Chapter 37
Ethan's heart thumped a familiar rhythm as he approached the warehouse gate, its rusted metal bars casting long shadows in the afternoon sun. It was a sight he'd grown accustomed to, a place he now considered his second home, a haven from the chaos of the city. But for Katarine, watching him, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. This wasn't just a run-down warehouse to Ethan; it was the very spot where their paths had first intertwined.
She remembered the way he'd looked—a boyish grin on his face as he'd stumbled upon her, hidden amidst the stacks of forgotten parcel crates. Their encounter was anything but ordinary—a chance meeting amidst the dust and shadows, a spark ignited by a shared connection for the forgotten stories whispered by these very walls that Katarine wanted to hear as she was looking for her late mother's momento . Just a few weeks later, as Ethan stood before the gate, his eyes reflecting a blend of familiarity and anticipation, Katarine couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her, a reminder of the unlikely beginnings of their bond, forged amidst the rusty relics of this forgotten warehouse.
Ethan opened the car door and finally went out to enter the gate. He asked Katarine if she was interested in coming in. Ethan received a mischievous smile from Katarine , as if she were thinking of something else. Ethan understood what she was implying and chuckled, knowing that early that morning was a very momentous moment for them. Being clingy was a red flag for Ethan, and Katarine understood this fact, as she just pointed at his cheeks while saying,
"I will have to decline your very tempting offer. How I would love to see the bed in which you are sleeping."
"Certain events have come to my attention, so a kiss would be a good payment for now."
Katarine's playful response caught Ethan off guard, but he couldn't help but be intrigued by her boldness. As they both shared a laugh, Ethan realized that this unexpected moment was just the beginning as he walked around her car and lean inside the driver side as he gave Katarine a kiss on the cheek.
Soon after, Ethan went back toward the warehouse gate, but Katarine followed him as she kissed him on the lips , sealing their connection with a promise of more to come. The chemistry between them was undeniable. Katarine, with a red face, went back into her car, started the engine, and just left feeling flustered, like a teenager experiencing their first love. She couldn't wait to see Ethan again, but as for now, she needs to oversee the situation surrounding the creature that was seen lurking near her family estate.
She knows that her bloodline wasn't ordinary; she wasn't that naive and oblivious to her family origin; they all just want to have a normal life. Not everybody in their clan wants the same thing as the elders; this includes her father and grandmother, but nearly 70 percent of those who serve under their insignia wanted to go back home. Being docile and feeling subjugated by this way of life was making all of them weak and complacent.
Soon, a mysterious creature lurking near her family estate only added to her growing sense of unease about the true nature of their bloodline and the secrets that lay within. She couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister was brewing, and she knew she needed to uncover the truth before it was too late.
Katarine's façade was cracking. The charade of blissful ignorance, of being the oblivious daughter oblivious to the weight of her family's legacy, was becoming an insurmountable burden. It was a mask she'd worn for years, a shield against the truth that threatened to consume her. Her family believed her naivety was genuine, but it was a painful act. The truth gnawed at her, a relentless tide pushing against the dam she'd built around her heart. The whispers, the hushed conversations, and the enigmatic glances all pointed to something she was supposed to be unaware of—some dark secret that permeated their blood.
The carefully cultivated distance she'd built between herself and her family and her supposed disinterest in their affairs was a carefully constructed lie, a desperate attempt to avoid the truth. But with each passing day, the weight of their untold history grew heavier, pressing down on her with an unbearable intensity. The darkness that shrouded her family was no longer something she could ignore; it was seeping into her soul, threatening to extinguish the light she so desperately clung to. The time for avoidance was over.
These were the days when her family, locked in a bitter dispute with two formidable clans, found themselves caught in a whirlwind of power plays and hidden agendas. The Almany family, notorious for its vast network of smaller clans, had their influence amplified by their formidable retainers; one of them was the Romanov clan.
acting as the Almany's sword and shield, brought a chilling efficiency to their endeavors. On the other side, the Zhang clan, hailing from the distant East, brought a different flavor of power; their tactics were shrouded in mystery and ancient and dark knowledge.
Meanwhile, the third clan, once a formidable presence, had chosen to distance itself from the conflict, opting for an air of secrecy and independence. This clan, once known for its unwavering strength, had severed all ties to the dispute, preferring to observe the unfolding drama from the sidelines. These rival clans, steeped in a legacy of conflict and power struggles, had engaged in countless wars and forged shifting alliances throughout history.
