LOVE IN THE SHADOWS

The Growing Feelings

Days passed after that meeting in the study though Charlene suspected there was more to it. She pushed those feelings aside for sometime as she was determined to see what marriage was all about even though she was not in a real marriage.

Despite Ethan's nonchalant attitude she found a way to get close to his heart which was knowing his love for children.

“Lucas! Lucas!”. Charlene called out.

“Yes ma'am”. Lucas came running from the back of the house.

“Can you please take me to the orphanage in Rochester town?” She said politely

“Of course that is what I am being paid for”. Lucas smiled. He admired Charlene's humbleness.

3pm noon

Charlene had just come back from the orphanage and saw Ethan's car parked outside. She was a bit surprised and also happy to see him back on time. Their relationship had been improving a lot and he had also been more comfortable around her.

She hurriedly entered the mansion, greeted madam Theresa at the door. Madam Theresa smiled as she had noticed a lot of improvement in their relationship and she was really happy to see them getting closer.

Charlene stepped into the sitting room but could not find him so she decided to go to the study. She saw him going through some documents. Charlene smiled as she watched Ethan walk towards her, his eyes glimmering at the corners. "Hey," he said, his voice low and smooth. “What did you do today?”

"Nothing much I went to the orphanage, gave them some gifts”. Charlene replied

“I admire your good heart”. Said Ethan

“Thanks," Charlene replied, feeling a flutter in her chest. She could not help but notice the way Ethan's hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.

“Sit down and tell me about your experience there”. Ethan pulled out a chair for her to sit on. “It is not that serious,”. Charlene said, trying so hard to suppress her emotions around him.

“Tell me I am interested”. Ethan urged her.

As they talked, Charlene found herself laughing more and more. Ethan had a way of making her feel at ease, of drawing her out of her shell. She realized that she was having more fun with him than she had in weeks.

Ethan, on the other hand, was enjoying himself around Charlene's company. He loved the way Charlene's eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way her hair fell in soft waves down her back. He found himself wanting to know more about her, to understand what made her happy.

As the days turned into weeks, Charlene and Ethan grew closer to the extent they started sharing stories about their past, hopes, and dreams. Living with him was not as bad as she imagined.

“That is not true” Charlene laughed as Ethan teased her on one of the evenings they sat by the pool.

“It is true, I was told all girls had that embarrassing moment when they were young”. Ethan said

“Not me I was actually a weirdo when growing up”

“Really?”

“Yeah” Charlene replied, picking her fingers.

“So weirdo do know how to swim right?”

“Uhhh “Charlene said surprised as Ethan pulled his shirt and pants diving into the pool.

Emerging out of the pool, “Common don't be shy, get in,” Ethan said in his husky voice. Charlene could not help but take a glance at him as the dim moonlight highlighted his chiseled features, and she felt a flutter in her chest.

" I don't want to, thanks," Charlene replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in her stomach.

“Okay since you don't want to, help me pass the towel”. Ethan said cunningly. Charlene hesitated for a moment but she went ahead. I mean there was no harm in passing a towel she thought to herself but she was wrong as Ethan pulled her into the pool as she stretched out her hand to give him the towel

“Ahhh I should not have believed you”. Charlene squealed as soon as her body got drenched in the cool water.

A laugh escaped Ethan's mouth. Charlene stared at him; she had not seen him laugh so deeply before. She realized that she was having more fun with him than she had in weeks. As they got inside Charlene headed to her room but the light there was not coming on. She tried a few times and decided to tell Ethan. Across her room was his room. She had not entered his room since the two months she had been living with him.

After a few knocks Ethan opened the door. Charlene stood there lost as she examined him head to toe. He was only tying a towel looking like he had just taken his bath, his hair drenched in water. Water streamed down from his chest to his perfectly defined waistline.

She was awakened from her imagination when Ethan waved his hand at her face.

“Oh sorry I just wanted to tell you that the light in my room was not coming on”. Charlene said with her head bent down as if praying for the ground to swallow her.

“I will have someone check it tomorrow. Come in,” Ethan said, suppressing his laugh at the way she was flushed.

Charlene entered his room and noticed the way the room was structured. The room felt like there was no life in it. After freshening up Charlene and Ethan had a little discussion and told Ethan about the situation of her mother's illness, about the struggles she had faced and the fears she had for her future. Ethan listened intently, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. He observed the way her voice softened when she talked about her mother.

Charlene yawned, Ethan saw it and knew she was feeling sleepy. “You can sleep on the bed. I will stay on the couch”. He said

“No need I can stay on the couch I would not like to inconvenience you in your room”.

Charlene objected immediately

“Don't worry”. Ethan said as he stood up grabbing a pillow and blanket he headed to the couch

Charlene laid on the bed facing the ceiling. The silence was awkward between them as this was the first time they will be sleeping in the same room

“Good night,”Charlene muttered.

“Good night,”Ethan replied.

Charlene had just come back from work. She joined Ethan in the sitting room. “How was your day?” Ethan asked in his usual low calm voice.

“It went well, thanks”. Charlene replied.

Later in the evening, as they sat together on the couch, Ethan reached out and took Charlene's hand. It was a simple gesture, but it sent shivers down her spine. She felt a spark of electricity run through her body, and she knew that she could not ignore the feelings that were growing between them. Despite the rule of not falling in love with each other she could not help herself but fall deeply.

As they sat there, hands entwined, Charlene felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was developing feelings for Ethan, feelings that went beyond a simple arrangement. She looked into his fierce brown eyes that were now calm, and saw the same feelings reflected back at her.

But just as things were starting to feel right, a phone call interrupted the moment. Ethan excused himself as he went to a corner. Ethan's expression changed, and he answered the call, his voice low and serious. Charlene's curiosity was activated as she watched Ethan's demeanor shift. Who was on the phone, and what did they want?

As Ethan listened to the caller, his eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. He ended the call, his expression grim. "What is it?" Charlene asked, concern clearly written on her face.

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, and he revealed a shocking secret about his past. Charlene's world was turned upside down as she found it hard to process the revelation. She felt like she was seeing Ethan in a new light, and she wasn't sure what to make of it.