It’s not about finding one. It’s more about surviving one.