Yet the current dispute was uniquely complex—a tangled web of ambition, betrayal, and a hunger for dominance. Victor's presence in the court of suitors, vying for Katarine's hand, was no mere coincidence. Orchestrated by the head of the Romanov family, it was a carefully crafted plan designed to bring the coveted prize into their grasp.
Victor, initially viewing Katarine as a trophy to be tamed and controlled, underwent a dramatic shift in perspective after narrowly escaping her overwhelming power. His desire to gain her strength and turn it into a weapon became an obsession, driving him to unravel the mysteries of her abilities and harness them for his own gain.
Meanwhile, Ethan returned to the warehouse to regain his familiarity and was concerned for the parcels that were stacking up in the reception lobby. The place was the same as before; nothing changed the atmosphere or the solemn vibe of the place. Ethan even wondered how the warehouse could be this untarnished by the elements and surroundings. He was away for nearly two weeks, but there was no vandalism or sign that the place got robbed, which made him question if someone was secretly monitoring the warehouse in his absence. Ethan decided to install security cameras to keep a closer eye on the situation and ensure the safety of the parcels as soon as he got the opportunity. As he got to his station, he saw a white envelope with his name on it. The letter was written in Mr. Ross's handwriting, and it mentioned that his ATM salary card was included on this letter. As he flipped the opened envelope, an ATM card fell on his desk station.
Mr. Ross mentioned that most parcels do not have a due date , so he can take his time delivering them safely. He thanked Mr. Ross for the thoughtful gesture and made a mental note to prioritize the delivery of the parcels with sensitive contents. And lastly, Mr. Ross mentioned the ATM pin number, saying it was his birthday month and date of birth.
"That would be 1121."
And like any other day, Ethan just took the time to sort out all the parcels; it was a task he did not want to rush through to ensure the safety of the contents. Ethan appreciated Mr. Ross's trust in him and made sure to handle the parcels with extra care. Having to manage this place was not part of his dream, but its task was entrusted to him. He could easily just say no and not accept the position , but his father never raised him to live a life without honor in it.
For him, no matter how bizarre or unexpected the responsibility, he knew he had to rise to the occasion and prove himself worthy of his father's teachings. Ethan took pride in his work and strived to uphold the values instilled in him, no matter the challenges that came his way.
The following two days were uneventful and very normal; the time was 9 a.m. Wedsday,Ethan managed to deliver all the parcels without a single issue; he got accustomed to sudden surprises that keep happening in his life. Ethan casually sent messages to Katarine, and she would reply in a manner he was used to; her manner of interacting with him was direct and lacked any unnecessary fluff. This straightforward communication style helped Ethan appreciate their conversations even more, as he valued honesty and clarity above all else in his relationships.
He had a great deal of spare time. He was interested in accepting the invitation to work with the design team at the Siegert mall, but regrettably, he was shot and almost died before he could attend the preliminary interview. As a result, he was wondering if the post had already been filled.
So he was hesitating to even open his email via his smart phone, fearing the worst. Despite his reservations, Ethan knew he needed to check his email to confirm the status of the job opportunity at Siegert Mall. With a deep breath, he finally mustered up the courage to open his inbox and see what awaited him.
Sadly, his fear was answered; he really wanted to work there. Ethan gave out a deep sigh and scrolled down the email message sent to him while sitting at his usual spot at the convenience store in front of the warehouse he was working at. When Nicole Herrnandez came to buy coffee, it was just an excuse to see if Ethan was at the same location—the same location he always preferred to hang out in—and she didn't get disappointed as he was there, looking just as handsome as she remembered. She mustered up the courage to strike up a conversation with him, hoping to learn more about him beyond their casual social interaction.
It was their third time meeting each other, and Nicole really wanted to get to know Ethan on a deeper level and see if there was potential for something more between them. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was a strong connection between them that went beyond just a simple encounter. She casually asked Ethan if his work at the logistic warehouse was permanent and if he had any hobbies outside of work that he enjoyed. Ethan's eyes lit up as he began to share his passion for art and design, sparking a new level of interest in Nicole as she listened intently to his stories. She realized that there was definitely more to Ethan than she initially thought; he pointed out that his work at the warehouse was only seasonal and the task wasn't really that hard.
He further added that he was granted freedom to manage the parcels and pointed out that the previous manager was kind to him and thought to repay his generosity by working their
He had enough extra time on his hands to pursue other things, and he was hoping to venture out into a job that needed his skill in the field of design. Ethan even shared details about his ruined chance to work as a designer at the Siegert Mall.
