Chapter 4
1020 Words
The first public appearance was not a wedding announcement; it was like war.
Nora realized that the moment she stepped out of the car, cameras began flashing like lightning striking the earth.
The Brooks Foundation Annual Gala was not just a charity event; it was a display of influence. CEOs. Investors and Social elites.
And tonight, Nora Williams was being introduced as Ethan Brooks’ wife.
The car door opened, and Ethan stepped out first, composed and powerful in a tailored black tuxedo. Every inch of him looked untouchable.
Then he turned and extended his hand. Nora hesitated only half a second before placing her hand in his; the flashes intensified. She stepped out carefully, wearing a deep emerald gown that Megan accompanied her to buy. It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t dramatic.
But it fit her like quiet confidence, for a moment, the noise faded.
Ethan looked at her, and something in his chest shifted.
She wasn’t intimidated or pretending; she simply stood beside him as she belonged.
Smile, he murmured.
And she smiled back at him gently.
Reporters shouted questions.
Ethan! When is the main wedding, or was it a secret wedding already?
Miss Williams, how did you capture the billionaire’s heart?
Is this a rebound after Lydia Hayes? People thought Ethan and Lydia were dating because that’s the only lady they had seen around him.
Nora felt Ethan’s hand tighten slightly at Lydia’s name.
He didn’t answer.
He simply guided Nora forward. Inside, the ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and curated luxury.
Eyes followed them everywhere.
Nora felt it, the weighing, the measuring.
Some curious.
Some judgmental.
Some calculating.
You’re doing fine, Ethan said quietly near her ear.
I feel like I’m on display, She said.
You are.
That honesty almost made her laugh. They moved from group to group.
Investors greeted Ethan warmly their wives smiled politely at Nora.
Then came the moment Ethan didn’t expect.
A man approached, tall, confident, late thirties.
“Dr. Adrian Cole,” he introduced himself with a warm smile. “I’ve seen you at Memorial Hospital.”
Nora’s face brightened genuinely for the first time that night.
“Oh! Yes, cardiology, right?”
Adrian nodded. “I didn’t realize you were the mystery wife.”
Ethan watched the exchange carefully. Nora was relaxed, comfortable, and laughing softly.
Adrian’s eyes lingered a second too long; Ethan felt it immediately.
Something sharp, Unfamiliar, Possessive.
“She’s full of surprises,” Ethan said smoothly, stepping slightly closer to Nora.
Adrian glanced between them.
“Well, congratulations. The hospital will miss you if you go full society.”
I’m not leaving, Nora replied quickly. Ethan’s jaw tightened.
Adrian excused himself, but Ethan’s mood shifted.
You seemed happy to see him, Ethan said casually.
I was. He’s my good colleague.
And?
And what?
Ethan’s tone sharpened slightly. Nothing.
But it wasn’t anything.
For the rest of the evening, he noticed everything: every man who looked at her, every compliment, and every lingering glance.
He told himself it was strategic to protect the image, but that wasn’t it.
Later, during his speech, Ethan found himself searching the crowd, not for investors, not for his parents, but for Nora.
She stood near the side of the ballroom, listening attentively.
Proud and Supportive
And when their eyes met, she gave him a small nod.
Something warm spread through him.
For the first time in years, Ethan Brooks didn’t feel alone in a room full of power.
And that terrified him.
The event ended near midnight by the time they returned to the penthouse, Nora had changed into comfortable pajamas and removed her heels.
She looked softer now.
“You did well tonight,” Ethan said.
“So did you,” Nora replied to him with a calm voice.
There was a pause.
Then his phone buzzed.
Lydia.
He declined it instantly, Nora noticed.
You can answer it, but I don’t want to.
That answer felt heavier than expected, then she nodded slowly.
I have an early shift tomorrow, she said. I should sleep.
Another overnight?
“Yes.”
His expression darkened slightly.
You don’t have to keep doing that.
She turned slowly. I’m a nurse.
You’re my wife now.
The words came out before he could stop them. Silence filled the room.
And that changes who I am,” she asked calmly.
He ran a hand through his hair. That’s not what I meant. Then what did you mean?
He struggled to explain something he didn’t fully understand.
I don’t like you coming home exhausted. I don’t like other men looking at you. I don’t like…
He stopped.
She waited.
You don’t like what? She pressed gently.
His voice lowered.
I don’t like sharing you.
The air shifted as her heartbeat quickened.
“This is a contract, Ethan.”
“I know.”
Then don’t blur lines, he stepped closer unconsciously, and asked her what if the lines are already blurred?
Her breath caught slightly, for a moment, neither moved, then she stepped back.
Goodnight, Ethan.
She walked away, but she didn’t sleep easily.
The next day, Nora walked into the hospital, Alive in a way the gala could never make her feel.
She didn’t notice the black car parked across the street.
She didn’t see the figure watching from inside. Ethan had told himself he just wanted to make sure she arrived safely.
But when he saw a male orderly greet her warmly and place a hand briefly on her shoulder.
The same sharp feeling returned.
This wasn’t about image; this wasn’t about the contract.
This was jealousy.
And Ethan Brooks was not used to wanting something he couldn’t control. Back in the car, his phone buzzed again.
Lydia’s message lit the screen:
You look unhappy. Are you sure she’s enough for you?
His jaw hardened.
For the first time, the question annoyed him.
Because tonight, watching Nora stand beside him unshaken, unpretentious, strong. He hadn’t felt unhappy.
He had felt something else. Something real.
And Ethan Brooks was beginning to realize that the woman he married for convenience…
Was becoming the one person he couldn’t afford to lose.
- Writer
