Chapter 7
1054 Words
"Rena," Ethan called out as he spotted her walking over, quickly rushing to her side.
He half-carried, half-supported her into the car, gently buckling her in.
As the car door closed, a shadowy figure stepped out from the darkness of the company lobby.
His face was cold and stern, his lips pressed into a thin line, resembling a man who had just caught his wife cheating.
"What's going on? You haven't been eating properly again, have you?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with concern as he pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, leaning in to fasten her seatbelt.
"EJ, I want your brownies," Serena replied, ignoring his question and giving him a small, playful smile.
"Oh, is that all I'm good for? Making food for you, little glutton?" he teased, tapping her nose affectionately, his eyes filled with warmth.
"Yep, that's pretty much it," Serena responded after a moment's exaggerated thought, giving him a dead-serious look.
"You...! You're impossible!" Ethan huffed, feigning frustration, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his fondness for her.
"EJ," she said with a sweet smile, shaking his arm playfully.
"Alright, alright! Let's go home, and I'll whip you up something." Ethan chuckled, shaking his head in defeat as he hit the gas pedal. The car sped off like an arrow, disappearing into the night.
From the shadows, the man's sharp gaze followed them until the car was out of sight.
After speeding home, they stepped inside, and Serena kicked off her shoes.
Two pairs of slippers lay neatly by the door—she slipped into her own and made her way to the living room, casually flipping on the TV.
"EJ, I want a drink," she called from the couch, her voice thick with playful whining.
"Yes, ma'am. Drink, coming up," Ethan responded, half-laughing as he tossed his jacket onto the sofa and grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the fridge.
Serena didn't waste any time. She unscrewed the cap and gulped it down without a word.
After chugging half the bottle, she patted her stomach and looked at him with puppy-dog eyes. "EJ, I'm starving."
"Sigh… I must've been your servant in a past life, I swear," he said with an exaggerated groan, rolling up his sleeves as he headed for the kitchen.
Despite the complaint, his expression was one of pure joy.
Serena giggled, settling onto the couch with a goofy grin, her eyes glued to the TV. Soon, the delicious smell of sizzling steak wafted through the air, making her stomach rumble.
Unable to resist, she jumped up and followed the scent into the kitchen.
There was Ethan, focused on his cooking, his handsome face glistening with a sheen of sweat.
Leaning against the doorframe, Serena quietly watched him, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her.
"Why aren't you resting on the couch? What are you staring at?" he asked, glancing at her over his shoulder and noticing her lost expression.
Without warning, her eyes welled up with tears. Slowly, she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his back.
Her voice was raspy when she spoke. "EJ, it's so good to have you here."
"You silly girl. Where else would I be? I've always been here," Ethan smiled as he turned around, pulling her into his arms.
"You'll always stay with me, right? You won't leave?" she asked suddenly, a hint of fear creeping into her voice as her fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt.
"I'll never leave, even if you try to kick me out," he promised, planting a soft kiss on her temple. His words were gentle but filled with an unspoken vow.
The moment felt warm, almost enough to bring tears to their eyes. It was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the connection they shared.
After dinner, they snuggled together on the couch, Serena nestled into his chest as Ethan absentmindedly played with her hair.
People say that those with smooth hair have gentle tempers, but Serena's hair, silky as fine satin, was a stark contrast to her stubborn personality.
"EJ," she mumbled, shifting slightly in his embrace.
"Hmm?" Ethan was still twisting her long hair around his fingers, thoroughly entertained by it.
"Do you think I'm a bad person?" she asked quietly, her gaze drifting to the TV screen, which was frozen on the image of a woman—a character who had lived recklessly in her youth, indulging in one man after another, only to end up old, alone, and unloved. The resemblance to her own life sent a shiver down Serena's spine.
"Who says that?" Ethan frowned, his voice filled with disbelief. "You're the kindest, purest soul I know." He tightened his arms around her, unwilling to let her believe anything less of herself.
"Kind? Pure?" Serena laughed bitterly. Maybe in Ethan's eyes, but to the rest of the world, she was the woman everyone loved to hate.
"Of course you are. You know I never lied to you," Ethan said firmly, lifting her chin so she would look him in the eye. His gaze was steady, filled with unwavering certainty.
Curled up in his arms, Serena smiled—a genuine, sweet smile.
For twenty-eight years, Ethan had been her one true confidant.
For twenty-eight years, she had grown used to him, like the right hand knows the left.
For twenty-eight years, she had slept with countless men—except him.
"Don't you ever underestimate yourself, you hear me?" Ethan's voice was low, his fingers continuing to twirl her hair, though his heart ached slightly at her words.
"I know. Because even if the whole world abandons me, you'll still be here, right?" She burrowed her head further into his chest, her voice soft and playful.
"You big goof," Ethan chuckled, tapping her nose affectionately.
"EJ, I'm so sleepy," Serena murmured, her voice trailing off as she rested her head in his lap. Within moments, she was fast asleep.
Ethan glanced down at her peaceful face, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions—love, concern, and something he couldn't quite name. His fingers gently brushed against her cheek, his voice barely a whisper in the quiet room.
"Sleep tight, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice warm and protective as the night enveloped them both.
- Writer