Nicole also shared information about herself and tried to create a connection with the things Ethan said to her, hoping this would get their new-found friendship to blossom. Ethan was a straight-forward person and did not like to hide things about himself. Some ladies will find this amusing, so we are gonna react negatively either way. He never mind about these things as he just wants to be honest as much as he can,
While having a conversation with Nicole, Ethan was also sending a few emojis to Katarine, hoping he would get a similar reaction, but her response was always polite and friendly, yet lacking the same level of enthusiasm. Despite this, Ethan remained optimistic and continued to engage with her. Nicole noticed that Ethan was sending emoji messages to a person named Trouble..
Nicole assumed the person was close to him, despite the fact that he was just sending emojis, thinking it might be a relative or a close friend. Ethan, however, never clarified the true nature of his relationship with Katarine, aka "Trouble " to Nicole. As he sees it, it is unnecessary to keep his personal relationships private unless they become relevant to their friendship.
But Nicole sees this casual conversation as a potential red flag and decides to keep a closer eye on Ethan's interactions with "Trouble." She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their relationship than meets the eye. She wanted to ask him, but considering the manner of emojis he was sending, it seems like they have a romantic relationship. However,
Most of the emojis he sent were funny reactions and wacky expressions, making it difficult for Nicole to determine the true nature of their relationship. She decides to observe further before jumping to any conclusions, approach the situation with caution, and keep a watchful eye on Ethan and this so called person named Trouble on his contact list in the future.
Ethan noticed that Nicole was a bit concerned about what he was doing with his phone while sharing a few tales with her. He assumed he was being impolite toward the person he was talking with and casually placed his phone back into his pocket, just hoping jus hope his act wasn't too brazen or rude. Ethan made a mental note to be more discreet with his phone usage around other people in the future.
Nicole extended her hand to Ethan, a charmingly awkward yet inviting and hesitant gesture that conveyed her complex mix of emotions. He smiled, his lips quirking up in a way that suggested a mischievous spirit, and placed the soda can in her outstretched palm. The coolness of the aluminum was a refreshing contrast to the hot, muggy air outside, and the sound of the tab popping as she opened it cut through the silence, drawing the attention of nearby coworkers. A few pairs of curious and gossip-hungry eyes landed on them, causing Nicole's cheeks to flush as she realized the implications of the situation.
Ethan, with his disheveled dark hair, endearing smile, and easy-going demeanor, was objectively attractive, and the unspoken question hung heavy in the air: 'What was going on between them? ' Nicole, ever the practical one, tried to dismiss the gossip, but a spark of excitement, a thrill she hadn't felt in ages, ignited within her chest. The simple act of exchanging a soda can seemed to shift the energy of the room, hinting at something more—something intriguing, something unexpected.
As they engaged in conversation, Nicole felt her heart race with the rush of new emotions. She realized that this sudden spark of curiosity was something she wanted—a sudden ignition of adventure that she had been craving. The thrill of the unknown excited her, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to Ethan.
Despite her rational mind's attempts to downplay the situation, Nicole couldn't ignore the fluttering in her chest and the electric energy that surrounded them. She reveled in the feeling, knowing that it was a rare and precious moment of connection. And as she sipped her soda, she couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism for what the future might hold. The gossipy whispers of their coworkers faded into the background, and the only thing that mattered was the conversation between her and Ethan, a conversation that hinted at a budding connection, a spark of potential, but that was all in her mind.
Ethan knew nothing about the inner workings of the mind, especially those who didn't come from his home town, because he was born and raised in a rural farming location where hunting and guns are legal to use. He was a trained survivalist in the proper hands of his parents. Faith and loyalty to one's family roots are honored with pride and respect. Ethan's upbringing had instilled in him a deep sense of tradition and inborn values that he held dear. Sadly, Nicole wanted to use this so that it would resonate with her own made up beliefs and make him believe they were meant to be.
Their shared fake appreciation for family and heritage will hopefully create a strong bond between them, one that she hopes will continue to grow as they get to know each other better. Nicole was a shy and reserved person, unknown to Ethan. This was the reason she never once gave time and effort to know and meet another person after many failed attempts to gain a boyfriend ended in disaster.
Before working, Nicole Hernandez developed a negative perception of relationships and built up walls to protect herself from getting hurt again. As the first man she loved tricked and used her for his own selfish gain, Nicole became more guarded and closed off to the idea of opening up to someone, as she explained and shared this with Ethan.
