The Secret Billionaire and His Substitute Bride

Chapter 17: The Surprise

Pov Calista

It had been an event full day. I ended up taking a cab home and crying the whole way back. After Ethan left I had been so upset how dare he say such horrible things to me but the more I thought about I couldn't stay upset. I remember him telling me he had never been in a relationship that wasn't just physical.

I could see if was trying. I looked at the ring he tossed at me. Ethan deserved better than this a wife that would give it a shot. I need to step up and give this a shot. I mean I have lost everything already. I have nothing else to lose.

I had my mind made up I remember I had started working on a male ring I never finished I knew I could turn it into a nice wedding band. It was titanium I put it through a heat process to make it black.

I had my idea I grabbed all my things including The ring I made for Paul I was about the strip this ring and repurpose the moissanite.

After 4 hours I had finished. I looked at his new ring. I loved it it was classy I decided to make it an eternity band but not those ugly ones. The one I made had slanted rows all the way around one I made all of them. I carefully place the moissanite into place it looked pin stripped. I felt this fit Ethan better because it was dark and light just like him. He was hiding demons but he doesn't let that stop him from trying to be a better man.

I placed it in a nice box I would give it to him I just have to figure out how? when? but first things first I need to apologize to him.

I looked at the clock it was almost 8 pm I hoped Ethan would come home soon and the last thing I wanted was to go get him from jail again. I sighed I went to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. I went to the couch. I sat down turned the TV on flipped through the channels. My face felt swollen I went to the freezer and got put my under eye patches.

I stayed up for another hour still nothing from Ethan I was tired I went to bed. Hopefully, he was safe and wouldn't end up in jail. I went to my bed but honestly, all I wanted at this moment was to feel safe. I know Ethan had his demons but I always felt safe with him I went to his air mattress it smelled like him I easily fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning grab my phone no missed calls I looked at my bed no Ethan f**k!. It was only 7 am I got up and went to the bathroom. Afterwards I headed to the living room. I was shocked when I saw Ethan sleeping on the couch! I ran over to him I was angry with him for making me worry without a second thought I slapped him! His eyes shot open and he sat up holding his cheek "What the F**k! Cail" he said. I stood there in shock.

Then I started crying he instantly stopped being mad he grabbed my waist and sat me down on his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder. We sat there for who knows how long while I cried he just rubbed my back and whispered sweet nothing in my ear. I finally was able to stop crying. "Oh Ethan I'm sorry for everything please forgive me" I said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. It's me who needs to apologize what I did and said to you yesterday was unacceptable. I promised to make you happy and all I have done is make you cry." he said slowly. It wasn't an apology but I didn't care he felt bad that much I knew.

I pulled back to look at him I put my hand on his cheek and shook my head. "I have been nothing but rude to you but not anymore. Ethan, I'm scared I don't know if I can handle any more disappointments in my life but I trust in you, and as long as you know that I'm broken on the inside and that I have a hard time letting others in and be honest with me. I want to give this a shot. I will tell everyone I'm married I will use your last name. Whatever you need me to do. Please give me another chance." I blurt out so fast that I was nervous. He smiled at me and said

"I half expected to come home to you gone Cali. I acted like a madman. I had never felt that way toward someone. I couldn't control myself. If you are really in this then we can try to give it a shot. Your different Cali. You make me want to be a better man. If you are up for it I took the day off and I planned something for us." he said

I looked at him and said yes I kissed him it was the first time I had ever gone for it first but it felt right I was feeling what I think is love. I never felt this way with Paul. I smiled at him "You want some breakfast?" I said He said yes. I got up and made some over-easy eggs, bacon, and toast. I made our plates and took them to the table. I went back. To get coffee when I felt strong arms wrapping around my waist. I turned to look at my husband he gave me a quick little peck on the lips. He let me go I got our coffee. We had our breakfast after we finished I was going to start clean.

When Ethan surprised me by telling me he would handle it. He told me to close my eyes and I did as I was told. "Alright open them." he said When I did he was standing there holding a single rose. It was beautiful but this was also when I realized Ethan didn't have a shirt I got so red I knew it. He gave me the rose "thank you" I said. looking away from him

"Cali if you don't like I understand it's a single rose but it was all I could get." he said. Omg he thinks nooo "No no Ethan I love it I do. I have never received flowers or a flower before. Paul never got me any because he said they were a waste of money. I... forget you don't like to sleep with a shirt on and I just noticed and got flustered that is all I promise." I said biting my lower lip and looking down at my beautiful rose. He came up and placed his hand on my waist and the other one on my cheek. "Well, it's all yours now. You can look, touch, do whatever you like." he said so seductively I saw the hunger in his eyes.

He looked at my mouth using his thumb he freed my lip. He then leaned in giving me a kiss that blows me away. It was full of passion his hands start to roam my body but I was ready for that not yet. I pulled away "so what are we doing today?" he was still kissing my neck. "mmmmm you know what let's just in. I will make sure you have the best day of your life right here." he said. "I'm sure you are right but I want my proper date,"I said He placed his head on my shoulder and sighed. "Okay yes, go get ready. It's not fancy just wear something comfortable," he said.

"Can't you tell me something?" I asked. He smiled and said no. I went took a shower I decided to go with black skinny jeans and a navy blue long-sleeve v-neck. and some white sneakers. I grabbed a zip hoodie that was a part jean jacket. I looked myself over it was my comfortable clothes. I put on a bit of mascara and natural lipstick stain.

I was ready for our first date. I grabbed his new ring maybe there will be a perfect time to give it to him today.