Chapter Thirty-Three: The Signature Without Questions
1309 Words
Ethan learned Daniel Lee’s name before he learned the details.
The report landed on his desk early in the morning, neatly organized, color-coded, and marked PRIORITY. His assistant, Maya stood nearby, tablet in hand.
“This came in late last night,” Maya said. “Monroe Cultural Foundation endorsement attached.”
Ethan skimmed the first page, eyes moving quickly until they stopped.
Proposed Extended Partnership: Lee Urban Development Group & Monroe Cultural Foundation
He didn’t react, trying to be professional at work.
“How long?” Ethan asked calmly.
“Initial term is three years,” Maya replied. “With optional extensions.”
“And Clara?” Ethan asked.
“She’s listed as a consulting authority,” Maya said carefully. “Not a signatory.”
Ethan nodded. “Financial exposure?”
“Minimal on our end,” Maya said. “Mostly infrastructure and advisory support. Strategically sound.”
Ethan closed the folder. “Set it for board review.”
Maya hesitated. “Do you want to… discuss it?”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” Ethan said. “It aligns with our long-term cultural investments.”
“Yes, sir.”
Mark paused again. “You recognize the name?”
Maya met his gaze. “I do.”
“And you’re comfortable approving it?”
Ethan didn’t answer immediately. He looked at the skyline through the glass wall of his office.
“Approve it,” he said finally.
Maya nodded. “I’ll notify legal.”
As Mark left, Ethan remained seated, hands folded on the desk.
The name stayed there, unspoken but present.
Daniel Lee.
=========================================
Later that afternoon, Ethan sat in a conference room with senior executives. The partnership proposal appeared on the screen.
“This collaboration enhances community engagement,” one executive said. “And strengthens our urban renewal initiatives.”
Ethan listened, expression neutral.
“Any objections?” the chair asked.
The room fell into silence, as if everyone is thinking the same thing.
“Mr. Cole?” someone prompted.
Ethan looked up. “No objections.”
The vote passed unanimously, and the meeting moves on...
Later that evening, Ethan arrived home earlier than usual. He immediately saw his wife in the living room, reviewing some papers, while looking serious.
Meanwhile, Clara's face lit up when she saw her husband walking towards her.
“You’re home early,” she said.
“So are you,” he replied.
She smiled in return. “Long day?”
“Productive,” he said.
They sat across from each other, the space between them quiet but charged.
“I saw the partnership request,” Clara said carefully.
Ethan nodded. “I approved it.”
She looked up. “You did?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t… have questions?”
“About the proposal?” he asked.
“About… him.”
Ethan met her gaze steadily. “I trust your judgment.”
She hesitated. “It’s an extended partnership.”
“I know.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Yes.”
She studied his face. “You’re not angry?"
“No.”
She frowned. “You’re not uncomfortable?”
“I didn’t say that.”
She exhaled slowly. “Then why didn’t you say anything?”
Ethan leaned back slightly. “Because this isn’t about me.”
“That’s not true,” she said softly. “This affects you too.”
“It affects your work,” he replied. “And your foundation.”
“And you,” she insisted.
He paused. “I chose not to make it about me.”
She looked away. “That feels unfair.”
“To you?”
“To you,” she corrected.
Ethan smiled faintly. “I’m used to it.”
Her chest tightened. “You shouldn’t have to be.”
“I know,” he said quietly.
Few moments have passed, Ethan and Clara are having dinner, and it was quieter than usual. Clara kept glancing at him, as if expecting something more.
Finally, she spoke. “You can ask me, Ethan. ”
Ethan looked up at his wife. “Ask what?”
“How I feel about working with Daniel again.”
He set his fork down. “I don’t need to.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want to put you in a position where you feel you have to explain yourself.”
Clara frowned. “I wouldn’t mind explaining.”
“I would mind pressuring you.”
She sighed. “You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
"Trying to be diplomatic." Clara stated with a sigh.
He considered that. “Do you really want me to ask?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it.
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
He nodded. “Then I’ll wait.”
Clara decided not to push further, as she doesn't want to test her husband's limits...
=========================================
The next morning, Ethan arrived at the office early, and the legal team is already there, waiting for him.
“Mr. Cole,” the attorney said. “Lee Group has accepted all terms.”
“Good,” Ethan replied.
“They’ve requested a joint press release.”
“Approved,” Ethan said.
The attorney hesitated. “Would you like to add a statement?”
Ethan thought for a moment. “No.”
“Very well.”
After they left, Maya returned.
“Everything is finalized,” she said.
“Thank you, Maya. ”
Maya lingered. “Sir… may I speak freely?”
Ethan nodded.
“You’re handling this very calmly.”
Ethan looked at him. “Is that a concern?”
“No,” Maya said. “Just… unexpected.”
Ethan smiled slightly. “That’s because this isn’t a business decision.”
“Then what is it?”
Ethan considered the question. “It’s a personal boundary."
Maya nodded, understanding more than he said.
==============================================
That evening, Clara found Ethan at their mansion's library.
“I heard the press release went out,” she said.
“Yes.”
“You didn’t include yourself.”
“It wasn’t necessary.”
She sat across from him. “You’re giving us room.”
“Yes.”
She looked down. “I don’t know if I deserve that.”
He met her gaze. “You don’t have to deserve it. I’m choosing it.”
She swallowed. “Does it hurt?”
He didn’t answer right away.
“Yes,” he said honestly. “Sometimes.”
She closed her eyes briefly. “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “You’re not doing anything wrong.”
“I feel like I am.”
“That doesn’t make it true.”
She looked at him, conflicted. “What if this gets complicated?”
“Then we handle it,” he said. “Like adults.”
“And if it changes things?”
“It already has,” he replied calmly.
Her heart sank. “Then why approve it?”
“Because I won’t stand in the way of something important to you,” he said. “Even if it costs me.”
She stared at him. “That’s not what marriage is supposed to be.”
“Maybe,” he said. “But this is the marriage we agreed to.”
She stood. “Ethan…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Good night, Clara.”
Once Clara steps out from the library and the door is closed behind her, Ethan sat back in his chair, while contemplating...
He had already signed the papers, approved the partnership and gave his silent consent without any questions but he feels like he is trying to control his feelings to much. He kept on telling himself that this is just work, nothing personal...
But the truth is, he is secretly scared... He is scared that Clara will leave him someday.
- Writer
