Christmas trophy

chapter 7 the distance

Ethan's expression turned cold and detached as he spoke on the phone, his voice dripping with authority. Aisha couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine as she watched him, the warmth and intimacy of the previous moment evaporating like mist in the sun.

As he spoke, Aisha took the opportunity to collect herself, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She couldn't believe she was attracted to Ethan, the man who had used her as a surrogate without her knowledge or consent.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. Something that made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was more to Ethan Carter than met the eye.

Ethan ended the call, his eyes narrowing as he turned back to Aisha. "I have to go," he said, his voice firm. "There's an emergency at the office."

Aisha nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. She stood up, smoothing out her dress, and followed Ethan out of the study.

As they walked to the door, Aisha couldn't help but feel a sense of distance growing between them. Ethan's walls were back up, his eyes shuttered and cold.

"Thank you for telling me the truth," Aisha said, her voice neutral.

Ethan's eyes flickered, a glimmer of emotion flashing across his face. "I'm sorry, Aisha," he said, his voice low. "I know it doesn't make up for what I did, but I'm sorry."

Aisha nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. She didn't know what she wanted from Ethan, but she knew she deserve better than apologies and secret

"I'll see you tomorrow” she said turning to leave.

Ethan's hands shot out grasping her arm

"Aisha wait " he said his voice urgent,

Aisha turned back her heart beating as she met his gaze, for a moment the just looked at each other, the tension between them cracking like electricity

And then Ethan let go his eyes dropping to the floor "I'll see you tomorrow "he said his voice rough

Aisha nodded feeling a sense of disappointment washing over her .she turned and work out of the mansion .the cold night air welcome respite from the turmoil inside her .

As she booked a cap back to her hotel ,Aisha couldn't shake the feeling like she was playing with fire , she was getting drawn into Ethan world, a world of secret and lies, and she didn't know if she could handle the heat.

but she looked at the rearview mirror ,she saw the determination in her eyes , she was going to find out the truth no matter what it took