Ethan's sudden demand
1209 Words
Ethan’s POV.
I sat on the couch, watching TV with a glass of red wine in my hand. It had been a long day, and I was looking forward to relaxing and letting the day’s stress roll off my back . Just as I was getting comfortable, I heard the door open. Diane walked in, looking exhausted.
"Hey," she said, dropping her bag on the floor.
"Hey," I replied, not taking my eyes off the TV. "Why was your phone switched off? I tried calling you."
Diane hesitated, and for a moment, she was speechless. I raised an eyebrow, waiting to hear her next words.
"I... uh... lost my phone," she stammered.
I turned to her, skeptical. "You lost your phone?"
Diane nodded, her eyes looking everywhere except mine. "Yeah, I must have misplaced it. Can you send me the contract again?"
I raised an eyebrow. Something wasn't right. She had never given me her phone number before, so how did I have it? And why was she being so weird? Did she happen to switch back to her shy and meek personality?
"Fine," I said, pulling out my phone. "But what's your new number?"
Diane hesitated again before calling off a number. I typed it in, my eyes never leaving hers. "Thanks," she said, forcing a smile.
I nodded, my expression cold. "No problem."
We sat there in silence for a moment, the only sound the TV in the background.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that Diane was hiding something from me. So I decided to take the lead and see where it takes us.
"So, how was your first day at work?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
Diane's eyes lit up, and for a moment, I saw the person she used to be. "It was great, thanks. I met my new boss, and he's really nice."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What's his name?"
Diane hesitated again, and I knew I had caught her in a lie. But I let it slide, owing to her first day at work.
"Julian," she said finally.
I nodded, my expression neutral. "Good. I'm glad you're settling in."
As we chatted, I discovered that Diane and I had a similar road to work. "You know, we're not far from each other," I said,. "I can drop you off at work every day."
Diane hesitated, clearly shocked by the suggestion. "Oh, no, that's okay. I don't want to trouble you."
I dropped the glass of wine on the table and waved my hand dismissively . "It's no trouble at all. We're going the same way anyway. It makes sense. Besides, as my wife, it's my duty to take care of you."
Diane looked uncomfortable, playing with her hands. "I don't want to be a burden,Ethan. I am fine with the driver dropping me off.”
But I was insistent. "Nonsense, Diane. You're my wife now. I want to...okay? Don’t be stubborn.”
Diane looked like she'd swallowed a bitter pill, but she knew better than to argue with me. She nodded reluctantly.
"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you.”
I smiled, happy that I won . "Excellent. I'll pick you up at 7:30 every morning. And don't bother trying to leave earlier, Diane. I'll be watching."
Diane's eyes widened, her face pale with fear . She knew I wasn't joking. I would be watching her, always. And she would do what I said, or face the consequences.
"Good," I said, standing up. "I'm glad we understand each other, Diane. Now, let's get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."
*** the next day.
I pulled up to the driveway, Diane already waiting by the door. "Get in," I said, my voice curt. "Good morning," she replied, her voice cheerful. "Thanks for driving me today."
I grunted in reply , my focus on the road. Diane was like a human radio , her words breaking the silence. I didn't respond, my mind on the day's business.
"...and then I saw this funny video online," she said, laughing. "I'll have to show it to you tonight." I nodded, my eyes fixed on the road ahead.
As we arrived at her office building, she reached for the door handle. "Thanks for the ride,Ethan. See you tonight."
"Be home by 6," I said, my voice firm.
"Yes, sir," she teased.
I
I didn't respond. But as she got out, I couldn't help but notice her little pout.
As I was about to pull away, I saw someone who I immediately assumed was Julian, approach her, a friendly smile on his face. My face twisted with... something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
"What's wrong with me?" I muttered to myself.
“She's just a piece of paper, a business arrangement."
But as I watched Julian touch her arm, I felt it again - a pang of... jealousy? No, that was ridiculous. I wasn't capable of jealousy.
But the feeling only grew stronger.
Meanwhile, Diane was smiling up at Julian. "Hey, Julian! What's up?"
"Just saying hi,"Julian replied, flashing her a smile . "How's married life treating you?"
Diane laughed, her voice loud and clear "It's... interesting."
I frowned , my eyes narrowing. Why was she being so friendly with him?
I picked up my phone, and texted Diane’s new number. “Get back in!”
Her phone dinged and after she read the message, she walked in and sat next to me. “What happened? Is everything alright?” Diane asked.
“Is he your CEO?” I asked in a flat tone.
“Y-yes.” She stuttered in reply.
“Resign from that job.” I said, my tone icy.
“Is this some kind of joke?” Diane retorted.
"I mean it, Diane," I said, my voice firm. "Quit your job. Today."
Diane's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious. I love my job. I'm not just going to quit because you say so."
"I'm your husband," I reminded her, my jaw clenched. "You'll do what I say. And I say quit your job."
Diane's face twisted with anger. "That's not fair. I didn't sign up to be your slave. I thought this was a marriage of convenience, not a dictatorship."
"It's whatever I say it is," I said, my voice cold. "And right now, I'm saying you need to quit your job. It's not safe for you to be working with... him."
Diane rolled her eyes. "You're jealous. You're jealous of Julian."
I laughed, a cold mocking sound. "I'm not capable of jealousy. I'm just protecting what's mine. And you're mine now. And you will do as I say.”
Diane's voice rose. "I'm not yours! I'm my own person, with my own thoughts and feelings. And I won't quit my job just because you're threatened by my friendship with Julian or whatever it is that is making you say this.”
I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Fine. Have it your way. But know this, Diane - I always
get what I want. And what I want is for you to quit your job. So, either you can do it willingly, or... "
Diane's eyes narrowed. "Or what?”
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