Ethan was a bit taken aback by Nicole's vulnerability and honesty, but he could not question this because he thought she was just letting off some bad memories like any other person would.,
but these were lies. Nicole was crafting another fake personality to set the tone of her plan to gain his trust. Ethan was a bit concerned about how she opened up without any prompting, but he decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and continue getting to know her. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off with her. But like a gentleman, he chose to remain polite and not pry into her personal life any further.
Nicole's past experiences made her that way; her carefully created personality and calculated charm were all part of her strategy to manipulate Ethan into trusting her. She knew that gaining his trust was crucial for her plan to succeed, and she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goal.
In her mind, this was normal, and the love she wanted was the very full fulfillment of her desires, no matter the cost. Ethan, however, remained oblivious to Nicole's ulterior motives, believing her façade of kindness and sincerity. Little did he know, he was falling right into her trap. Her looks and attractiveness weren't seen while wearing her office attire, but underneath her dress was a total vixen, ready to manipulate and deceive anyone who stood in her way. Ethan was about to learn the hard way that looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to Nicole.
His innocent charm and trusting nature were no match for her cunning ways, and soon he would realize the true extent of her manipulation. Nicole's false pretense was just a mask hiding her true intentions, and Ethan was in for a rude awakening. She was about to ask him if he could accompany her for some after work drinks.
Ethan was about to answer when a car stopped in front of them. The windows were tinted, and the driver rolled down the window to a certain degree exposing only the upper face of the person inside the passenger seat, revealing a familiar face that made Ethan's blood run cold. It was Katarine who had a reputation for being emotional, possessive, and unpredictable. Ethan's heart sank as he realized the potential for drama that could unfold in Katarine's presence. toward what was hers. Katarine's eyes were sharp and piercing as she locked gazes with Ethan, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Ethan knew he had to tread carefully in order to avoid any confrontation with Katarine.
He understands what it means for a woman to get jealous; he saw this same stare from his own mother when Ethan father was getting too much attention from another woman before. The fury of Ethan Mother was beyond understanding; even a trained soldier who has killed enemies with his bare hands was powerless against a jealous wife.
Ethan knew he wasn't doing anything bad; he was just minding his business when, coincidentally, Nicole came and casually talked to him in a friendly manner, but just to be on the safe side of things, he didn't want Nicole to get dragged into Katarines jealousy. Ethan quickly changed the subject toward Nicole's question and decided to diffuse any possible tension, maintain his distance, and just face the situation based on whatever question Katarine might ask. The car was motionless and just remained at its spot as Ethan stood up and walked toward it. Nicole was a bit puzzled to see the luxury car just parked in front of the convenience store.
As if the driver or the passenger were there for Ethan,
The part where the situation became more bizarre was Ethan's reaction. He excused himself and went toward the car without having any second thoughts. His distance was a bit far, and the car engine noise muffled the conversation he was having with the elusive passenger at the back. She wanted to hear the conversation but was unable to make out any words. The mysterious nature of the situation only heightened her curiosity.
After just a few minutes, Ethan went back and casually waved at the car as it went on its way. Nicole wanted to ask Ethan, but the look on his face was enough to stop her from questioning him further. He was pleased and calm. She wanted to know who was inside the car. But she wanted to maintain her composure, as she did not want to say or do anything that might jeopardize her plan to have Ethan for herself. As the sound of factory break filled the air, Nicole decided to wait for a more opportune moment to inquire about the mysterious car. She couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan was keeping something from her, but she was determined to play it cool and not let her suspicions show.
She just politely told Ethan that it was the end of her one hour break time and she needed to go back to work. Ethan just smiled and thanked her. In Nicole's mind she has a different outcome. In her daydream, Ethan was more forceful and insistent about her staying, leading her to believe he was hiding something important. But in reality, Ethan simply waved goodbye as she walked away, leaving Nicole with unanswered questions swirling in her mind.
Meanwhile, Katarine had already taken a picture of the woman who was talking to Ethan and given orders to his driver to investigate everything about her. The driver understood this very well, as she used to do these things. her driver nodded in understanding, knowing that his employer's curiosity often led to thorough investigations. As the car pulled away, Katarine studied the photo of the mysterious woman on her phone, determined to uncover the truth behind her interaction with Ethan after two days without seeing each other due to reasons she could neither explain nor tell Ethan.