Claimed By The Billionaire's Brother

CHAPTER 5

Elara was struck by the beauty of the room. The walls were covered in Ethan's drawings and paintings, and there were sketches and art supplies scattered through the room.

Still, she saw a painting, not a perfect one. Not glamorous or posed. But strong. Vulnerable.

Broken in ways only someone who truly looked could capture.

It came to her realization that it was her. Elara’s breath caught in her throat.

She must have made a sound because Ethan turned.

For a second, neither of them said a word.

Then he set the brush down gently and stepped away from the painting. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to invade your image like that. I just… I needed to get it out of my head.”

“You painted me,” she whispered, voice tight with emotion.

“I see you,” he replied simply.

Tears filled her eyes. She blinked fast, trying to hold them in, but it was no use. She crossed the room slowly, cautiously, like she was afraid the moment would disappear.

“You paint?” she asked, still in awe.

Ethan gave a soft smile. “Since I was a kid. Not many people know. John thinks it’s a waste of time.” He paused, then added quietly, “But painting saved me more than once.”

She stared at the canvas again. “You made me look… like I mattered, Ethan.”

“You do matter,” he said, his voice firm for the first time. “Even if he doesn’t see it, even if you’ve forgotten how to believe it. You matter, Elara.”

A silence stretched between them. Not awkward

Intimate?

Ethan's hands, which had been resting on the armrest, suddenly moved to her shoulders. Elara shivered at the sensation, feeling her heart race even faster.

She couldn't explain the way Ethan's touch made her feel, but it was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.

As Elara turned slowly to face him, he met her gaze. There was something in her eye that he couldn't quite place.

He couldn't explain it, but there was a sense of understanding that passed between them. Even though she didn't say anything.

“Your eyes are beautiful, Elara,” Ethan said.

“You mean these eyes look beautiful to you?” She asked with a teasing smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

“Yes, they are,” He replied, returning her smile

Ethan leaned in closer to her, his breath warm against her cheek, “Why do I feel like your eyes are calling me?” he whispered, his voice gentle and low.

She felt her cheek flush as she looked up at him, her eyes shining with anticipation, “Why not try to pick up?” she replied, feeling emboldened by his closeness.

Without another word, Ethan closed the gap between them, his lips curved into a smile as he leaned in closer to her.

Elara closed her eyes, feeling her heart pounding in her chest. And then, their lips met in a sweet, gentle kiss.

She felt a jolt of electricity run through her body as their lips moved together, exploring each other’s mouths.

It was as if time had stopped, and there was nothing else in the world except the two of them, standing here in the studio, lost in each other's embrace.

As Ethan and Elara's kiss deepened, he moved his hands up to her waist, pulling her close to him. Elara's heart as she felt their bodies pressed tightly against each other.

But suddenly, Elara pulled away from the kiss, clearing her throat. Ethan looked at her, his eyes filled with concern, “I…Uhm…I shouldn't be doing this, I'm sorry,” she said, feeling embarrassed.

Ethan looked at her, his expression serious and filled with regrets, “Yeah...No….it was my fault, I was carried away,” he said, feeling a sense of loss, “You’re…you are my brother's wife, I shouldn't have.”

Ethan stood there, watching as Elara walked out of the studio, feeling embarrassed. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He felt a deep connection to her, and he knew that she was going through a tough time.

He wanted to help her, to be there for her, but he didn't know how. He sighed; all he could do was hope that things would get better for her soon enough.

Elara sprinted to the grand staircase, going straight for the hallway to her room. She knew what had just happened between her and Ethan was wrong, but she couldn't help the way she felt about it.

Ethan's words, “Your eyes are beautiful,” echoed in her mind and made her smile. She couldn't help but feel grateful for his kind words, as they were a rare occurrence in her life.

She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss she had shared with Ethan and how it made her feel. He was so different from her husband, John, and yet she felt at peace around him.

Suddenly, a voice called out her name, interrupting her thoughts. She looked at where the voice had come from and saw that it was John standing in front of their bedroom door.

“Why weren't you in your room?” He asked.

“I….I was—”

John interrupted, “It doesn't matter right now, just come with me,” He said as he approached her, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her down the stairs, his grip tight and unyielding.

Elara stumbled behind him, trying to keep up with his brisk pace. She didn't know where they were going or what he had planned, but she knew better than to question him.

He grabbed Elara by the arm as they got to Ethan's studio, his grip tight and painful.

“Hey, Ethan, I need a nude painting of Elara,” he said, his voice low and menacing.