My Rented Wife

The Coles dining room with diamond glasses, polished oak, and the heavy weight of expectation.Ethan Carters sat at the end of the table, his fork still on the plate as his father’s voice filled the silence. “you’re Thirty years old,” his father said, cutting his beef with surgical precision. “A man at your position should already be settled with A family. A wife. Stability. It’s what the Carters are known for.” Ethan’s jaw hardened. He’d heard this speech a multiple times, but tonight, his father’s voice carried an edge sharper than before. “I’ve built the company’s international branch into a powerhouse,” Ethan said evenly. “That’s stability.” My father's eyes widened . “Business is not legacy. People remember our family name because of heirs, traditions, alliances. You think Carter can stay single forever?” Apart from his father , his stepmother offered a nervous smile. “Vanessa Hale called last week. Such a lovely young woman. Still asking about you.” Vanessa. The name embittered his blood. His former fiancée who had chosen ambition over loyalty, showing love was just another transaction. “I’m not interested in Vanessa,” Ethan said. Richard set his knife down with a clash. “Then who? Who, Ethan? Or do you intend to disgrace this family further by showing up alone to every gala and meeting?” The weight of the table’s stares pressed on him. He could feel the trap becoming tighter. His father would never stop, not until Ethan agrees to his will. And then, before he thought it through, the words came out. “I’m married.” The silence was instant and ear splitting. Glasses froze halfway to lips. His father's eye brows rose, doubt and happiness going through his mind. “Married?” “Yes father” he said calmly, masking the thunder of his pulse. “patiently”. I didn’t want a performance.” ---