BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET

Chapter 4: Ethan's Proposal

"Amara, you have to know... I never stopped loving you."

I was not interested in hearing it. I was unable to. Not with all that had transpired, not with the way he had broken my heart. But there he was, in front of me, his eyes demanding comprehension, his voice full of emotion.

I stepped back, feeling my heartbeat speed. Please don't, Ethan. Not right now.

He wasn't listening, though. He wasn't, of course. When it counted most, he never had.

With his hands out as though he were seeking for something he had misplaced, he went on, "I know I've hurt you." However, Amara, I need you to comprehend. No one else is available for me. No one else has ever existed.

His comments caused my chest to tighten, piercing the brittle barriers I had erected around my heart. How are you able to say that? After all of your actions? My voice was crisp and delicate, with traces of pain, and I hardly recognized it. In light of what you did to me? To us?

With a frantic and persistent look, he drew us closer. I erred. An enormous one. However, I would go back if I could. Amara, I would sacrifice everything to be with you. The only person I want is you. It has always been.

My breath caught in my throat as I shook my head. No. Do you not understand? There is no consolation prize for me. If something goes wrong with Liana, I won't be the fallback option. I'm worthy of better.

The comments seemed to hit him harder than he had anticipated, as his face collapsed. You believe I'm unaware of that? Do you really believe that I don't despise myself for what I did to you? He clenched his hands at his sides. I ought to have picked you. Amara, I'm aware of that now. I—

However, I was unable to let him finish. After all he had done to me, I couldn't allow myself to believe him once again. "Ethan, it's too late." You cannot just repair all the harm you have done. I resisted the need to cry even though I could feel them coming.

His face was etched with sadness, and his eyes were troubled. "At that time, I didn't expect your forgiveness." However, I beg you to give me an opportunity. An opportunity to prove to you that I am capable of being the man you deserve.

Thick and oppressive, the words hung in the air. The commotion of the ballroom, the clinking of glasses and laughter, and even the pain in my chest vanished for a time. There was nothing left but Ethan, waiting for me to make a choice that would alter everything.

I looked at him, trying to muster the will to refuse, but the reality was that I still felt a connection to him that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I loved him regardless of how much I detested him and how much he had deceived me.

"Ethan." I cursed myself when my voice faltered. "You can't simply return and pretend nothing took place." As if I'll simply forget.

"I don't expect you to forget," he added in a low, nearly whispery voice. However, I would like you to know how really sorry I am. If you'll let me, I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life. Amara, will you give me the opportunity? Will you have faith in me once more?

I wanted to refuse. I wanted to leave this situation, to leave him, and to never turn around. I was torn, though, and that was the harsh truth that I didn't want to acknowledge. Every part of me cried out to defend myself, to keep my heart safe from the same pain that had previously broken it.

The part of me that had previously only known love for him, however, longed for the promise he was making.

I glanced down at my fists, which were clinched at my sides. "Ethan, I'm not sure if I can trust you." No more.

His eyes met mine with such intensity that it was difficult to breathe as he took a step closer. Then allow me to demonstrate it to you. Allow me to demonstrate my willingness to go to any lengths. Because, Amara, I will always fight for us.

The words were now echoing through me like an electric current, and my heart was racing. Between the security of the past and the unknowable future he was promising me, I felt as though I was on the precipice of something.

I heard a voice behind me before I could reply.

"Amara?"

I went cold. The sound of Liana's venomous words made my blood run cold. She moved into my field of vision, her eyes darting between Ethan and me as a smile that barely reached her eyes curled her lips.

Her tone was almost too pleasant as she said, "I thought I'd find you here." "Were you having a brief conversation with my husband?"

The tension between them was evident in Ethan's changing appearance, but he remained silent.

She was watching for my response, and I could feel the weight of her calculating, icy gaze on me. "Amara, you really ought to have simply left when you had the opportunity." When you're not seeing everything go away, it's much simpler to avoid them.

I was unable to conceal the resentment that crept into my voice. "Liana, you don't know anything about me."

Something sinister flared in her eyes. Yes, I am well-informed. I am aware that I have consistently been the superior option. I am certain that I am the one who can provide for his requirements.

I didn't glance at Ethan, but I could feel his gaze on me. I was unable to. Not right now.

Liana's voice grew icier as she added, "I won't stand here and let you tear us apart again." "Amara, you had your chance." However, it's over. I prevailed. And you must come to terms with that.

Even though her remarks felt like a kick to the face, I refused to back down. "I haven't finished yet."

For a moment, I nearly felt sorry for Liana because I could see the shock flash across her face. She didn't know what I could do now.

Ethan moved between us before we could exchange another word, his face glum. "That's sufficient, Liana." I will not permit you to speak to her in such a manner.

Liana's chuckle was nasty and piercing. "Ethan, you don't get to keep her safe." No more.

Thick and heavy, the tension in the air crackled. The weight of their decisions was bearing down on me, and I could feel the past and present merging.

Ethan's expression softened as he turned to face me. "Amara."

Liana's voice delivered the last blow, piercing the air again before he could continue.

She spat, "You're wrong if you think I'll just stand aside and let you ruin everything." "I will not allow you to ruin this."

With my heart in my throat, I gazed at Ethan. "Ethan, is that what you want?" To destroy all that we have constructed?

Ethan started to reply, but before he could finish, there was a loud boom from the ballroom. The lights wavered. The crowd sent forth a yell.

I felt sick to my stomach. The world appeared to come to a halt.

What was going on?

I was too busy to find out. I only needed to be aware of one thing:

Was this the point at which everything really collapsed?